Getting your colours done is the latest 1980s fashion trend resurrected by TikTok — but does it actually work?

Irish Independent

a day ago

Stylist, personal shopper and colour analysis expert Isabel Gleeson explains the magic of a colour consultation. 'A lot of people say they have a 'typical' Irish skin tone, but really there's always a bit of a difference,' she says. 'Maybe you're a bit more rosy, or have cooler undertones. It's case by case, so a colour consultation is a good investment of time and money. It helps you understand what colour palette best suits your skin tone.'
You may have already seen social media posts of women having different colour fabrics draped over them, colour wheels held up to their faces or even the TikTok filter that claims to find your perfect palette. 'I don't find the TikTok filters very accurate,' says Gleeson. 'Neither do my clients. I would say you're better off looking for a celebrity who has a similar tone to you and look at what colours they wear.'
If pushed to generalise about what suits the white Irish skin tone, Gleeson says: 'I think teal is generally quite a complimentary colour, as well as a medium purple which people tend to shy away from! I do recommend that people with typical Irish skin tones veer away from wearing black and wear navy for a softer effect. Deeper teal tones will suit darker complexions, it looks really striking. They will be able to pull off a stark white and deep black within the winter palette. Warm tones will suit anyone with golden features. Brown eyes suit gold as they will bring out golden flecks in the eyes.'
Colour analysis: Nicola Coughlan
The Galway actress and fashion darling is consistently praised for her outfit choices, but what does Isabel Gleeson make of her palette? 'Nicola Coughlan is a light summer which is cool-neutral, light and a delicate seasonal palette,' Gleeson says. 'It sits between summer and spring, meaning it has the cool soft qualities of summer with a touch of the brightness and freshness of spring. Coughlan would do well with low-to-medium contrast, which means softer colours rather than harsh darker ones. Some colours I would suggest for her are: primrose yellow, soft teal, rose pink, periwinkle and clear blue.' See styledbyisabel.net
What your Sinead Keary 'The Chloe' dress says about you...
You're a romantic at heart who adores old black and white movies. The glamour, the passion, the gowns — you just can't get enough! Classic and timeless can also be used to describe your clothing choices: silhouettes that can remain in your wardrobe for years to come and soft pastels that make your skin glow a little brighter when you wear them.
You've loved bows since your mother used to tie them in your hair as a child and now you wear them in a nod to Grace Kelly chic.
You're considered the demure one of your friend group. Although you love that label, you'll only give a coy little smile when they bring it up. After all, you must keep up your ladylike appearance!
The Chloe Bow Dress in blue, €135, Sinead Keary, sineadkeary.com