How to Use Your Chroma Atelier Swatch Kit

Quick answer: To use your Chroma Atelier swatch kit, stand in natural light without makeup, hold each fabric swatch near your face, and follow the 3-question branching diagnostic: first determine your undertone (warm vs. cool), then your value (light, medium, or deep), and finally your chroma (vivid vs. muted). Three comparisons yield your exact color season.

Your Chroma Atelier kit has arrived — exciting! Here’s how to get the most accurate results from your at-home color analysis.

Before You Start

Natural light is essential. Stand near a window with natural daylight. Avoid fluorescent or warm tungsten lighting, which will skew your results.
Remove makeup. Your bare skin gives the most accurate reading.
Wear a neutral top. A white or grey t-shirt works best — you want your clothing to not influence the swatch comparison.
Use a mirror. You’ll need to see how each swatch affects your face.

The 3-Question Diagnostic

Question 1: Warm or Cool?

Take the Coral and Fuchsia swatches. Hold each one, one at a time, directly against your jawline.

If Coral makes your skin look warmer, clearer, and more alive → you have a warm undertone
If Fuchsia makes your skin look cooler, clearer, and more even → you have a cool undertone

Question 2: Your Value (Light, Medium, or Deep)

If you chose Coral (warm): Hold the Ivory, Camel, and Brown swatches against your chest. Which depth level looks most natural and flattering?

If you chose Fuchsia (cool): Hold the Baby Blue, Dusty Rose, and Royal Blue swatches against your chest. Which depth level looks most natural?

Question 3: Vivid or Muted?

Based on your previous answers, you’ll compare two final swatches to determine if vivid or muted tones suit you better. This final comparison pinpoints your exact sub-season.

Tips for Accuracy

Take your time. Spend at least 10 seconds with each swatch before deciding.
Look at your skin, not the fabric. The question isn’t which fabric you like better — it’s which one makes YOUR SKIN look better.
Ask a friend. A second pair of eyes can spot subtle differences you might miss.
Try in different natural lighting. Morning light and afternoon light can look different.

After Your Diagnosis

Head to thechromaatelier.com/quiz to confirm your results digitally and unlock your personalized Chroma Card and curated shopping guide!