Have those viral Korean Personal Colour Analysis videos on TikTok got you dreaming of discovering your perfect palette? Imagining a trip to Myeongdong for that oh-so-coveted personalised session? Well, hold that thought — because Kota Kinabalu is bringing the magic to you!
Meet Gleam Studio — Kota Kinabalu’s own Personal Colour Analysis and Branding Consultancy! Founded by two powerhouse creatives: Adelina, a makeup artist with 14 years of experience, and Fara, a seasoned graphic designer and digital branding strategist, the duo brings a unique blend of expertise to help you discover your true colours and boost your confidence.
Gleam Studio
Adelina and Fara have spent nearly five years in branding consultancy, transforming their passion for empowering others into a thriving business. With certifications in personal colour analysis and a shared dream of enhancing client image and presence — whether for career success or building a digital brand — they’ve turned Gleam Studio into a beacon of self-expression and style in Sabah.
And today, we’re thrilled to sit down with these inspiring women to learn more about their journey, their vision, and what makes Gleam Studio the place to find your glow!
- What inspired you to start Gleam Studio?
Fara: We’ve both been in the branding scene for the past few years, working with colours almost every day while creating designs and managing social media. With the rise in awareness of Personal Colour Analysis, thanks to the Korean beauty and fashion industry, our interest was piqued. One day, we had a casual discussion about colour seasons, which quickly evolved into, “Let’s become colour analysts!” It just felt like the natural next step for us. Adel: Exactly! Colour analysis was once confined to the realm of image consultancy. From a personal branding perspective, we realised it could be expanded and applied in so many other ways. For me, my 14 years of experience as a makeup artist brings a unique perspective to how traditional colour analysis is approached. Fara: We didn’t want to limit ourselves to just being colour analysts. We thought, why not leverage our expertise and offer a fresh take? Instead of focusing solely on the fashion aspect of colours, we wanted to provide a more holistic approach that integrates colours into all areas of life.
- Tell us more about what you do at Gleam Studio.
Fara: We provide Personal Colour Analysis services to help clients discover their best colour palette based on their skin’s unique combination of undertone, lightness, and intensity. We use the Korean 12-Colour Season System, employing a systematic method to first determine which of the four seasons you belong to, then narrowing it down further to one of the 12 sub-seasons. Adel: Once we identify your colour palette, we show you how to incorporate it into your wardrobe and makeup routine in a way that suits your personal style. For some of our packages, we even review the makeup you already own, offering guidance on how to use it effectively and recommending additional items or adjustments to enhance your collection. Fara: Our services go beyond personal consultations at the studio. We also provide talks and workshops for corporate bodies and organisations. These sessions aim to improve employees’ and members’ awareness of the power of colour and its impact — not only on appearance but also on mood and productivity.
- Did you already know your personal colours before starting this journey, or did you discover them through your own analysis?
Adel: I wear a lot of black t-shirts, especially when working as a makeup artist. It’s sort of the industry standard, in a way. After doing a lot of reading on colour analysis and trying some online tools, including TikTok filters, my results showed that I was a Winter Deep—cool and deep colours. Fast forward to us getting our certification, and our teacher did a proper check. It turns out I’m a Bright Spring! I would’ve never guessed, but after looking at the palette, it made sense. My defining feature is intensity and brightness, with a hint of warmth. I can wear selected Winter Bright shades and some True Autumn colours as well.
Fara: Once you do the draping, it really shows how different colours affect your skin. For a while, I thought I was a Bright Winter because some of the colours looked good on me. But our teacher confirmed I have a non-negotiable warm undertone! That was a surprise. Fortunately, I already owned a number of clothes that fit my True Spring palette. I’m also able to wear some Spring Bright and Spring Light colours as well.
- Do cultural or regional influences play a role in how people view and choose colours for their skin tone?
Adel: Colour analysis is both an art and a science, so there are bound to be cultural and regional influences. For instance, K-Beauty emphasises glowing skin, soft makeup — like aegyo sal, gradient lips, and very little contouring. That aesthetic is considered beautiful in that culture. On the other hand, Middle Easterners and Indians, with their stunning eye features and beautiful tan or olive skin, have a different perception of beauty that reflects their unique characteristics.
Fara: When we do draping, we focus on areas of the face that are universally seen as desirable — such as the under-eye area, skin tone evenness, and skin radiance. Our suggestions and recommendations are tailored to cultural and regional preferences. So, it’s truly personalised to suit each person’s style and tastes.
Adel: In fact, our first studio client was from the UK. She shared that she struggled to find an analyst who understood the differences in beauty styles and could cater to both Eastern and Western perceptions of style and beauty. We believe our branding background helps us with this, as it gives us a global perspective.
- How do you approach clients who might be doubtful about colour analysis or hesitant to embrace your wardrobe suggestions?
Gleam Studio1 of 4 Fara: Colour analysis is about knowing which colours highlight you in the best light. You don’t need to completely overhaul your wardrobe once you know your colour subseason. Think of it as a guide to choosing colours for special occasions, important events, or meetings where you want to stand out or make a statement. Adel: The same goes for makeup. We won’t ask you to throw away all your makeup to match your colour season. There are plenty of ways to adapt the colours that don’t suit you, whether in your wardrobe or makeup pouch, so you can still look your best. For those who are skeptical, we invite you to try it out and experience it for yourself.
