Cool Summer and True Summer? Light Spring and Bright Spring? Dark Winter and Deep Winter? Do these names refer to the same tone, or are they different? It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the names and different colour analysis systems out there. With so much information floating around on social media, you might wonder if two sub-seasonal tones are actually the same or if you can mix and match information from different colour analysis systems. Don't worry - I'm here to help clear things up! Let’s dive into the different colour analysis systems and understand the logic behind them.
Colour analysis has evolved over the years, giving rise to various systems, each with its own approach and terminology. Whether you're new to colour analysis, unsure of which system to use or follow, or already familiar with it, understanding these systems can make things much clearer. With this knowledge, you can make the most of your colour analysis experience and confidently use the resources available to you.
Colour analysis started gaining popularity in the 1980s in the US and UK, and later expanded to Japan and Korea. Below are some of the most well-known systems:
1. Color Me Beautiful (1983) by Carole Jackson
This is one of the most iconic and widely-used colour analysis systems. Initially, it categorised individuals into four main seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. As colour theory developed, the system expanded to include 12 sub-seasonal tones:
Spring: Light, Warm, Clear
Summer: Light, Cool, Soft
Autumn: Deep, Warm, Soft
Winter: Deep, Cool, Clear
2. House of Colour (1985) by Carolyn Miller
House of Colour began with the same four seasonal classifications but later introduced 16 sub-seasonal tones for a more refined analysis:
Spring: Pastel, Paintbox, Golden, Blue
Summer: Dark, Pastel, Sweet pea, Brown
Autumn: Soft, Leaf, Vibrant, Blue
Winter: Jewel, Sprinter, Burnished, Sultry
3. SciART (2000) by Kathryn Kalisz
The SciART system focuses on the relationship between colour temperature, value and chroma. It also includes 12 sub-seasonal tones:
Spring: Light, True, Bright
Summer: Light, True, Soft
Autumn: Dark, True, Soft
Winter: Dark, True, Bright
4. PCCS System of Japan
The Japanese PCCS (Practical Color Co-ordinate System) divides individuals into 12 sub-seasonal tones, focusing on the relationship between colour tone:
Spring: Light, Warm, Bright
Summer: Light, Cool, Soft
Autumn: Dark, Warm, Soft
Winter: Dark, Cool, Bright
5. CCCS System of Korea
The CCCS system in Korea categorises individuals into 12 seasonal tones, reflecting unique preferences in Korean culture. This system includes a wider range of colours, from very light and whitish to deep and dark tones:
Spring: Pale, Light, Vivid
Summer: Whitish, Pale, Soft
Autumn: Soft, Dull, Deep
Winter: Vivid, Deep, Dark
Understanding the Similarities and Differences Between Different Colour Analysis Systems
Now that we've explored the different systems, let's take a closer look at the similarities and differences among them.
All colour analysis systems take into account the 3 elements of the temperature (cool/warm), brightness or lightness (light/dark) and saturation or intensity of the colour (bright/muted). These elements help define the colour palette that suits an individual's natural colouring.
Common Ground: Most systems classify individuals into 12 sub-seasonal tones. However, House of Colour categorises the four main seasons into 16 sub-seasons.
Naming Conventions: Color Me Beautiful, SciART and PCCS use similar terminology to reflect three basic categories: 1) Light or Dark, 2) Cool or Warm, and 3) Muted or Bright. Meanwhile, House of Colour and the CCCS system of Korea have unique names for their sub-seasons.
Seasonal vs. Tonal: House of Colour focuses more on seasonal classifications and specific colours, while the other systems are more tonal, emphasising lightness, vividness and warmth. The CCCS system particularly emphasises the brightness of colours, including very light and whitish tones, as well as dark shades.
Colour Range: All systems except for the CCCS system of Korea tend to have mid to high saturation, rather bright colours, without very light or dark colours or greyish tones. The CCCS system includes a broader spectrum, offering more nuanced shades that are often found in contemporary fashion.
Focus on Characteristics: While Color Me Beautiful, SciART, and PCCS focus on cool/warm and specific colours for the sub-seasons, the CCCS system prioritises the brightness of colours. This system helps users identify colours that suit them beyond a strict palette, making it easier to adapt to subtle differences in hue.
