I Experienced a Professional Color Analysis—Here’s What I Discovered

For my birthday, I received the ultimate gift—a lifetime supply of fabric color swatches customized for me, thanks to a color analysis session. This professional process evaluates the shades that complement your appearance, and trained image consultants at House of Colour offer these services to clients worldwide. I took this enlightening journey with my mom, visiting Amy Harland, a House of Colour image consultant based in West Des Moines, IA.

The session began with a white drape placed over my body, covering everything—including a white bonnet to hide my hair color. Then, various fabric swatches were layered over the white drape under natural light to identify my warm or cool undertones. Depending on your skin’s natural undertones, you’ll be categorized into one of four seasons: autumn, winter, spring, or summer. Your seasonal type then guides your choices for clothing, makeup, hair, and accessories.

During my color analysis, Harland suggested an easy and practical makeup routine. 'Makeup is all about color, and it’s applied right on the face, so it’s crucial that your makeup shades match your skin tone. We demonstrate that when you wear the right seasonal colors, you need less makeup,' says Harland.

Her clients are often astonished when she uncovers their true mascara color. I was stunned to learn I had been using the wrong mascara shade. After the session, I decided to trade my usual jet-black mascara for a rich brown tone.

How each client applies the insights from their color analysis session is entirely up to them. 'It’s a very interactive experience where I want you to actively engage in the process,' says Harland. 'My aim is to instill confidence and empower women, not to make them feel confined. As a company, that’s what we want people to understand. We’re not here to restrict or take away anything you love. This is all about fun and empowerment,' she explains.

When my mom and I were wrapped in fabric swatches from our correct seasonal palette, the fabrics looked more luxurious. To top it off, our skin glowed and our teeth appeared brighter. As an autumn, I look best in warm, earthy tones paired with gold jewelry. A surprising change for me (and my closet) was replacing black with brown and tan as my new neutral.

After Harland’s first color analysis session a few years ago, she fully embraced the process—revamping her makeup routine, wearing clothes suited to her season, and even returning to her natural hair color. 'Once I made those changes, I felt so much better about my complexion, my appearance, and my confidence. I thought, I need to share this with everyone because it really made a difference for me,' says Harland. 'I just wanted to spread the word.'

My mom and I walked out of the color analysis session filled with confidence, enchanted by our new makeup routines and fabric swatch kits. 'When you look great and feel confident, that energy radiates, and it can transform lives. I've had many women come back saying, 'This changed my life,'' says Harland.