Sitting in a chair, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Brenda Cooper, a stylist, author, and professional color analyst, was draping two different shades of orange fabric under my chin over my gray apron. One shade was bright and bold, the other soft and muted. According to Cooper, one of these oranges harmonized with my complexion, while the other did not. In her words, one was "my orange."

At this stage of our color analysis session, I squinted, trying to discern any difference. Cooper had warned me at the beginning that this might happen. She confessed that she, too, couldn't see a significant difference when she first had her colors analyzed years ago. Now, she claims the difference is as clear as day to her, and she believes people subconsciously gravitate towards her when she's wearing her optimal colors.

Color analysis, the process of identifying your most complementary color palette, is not a new concept. It has been a practice among stylists since the 1970s and '80s. However, it's currently experiencing a resurgence on TikTok, largely thanks to Gen Z, who are newly discovering its appeal.

On TikTok, young people approach color analysis in various ways. Some use filters and computer simulators, while others pay hundreds of dollars for professional consultations. A few even travel to South Korea, where they believe the best color analysts are located.

Many of the color analysis videos on TikTok are captivating, showing people’s complexions seemingly brighten and skin tones even out just by changing the color held under their chins. These videos often garner millions of views but also attract skepticism. Commenters frequently question whether editing or filters are involved, and opinions vary on which shade looks best.

Cooper insists that wearing the right colors can make a significant difference. "It's something that is very much overlooked because people look at color, and they purchase or wear the colors they like to look at," she explains. "Wearing a color is a completely different thing. I often say that people fall in love with colors that aren't in love with them."

My session with Cooper left me intrigued. While I initially struggled to see the difference, I couldn't help but notice a subtle but undeniable shift in my appearance as we experimented with different colors. The experience made me appreciate the potential impact of color analysis, even if I remain a bit skeptical.