The promise: Revlon's Colour Decode counter service will sort your uncertainty about what makeup shades best suit you. Avoid costly purchase errors and learn to wear colour with more confidence by knowing what cosmetics most enhance your skin, eye and hair colours.
The practice: A mix of old-school draping of fabrics to determine the colour family that best suits you, combined with your consultant using screen technology, discussion and demonstration to help determine your best product options. A personalised profile is saved to make your future shopping easier.
Readers of my vintage will recall when people had their colours done to aid their clothes buying. The basic idea here is similar, but instead of being diagnosed as a winter, summer, spring or autumn, Revlon uses its own four terms. Fire and Ice are two, with the names drawn from its back catalogue. It is a fun process and helps refine any uncertainty you may have over whether you suit cool or warm shades and to what intensity. I wasn’t surprised to find that I’m an Ice, suited to cool, bold tones, but taking the time to run through the fabric swatches made me reconsider shades I haven’t worn in a while or have previously avoided. Maybe not a purple top, but purple eyeliner, why not?
The well-matched approach is made easier by counter displays that group palettes under the four colour categories. This means, for instance, that if you are looking for a set of blue shadows, you can choose with confidence that you will end up with something that complements your colouring rather than risk looking garish by inadvertently getting the tones wrong.
The price: A $65 booking fee applies, redeemable on purchases made on the day of your consultation which takes 45-60 minutes. Book in advance to ensure a consultant is free.
The place: Revlon counter at Farmers, 210 Queen St, Auckland, ph (09) 950 8340. The service is being rolled out nationally at Revlon's larger counters.
The verdict: Well worthwhile. Even if you mostly know what suits, refining your choices is enjoyable and enlightening. For those who struggle, this service would be invaluable. A good consultant, like mine, will also tailor her recommendations, meaning if you're more of an introvert than an extrovert you can opt for the quieter end of your optimal colour range, or, if so inclined, safely break out the brights without looking a fright.
