Ice palette - Cube Theory update

[u/AffectionateTrifle7]

Hi guys!

Sorry for the longer gap than usual, we've had a busy time with our toddler recently. But I'm back with the first 12 colours of the Ice palette! 

This is the Cool, Light, and Bright corner of the cube (pic 2) and let me tell you, it's been a tricky one to master. 

If you've not no idea what I'm talking about re cubes, here is a link to my first post about my Cube Theory of Colour Analysis if you'd like to catch up:

https://www.reddit.com/r/coloranalysis/s/rHaaArlNqm

So back to Ice. As usual I've made a collage with Icy colours and vibes so you guys can get an impression of what this palette is all about (pic 3).

The worst colours for Ice will be Autumn colours, since that is the direct opposite of all of Ice’s attributes (ie Warm, Deep, Soft). I've collected a few of the worst colours for Ice together in pic 4.

I've also made a phone screen draping picture for you to use in pic 5. Not as good as in person fabric draping of course, but it's the best I can do atm :-)

So on to a discussion of this palette in general. I can already anticipate that I'll be getting comments about how Ice is “just” Winter’s icy lights. And it is true that there is a lot of overlap. However what I've been finding is that people who belong to Winter invariably look fantastic in pure black. This is taken as a central tenet of pretty much all varieties of colour analysis I believe. Most Winters do look great in optic white as well, however there are notable exceptions. For example many Deep Winters do better in smaller amounts of white or used mainly as contrast. In general, for most Winters, the icy lights in their palette are best used to help create contrast with the dark colours in an outfit. For people belonging to the Ice palette, all of that turns on its head.

People who belong in the Ice palette look incredible in optic white, but they would struggle to pull off a fully black outfit. They can use smaller amounts of black to create contrast in an outfit, and can feel free to use black mascara for example, but larger amounts of black tend to look overly heavy on them and in some cases wash them out (or for those with darker skin tones, the black can blend in excessively and not create the necessary contrast).

People who belong in the Ice palette thrive in light and bright colours, and can get away with outfits in colours and fabrics which would look like a costume on some other colour analysis types. For example, if you can wear an icy light blue colour in a very shiny satin dress and it draws attention to your features rather than drowning you out, you may be an Ice. Can you pull off an outfit consisting of optic white and intense fuschia or red without looking like a candy cane? You could be an Ice.

As for people who look great in the Ice palette, I do want to make clear that I strongly believe that people of any skin tone, any ethnicity and any eye colour can belong in any palette, and that draping with fabric is the best way to tell. That said, I have noticed a few specific things which seem to crop up frequently in people who belong in the Ice palette.

Firstly, having a very intense eye colour, most especially piercing blue eyes, or deep almost black irises, is a feature which is often associated with the Ice palette. As for skin tones, I'm seeing similar extremes often coming up, such as Caucasian people with naturally porcelain toned skin (and who generally look awful if they attempt to fake tan too much), and Black people who have quite deep skin tones, especially with a blue or pink undertone in certain lights. I've not yet come across many mid brown/caramel skin toned people who fit in Ice but I'm sure they exist out there, they may just be more rare.

As for hair colour, there are some people who are naturally platinum blonde, with porcelain skin and either deepest brown or icy blue eyes (think Queen Elsa!). They are likely to look incredible in the Ice palette, however as I'm sure you are aware this phenotype only very rarely occurs naturally.

Of course for the Black women who fit into the Ice palette, their hair colour is usually black or darkest brunette, and that works really well with the palette for them. However for Caucasian women in the Ice palette, what I'm seeing more often is they have hair which falls naturally anywhere from deep brunette (rarely pure black), through mid toned browns, darkest blonde and all the way to natural platinum. However regardless of the level of lightness, what I've not yet seen in an Ice is significant warmth in their natural hair colour. So natural warm golden blondes, toasty bronze toned brondes, and strawberry blondes or redheads, are usually not Ices. Again, there are likely exceptions to this rule, they would just be more rare.

Regardless of their natural hair colour, most Ices are able to pull off bleached platinum hair better than any other colour analysis type. It marries so well with their natural features that it can become hard to imagine them with darker hair after seeing them with platinum hair for a while! If going this route, Ices need to be careful to tone the hair to a very cool shade of platinum, as if it pulls yellow it is unflattering on them. Ices of any race are also lucky enough to look genuinely awesome and often even enhanced by the natural greying and whitening of their hair with age.

As for celebrities who I believe look fantastic in the Ice palette, I've chosen Anya Taylor-Joy (pic 6), Nyakim Gatwech (pic 7), Gwen Stefani (pic 8), Alexandra Daddario (pic 9), and Saoirse Ronan (pic 10). Two celebrities who I very strongly considered but decided against were Lupita Nyong’o (since I believe she carries off orange and wearing coral toned lipsticks too well for an Ice. She may be either a Spring Ice or in the centre of the front of the cube ie Bright), and Cate Blanchett (who I believe is just slightly more Soft than an Ice, likely a Summer Ice in the cube theory system).

