China’s Splurge on Summer Treats May Prompt More Sugar Imports
It’s blistering hot across China and people will be trying to beat the heat by indulging in iced
1970-01-01 08:00
What is colour analysis and why is TikTok obsessed with it?
The latest fashion trend to go viral online doesn’t involve a hot new denim style or designer handbag – it’s about overhauling your entire wardrobe with the help of colour analysis. Professional stylists and amateur enthusiasts alike have been sharing videos of fashionistas swathed in swatches of fabric as they endeavour to discover the palette of colours that suits them best. Also known as ‘finding your colours’, the topic is exploding on social media, with millions of video views on TikTok and 100k posts under #colouranalysis on Instagram. “TikTok users love educational content and transformation stories,” says Cliff Bashforth, managing director of Colour Me Beautiful, which provides personal colour consultations. “Colour analysis provides a captivating narrative, and the system can be proven by displaying ‘before and after’ makeovers, good and bad colours on an individual and colour combinations.” While trends like this year’s ubiquitous Barbie pink will keep popping up from time to time, consumers are increasingly rejecting the idea of ‘must-have’ pieces and adopting a more personalised approach. “With the general conscience turning away from fast fashion, colour analysis is a good way to ensure you’re buying something that will suit you perfectly and last a lifetime,” says Megan Watkins, head stylist at SilkFred. What are the benefits of colour analysis? “For many people, finding their most flattering shades of clothing (and make-up) is a life-changing experience,” says Bashforth. “Wearing your best shades of clothing enhances your natural colouring, brings out your individuality, boosts confidence, and ensures you always look your best, effortlessly expressing your personal style.” As well as guiding how you buy and style clothes, colour analysis can suggest flattering make-up and hair shades. Watkins says: “Finding the right colour palette for you will elevate your entire aesthetic and can even help with making your skin look brighter and minimise dark circles.” What happens at a colour analysis appointment? “It is a common misconception that ‘finding your colours’ is down to your hair colour or eye colour – it’s all about your skin,” says Watkins. “Your skin undertone stays the same no matter your age or how long you’ve been in or out of the sun, so assuming the colour analysis is done correctly, your colour palette will stay the same for the rest of your life.” At a professional colour analysis session, which can last up to two hours, a stylist will look at how different groups of shades look against your face. “Larger coloured swatches – known as ‘drapes’ in the trade – are used to test for the undertone, depth and clarity of the individual’s colouring,” Bashforth explains. “Some companies also use the seasonal method and categorise people into spring, summer, autumn, or winter. “At Colour Me Beautiful we start by explaining our 24-palette system so the client fully understands why he or she falls into a certain colouring type.” The stylist will talk through colour combinations, outfit ideas and make-up suggestions, and you’ll be given a fabric swatch to use as a guide for shopping. “No longer is an individual told ‘what colours to wear’,” Bashforth adds. “Instead a flexible approach has been adopted which means a client is shown ‘how to wear colour’ – it’s more about the shades of a hue, rather than the hue itself.” Can you do it yourself? While a thorough consultation with a specialist is the best way to find your perfect palette, there are some principles you can borrow to try some DIY colour analysis. “Gather up a variety of tops, knitwear etc. in warmer and cooler hues,” says Bashforth, starting with no make-up and wearing a top in a basic neutral shade. “In daylight, stand in front of a mirror and hold each garment up to your face, observing whether your complexion is enhanced and looks fresher, or your skin appears dull or pale.” You could also use the ‘vein test’ to see where you fall on the warm/cool divide. “All you need to do is check your wrist and see if your veins appear as a more green shade or if they appear to be a blue/purple hue,” says Watkins. “If you’re on the green side, this is classed as a warm tone, if you’re veering towards blue or purple then you’re on the cooler side of things.” She adds: “If you’re looking for a colour that suits just about everyone, primary red is a good bet as it partners well with every other colour on the colour wheel.” Leem Ruffled-Hem Woven Maxi Dress in Olive, £145, Selfridges Roman Blue Sleeveless Abstract Print Maxi Dress, £60 River Island Pink Ruched Sleeve Blazer, £65; Pink Wide Leg Pleat Trousers, £40 Oliver Bonas Gold & Yellow Striped Midi Dress, £79.50 Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Dementia diagnosis could be sped up thanks to AI Reading for pleasure in childhood boosts brain health in teenage years – study Stan Wawrinka on setbacks, preparing for Wimbledon and friendship with Roger Federer
1970-01-01 08:00
Manipur: Rahul Gandhi to tour India state rocked by ethnic unrest
Opposition Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is due to meet people displaced by Manipur violence.
1970-01-01 08:00
BlackRock, Schroders Hunt China Deals in Growing Private Markets
Global fund managers building out private markets activities in China are finding lucrative opportunities to deploy capital even
1970-01-01 08:00
After 99% Stock Rout, Debt-Stricken Thai Firm Stark Seeks Way to Avoid Delisting
Stark Corp., the Thai industrial cable maker at the center of an accounting scandal and debt default that
1970-01-01 08:00
Where Did All That Russian Gas Go?
Much of Russia’s existing gas export infrastructure points West. Unfortunately for Moscow, most of its gas customers are
1970-01-01 08:00
China’s New Law Extends Xi’s Combative Foreign Policy Stance
China has passed a sweeping foreign policy law that bolts together a slew of existing tools to counter
1970-01-01 08:00
Hong Kong Tycoons to Sell $8.4 Billion in Assets to Cut Debt
Swire Pacific Ltd. has become the second notable Hong Kong company to announce plans to offload assets in
1970-01-01 08:00
Pfizer’s Exit Halves Japan Biotech Firm Value In Just Three Days
Sosei Group Corp. has lost over half of its market value in just three days on concern about
1970-01-01 08:00
China on Track to Blow Past Xi’s Clean Power Goal Five Years Early
China is on track to almost double its wind and solar capacity by 2025 and blow past the
1970-01-01 08:00
China Needs Stimulus and Clearer Rules, Ex-IMF Official Says
China needs to keep cutting rates, roll out more stimulus and clarify the role it wants the private
1970-01-01 08:00
NFL Rumors: Kenny Pickett's top area for improvement, Jahan Dotson's high hopes, Bills get their flowers
NFL Rumors: Jahan Dotson has clearly forgotten what Commanders QB room looks likeWashington Commanders wideout Jahan Dotson is feeling himself this offseason. He's so deep into his own zone that he may have forgotten who his quarterback is for 2023.Dotson recently appeared on a podcast to...
1970-01-01 08:00
