I can't afford to have my colours done by anyone professionally - is there anything online or in a book that can help me to work mine out?

[secondseverncrossing]

I don't think I've ever worked out what colours suit me and I end up just wearing black all the time because colours scare me!

I can't afford to have my colours done properly, is there anything free online or some kind of book I can get to try to get some help? Desperately need a new wardrobe but I need to work out which colours to take a second look at as I'm so used to ignoring anything bright.

Thanks!

I'm happy to put a pic of me on my profile if anyone thinks they can 'diagnose' me!

In all honesty you're as well off picking a palette of colours that appeal to you as trying to figure out a season from pictures and without a swatch book/talking through how to use it etc. it really is impossible to be more precise than that without a draping, so you might as well stick to colours you like!

Gift vouchers for Christmas?

Thanks hopefully, have you ever had it done? I just wondered what things to look out for - I've heard you should avoid colours that make eye bags look worse etc.

Unfortunately, lots of colours look 'wrong' on me so I don't really want to buy colours I like just to end up looking like a corpse

I used to do colour analysis. It is not difficult and there are very simple rules:

What colour are your eyes and your hair? If you colour your hair think back to what colour it was when you were a child.

The important thing to begin with is to work out if you have a cool/blue undertone to your skin, or a warm/orange undertone.

Put a pic up and let's have a go. You can always go into shops and play with colours and ignore us if we're wrong.

Have you got any scarves/teeshirts in different colours?

Second I'm a colour analyst. And I truly do not believe it is possible to do accurately (although some people can have a good guess) based on a picture. Which is why I would suggest choosing some colours you like as a starting point, rather than going with colours chosen by someone else who can't tell you for sure what colours are best on you.

Ok, I think I've put a pic up, hope it works?

This is me pretty much make up free I think.

There's no harm in having a guess is there hopefully? Just a few pointers so I know what colours it might be worth heading in the direction of?

No harm at all Second! You'll get someone who'll give it a go. You have beautiful eyes, incidentally, gorgeous colour

OK. Do you have natural red or golden shades in your hair naturally?

If you can find a scarf or garment that is orange, and another that is bright pink you will be able to work out your skin tone.

If you have a turban or small towel in white that you can cover you hair with, you will find the process easier.

You need natural daylight and a large mirror.

Cover your hair, then drape the orange material under you chin and look at your reflection.

Repeat with the bright pink.

Keep going back and forth with each colour until you get a feel for which is the more flattering.

You will be able to see which colour accentuates wrinkles and bags under the eyes, and which evens out your skin and gives you complexion a lift.

If I were you, I would play with some nice rich reds, some warm fuchia colours, and deep navy blue. I'd avoid brown.

But photos can be deceptive and if you get into the shop and find that all my suggestions look shit, ignore them and go with what does look nice.

My friend has similar colouring to you and looks very nice in hot pink.

thanks hopefully!

3littlefrogs - no, my hair is a very, very dark brown colour naturally, almost black. It's got a reddish brown dye on atm (to cover old highlights) so it's not as light or as red as in that pic.

Right I'm going to go and find something orange and something bright pink upstairs in a bit (once I'm sure the DDs are asleep and I won't disturb them)

You're lovely SSC, I would suggest oranges/yellows quite bright. You look like you have naturally olive skin. Maybe an olive green also?
Definately not pastels and not dark red. Or any red to be honest. Or blue.
But neutrals like khaki and cream would work on your skin tone.

Remember - artificial light is very deceptive. I always used daylight bulbs if I was doing an evening session.

Colditz - thank you. I really like navy blue (though struggle to find it in the shops sometimes). I'm not sure I could carry off hot pink though - it's the kind of colour that feels like it's wearing me?

Thanks orangefan I like the sound of neutrals!

I've always been a bit frightened of yellow. I've noticed that DD2 (who has the same skin tone and eyes as me) really suits it. Though she has blonde hair and I think that may be why?

thanks for that tip 3littlefrogs, will try it outside tomorrow.

I think you have cool undertones despite your skin being sort of olivey....I have similar skin and know that dark reds look good as do slate blues...

I'm no expert, but I can tell you to AVOID pastels. A sagey/mossy sort of green would look nice on you though, and golds/bronzes.

Sorry orange I totally disagree. Cream and olive will wash her out.

You don't need to wear a hot pink dress, just some spotches of it on a navy blue scarf .....<a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&biw=1024&bih=631&tbm=isch&tbnid=_Ph7FD1z_4tEFM:&imgrefurl=www.coachslingbags.net/coach-scarves-c-2.html&docid=IhR2wEeV4iPwYM&imgurl=www.coachslingbags.net/images/Coach-Scarf-New-5014.jpg&w=800&h=533&ei=SWlwUN05g6HRBdGOgaAG&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=250&vpy=335&dur=1284&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=172&ty=97&sig=118006909999264576361&page=3&tbnh=132&tbnw=188&start=48&ndsp=26&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:48,i:227" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">like this

Oh, and I bet you could be one of the few to carry leopard print off without looking trashy. And that, apparently, is a neutral in Style And Beauty

Agree about gold and bronze though.

I agree with WoolyTights.

Let's have a Bunfight!

OOOh I know - what foundation do you wear, and in what shade? That will give us a clue as to the tone of your skin