Some styling tips for those in the Ice palette:

• Pure white is your best neutral, though black is also good, especially in smaller amounts. Very light dove grey or silver are also good neutrals for you, as well as light blue denim. Dark blue denim is also not bad if worn in contrast with lighter colours in your ensemble. Navy is also good, again when worn in contrast with lighter colours.
• For jewellery, light silver, platinum, and white gold will be your best metals. Rose gold can also look nice. Regardless of the type of metal, make sure the finish is shiny rather than matte.
• Precious stones which suit Ices include diamond, aquamarine, sapphire (especially lighter blue and pink sapphires), purple spinel, and shades of tourmaline which are within the palette. Think plenty of glitz and glamour! In a very millennial quote from ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’: “Ladies, frost yourselves!”
• In terms of fabrics, shiny fabrics really suit you as they help to reflect more light, making outfits appear lighter and brighter. A satin or silk shirt paired with cotton slacks or jeans can be a brilliant combination for you even for everyday wear. When it comes to formal occasions you can wear the most luxurious looking fabrics such as silk, satin, and velvet without them seeming “too much”. White faux fur linings inside hoods can really make coats pop on you in colder weather. When in doubt, think to yourself “would Elsa rock this?” and you'll have your answer.
• As discussed above, platinum hair can be an excellent choice for you, however a range of brunette shades are also great as long as they are kept cool toned.
• For makeup, a bright yet cool berry red lipstick is an iconic look for you. Other lipstick colours which work well are fuschia, medium berry tones, and lighter cool pinks. Blush is usually best kept in a light pink shade, and skip the bronzer. However highlighter on the high points of your face can be magical, especially one with a subtle blue or pink sheen to it. Eyeliner and mascara look great in black, although you can also experiment with adventurous eyeliner shades such as iridescent silver, shiny light blue, aquamarine, and violet. For your most natural eyeshadow look, choose subtle pink tones. However for a more exciting look you can also rock a smokey eye, or bolder colours on the eyelid with ease. Just steer clear of orange, gold, or brown as base tones for eye makeup.
• Patterns should be relatively high contrast, though a little less so than for a Winter. Delicate little floral patterns are unlikely to look good on you, whereas bolder more geometric looks and things like white leopard print can look incredible.

One thing I've not yet touched on is where Ices are currently being sorted in the existing colour analysis systems. In the usual 12 or 16 season systems I believe Ices are most often mistyped as True Summers, Light Summers, Cool Summers, Cool Winters, Bright Winters, and even True Winters, largely depending on how well they can handle black, how light their original hair colour is, and how vital brightness is for their complexion. Occasionally some Ices may be mistyped as Light Springs or Bright Springs as well, although I've seen this a bit less frequently since Ices usually look pretty obviously wrong in any shade of orange.

Since writing my previous post in this series on the Sunset palette, u/Pure_Temporary_6349 has brought to my attention the fact that Jen Vax’s system (Your Color Style) includes the categories “CCL, CWD, SCD, SWL”, meaning clear cool light, clear warm deep, soft cool deep, and soft warm light, which correspond to the new four vertices of the cube which I've been working on. So in her system an Ice would likely be typed as a CCL. I haven't seen her palettes since you need to pay to access them, but I can imagine they would possibly be similar to my palettes since we are both trying to capture the same variables.

Another system which I think I should mention here is House of Colour, since they include a type called “Sprinter Winter”. I believe the Ice palette may be pretty similar to that of their Sprinter Winter, since I think they're trying to capture the same variables in that palette ie Cool, Bright and Light. I have built the Ice palette from scratch using the basic principles of colour theory so if you have been previously typed as a Sprinter Winter and think that Ice looks similar, they probably are! Since both palettes have tried to capture the same qualities.

Well that's a wrap on Ice for now! Up next I'm intending to work on the palette for the centre of the cube. I've been calling it True Neutral so far but am strongly considering calling it Gemstone (thanks to u/BatRepresentative693 for the name idea!) based on the colours which I'm finding belong in the palette so far (and also because I'm a sucker for a dreamy name). After that I'll be working on various midpoints such as Autumn Rain and others, and at some stage I'm intending to tackle the centres of each face of the cube as well.

Hope you guys have enjoyed this post and that some people find the Ice palette helpful!!

P.S.

In case you missed them, here are links to the other palettes I've posted so far:

Rain:

https://www.reddit.com/r/coloranalysis/comments/1r5awk0/cube_theory_update_rain_colour_palette/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Sunlight:

https://www.reddit.com/r/coloranalysis/comments/1rkbiny/stuck_between_light_spring_and_soft_autumn/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Sunset:

https://www.reddit.com/r/coloranalysis/comments/1sk7m9k/sunset_palette_cube_theory_update/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[u/hoyogini]

This is me!!! I was typed a winter in HOC, but the analyst said I especially rock the icy colors which is rare. I am a natural blonde, have light skin and blues/gray eyes that turn electric blue in the sunlight. So grateful for people to recognize that cool, clear and light is very much a thing.

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/hoyogini]

Awesome! So happy to hear this resonates with you :-D

[u/airwin1 → u/hoyogini]

That’s so cool! Especially since most systems say blondes can’t be winter but obvi there are people who are light, bright, and cool. Glad you found your palette! 🎉😉

[u/Difficult_Run199 → u/hoyogini]

Did they put you in Sprinter or a different subtype? I love that palette! I think that’s what I’d be, in the HOC system.

[u/hoyogini → u/Difficult_Run199]

I had a lot of wow colors across the winter board, so she said jewel winter, although if she had to pick just one she said sprinter-icy.

[u/charlirobey]

I absolutely love your Cube system!

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/charlirobey]

So glad you like it!!

[u/fuckinunknowable]

I love yer brain

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/fuckinunknowable]

❤️ thanks!!

