FAQ - Colour Analysis

Thinking about booking your Colour Analysis Session but have a few questions before taking the plunge? You're in the right place! Here I've answered some of the questions I'm asked most often.

How long does Colour Analysis take?

A 1:1 Colour Analysis Session takes approximately three hours. During your session we'll discover your best spectrum of colours, explore how to wear them and match the makeup shades that make your natural colouring pop. You'll leave with a precision-dyed swatch fan, personalised ratings book and the confidence to choose colours that make you look and feel amazing every day.

Watch this video to find out more about what’s involved in the Colour Analysis Session itself.

Can I bring a friend?

Yes, or two! Colour Analysis can be a wonderful experience to share. Some clients choose to come with a friend, partner, daughter or parent and enjoy the experience together. Booking together is great fun and comes with a discounted price per person. If you'd like someone to come with you and just watch, that's fine too. You can check out the pricing via my bookings page.

Do you do Colour Analysis for men?

Yes! Colour Analysis and Personal Styling aren't just for women. I work with men who want to feel more confident in what they wear in the different roles they play in life whether that's for work, socialising, special occasions or just making one less thing to stress about in the morning. Understanding which colours and styles suit you can transform the way you shop and dress, regardless of age or gender.

Do you do Colour Analysis for teenagers?

Yes, I offer Colour Analysis and Personal Styling sessions for teenagers. These sessions are a fantastic confidence boost, helping young people understand which colours suit them and how to choose clothes that reflect their personality. They're particularly popular before sixth form, university, prom season or other significant life milestones. The teenage years can be really tricky ones to navigate through, and a lot of my clients say they wish they had this knowledge earlier in life.

Where is your studio?

My studio is based in the town centre of Horsham, West Sussex and is easily accessible by car or public transport. The nearest multi-storey car park, Piries Place, is about a minute’s walk away. I share my studio with Fernanda of Horsham Clothing Alterations who is a very talented Italian artisan tailor, so the businesses align very well. It’s a warm, welcoming space with lots of natural light, a large mirror, changing room, bathroom and kitchen facilities so I always make sure you’re topped up on refreshments.

Do I need to wear makeup to my Colour Analysis appointment?

Not at all. In fact, Colour Analysis is carried out without makeup so we can see your natural colouring clearly. In fact it’s best to arrive without makeup on, but if you’d rather wear it to the session there’s plenty of remover! 

What if I don't wear make-up?

Totally fine. Everyone has different relationships with makeup and some people rarely wear it or don't wear it at all. The work we do around makeup isn't about adding more complicated steps to your morning routine. It's about helping you understand which colours naturally make you look healthier, brighter and more vibrant. This isn’t about making you look like someone else - it’s about celebrating the natural features that make you you.

A Colour Analysis Session includes a makeup section because if you ever decide to start wearing it, you’ll want to know the shades and tones to go for. There's never any pressure to wear or purchase makeup - this is all about finding what works for you and your lifestyle. 

If you need to check ingredients or just want to have a mull, you can head to the House of Colour Webshop.

Will Colour Analysis mean I have to replace all my clothes?

This isn’t about doing a massive wardrobe overhaul - although some people might be looking for an excuse to do just that and if that’s where your head’s at, so be it! My aim is always to help you make better choices, not buy more clothes. Most clients find they actually buy fewer pieces, wear them more often and stop making expensive shopping mistakes. Understanding your colours and style helps you create a harder-working wardrobe that's both sustainable and cost-effective. A helpful way of thinking about it is that Colour Analysis gives you tools for the future, so next time you need to replace something, you know what to look for.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Anything you're comfortable in. There's no need to wear your 'best' outfit. For your Colour Session, avoid high necks and strong perfumes/aftershaves please. Please do not wear fake tan, as this changes the colour of the outer layer of the skin and can cause inaccuracy in the process. Ideally colour analysis is done without glasses being worn, so if you have contacts then please wear them, but if not don’t worry - we can make it work.

Is Colour Analysis worth it?

Your seasonal palette will never change, so the knowledge you gain will stay with you for life. You will save time, money and frustration when shopping and feel more confident knowing exactly what suits you. Rather than standing in front of a wardrobe full of clothes with nothing to wear, you'll understand how to make every piece work harder for you. You decide whether it sounds like it’s worth it!

Why don't you offer Colour Analysis online?

Because I want to give you the most accurate results possible.

Colour Analysis is all about understanding how different colours interact with your unique skin tone, eye colour and hair colouring. Even subtle changes in lighting, camera quality and screen settings can affect how colours appear, which is why I carry out all Colour Analysis appointments in person.

During your session, I'll use precision-dyed drapes to compare many colours directly against your skin and observe how they affect you in real time. You will see the changes happening too. Together we'll discover which colours make your complexion look brighter, healthier and more vibrant, and which colours leave you looking tired or washed out. It's a transformative experience, sometimes with surprises, that simply can't be replicated through a photo or video call.

Whilst the quality will remain consistent with online styling services, Colour Analysis is one area where it’s really not worth compromising on accuracy. Your colour palette will stay with you for life, and will inform clothing choices you make every single day, so it's worth getting it right!

Do you offer any online services?

Absolutely. While Colour Analysis is carried out in person at my Horsham studio (I do travel out from time to time subject to arrangements), much of styling services can be delivered online. Personal Shopping appointments can be conducted virtually, and I can create personalised shopping boards featuring carefully selected clothing and accessories tailored to your colours, style personality and budget. Online Wardrobe Edits are also available, allowing you to make the most of the clothes you already own from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're based in Horsham or much further afield, there are plenty of ways we can work together to help you build a wardrobe that feels authentically you.

To find out more, you might be interested in looking at my YouTube channel. There are some informative videos giving you insight into how I work, my philosophy, my story and the practicals of what actually happens in a Colour Analysis Session.