What determines whether you’re Autumn or Spring? How can you tell which colors “lift” you?

When trying to understand whether your personal color palette leans more toward Spring or Autumn, focus primarily on the overall impression of your skin, hair, and eyes. In color analysis, we often compare the Light Spring palette with Soft Autumn, especially for people with copper or red hair tones.

What determines if you’re Spring or Autumn?

• Lightness and clarity – The Light Spring palette consists of light, warm, and somewhat clear shades. These colors create a vibrant, fresh impression.
• Depth and mutedness – Soft Autumn is characterized by deeper, more muted tones that are often a bit murkier and can feel heavier around the face.
• Overall balance – Consider how the skin’s warmth and the eyes’ intensity interact with the hair. If lighter shades add radiance and make your face look more alive, you’re likely more Spring than Autumn.

Tips for seeing which colors lift you

1. Try colors near your face in natural daylight and without makeup.
2. Notice whether the skin looks clearer and more even.
3. See whether the eyes appear more intense and defined.
4. Think about the overall impression – does the color blend in and enhance you, or does it take over?

When the right colors are near your face, you often look more awake, present, and like yourself. Lighter, more vibrant colors tend to add radiance, while overly muted tones can create shadows and make the skin look sallow. Try the light, warm shades in your Spring palette – many people are surprised by how much they lift.

Read more about how seasons connect in Soft Autumn or Light Spring. For a personal analysis, book our digital color analysis.