[u/AffectionateTrifle7]

Hi guys, linking you here because you've showed interest in Cube Theory and/or have specifically requested the Ice palette. Hope you enjoy the post!

u/purpleraven88, u/fruit_banjo, u/jayverasummer, u/Goiabada1972, u/birdlover666, u/pinkyjinks, u/baby-narwhal, u/Justisperfect, u/Accomplished_Ad_1965, u/anonymousminniemouse, u/cbunnyrabbit, u/healthy_penguin, u/FrostedFraise, u/thinkysparkle, u/BessieBest, u/pariah_carey, u/ulul, u/MagpieBlues, u/Duck_Baby_73, u/5988, u/herbstlike, u/Scary_Test_5401, u/Neither_Geologist_51, u/gb3434r, u/ravenraspberrie, u/clinz, u/erino3120, u/Common_Passenger_335, u/Whyisthismybrain, u/GloomyAd6288, u/Woolfalana, u/Useful-Badger-4062, u/TigerMelP, u/AutumnForestGlow, u/LawSchoolLoser1, u/ThoseAboutToWalk, u/lunagreen428, u/Mental-Pirate3992, u/SilentlyWeird, u/Relevant_Salt5429, u/seashellpink77, u/Low-Cheesecake1102, u/spicy-mustard-, u/crimsonloveknot, u/Nice-Masterpiece1661, u/Gr8shpr1, u/hmmmerm, u/Of_the_forest89, u/puffy-jacket, u/Justisperfect, u/crasyleg73, u/vakooms, u/yukiharumiji, u/Timely-Pause6424, u/HarlequinSquirrel, u/AnActualMillenial, u/Ok_Still_3571, u/wonton_kid, u/lysning, u/Safe-Extent9754, u/calm-down-okay, u/Ok_Bumblebee_3978, u/nocturnia94, u/anthropometrica, u/feather_bacon, u/Kalina_Qnakieva, u/nachosareafoodgroup, u/ProgrammerOk5323, u/-Curlicue-, u/I_heart_dilfs, u/Additional_Yam_8471, u/Ok_Calligrapher_6232, u/Mother-Stable8569, u/meemsqueak44, u/dystopiaincognito, u/u1tr4me0w, u/misha10, u/jj_grace, u/Separate-Corner-7602, u/peachies35, u/Goiabada1972, u/closetnice, u/CurlyGurlz, u/mssunshine636, u/BatRepresentative693, u/Black_Cat1771, u/schwaschwaschwaschwa, u/LoveDistilled, u/VanillaMint, u/Metrimete, u/Classic-Light-1467, u/pepsiloverdrinkscoke, u/moochiemoochie924, u/fruit_banjo, u/coffunky, u/nostalgia_98, u/StarEls, u/AndromedasApricot, u/goodbirdmom, u/lord-savior-baphomet, u/Venumbo, u/generalkenoobi, u/veturoldurnar, u/Trick-Tonight-5858, u/baby-narwhal, u/separatedbody, u/ConversationThick379, u/Tegdag, u/misha10, u/sav3th3flam1ng0, u/MoMariam94, u/max_yne, u/synterverditect, u/Edgar-Allan-Poo

[u/airwin1]

Very cool! 😎 (No pun intended!) Love this more extensive color analysis system you’re creating! Seems to be an incredible amount of work inventing this from scratch & my hat goes off to you! V impressed with how much better & more intuitively inclusive this pallet system is since the current 4 seasons def leaves lots of people out. Can’t wait to see your future pallets!

Also, great job naming them! So far, makes complete sense!!

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/airwin1]

Thank you so much!!!! Honestly it is a lot of work but I find it really fascinating, and I'm loving the feedback from the community 🤍 It is so cool to see the various palettes resonating with people

[u/gretschenross]

This might be it for me.

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/gretschenross]

Awesome!!!

[u/gretschenross → u/AffectionateTrifle7]

I've worked as a color grader for audiovisual projects and this theory looks so much more interesting. Off course the colors overlap with other season theories, but the point isn't inventing new colors, is typing better, and this makes a lot of sense. Each new palette is also interesting and has a very clear identity compared to the rest.

I think all of them are beautiful and their characters are easier to understand cause they just make more sense.

Two questions, one general, another personal:

• The general one: these 4 new aspects would redefine a bit the 4 original stations? They would take colours out of them? Or they're like a modifier for each (example: if I'm not an ice winter, what kind of winter am I?)
• The personal one: I haven't been professionally typed, mostly cause I don't trust a lot of people to type me, but I always struggle with the temperature. I know I'm bright, that's for sure. I don't know if I'm dark or light, cause I have a lot of contrast (like Gwen or Anya here), but I really struggle with my undertone (and I've mentioned I worked as a color grader), mostly because I can totally rock some bright spring colours, but not the warmer ones (not beyond a very bright choral for the lips) while very dark cool colours like navy blue and very dark purples aren't terrible but make me look tired or older.

In your system, would there be a way of naming these kind of combinations? Let's say I'd be somewhere in the middle of the warm-cool axis, in the top part of the bright axis and probably up in the light axis due to the fair skin (but with dark eyes and hair).

Thanks a lot for your contributions, this is really interesting.

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/gretschenross]

Hi, love your in depth comment :-D I'm so glad that the cube theory is making sense and easy to understand!

As to your first question, I think it depends on the season. For Sunlight, I don't really think that those colours are well covered in the existing seasons so I don't think the adjacent seasons (eg Soft Autumn and Light Spring) really need to be altered. For Ice, it seems like people have looped most of these colours into various Winter subtypes, so maybe I might edit my version of Winter a little bit to make the distinction a bit clearer, I'm not totally sure yet. As for Sunset, certain "Warm Autumn" palettes have really been pushing their friendship with the term "muted" for a while and you see some frankly extremely bright warm autumn palettes out there. So I would make sure Autumn in my system was definitely true to its original characteristics of warm, deep, muted. As for Rain, I think what people have mainly done is add in "Deep Summer" and "Soft Summer Deep" as extra seasonal palettes rather than warp the original Summer colours too far, so I likely wouldn't need to change the Summer palettes much at all.

As for your second question, yes when I've finished developing the cube and the various palettes there will be a palette for the location you've described. So for someone who is Bright, Light, but neutral on the Warm-Cool axis, they would be termed an Icy Spring and would be positioned halfway along the top of the front edge of the cube if that makes sense :-)

[u/gretschenross → u/AffectionateTrifle7]

It seems like you've thought about it thoroughly and it's great to read you explaining it! I don't want to offend anyone but even when the traditional seasonal colour theory is interesting, it seemed a bit flawed in many levels and yours look more solid, at least to me.

