BEYOND BLACK AND WHITE
EXPLORING THE RICHNESS OF YOUR COLOR PROFILE
Summer presents the ideal opportunity to welcome vibrancy, celebrating the sun ripened shades of fruits, colorful home decor, and breathtaking vacation spots. According to global personal stylist and image consultant Francesca Cairns, the warmer months are also a perfect time to explore the concept of color and elevate your style to the next level. Cairns breaks through color barriers on her fully digital platform to uncover your personal palette, resulting in cost-effective shopping, easier outfit assembly, and a more radiant you—all year round. “My interest in color analysis really blossomed after spending a lot of time in the industry,” Cairns reflects. “I took a hair and beauty course at college in 2009 and I loved the transformation side of things. I then started a fashion business with my sisters on Instagram selling clothes worldwide. I decided to train as a stylist and combine the two: my love for fashion and transformations.”
With clients including former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, English actress Wendy Craig, and features in digital publications like Marie Claire and Who What Wear, it’s evident that Cairns is both passionate and successful in her field. Her digital services range from color and hair analyses to comprehensive transformation packages, providing personalized recommendations for color, body shape, glasses, hair, and makeup. “As my business has grown from a local endeavor in Maidenhead to a global platform with over 500,000 organic followers, it’s the genuine connections with my clients that I cherish the most,” Cairns adds. “These relationships are the heart and soul of my business, and seeing the positive impact I’ve had on their lives is truly my proudest achievement.” Despite the significant growth of her business over the years, Cairns continues to personally conduct each analysis—a testament to her dedication and passion for her work. “It’s amazing how color can completely transform a person’s style and confidence,” Cairns says. “Understanding your color profile is like discovering your own personal style superpower. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling amazing and radiating confidence in every aspect of your life.”
The image consultant’s color analysis process involves three key steps: a client submits photos without makeup in good lighting and completes a questionnaire. Cairns then applies her professional color analysis system, digitally draping the client in various shades to determine which colors best complement their complexion. Based on this, she identifies their ideal color palette and creates a personalized selection of shades that enhance their natural features and harmonize with their overall appearance. “The transformations I’ve witnessed in my clients, both physical and emotional, have been incredibly rewarding,” Cairns notes. “From newfound confidence in their appearance to a deeper understanding of their personal style, the impact of our work together extends far beyond the surface. Mentally, many clients have experienced a shift in mindset, embracing their unique beauty and feeling empowered to express themselves authentically through fashion. Moreover, the boost in self-esteem that comes from looking and feeling their best has a ripple effect on various aspects of their lives, from professional endeavors to personal relationships.”
Learn more about Cairns’s global styling services at www.imageconsultantmaidenhead.co.uk.
READY FOR A SUMMER GLOW?
After a professional color analysis, shine your brightest with Francesca's color recommendations tailored to your unique palette this season.
SPRING PALETTE
Light and soft pastels like peach, coral, and soft pink. Fresh and vibrant greens like mint and seafoam. Warm and sunny yellows like buttercup.
SUMMER PALETTE
Cool and soft pastels like lavender, sky blue, and soft rose. Light neutrals such as dove gray, taupe, and icy white. Cool blues like periwinkle and aqua.
AUTUMN PALETTE
Rich and warm earth tones like terracotta, rust, and olive green. Mustard yellow, pumpkin, and salmon. Warm neutrals like camel and caramel.
WINTER PALETTE
Bold and vibrant hues like royal blue, emerald green, and fuchsia. Clear and icy shades such as true red, sapphire, and icy pink. Crisp neutrals like pure white, charcoal gray, and black.Rich and warm earth tones like terracotta, rust, and olive green. Mustard yellow, pumpkin, and salmon. Warm neutrals like camel and caramel. WINTER PALETTE Bold and vibrant hues like royal blue, emerald green, and fuchsia. Clear and icy shades such as true red, sapphire, and icy pink. Crisp neutrals like pure white, charcoal gray, and black.