Because each system has its own logic, classification and colour range, it's challenging to directly compare the sub-seasonal tones across different systems. For example, "Soft Summer" in Color Me Beautiful differs from "Summer Soft" in the CCCS system. One may easily get confused and find them not aligned with each other. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of your best colour tone or seasonal tone - rather than focusing solely on specific shades - is key to making the most of your colour analysis.
With so many colours in the world, and thousands of additional hues available today that are more refined and subtle, it can be challenging to find exact matches from a fixed colour palette, especially if you're not particularly sensitive to colour variations. Instead of telling you that a particular blue suits you and limiting your choices, it's more helpful to understand that a light, muted cool blue is best. This way, you don't have to restrict yourself to just one shade, and you can confidently explore similar tones without needing to be an expert.
Why I Chose the CCCS System of Korea
As a Colour Analyst, I have studied multiple systems, including PCCS, SciART, and CCCS, and ultimately decided to use the CCCS system exclusively. What drew me to the CCCS system is its broader logic and colour range. Today's fashion is not just about bright and vivid colours; we now see more greyish, whitish and blackish tones that can look stunning on different individuals. The CCCS system's ability to cover a wider spectrum of colours, from low to high brightness and saturation, makes it more versatile, practical and accurate.
I remember when I used other systems about 10 years ago, many of my clients found the suggested colours limiting. They often felt that the colours were too bright and vivid, making them less practical for everyday wear. But with the CCCS system, those concerns disappeared. Now, clients appreciate the variety and flexibility, and I haven't heard any complaints since.
Another advantage of the CCCS system is its patented tool for analyzing skin undertones, which helps determine the main season more accurately than relying solely on the colour analyst's eye and experience. By measuring the brightness of the skin's undertone and identifying the levels of redness and yellowness, this tool can quickly and reliably pinpoint the main season. This saves time during the analysis process and complements traditional methods, ensuring a thorough and accurate result.
Unlike other systems, the CCCS system separates the analysis of outfits, makeup, lips, hair, nails and accessories. This makes the analysis more precise and tailored to each aspect of personal style. Using the same seasonal tone for all areas could feel too generic. For example, while I'm a Summer, both Summer and Autumn makeup palettes suit me. And if we use the same system for every aspect, I would have missed the Autumn makeup colours. The CCCS system's approach offers more options and ensures that you find the perfect colours for each aspect of your look.
The widespread popularity and use of seasonal colour analysis in Korea have made it much easier for customers to shop for beauty products. Many makeup brands in Korea have embraced the seasonal colour system, classifying their products into the four main seasons—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. This thoughtful organization allows customers to quickly identify the shades that best complement their seasonal tone.
Lastly, the CCCS system makes it easier for people to grasp the colour theory and the characteristics of each sub-seasonal tone. You don't need to be an expert or have a highly sensitive eye to find the colours that work best for you. Just know about the 2 key elements, you can then make the best colour choice.
Tips for Finding Your Colour Analyst
With so much information at hand, here are some sweet and simple tips to help you find the right colour analyst for you:
Explore the Colours: Take a look at the sub-seasonal tones of different colour analysis systems and see if any resonate with you. If the colours don't appeal to you, you may not feel satisfied with the analysis results.
Choose Your Approach: Decide if you prefer a specific set of colours or if you’d like to understand the characteristics of your best colours for more freedom and variety in your choices.
Check Experience: Ensure your analyst has experience in the system you're interested in. Ask about their training, tools, and how they stay updated with trends in colour analysis.
Get Recommendations: Ask for testimonials or reviews from previous clients. Positive feedback can give you confidence in your choice.
Feel Comfortable: It's important to feel comfortable and have good communication with your analyst. A strong relationship will help you get the most out of your session.
Ask About Customization: Find out if the analyst offers customized advice for makeup, hair, and other aspects beyond just clothing colours. This can make your analysis more comprehensive and practical.
By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding a colour analyst who can guide you on your journey to discovering your best colours and make the best use of the resources available. Enjoy exploring the beautiful world of colour! 🌈
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