Beyond the 4 Seasons – Why the 18 Absolute Colour Palettes Just Make More Sense for your Colour Analysis
- Fiona Tanner
- May 11
- 2 min read
Ever been told you’re a Winter or a Spring and thought, “Hmm, not quite?” You’re not alone.
The old 4-season colour analysis system (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) was a game-changer back in the 80s – like the shoulder pads and big hair of the era. But just like our wardrobes have moved on (thankfully), so has our understanding of colour.
🌀 The Problem with the 4-Season System
It’s a bit like trying to organize your wardrobe using just four hangers – it doesn’t quite capture all the subtle differences in our natural colouring. This old system was a good starting point, but it often left people feeling a bit... boxed in.
Here’s why:
It ignored the subtleties that make each of us unique – like the difference between a bright, high-contrast Winter and a soft, muted Winter.
It often left people feeling like they didn’t quite fit, which is the opposite of what a great wardrobe should do.
🎨 Enter the 18 Absolute Colour Palettes – A Game Changer
The 18-palette system, developed by Imogen Lamport, is like a perfectly organized wardrobe – it just makes sense. It’s based on a deeper understanding of three key elements:
Undertone: Warm or cool – this is your base, your foundation, your starting point.
Value: How light or dark your overall colouring is – think of this as your outfit’s balance.
Chroma: The clarity or softness of the colours that work for you – your vibe, your energy, your thing.
Instead of squeezing you into a generic season, this approach gives you a palette that’s as unique as you are. For example, you might be a “Soft Cool Light” or a “Warm Rich Deep” – way more precise and way more flattering.
🪄 Why This Approach is a Game Changer
It’s Inclusive: It works for every skin tone, from the lightest to the deepest, capturing the true diversity of human colouring.
It’s Personal: Your palette is based on you – not just a broad category.
It’s Flexible: It evolves as your colouring changes over time (hello, hair colour updates and natural aging).
🗝️ Ready to Discover Your Perfect Palette?
If you’re tired of guessing and ready for a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are, it might be time to upgrade to the 18-palette system. Trust me – it’s a game-changer.
Ready to find your colours? Book a session with me and let’s get you glowing.
Special thanks to Imogen Lamport for developing the 18 Absolute Colour Palette system and helping us all find our most flattering shades.
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