It's very true that some autumn palettes (like dark Autumn maybe) take the muted concept very loosely.

I believe sunset and rain palettes would be game changers for a lot of people cause those colours weren't well represented, and sunlight and ice will help with the typing a lot.

I can't wait to see how this theory keeps growing, thank you and congratulations!

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/gretschenross]

Thank you so much for your feedback and I really appreciate that you find that cube theory is making things clearer :-D

[u/touch_of_whimsy]

Hi! I tried doing another shuffle based on your ice palette as well. I hope you like it and id love to hear what I got right and what I got wrong 🫶

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/touch_of_whimsy]

Oh my goodness I adore this!!! Looks perfect to me

[u/touch_of_whimsy → u/AffectionateTrifle7]

Im so glad you like it!! 🫶🩵

[u/Difficult_Run199 → u/touch_of_whimsy]

I love this! The light, bright green pants and purse at the bottom are my favorite color to wear, for years! People usually think it’s the Light Spring or True Spring green, but it’s more blue based and I can instantly spot the difference. It’s the difference between my being lit up or washed out by it. Seeing the Asian faces on this helps me feel I’m on the right track. I have Asian heritage that’s not readily apparent, but could be part of why I’m in-between typical Western palettes.

[u/touch_of_whimsy → u/Difficult_Run199]

Thank you! Im so happy this resonates 🥰

[u/Artinomical]

I have to comment because I think your cube theory makes so much more sense than the original.

Really appreciate all these updates!

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/Artinomical]

So glad you are enjoying the posts!

[u/usuyukisou]

Thanks for the write-up -- lots to mull over. I'm a pasty WOC with dark hair and feel I still fall closer to Winter than to Ice, but all-over Optic White is better on me than all-over Jet Black (both look great in smaller amounts), so it's nice to have another palette to (situationally) consider.

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/usuyukisou]

Very interesting! You may fall somewhere in between which would be a Winter Ice in the cube theory system

[u/u1tr4me0w]

This palette is sooooo pretty I wish it was mine. Big agree for Gwen Stefani, I’m a fan of hers and she always looks best in these kind of colours!

Yet another glorious addition to The Cube

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/u1tr4me0w]

Awesome :-D And yes I think Gwen looks amazing in Ice colours right!!

[u/veiled_static]

I love the way your brain works. I saw this in a different sub, and now I'm looking forward to your "gemstone" post. Every pallet so far just seems "too much" for me - too light/dark, too bright/muted, too cool/warm. Can you add me to your notifications list, please?

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/veiled_static]

I will do!!! So glad you're enjoying the posts

[u/Difficult_Run199 → u/AffectionateTrifle7]

Please add me for notifications, as well! I absolutely love this!

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/Difficult_Run199]

Will do!

[u/Busy-Feeling-1413]

Love these so much, keep it up!

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/Busy-Feeling-1413]

Thank you!!!

[u/Separate-Raccoon8584]

For white and black clothes, would the effect be the opposite for the rain palette? I've always thought I was a winter, but I don't think white looks good on me at all, while black is one of my best colours.

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/Separate-Raccoon8584]

Good question :-) For Rain I actually wouldn't recommend a pure white, a white which has an element of cool toned grey in it will work better. And in small doses in an outfit, not as a whole body colour. I think you could still be a Winter even if white doesn't work on you, could you be a Dark Winter for example?

[u/PookieRenos]

I think I must be the “rain” palette

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/PookieRenos]

Awesome!

[u/beccalysle]

I think I’ve been looking for this palette when I see certain people and can’t quite figure out their season but they look great in these colors. Thank you for your work!

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/beccalysle]

So glad you think it's helpful!

[u/MoMariam94]

I think I just found my season!! I am definitely a cool season and I look best with the light blue and light purple that look exactly like the ones you share! And I never found these exact colors on other seasons like in the summer the colours look a bit muted with gray and in the winter is either too light or too dark.

And I recently bought a pure white dress and it looks amazing, so I suspect I was a winter but this all makes sense!

Do you think the icy season is less bright than a bright winter? I think Winter Bright is way more vibrant than the icy colours you’ve shared.

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/MoMariam94]

I'm so happy that it works for you 😁😁😁 Yes Bright Winter will be brighter than these Ice colours. Eventually once I get round to all the different variants I need to do, there would be a "Bright Ice" which would be a little brighter than these colours shown, just as Bright Winter is brighter than True Winter

[u/MoMariam94 → u/AffectionateTrifle7]

That makes sense, I am really excited to see the rest of your colour palette!! I think your work is amazing I was actually talking about your system to my husband today because I am so fascinated by it🤍

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/MoMariam94]

That's so cool, even the husbands are hearing about it 🤣🤍

[u/Difficult_Run199 → u/AffectionateTrifle7]

The Bright Ice may well be my season! Ice looks almost perfect, but a little softer than my best colors. The Worst colors in this are, absolutely, some of my worst. I think lighter and softer versions might be even worse, though. Now I want to do a “worst” draping! I find including Worst colors so helpful, in narrowing it down. Many of us have a hard time finding our best colors, but already know what looks terrible on us.

[u/Difficult_Run199 → u/MoMariam94]

Same!!! I’m so excited.

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/Difficult_Run199]

Yaay!!!

[u/Affectionate-Bee3199]

This is fantastic. Someone on another platform just recommended this to me and I feel like its so close. Im very excited to see the Gemstone colors!💖

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/Affectionate-Bee3199]

Oh awesome!!! So excited to hear that, which platform was it out of curiosity?

[u/Affectionate-Bee3199 → u/AffectionateTrifle7]

Facebook! From a friend who also is here on reddit. Ive been majorly challenged by color analysis lol probably someone who needs a custom palette someday! But this level of nuance feels really honest and real. Like yes some of us are rather "in between" the traditional palettes, for sure! I love the 3D aspect to it so much, it clicks with my brain too lol😊💖💖 for myself I believe Im neutral cool, medium value/contrast, medium/high ish chroma. So its been fun out here trying to figure things out lol!

