Some personal stylists prefer to work with just warm and cool colours when advising their clients. They keep it simple, believing that focusing on the broader aspects of style will still help their clients look and feel great.
And you know what? That’s absolutely fine. I know some more passionate colour consultants might criticize this approach, saying it’s not enough, but I’m not one of those people.

I like to say, "All colour analysis systems work."
I’ve probably seen them all at this stage, and through my years of experience, I’ve learned that what really matters is how well the system is applied and tailored to each individual. Whether you're using a simple warm/cool method or delving into the nuances of tonal systems, the end goal is always to help the client feel confident, beautiful, and true to themselves.

Take, for example, two women who both have warm undertones—one with soft, muted warmth, and the other with deep, rich warmth. At first glance, their appearances couldn’t seem more different. The soft-muted woman may have a delicate, gentle aura with naturally understated features, while the deep-warm woman exudes richness and intensity through her bold, striking contrast.

Despite these apparent differences, these two women share a key similarity—their warmth. This commonality allows them to share a selection of colours that complement both their unique intensities. Learning to navigate this balance, acknowledging the commonality while respecting the individual’s unique colouring, is one of the core skills of a seasoned colour consultant.

Imagine a woman with soft-muted warm colouring. Her overall look is naturally subtle, with colours that are slightly softened, appearing almost velvety in their finish. For her, lighter, more muted colours, like golden olive, soft terracotta, or a gentle peachy coral, will complement her gentle warmth without overwhelming her features. These hues flatter her natural colouring and create harmony in her appearance, allowing her true beauty to shine.

On the other hand, a woman with deep-warm colouring needs something a bit different. Her striking depth can handle more intensity, so richer versions of the same colours will work beautifully for her. A darker mustard yellow, a bolder burnt sienna, or a deep rust will elevate her natural richness, making her look vibrant and alive.

Colour Recommendations for Both Soft-Muted and Deep-Warm Types
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While the depth and intensity of their warm tones vary, both women can wear certain colours beautifully. These colours share a warmth that suits their skin tones, but the specific shades are adjusted based on their level of softness or depth:

Golden Olive – This rich, earthy tone is a staple for both.
Soft-Muted: Lighter, more muted olive shades.
Deep-Warm: Richer, deeper olive hues.

Terracotta – A warm, earthy reddish-orange that works across the spectrum.
Soft-Muted: Opt for a soft, subdued terracotta.
Deep-Warm: Go for a bolder, more vibrant terracotta.

Mustard Yellow – A warm, muted yellow that harmonises with both muted and deep colour palettes.
Soft-Muted: Softer mustard with a pastel touch.
Deep-Warm: A deeper, darker mustard.

Peachy Coral – This colour bridges the gap between soft and deep warmth.
Soft-Muted: Soft, delicate corals with a hint of pink.
Deep-Warm: A richer, more vibrant peach or coral.

Burnt Sienna – A warm, reddish-brown that suits both palettes.
Soft-Muted: Use a lighter, muted burnt sienna.
Deep-Warm: A darker, more intense burnt sienna.

Soft Rust – A dusty, warm rust colour that flatters both types.
Soft-Muted: Lighter, more subdued rust.
Deep-Warm: A deeper, darker rust.


The ability to work with both soft-muted and deep-warm clients is not something that comes overnight. It takes years of practice, training, and an understanding of how colour theory translates into real-life application. I’ve spent over 20 years perfecting this skill, working with clients of all skin tones, and discovering the nuances that allow me to bring out the best in each of them.

Through my experience, I’ve learned to recognise not only the obvious differences between clients but also the subtle similarities that allow us to find common ground in their colour palettes. When you look closely, it’s not just about what separates one client from another; it’s about finding those harmonious threads that tie them together.

I firmly believe that colour analysis is a transformative tool. It’s not just about choosing pretty colours; it’s about finding the colours that make you feel confident, beautiful, and fully yourself. Whether you’re soft-muted or deep-warm, or somewhere in between, the right colours will highlight your natural features and give you a radiant glow that no amount of makeup or fancy clothes can achieve on their own.

If you’re a colour consultant who’s passionate about helping clients discover their best colours, no matter which system you use—whether it's warm/cool, seasonal, tonal, or anything else—I have an exciting opportunity for you.

I’m organising a Guinness World Record attempt for as many colour consults as possible to conduct colour analysis sessions within a 24-hour period on November 20-21, 2024. This is your chance to be part of a record-breaking event, connect with other passionate professionals, and showcase your skills on a global stage.

Whether you’ve been in the field for years or are just starting out, this challenge is open to all.
Let’s come together as a community of colour experts, share our knowledge, and show the world the power of colour analysis. Join us for this exciting opportunity and be part of something truly unforgettable.




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