Virtual Draping: The science behind my colour analysis method

One of the questions I’m asked most often is:

How can colour analysis be accurate without being in the same room?

The answer is virtual draping and when done properly, it’s every bit as powerful as in person analysis.

What is virtual draping?

Virtual draping is a digital colour analysis process where I test curated colour palettes directly against your face using your photos. Each colour is assessed in context, next to your skin tone, features and natural colouring, rather than in isolation.

This allows me to see how different hues interact with you, which colours enhance your clarity and which ones dull or overwhelm. The result is a clear, evidence based understanding of your best colours.

A bespoke system, designed and refined over time

My virtual draping system has been designed by me and perfected over more than three years of working with countless clients.

It is not a filter, an app or an automated shortcut. Every palette is intentionally built, tested and compared, allowing me to analyse undertone, depth and contrast with precision.

Each client is draped through multiple palettes so nothing is assumed and nothing is rushed. This is why the process is reliable, consistent and, most importantly, personalised.

This process also allows us to see which colours work best on you, as very often we lean into another season and particular tones work better than others.

Supporting in person analysis and enabling virtual services

Virtual draping plays two important roles in my work.

For in person colour analysis, it supports and validates what we see together during your session. I always share your virtual drapes with you afterwards so you can clearly see which colours shine on you and why.

Equally, it allows me to carry out fully virtual colour analysis, anywhere in the world, without compromising on accuracy. Distance does not mean guesswork. The same careful testing and comparison applies, whether you’re sitting in front of me or sending photos online.

Why this approach works

Colour analysis is about relationships between colours and you. Virtual draping lets us slow the process down, compare objectively and remove distraction.

You’re not relying on memory, lighting changes or how a colour feels on a particular day. You can see the results clearly, side by side, and understand the logic behind your season and palette.

Clients often tell me that this visual clarity is what finally makes everything click.

Discover your best colours

Virtual draping is included in all of my colour analysis services, whether you choose an in person or virtual option.

If you’d like to discover your best colours and understand why they work for you, you can explore my colour analysis services here or book in for a free discovery call.