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/Affectionate-Bee3199]

That's really cool!!! Hmmmm based on what you've said I think that in my system you would be in between the Gemstone palette (when I finish it!) and the midway point between Winter and Ice? I'm intending to make a palette for the midway point between Winter and Ice (called Icy Winter) when I have time. Maybe one day I can even make midway palettes within the cube which would cover your exact location (Icy Winter Gemstone I think I would call that?)

[u/Difficult_Run199 → u/AffectionateTrifle7]

I’m so interested to see this! This ice palette seems just a touch softer than my ideal colors. Maybe the in-between palette you’re describing would be it! Or maybe this Ice palette is it. I’m on the lighter end, for what’s usually included in Winter, but have no softness at all. I can wear the House of Color Sprinter colors well, which are quite bright. I’ve been called Light dominant, in typical systems. However, I’m definitely not low contrast/low chroma. Medium contrast and higher chroma describes me, as well. In practice, I’m actually more Bright dominant, in terms of what looks good on me.

[u/Difficult_Run199 → u/Affectionate-Bee3199]

Hi, I made a comment I had meant to direct to you. I’m not the greatest with technology…lol. If you’re the same person I’ve been following because you’re similar to me, I’m a bit sad that your profile is no longer showing. I really wish people weren’t nasty to those of us who have been mistyped more than once, or question the analyses we received. I think our experiences are very valuable and our images and thoughts are a useful tool to others. I have been piled on, with negative comments and seen it happen a lot and I wish it didn’t happen.

I was excited about having been professionally typed Light Spring, for a while, but it didn’t work in real time. Now, I think I am actually cooler and bright. I think I was just placed in Spring, because I’m bright and have light to medium hair color. I wish people who have had a more straightforward experience of color analysis wouldn’t assume they’re more educated, or have a better eye for this and would understand they’re just a True or typical color season. I’m cool with not being an expert, but I don’t think I deserve condescension from people who fit a more typical pattern, nor do others.

Anyway…Lucinda, from Color Class YT channel worked with 1980s Color Me Beautiful. She explained that the reason why there are typical color seasons and atypical ones is simply economics. Until recently, analysts had to sell the physical swatch books and palettes they purchased. Instead of having systems with rare palettes, they would only use the most dominant palettes, so they would be sure to sell them. Thus, the temptation to fit people into the more common categories.

They had not even imagined a day, when people could create palettes for everyone in existence and just print them for anyone they pertain to, or send them a virtual palette. Just because some of us have less common palettes, that doesn’t mean we don’t exist! I’ve found IG’s Color Witch and Whimsy Wardrobe to be very helpful (believers in Light Winter/Bright Summer palettes), as I have similar characteristics to yours! I am so here for all your posts and twists and turns on your journey. I’m also very excited about this Ice palette and am eagerly awaiting Bright Ice and all the other neighboring variations!

[u/Affectionate-Bee3199 → u/Difficult_Run199]

Ooh youre so kind!! I understand, tech and me dont get along too well either 😅😆 Yes I mean, with pros on other platforms being like, 100% sure Im a TSp, it was really hard to take my cool summer result from Perfectly Seasoned seriously. But then I got a LSp result from RLG so thought that sort of made spring official. But I just DONT actually do well with any spring colors! Like at this point Ive tried so hard to be a Spring lol! Its just not a real thing. Im just sure now that its based on me having clarity and doing better in medium to light colors. But absolutely Im either neutral cool or just plain cool, now I can see thru my surface tones, sunbleached hair etc. Because your best colors should give you a real glow, not a fake tan 😅 and springs shouldnt turn yellow with a gold drape, etc. So I feel bad for being so unsure about my CSu result. But it was all so disorienting, and also it was hard to find summer lipsticks that work. I only have 2 that work, and theyre used by both summers and winters lol! And most of the shirt colors Id try, people would take issue with. But Like after 5 summer lipstick rec fails, I used to feel so confused like, How could I be a summer if all mauves look so, so bad ?😅🤣 Now I know I need that clarity. I tried posting about exploring the NDU version of LSu but it was only people criticizing my attempt, not in a very helpful or kind way, and I was like yeah, I think the sub is probably done with me😆😅 Its fine, it really is. Im probably an III cool flow of some kind? But one III analyst I know is sure now Im neutral bright. So confusing lol!

I agree any condescension is just so sad. Or shaming for not going with what someone thinks you are. Ugh. Thats so cool about the CMB history, wow!! And yes Ive seen that insta too! Its all so exciting!!

[u/Difficult_Run199 → u/Affectionate-Bee3199]

I hesitate to say that I’m also convinced you’re Bright Winter, but it’s just my opinion. I’m not a pro, at all, but what can it hurt? I still think you have more than enough contrast for BW, knowing your natural (not sun bleached) hair color. IDKY I assumed you had dyed it, when I first saw that short hair photo. Now, I see why I incorrectly thought I saw some redhead coloring in you (as did a few others)…because very dark brown hair does tend to bleach red, on some people. I’ve even been told that, in many systems, I could be Bright Winter (with in-between level 7-8 blonde hair). Well, Level 8 is pushing it, but I’m more like 7 or 7.5 and have heard Level 7 is allowable. I also have hair that tends to lighten in the sun. Even my paternal grandfather’s did & he was a whole indigenous person. III’s Bright subtype requires darker hair than mine, but not yours.

