Colour your World

From the moment that we open our sleepy eyes at the start of a new day until we greet the darkness of our closed lids at bedtime, we are awash in colour. But, like many things in our lives, we have become so accustomed to being surrounded by a fluid palette of colour that it is easy to take it for granted, and to underestimate the significant role it plays in our lives. Whether it jars us with a cacophony of clashing hues, or calms us with a beautiful harmony of tone and shade, colour has a strong impact on our mood, our energy and how we present ourselves to the world.

Looking Good
Have you noticed that when you wear a particular top that you always get compliments? Maybe you hear that you look well-rested, or healthy, or simply that you look great. Of course, this might be because of your stunning good looks, but it might also be because the shade that you are wearing brings out the pink in your cheeks or intensifies the colour of your eyes. On the other hand, if you are constantly being asked whether you are tired or feeling under the weather, it might be time to take a long hard look in the closet.

If you don’t have an innate sense of what colours are best on you (and your mother never told you!) here is a simple test that you can do at home. It’s best to do use natural light, so do the test in the daytime, in a bright room. With a make-up free face, hold a clean white paper near your face as you look in a mirror. In contrast to the white, does your face seem more yellow or brown, or is it more pinky-blue?

Those with yellow or golden undertones suit earthy shades like peach, orange, brown and the warmer shades of green and blue like aqua and teal. Often the people with this colouring have reddish or honey blonde hair with freckles and green or brown eyes. If you see pink/blue undertones, you look best in whites, purples, light blues and greens and raspberry reds. Olive and brown skins look best in vibrant cool blues and pinks as well as the jewel tones, like emerald and ruby red. And although black is a staple in many a wardrobe, it truly looks best on those with intense colouring. While we all enjoy the versatility of black, those with fair skins are overwhelmed by its intensity and normally have to pump up the volume on the make-up. That works for a night on the town, but may not be the look you want at an 8:00 am breakfast meeting

The fashion police won’t come to take you away if dare to live on the edge and wear a colour that isn’t the best on you, but consider keeping the shade away from your face, or look for a version of it that compliments your natural colouring. Pair some black pants or a skirt with a softer colour near your face. Do you love fushia but think that it clashes with your red hair? Treat yourself to a lovely pair of sandals that you couple with a fresh summer print. And for those times when you are taking a break from the make-up, surround yourself with your best colours. Buy pyjamas, a robe, a cozy sweatsuit for lounging or even bedsheets in colours that make you look and feel refreshed.

Feeling Great
The impact of colour isn’t limited to the clothes that you wear. If you are on a spiritual journey, colour can be a powerful ally as you strengthen and balance various aspects of your being. Colour is also such a powerful influence on our moods that it should be seriously considered before decorating your surroundings. Do you want your home to be a tranquil retreat, or a vibrant gathering place? If your bedroom were your sanctuary and your quiet refuge from a busy world, then you wouldn’t want to paint it an invigorating red. Aqua tones inspire relaxation and imagination, while yellows encourage conversation and are a good choice for a dining room or kitchen. Pinks remind us of sweetness and innocence, but are also associated with health and well-being. With a regal history, purple is a luxurious choice for decorating, but because it can trigger depression in sensitive individuals it is often paired with golds and yellows. Blue’s impact ranges from the calming kiss of a summer sky to the powerful authority of deep navy, which makes it a good colour choice to wear for an important interview or meeting.

As you walk in your front door tonight, notice how the colours in your home make you feel. If you don’t like your mood, change is but a tint away.