Photographed by Li Guo
Beauty editor Joyce Oreña immerses into the power of color in individuality.
In a world saturated with trends, personal color analysis might offer a roadmap to what suits you. At the heart of this increasingly popular approach is the belief that everyone has a unique palette, an ideal set of colors that enhances natural features and simplifies everything from fashion to makeup.
While personal color analysis has gained traction online only recently, Tokyo- and Bangkok-based color analyst Michiko Taoka has practiced the art for over three decades. Through her company Spiral Color Co., she says she has conducted over 10,000 consultations and currently holds seminars across Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and beyond. Her method draws from the Four Season theory and refines it into nuanced subgroups, combining color science with trained perception.
I had the chance to experience this firsthand when Michiko recently led a workshop in Manila. The session was intimate: just eight participants, Michiko herself, and two professional color analysts from her team. We met in a space flooded with natural light, ideal conditions for subtle color work. On the main table was an array of carefully arranged tools: laminated color charts, hair swatches, trays of jewelry and accessories in varying metal finishes, and makeup samples. Another table, positioned near the window, held a large mirror surrounded by neatly draped fabric swatches categorized by season and subcategory.
Michiko’s presence immediately stood out, not just for her graceful demeanor, but for how clearly she communicated. She brought both authority and warmth, setting the tone for what lay ahead.
We began with individual assessments. Each of us received a personal guidebook filled with image references and color samples. Michiko and her team took turns evaluating our skin tone, undertone, hair texture and color, and eye color. I found myself closely studying the texture of my skin under different swatches, noticing how certain tones, especially cool-toned blues and deep mauves, either brightened my face or brought out shadows I hadn’t noticed before.
Next came the draping portion. One by one, we sat before the mirror as Michiko and her team held up swatches from the four seasonal color families: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The difference was subtle but striking. Some shades instantly made the complexion look even and eyes more defined; others drained the face of warmth or created unflattering contrast. After a series of comparisons, cool, sharp and modern hues of Dark Winter and a Deep Autumn with warm, muted tones in the rust, olive, and bronze range are my most flattering colors. This broke the notion for me that one can only belong to a season of colors. After this exercise, it confirmed that my personal color choices in the past are well suited for me.
“In an age where individuality is currency, knowing your color season is more than aesthetic, it’s
empowering.”
Once each participant was assigned a season and specific subcategory, we were given reference cards featuring our personal color palettes. These cards weren’t just souvenirs, they’re meant to be practical tools for future shopping, helping us choose everything from lipstick to gemstone settings with more intention.
The session didn’t stop at analysis. It became interactive. We were divided into smaller groups and invited to test our own perception of color through a series of short activities. One involved categorizing color swatches into the correct seasonal families. Another required matching accessories to models based on their identified palettes. It was surprisingly challenging, but rewarding, like training your eye to notice what previously went unnoticed.
Later, there was an optional makeup tutorial tailored to our assigned palettes. Those who joined were guided on how to choose the right blush tone, how to play with eyeshadow colors, and why certain lipsticks work better than others depending on your undertone. I learned to distinguish between the kinds of earthy hues and cool tones that would enhance my features versus those that might overpower them.
By the end of the session, color seasons had transformed from abstract theory into practical knowledge. The insights extended beyond clothing, offering guidance for choosing metals, gemstones, and even hair dye with confidence.
In an age where individuality is currency, knowing your color season is more than aesthetic, it’s empowering. So, keep an open mind. Explore and learn something new every day. If it does not resonate with you, look at it as another fun experience. For many, that power begins with a simple piece of fabric and a well-trained eye.