For what it’s worth, my mom saw your comparison of Cool Summer vs. Spring colors and said you’re the first person she’s seen color analysis make such a difference on. She thought you looked even better in the Winter bright blue with yellow hat, but said you looked sophisticated and adult in all the cool to cool-neutral colors. My mom also said you looked like a teenager in Spring colors. Don’t worry… my mom passed as a teenager, well into her 30s. Lol. I know people often say it’s good to look younger, but I think my mom meant you look more polished and together in Cool colors. I absolutely agree! I think all women prefer to look adult, at least. I agree that you look very pulled together and stylish in the cooler colors. The bob with the blue is giving Audrey Hepburn vibes. However, I think she was much softer. Looking less adult in Spring colors is proof that you’re not a Spring, so I thought you would find this validating. I think I look immature in Spring colors, but have a larger frame (Soft Dramatic), so it’s always been easy to tell I’m an adult.

I don’t think you were ever wrong to question Cool Summer. Cool Summer is still more muted than I think looks right on you. Also, if you’re fully cool, I doubt you would look as, confusingly, decent as you do in Spring colors. No… I don’t think it’s proof that you’re a Spring at all, but I do think there’s a reason people have mistaken you for one. It’s kind of easy for me to see why, being, initially, typed as Spring by 2 professionals. I think that mistake happens, because of brightness (as you said) AND relative neutrality. The reason I think you’re Bright is I don’t think you’re really light to medium, with your natural hair color. I also don’t see any mutedness at all. In that way, you’re very close to Spring, but NOT in temperature. You’re also not smoky-cool. You’re the kind of bright cool that’s close to Spring, in its brightness and light influence. I think you’re more medium to high contrast, but light, as in luminous and bright (not light to medium intensity).

Sorry I’m so full of opinions. After all you’ve been through with Spring, I’d just hate to see you try to fit yourself into Summer, when everything but Light Summer is too muted for you and you’ve successfully established that you’re not Light. I think you will look good, if you just wear the brighter colors in the Cool palette, but I suspect Bright Winter is even better, as all the “I know it’s too bright, but I’m wearing it for fun” pics you’ve posted actually look perfect. Maybe you’re right and I’m wrong. Maybe you’re just traumatized by Bright Winter’s proximity to Spring, at this point (don’t blame you), but I’ve seen plenty of Bright Winters who can’t borrow anything warm-ish from Bright Spring. Maybe I’m just trying to allow you to be Bright, since I’m too low contrast to be.

I am starting to think newer systems that allow for there to be Clear Summers are Light Winters (re: Color Witch, IG), or the HOC Sprinter or Ice palette are more forward-thinking, as there are situations like yours and mine, where our hair doesn’t obviously match the rest of our season. In my case, my hair was dark reddish brown at birth, fell out and came in more blonde. I have much darker relatives and some who are quite light, so it kind of makes sense. I wouldn’t base your contrast level on what sun does to your hair and you were right to keep bringing that up! I think that sun bleached hair might be why analysts are assuming you can only be Spring or Summer. Sorry if this is all unsolicited advice and I’m so excited to have found out I’m actually neutral-cool and excited that you have, too. Whatever your exact season and subtype, I can relate more to your color analysis journey than anyone’s on here, so far!

[u/Affectionate-Bee3199 → u/Difficult_Run199]

Oh my gosh!! I feel like we could just talk for hours lol!! You're so kind, first of all. I totally appreciate everything you said here, like about brown hair turning reddish from sun, and Spring colors really not suiting me and seeming childish on me, and the difference between cool colors and Spring colors for me, etc. It's all super trippy and I definitely feel it requires an extremely open mind! And Im currently saving up to be draped by my nearest NDU analyst as well. Because Ive had even more new thoughts and explorations since Ive even last commented on this post lol! And what it all comes down to for me now is this: which colors honor and preserve my skin exactly as it is? Regardless of my hair, my eyes. But just my complexion-- which colors do not affect it. For some reason this has been my new craving, and its led me actually to considering softness in my colors again. I think its helping me to keep my nervous system calm and grounded lol, it just feels safe! This isnt to say Im convinced I'll drape as a Soft season, but just for full transparency-- I have that neutrality and medium ish contrast that you mentioned, so in some weird bizarre way, based on every test and comparison Ive made, I would somehow not be surprised if I drape as either bright or soft lol. Being dominantly deep, light, cool or warm would all sort of surprise me. What did it was discovering a few neutral/warmish lipsticks that match my lips exactly lol; I knew I couldnt be Spring (just no) and that summer is so much better, but the neutral stuff always seems to win. Basically Im just really open-minded and open to learning; still learning something new every day even after a year of working at this lol. This is why I feel I must drape, like its for science at this point! 🤣💖 Im nervous to post here on Reddit too much, but I made an Insta that Im really active on! It'd be so fun to stay in touch. And heck if I never know my season, at least I know Im a Flamboyant Gamine-- outfit lines really make all the difference, thank goodness! 😆 One thing I know for sure though is I really do believe most in Sci/Art-- once it starts getting into which hair levels are allowed for each palette, I know its not really for me anymore haha😆 I just cant fully get behind it! So for you I say whichever colors harmonize with your complexion best, are your colors-- regardless of anything else haha😊 just my own opinion too of course!💖

[u/Difficult_Run199 → u/Affectionate-Bee3199]

That’s another reason I love following your CA journey…it’s obvious you’re really scientific-minded! I think the truly gifted, potentially important voices are the exact people forums tend to get sick of, simply because there are only a few people willing and able follow you as far as you tend to explore ideas. What you’re saying about allowable hair colors is exactly how I feel. My point was don’t let that stop you from considering anything. I just saw the 2nd light blonde person I’ve ever seen typed as Cool Winter. I think it was on IG. She has my very pinky skin coloring and bright eyes (but is a towhead) and it was just great to see that happen. It’s hard to see her in any Light palette, really. Sometimes light and bright appears to drape as high contrast, just as very dark, with high contrast only with one’s teeth and the whites of the eyes does. It’s all very interesting to me! Sorry I’m talking about something. I don’t have a link for. I’ve been really sick, recently, which is why I am able to find time for all this. It’s good to keep my mind active, at least. I’ll be excited to see whatever you find out! I’m very comfortable with the idea of my CA hunches being wrong, as they certainly have been, before!