- Can you share a memorable story of a client’s transformation after discovering their personal colours?
Fara: We recently conducted a colour analysis for a mother and daughter. The mother shared how challenging it had been to shop for her daughter’s colours, as the daughter was drawn to muted and dusty tones. She was also hesitant to wear gold jewellery, fearing it might look too mature for a young teen. After the analysis, we discovered that she has warm undertones and is a True Spring in her seasonal colour palette. Bright, lively colours instantly made her look radiant and complemented her medium skin tone beautifully. Light gold accessories enhanced her natural features, giving her a youthful glow and elevating her appearance from flat to vibrant.
This process highlights how wearing the right colours can make a person look healthier, more confident, and naturally radiant. In this case, the daughter saw how small changes in her wardrobe and accessory choices not only enhanced her style but also made shopping easier and more enjoyable. It gave her clarity about her unique palette, allowing her to embrace her individuality and express herself with confidence.
- What are some surprising myths or misconceptions people have about skin tone and colour analysis?
Adel: One of the biggest misconceptions is that fairer or lighter skin tones can wear light and bright colours, while tan or deeper skin tones can’t. I’ve personally received comments that, because I’m fair, I can practically wear any colour. But that’s not true. For example, I look really washed out when I wear summer colours, which are cool, soft, muted, and light, like pastels.
Fara: There are many examples of individuals with deeper skin tones who look amazing in bright or light colours because it works within their subseason colour palette — not just based on whether they have lighter or darker complexions.
- Is it possible for your personal colour season to shift over time?
Adel: Not really. For the most part, once you discover your colour season, it remains consistent throughout your lifetime. In certain cases, very slight changes can occur as you age because your hair, eyes, and skin may undergo natural changes. But it wouldn’t stray too far. For instance, you could be a True Autumn, but as you age, your complexion might work better with Autumn Soft colours. - Is black really the universal go-to colour, or are there other colours that work for everyone?Fara: Not everyone can carry black! Warm-season individuals, like those in Spring and Autumn, wear browns much better than black. Even for Summer, black can feel quite heavy, so we’d recommend a softer charcoal colour, which is slightly less intense than black.
Adel: Bright palettes can also carry black because it is considered a clear colour. So, there are adaptations that can be made. We don’t necessarily focus on universal colours in Personal Colour Analysis; rather, we look at suitable neutrals. These can range from black, of course, to charcoal, navy, brown, grey, beige, whites, and off-whites.
- Pearls are often considered timeless, but do they truly suit everyone?
Fara: Pearls are definitely classics. But are they for everyone? It actually depends on the colour and size of the pearl. Some people look great with larger pearls, while others suit medium or smaller sizes. White pearls have a brightness to them and look particularly stunning on Spring individuals, while black pearls are gorgeous on those with a Winter palette.
Adel: The same goes for other jewellery as well. Colour, shine, and size all play a part. Some people may look best in gold jewellery, for example, but can wear silver in smaller quantities. For the most part, when we talk about colour analysis, we focus on what you wear closest to your face, like earrings and necklaces.
- If you could collaborate with any brand, designer, or influencer in the future, who would it be?
Fara: In terms of brands, we’d love to work with Wardah and Ariani. In fact, we’re interested in collaborating with brands that offer similar products, where we can add value by helping customers select their best shades. This would not only save them money and time but also lead to happier, more satisfied customers.
Adel: Brands like Sephora, Watsons, or Guardian would be amazing as well. So many people have told me they struggle with choosing the right makeup palette or products. Fashion brands would be great too, because we’ve seen firsthand how wearing colours that complement individuals can truly make a difference in their overall look and confidence.
- If you could analyse anyone in the world, who would be your dream client?
Fara: I think Personal Colour Analysis can really benefit individuals with low self-confidence — those who don’t feel they’re attractive. It’s also perfect for business leaders who want to amplify their presence and enhance their visibility.
Adel: One person who immediately comes to mind that I would have loved to share this experience with is my mum, but sadly, she’s no longer with us. In general, though, I’d love to work with women leaders in our community. I truly believe that understanding their colours and incorporating them into their daily lives could elevate their message and the causes they are championing. Colour isn’t just about boosting personal confidence — it’s also a powerful tool for enhancing how others perceive them. Wearing their best colours would help amplify their visibility and the reception of their message.
Fara: And it’s not just for women! Men can benefit from colour analysis too. We’ve recently done a few analyses for men, and they were pleasantly surprised by the results. One of our studio clients came in with little expectation but left seeing how dramatically colours could change his appearance. He realised that not all colours work the same for him.
Adel: For men, knowing their colour palette can make a huge difference professionally. It helps them look more distinguished and put together — especially when choosing dress shirts, neckties, and bowties. Wearing the right colours can significantly boost their self-confidence.
Exciting news for our readers! Gleam Studio is celebrating its grand launch with an amazing RM100 off all packages! Leading up to their official December opening, enjoy exclusive daily deals, discounts, vouchers, upgrades, and giveaways. Plus, don’t miss out on their Gift Cards — just in time for Christmas! 🎁✨
Why wait? Take advantage of these incredible launch offers, explore their transformative services, and discover how the right colours can change the way you see yourself. And here’s the best part — once you find your colour, it’s yours forever!
Visit Gleam Studio’s website for all the details, and stay tuned to Hello Sabah for the latest updates and exciting news from Kota Kinabalu!
