Sitting in front of a mirror, I wear a gray apron while Brenda Cooper, a stylist and professional color analyst, drapes two different orange clothes under my chin. One appears bright and vibrant, the other soft and muted. Cooper explains that one harmonizes with my face, while the other does not. This, she says, is “my orange.” Cooper had warned me that the difference might be subtle, and indeed, I squint to see it. She shares her own experience, noting that over time, the difference becomes clearer. Color analysis, a process to determine one’s most flattering palette, has gained popularity, especially on platforms like TikTok.

The TikTok Trend: Color Analysis Goes Viral

On TikTok, young users explore color analysis through filters, simulators, and professional appointments, even traveling to places like South Korea for what they believe to be the best analyses. Videos demonstrate how different colors can brighten complexions and enhance skin tones, often sparking millions of views and plenty of skepticism. Cooper asserts that wearing the right colors can significantly impact one’s appearance. She argues that people often choose colors they like to look at, rather than colors that enhance their natural features.

The Science Behind Color Analysis

Color analysis categorizes individuals into seasons based on undertones and other subtle features. “Warm” undertones suggest autumn or spring, while “cool” undertones indicate summer or winter. These seasons are further divided into subtypes, such as dark autumn, bright winter, and soft summer. Mariana Marques, founder of The Outfit Curator, notes the explosion of interest in color analysis among young female professionals. Despite its online popularity, Cooper insists that the most effective analyses occur in person, under natural light.

Why Color Matters?

According to color analysts, the effect of color on perception is profound. Certain colors can drain or dominate, while others harmonize with natural beauty. Rayne Parvis, a style coach, emphasizes that everyone can look good in any color, but not necessarily every tone of that color.

Cooper, who won an Emmy for costume design on “The Nanny,” offers thorough, in-person analyses in Los Angeles. She contends that many online analyses lack the precision and reliability of an in-person session. However, understanding one’s ideal color palette can transform how one is perceived and boost confidence. Despite initial skepticism, many find that color analysis offers not restriction, but a pathway to enhanced personal style and confidence.