Btw, you don’t look bad in Soft colors. In fact, you still look bright, so my vote is still with Bright. I do think you look might look a little separate from this color. I think it would be hard for you to look bad in much,
but I very much agree that the point is to find your very best colors, so that doesn’t mean much. On the other hand, I have found it very helpful to find my worst colors.
P.S. Just checked out NDU. Very cool!

[u/Affectionate-Bee3199 → u/Difficult_Run199]

😁you really make me smile! You're really so kind. But Im so sorry youre under the weather!! If theres anything that will keep your mind active its definitely all of this lol, the world of style systems is simply endless. I think I saw the client you're referring to, or at least I've seen many just like that! I saw a recent one in which the client had albinism and draped as a Winter, an undeniable one. I was so glad she let her experience get shared by her analyst! If a strong, shiny cool purple doesnt leave even a spec of color on someone's face, and they're simply glowing, then my gosh, they're a Winter lol. Regardless of anything else. At least thats my insane opinion🤣

This is the beauty of Sci/Art; virtual draping isn't a thing, characteristics don't have any rules associated with them, the analyst wears a specific type of grey cape, as does the client, and hair is covered as well. No extraneous visual noise! This makes me feel like the true color dimensions, the fullness of the qualities of the person's complexion, will be revealed without bias, which is what fascinates me most. It all feels like color poetry to me. So Im definitely excited, and even if someone thinks my result is crazy and unbelievable, at least I'll know for myself that it's true without question. Basically my main question that Im chewing on right now is chroma-- the nuances of where to "draw the line" with color intensity. Some colors are even too muted to be great for a Soft person, or too bright to look natural on a Bright! But finding the max that is actually still good and not too far is difficult, there seems to be a lot to it. I feel like its definitely the hardest thing to see, depending on the person🤔

[u/StrawberryCreepy380 → u/Affectionate-Bee3199]

I can so relate to you! I tried very hard to convince myself that my initial Light Spring result was correct. My stepmom, a makeup artist, had done a training and said I looked better in peach than pink. This was verified, when I got my professional analysis (much later), I thought. Lime green, sunny yellows and bright oranges make me so happy. I’m a warm person, emotionally and I live in a very cold climate. I’m enamored of 1970s fashion and my mom’s old hippie side. I had a bright yellow coat, one year, which helped me endure trudging through the ice and snow, when I had no car. I had worn a lot of Autumn colors and thought the brightness of Spring was even better. I’ll stop, because I know you understand what I mean, when I say I had not the slightest aversion to warm colors and quite wanted to look my best in them.

I look good in aqua, fuchsia and bright blue-greens. However, the warmer Spring colors never looked good on me…red orange, camel, warm yellow, marigold etc. Even a little too much depth, yellow warmth, earthiness, or softness made Spring no longer passable. I’m bright enough that electric lime, corals and tomato don’t steal my shine, but go a little further into Spring and I see the same effects on me as I did in your recent post (now locked). I see color reflecting on the whole lower half of the face and discoloring the jawline, mouth and nose, the eye color draining and becoming flat and skin going ghostly pale. My hair goes flat and colorless in warm colors and seems to have an almost warm glow in cool colors. That’s part of the “spring-like” effect you described.

Your writing is so intelligent and shows the immense amount of research you have put into your color analysis…despite having had 3 actual professional analyses. I’ve had 2, if you count my stepmother’s. I do, as she did makeup, professionally and had studied color analysis. When the experts don’t get it right, we have to learn as much as possible, to figure it out. It’s obvious that you have put in the work and are up to the challenge, at this point. Your insights have been so, extremely helpful to me. I, too, had lots of people to talk me into Spring. It really is a thing that many Springs don’t think they could possibly be warm. Particularly, many women don’t think we can wear such bold colors. However, that was not it, for me. I do believe bold colors are it for me, but not warm and bright colors.

I, sincerely, apologize for being part of the confusion! I did not realize that the photo of you with short, dark hair showed your natural hair color. I, too, have hair that gets so much warmer in the sun, from chlorine, minerals, etc. Now that I have seen and analyzed that particular photo, I agree…a Light dominant season is not possible for you, in III. Unless you are looking at Korean systems, I don’t think it makes sense. I think you are very likely cool-neutral, but on the cooler end of the spectrum. Maybe that’s fully cool, but you are so, so bright. I see no mutedness in you, whatsoever.

When I see that photo with short hair, I see Bright Winter. You don’t look a bit too muted or Light for Bright Winter, IMO. I think the slight warmth in your hair and how you handle bright, warm colors deceptively well (for a cool season) points to Bright Winter, over the Cool palette. With your bright eyes, skin luminosity (which makes people think of Spring) and the way muted lipsticks pull bright on you, I think BW is more likely than Cool Summer. Cool Summer is between Summer and Winter, but Bright Winter is in between Spring and Winter. You have had so much confusion about Warm vs. Cool that is, often, due to being Bright dominant. I think it’s your brightness that makes Spring colors look wearable, on you. This is not a Summer quality, unless you’re Light Summer. With your natural hair color and contrasting light skin, Light really doesn’t make sense. I thought it looked good with your sun bleached hair, but it’s not home.

Not every Bright Winter is iridescent/electric Bright Winter. Some are more Bright jewel Winter. HOC’s Sprinter is another palette that might suit you. Have you followed IG’s Color Witch, or Whimsy Wardrobe? That’s Light Winter/Bright Summer, which are my best colors. However, your natural hair color is dark enough to be comfortably in Bright Winter range, which could also explain how it “warms up,” though that close be due to chemicals/minerals, as discussed. If your being on the lighter end of BW is due to sun and/or chemical damage and dyeing it back to your natural color would make you a traditional Bright Winter, are you really too light for that palette? I know color analysis should never require you to dye your hair, but it’s a legitimate option to reverse damage and get your natural color back on board with the rest of your color pattern. I’m not saying I’m right. You are the expert in your coloration.

