What Colours Make You Look Naturally Younger? The Secret Isn't What You Think

Have you ever put on a top and looked in the mirror thinking, "I look tired today"?

Then the next day, you wear something different and someone says, "You look really well. Have you done something different?"

You haven't changed your skincare. You haven't changed your hair. You probably haven't even changed your makeup.

More often than not, the difference is simply the colour you're wearing.

As a Personal Colour Consultant, I see this happen all the time. Clients are often amazed at how one colour can make them look bright, healthy and refreshed, while another can make them look tired, washed out or older than they really are.

The good news is that you don't need a new wardrobe or expensive beauty treatments to look your best. Sometimes, wearing the right colour is all it takes.

Why colour makes such a big difference

Every one of us has unique colouring. Your skin tone, undertone, eye colour and hair colour all work together to create your natural colouring.

When you wear colours that are in harmony with those features, your face appears brighter and more vibrant. Your skin looks healthier. Your eyes stand out. Even fine lines and shadows seem less noticeable because the right colours reflect light back onto your face.

When the colour isn't right, the opposite happens. Instead of seeing you first, people notice the dark circles under your eyes, uneven skin tone or a tired complexion.

That's why colour is so much more important than most people realise. You can see how a colour consultation works here.

Why the same colour looks amazing on someone else

Have you ever bought a jumper because it looked fantastic on a friend, only to discover it didn't suit you at all? You're certainly not alone.

One of the biggest misconceptions is believing that there's a single colour that suits everyone. There isn't.

A bright coral might make one person's skin glow while making another person's complexion appear blotchy. A soft grey may look elegant on one person but dull on someone else.

Neither colour is wrong. They're simply right for different people. That's why copying someone else's wardrobe rarely works.

What colours tend to make people look younger?

There isn't one magic colour that makes everyone look younger. The colours that have the biggest impact are the ones that complement your own natural colouring.

However, many people find these shades create a fresher, healthier appearance when they suit their colouring:

• Soft teal
• Aqua
• Coral
• Rose pink
• Soft berry
• Warm peach
• Turquoise
• Fresh leaf green
• Soft navy
• Cream instead of stark white

These colours often brighten the complexion because they reflect light back onto your face instead of draining it.

Colours that can make you look older

Just as some colours can make you look fresher, others can make you appear more tired. Depending on your natural colouring, these may include:

• Jet black
• Stark white
• Muddy olive
• Mustard
• Dark charcoal
• Dull beige
• Heavy brown tones
• Neon colours

This doesn't mean you should never wear these shades. It simply means they may not be the most flattering colours close to your face.

If you love wearing black, for example, try adding a scarf, necklace or jacket in one of your best colours to soften the overall look. Small changes can make a surprisingly big difference.

The biggest mistake people make

One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "Should I just wear brighter colours?"

The answer is no. Brighter doesn't automatically mean younger. In fact, wearing colours that are too bright for your natural colouring can be just as unflattering as wearing colours that are too dull.

Some women look their absolute best in soft, muted shades. Others come alive in clear, vibrant colours.

The secret isn't brightness. The secret is wearing your colours.

You don't need to throw your wardrobe away

One of the biggest worries people have before coming for a Personal Colour Analysis is that they'll need to replace everything they own. Thankfully, that's almost never the case.

Most of my clients already own several pieces that suit them beautifully. It's simply a matter of recognising which colours work best and making more confident choices when shopping in the future.

That means fewer impulse purchases. Less money wasted. And a wardrobe where more pieces work together.

The colours closest to your face matter most

If you're only going to change one thing, start with the clothes you wear above the waist.

Your tops, jackets, scarves and even your lipstick have the greatest impact because they're closest to your face. Changing the colour of your top often makes a much bigger difference than changing the colour of your pants or shoes.

That's why I always encourage clients to begin there.

How a Personal Colour Analysis works

People often ask me whether it's simply a matter of deciding if they're a Summer or an Autumn. It's actually much more personalised than that.

During your Personal Colour Analysis, I compare more than 75 professional colour drapes against your face under natural lighting. We'll see exactly which colours brighten your complexion, make your eyes sparkle and give your skin a healthier appearance.

You'll leave knowing:

• Your most flattering colours.
• Which colours to avoid close to your face.
• Your best neutral colours.
• Makeup shades that complement your colouring.
• How to shop with confidence instead of guessing.

Many of my clients tell me afterwards that they wish they'd had their colours done years ago. Not because they suddenly became more fashionable, but because getting dressed became so much easier. You can see pricing here.

Looking younger isn't really the goal

Most women don't tell me they want to look twenty years younger. What they really want is to stop looking tired.

They want to walk into a room looking fresh, confident and healthy. They want to feel good in the clothes they wear. That's exactly what wearing the right colours can help you achieve.

People won't necessarily think, "She's wearing the perfect colour." They'll simply think, "You look fantastic today."

And that's the difference.

Discover your best colours in Perth

At Colours by Sue, I offer Personal Colour Analysis from my studio in Currambine or as a mobile service across Perth. If you have any questions, get in touch any time.

Using over 75 professional colour drapes, I'll help you discover the colours that naturally brighten your complexion, complement your skin tone and make shopping so much easier.

You'll also receive your own personalised colour guide, practical makeup advice and colour samples to take shopping, so you'll always know which colours work best for you.

Many of my clients tell me they look fresher, healthier and even younger after discovering their best colours. That's exactly why my motto is simple: Look 10 years younger in the right colours.

If you've ever wondered why some colours make you glow while others leave you looking tired, I'd love to help you discover your perfect colours. Book your session today.