The Seasons


Let's take a closer look at the evolution of the Seasonal Colour System.

During the late 1970's and early 1980's, the first Seasonal Colour Trend gained immense popularity. Carol Jackson, the author of Colour Me Beautiful, became a household name and her book was a must-have for all 80's Fashionistas! 

I happened to be at a convention in Toronto around this time, and the guest speaker for the ladies luncheon was a Colour Consultant by the name of Lynne Hutton.  As I watched and became a little interested I heard the words she had a studio in Oakville ON.  My ears perked up as I lived in Oakville and booked a consultation. 

At my consultation I was colour coded a Winter!  Winter is a cool season with very vibrant and intense high contrasting colours.  In the beginning there were only seasonal colour coding in the 4 true seasons of nature.  

I liked that because I could wear black!  The 'colour' studio in Oakville was called Colours of Oakville.  A colour consultant who was trained under Carol Jackson became part of her franchise and studios opened around Canada and the US.  They were known as Colours of (whatever city they opened in such as Calgary) or Colours of Burnaby, etc.  Later Mary Kay and a few other companies started performing colour analysis.  

Becoming a regular to the studio to purchase makeup and a few accessories Colours of Oakville approached me to train as a makeup artist and apprentice image consultant under the guidance of Lynne Hutton. Despite initial hesitation due to family commitments and travel, I decided to go for the interview and was offered the position. Thus my unexpected journey/career of being a colour and image consultant began... 

Here we go, during my interview . . .

I was told that the consultant who coded me as a Winter wasn't correct and I was recoded a Summer.  Summer is a cool muted soft coloured season! 

I was a little shocked and can honestly say I was unhappy with this new result!  But went on to learn how to become a makeup artist and stylist. Looking back I cannot be more thankful for this experience under Lynne's training and guidance.

During the 1990s, the initial Colour Trend waned, leading to the closure of Carol Jackson's studios transitioning some colour consultants who remained on to independent status.

In 1997 I took my colour training in Toronto as I had opened a women's fashion boutique and wanted to understand colour coding to further help my clients.  At this time FLOW COLOURS started to appear in colour analysis. 

WHAT?  I WAS CODED A SPRING AT MY TRAINING!  Spring is a Warm season with light and bright colours!   HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?

Coded 3 different seasons and I worked for the company? 

  • I did become a happy Spring and could see it 
  • And with being coded 3 different seasons I set upon a mission to not let this happen to any of my clients!

 THE SEASONAL COLOUR SYSTEM has evolved. 

  • Some consultants and companies have established different coding systems.
  • A new EVOLUTION of Seasonal Colours is upon us going from 4 TRUE SEASONS TO MORPHING INTO 10, 16 & 23 SEASONS PLUS UNIVERSAL COLOURS.

New Names have appeared such as Flows, Neutrals, Sub, Sister seasons and more? No more True Seasons?  What is going on?  From the colour wheels it can be CONFUSING and INTERESTING at the same time?  That is what clients who come for in-person analysis often report when attempting self-analysis on social media platforms or through other companies analysis.  


  • Locate a reputable colour consultant, review feedback, explore websites or social media profiles. Opt for in-person consultations or a reliable virtual colour consultant who can discuss the chosen season with you.
  • Following up with your colour consultant with a review for any questions is important.

AT BEAUTIFUL YOU DURING YOUR SEASONAL COLOUR ANALYSIS you will be shown 'everything' as with myself being coded 3 varying seasons I do not wish this to happen to you! Your undertone and overtone will be established, your true season, neutral and flows will all be evaluated.  Makeup selections for your season will discussed. You will be confident in the season chosen for you.  And, you will have a 'hands-on' experience of being involved in your colour coding process.  

  • From Experience  .  An eye for detail  .   A dedication to helping people discover their best colours is what you will encounter and appreciate with your Seasonal colour analysis by Certified Colour Consultant Shirley Millar
  • Select the option that suits you best: Online (if you are far away) or an In-person or group consultation if you live in Victoria BC or are travelling to the city.  

I am confident that you will find great value in either options and I can't wait to connect with you! 

Your Consultant ~ Shirley Millar, Certified Colour & Image Consultant

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