Matte cosmetics appear flat on the skin. A dark matte product will absorb more light than a dark frosted colour, making the area appear more receded. A matte light colour will appear flat on the skin compared to a shiny, light colour.
Use medium to deep make-up colours with a matte finish on facial areas that you which to look pushed back. This application applied under the cheek bones, in the crease above the eye lid and other areas will add definition to your facial features.
The ORANGE PHASE is a social phase. Bright orange is the colour of enthusiasm and energy. It is emotionally and physically stimulating for the wearer and those who see it.
When wearing orange, it is a time of informality and close times with friends and family. People in an orange phase are open to new ideas and generally are in a happy time.
Because of the activity and forcefulness inherent with the colour, orange phase people can be overwhelming and often appear to take over in group situations.
Orange also represents a most vulnerable time: as the personality of the person is so open at this time, feelings are easily hurt. These people erect no emotional barriers. It is a non-threatening time, and people in this time are best friends with whomever they are with at the time.
If orange isn’t one of your most flattering clothing colour, add a little orange to your wardrobe in the form of an accessory. Bright orange doesn’t come around in fashion very often. So if you love orange, this is the time to wear it in your wardrobe… with confidence.
For more on the advantages of wearing bright colours see “Bright Colours Get Things Done”.
If you are heading for 50 like I am and think you have seen every style in fashion come and go… you probably have. Fashion does move in cycles and over time what may have been considered old and dated… just a few years ago, suddenly becomes new again. Yes, with a little tweeking on the part of the designer, fashion trends do come back again and again.
But before you dive into your closet and dig out all those gems you loved and charished way back when, consider the following:
Fashion styles may move in cycles and come back into vogue again and again. However, as human beings, we evolve and change over time. Before putting on that outfit you wore faithfully in the 1970’s or 1980’s, think about who you are today. Even though the fashion style may be similar or the same as the good old days… it is likely you aren’t.
Wearing colours that suit you will instantly make you look healthier and more attractive. As an image consultant, determining the most flattering colour qualities for my client, is one of the first things I like to focus on when we work together. Why, you ask??
These are all great reasons. But the reasons my clients tell me they are happy they know their best colour qualities are:
Facial contouring is a technique used by make-up artists to optically exaggerate or change the natural features of the face. By mastering contouring techniques you too can achieve expert results.
When applying make-up the term shading refers to the application of a colour that is darker than the surrounding area. This will contour or enhance the natural hills and valleys of the facial structure or can create the illusion of new contours. The darker colour enhances the depth of the area and makes the area next to it appear larger or more pronounced.
Been shopping lately? If so you may have noticed that animal print fabric is everywhere. Personally, I really like it. It’s fun and comes across mischievous and playful. And this season, whether you want to look like a fox, a cat, a tiger or any other animal, it’s out there. But is work the best time to come across this way? OK, yes, it’s good to enjoy your time at work. However, the way you dress may be perceived as sending mixed messages. How do you look playful and come across serious at the same time? When dressing for the purpose of work this can be a challenge. My suggestions?
I love black! It is mysterious, chic and intriguing. And it is the perfect colour to wear any time you want to look dramatic, especially in a social setting. But is it a good colour to wear to work? The answer is… it depends on what message you want to convey.
Black being the darkest colour is also the most authoritative colour. If you want to come across commanding and have others follow direction that you give without question, black is definitely your colour. However, that might not always work in your favour. What about those occasions when you are trying to create rapport and you want interaction? Looking authoritative can be good, but in this situation it might be over-kill. Because black is such an authoritative colour, it can also be very intimating.
If you like black but still want interaction with others here are my suggestions:
If you are on a limited budget always consider whether that accessory you are considering for your next purchase is a ‘fad’ or fashion’?
Fad items appear every season. They are fun and can instantly update a wardrobe… But ask yourself “How much does it cost?” In addition, “Can I afford to throw or store it away in just one year?”
A ‘fad’ is here today and gone tomorrow; even though fashions change over time, the change is much slower and more subtle. A ‘fashion’ can become a true investment.
For some of us women finding clothing that fits well can be so challenging that we feel stuck with a very small selection to choose from each season. This can lead to major frustration, especially when your personality isn’t in-line with the current selection of available items. However, with a little imagination and creativity, accessories can save the day. Accessories are the extras that can give you an individual style. By choosing the right accessories, you can create the look that says “you”.
When purchasing new accessories, always your figure challenges, your scale and your lifestyle in mind. By matching these qualities in your accessories with these qualities in you, your accessories can easily pull together your wardrobe and make you look great!
Even when a garment fits your shape and proportions, the scale of the print, the details of the garment or the size of the accessories may not. To bring your wardrobe into sync with your physical appearance, you must make sure they match your bone structure, body frame, height and scale.
Association of Image Consultants International (AICI)
Institute of Image Training & Testing International (IITTI)
