Having a color analysis consultation completed was not at the top of the list of things I’d like to do, I will not lie. Color has been an essential part of my life and personal creative expression, so I did not feel the initial call to limit my palette just because it ‘technically’ looks better. However, after meeting Kristin Pike at a creative shoot Misty and I were hosting, I was certainly intrigued by the process and excited to learn more. That is why I decided to tag along despite my preconceived notions of it all, and I am thankful that I did. 

As a makeup artist, I am no stranger to color theory. The undertones of a client’s complexion, as well as their eye color or hair color, are essential to analyze when deciding which shades of makeup to use. It was nice to be able to implement this knowledge during my color analysis consultation with Kristin. Misty even said, “It’s like you two were speaking a different language!” 

The difference between a color analysis consultation and doing someone’s makeup is essentially a matter of long-term versus short-term. For example, if a naturally blonde client dyed their hair black before headshots and I was doing their makeup, I would need to match their features to the hair accordingly. During a color analysis consultation, Kristin assesses a client’s natural features and ignores the dyed black hair (it happened to me). While I would provide tips on how to work with the present, Kristin provides tips for how to play up natural features in every aspect, whether that be makeup, hair color, or, most importantly, clothing. 

As an avid wearer of black, I was shocked to learn that only one color palette contained the precious shade. It broke my heart to hear my palette did not contain it, though the shades I did receive made sense. I am a True Autumn, which means the tones that look best with my complexion are warm and muted. I knew this information before the consultation, though it didn’t feel any better to hear at that moment. 

The colors I received in my palette, upon initial inspection, are boring. Fifty shades of brown, it feels like. The neutral choice that most anyone else would probably want. Kristin made me feel better once talking about the patterns I could wear with this selection, like cheetah print. I have been a fan since The Cheetah Girls came out on Disney Channel, so this provided a lot of relief. The metal selections, like bronze, also saved the day a bit. 

While I appreciate olive green, red, or even orange, the abundance of brown made me frown. I love expressing myself through fashion, and it felt like having to wear a school uniform again. I understand that some people seek assistance with their wardrobe, but the advice felt limiting as an artist.

After the consultation, Misty and I took time to reflect on and analyze the experience before I began writing any blogs. Misty embraced Kristin’s advice and promptly started discarding clothes that didn't match the palette she received. I, on the other hand, was less receptive to the new restrictions and concluded that while everything I learned was good advice, I was going to take it with a grain of salt. Misty made a good point in our conversation by saying that I am only 25 years old, and this service would not have been appealing when she was 25, which eased the worry of disappointing anyone. 

I am thankful to Kristin for the wonderful consultation and hospitality, regardless of not liking being a True Autumn. I am going to keep dyeing my hair black even if it supposedly looks better red, but I will wear more cheetah print and throw in olive green once in a while. (It would be out of character if I were not a little defiant). I am also thankful to Misty for all of the adventures I’ve found myself on since joining PBM. May they always be so colorful! 

Check out Kristin on Instagram to book a color consultation analysis! The information provided is very helpful and worth seeing for yourself. Peruse the website to book with Misty for all things photography, check out some of the blogs I’ve written, and even request makeup services if needed. Let’s get this party started!