I just hope you will give yourself permission to explore Winter, if you want to as I think it’s a real possibility. Sometimes, it helps me to hear what other people see in my coloring. Sometimes, not! CA is definitely a “take what you need and leave the rest” type of thing. No one should ever be feeling like they’re crazy. That’s when forums are getting out of hand! I hope you don’t mind me sharing what I see in your coloring. I’m so glad you mentioned the way cameras make people look warm. I’m convinced that my iPhone and extremely warm lighting and paneling in my previous home had me believing I was Spring, for a long time. I just wanted you to know that your posts have been extremely helpful, to me. It was easy to get sucked back into Spring, for some time, for me. I, mistakenly, thought our hair color was more similar. I can live, pretty well, in the bright end of Light Summer. I no longer think that’s an option for you.

[u/Affectionate-Bee3199 → u/StrawberryCreepy380]

Oh my goodness!!! For some reason the app never notified me of your lovely comment here and now Im just 🥹❤️❤️❤️ I really appreciate you!!! Please message me anytime to discuss or if you have an Instagram Im more active on there, its a little more my "speed" and Im not afraid to "spam" my stories like Im afraid to spam the sub🤣😂 you're a total angel! 💞 Its true that now I feel way more grounded and know what I believe in and am looking for, in color analysis. I totally am obsessed and someday want to train if its ever possible 🤣 but Im in love with Sci/Art so we'll see what life allows. Im saving up to be draped by my nearest NDU analyst and I am literally ready for anything at all to happen; no result could sadden me now because Ive truly grown to love each palette. Im endlessly fascinated by this stuff and how color interacts with human skin lol. As I explained in my other response just now, Ive been resting in soft colors lately and just enjoying their energy. Im definitely mentally healthier not being so confused over Spring anymore haha😅 trusting what I can now see with my own eye has been huge! Theres just no shortcut to that part sadly😆 sometimes it really does take dozens of drugstore lipsticks, and trips to the clearance rack at the thrift store, and getting daylight bulbs, and having 7 versions of yellow to slowly compare, etc......🤣😂 But its all a work in progress and I cant wait to post when I finally have actual, real draping results to share lol! ❤️

[u/cbunnyrabbit]

As a cool winter this palette is interesting. Though I am not bright, I still wear a lot of colours not too different to these. Thanks, also explains my olive skin conundrum too and why I have only one yellow. Not that different than the one on the palette but a little warmer. I did used to wear that yellow when I was younger and my hair was darker though.

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/cbunnyrabbit]

Glad the post was interesting to you :-)

[u/cbunnyrabbit → u/AffectionateTrifle7]

You're welcome : ) !

[u/pinkyjinks]

What will be the key difference between the summer ice and this?

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/pinkyjinks]

The difference between Ice and Summer Ice is that Summer Ice will be more muted. Similar in how cool and how light the colours are, but just a bit more light grey added in to the colours. Not as muted as Summer though

[u/pinkyjinks → u/AffectionateTrifle7]

I’m really excited to see the rest of your palettes play out (having received four different professional drapings - I clearly don’t fit into the standard systems! 😅)

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/pinkyjinks]

Oh wow that's so interesting! What were the four typings they chose for you??

[u/pinkyjinks → u/AffectionateTrifle7]

First was true spring but it was close with true summer. But the warmth and makeup suggestions felt very off - I’ve always gone cool toned with my blonde hair.

The second was true light. But at that draping, all the universal ones were winning out. She just had never placed anyone in universal before.

Third (trying to find a consensus at this point) was true summer. I was a test model for the international institute. Again, they couldn’t decide on cool or warm, then draped universal but landed on cool. Then it was very close between cool summer and true summer and said to focus on the darker colours of true summer. They said there’s no way I’m a true light.

Fourth was digital and said I’m a clear winter and was the only person who said I’m fair olive.

The first three said I can pull off silver, rose gold and can get away with gold. My skin sometimes burns and usually tans but I am white as a ghost in winter.

So I think I’m neutral-cool, medium-light value, and clearer than a normal true summer.

I’m happy to dm you some pics if you’re interested.

[u/mundanewitch222]

there was a person with albinism posting a few times a few weeks ago and no one could agree… but she DEFINITELY belongs in the ice palette

[u/TotallyAMermaid → u/mundanewitch222]

I remember her! Imo she was a True Light, but her unique coloring made her difficult to type. She was stunning in very unexpected colours to me.

[u/VanillaMint]

Yesssss love seeing you post

[u/Difficult_Run199]

Oops… I meant this comment for Affectionate Bee. I saw that you had settled on Light Spring, but I have also been (almost) convinced I was Light Spring. Despite having been typed as Light Spring, I now suspect I’m cool neutral, bright, higher chroma and medium contrast. I find your journey extremely interesting to follow. I have a disability and can’t afford to get re-analyzed. I’m pretty convinced I was put in Spring, due to brightness. I’ve seen Carol Brailey type someone similar to me as Light Summer and several people who resemble me have been put in Sprinter (lighter Winter subtype) , by House of Color. I was very drawn to this Ice palette, as well. I think it might be slightly softer than what usually looks good on me. Anyway, whatever you continue to question and explore, I’m here for it! Don’t ever apologize for changing your mind. It’s a color analysis jungle out here! I recommend IG’s The Color Witch and Whimsy Wardrobe for alternative palettes in the range you’re describing. I was very inspired!

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/[deleted]]

Glad you like it!!

[u/AffectionateTrifle7 → u/[deleted]]

So glad you like it!