This page will answer real questions from you.  Questions that you ask at seminars, lectures, and on the phone will be answered here.  If you have a question send me an email and I will answer your question on this page.

My email is:  renae@renaeknapp.com

A website reader from Oneida, Kentucky asks:  "I have ordered the large color fan.  I am still having trouble figuring my spectrum.  My hair is brown/black and my skin ivory.  It is very light but most make-up that matches is called ivory no matter the brand.  The problem is my eyes.  Because of the contrast in my hair and skin most people try to say I am a Blue Base Spectrum person.  However, my eyes are green - a deep green and I have a golden brown circle around the pupil.  If I shine a light into my eyes the circle looks orange.  Do the Blue Base Spectrum people have eye colors like this?  I realize it is hard to figure this without seeing me but I thought you might give me some advice about this.  I am confused by this and do not know how to proceed from this point."

RENAE'S ANSWER:  "You are a light Yellow Base Spectrum.  Your coloring does not fit into other systems.  You can't be placed into a box.  Your type of coloring is not as common and is more confusing to color consultants and make-up artists.  Blue Base people DO NOT have orange in their eyes.  Nature does not make color mistake!  Only man creates mixes spectrum.  By wearing the green, orange, and browns in your eyes, you will enhance and accent you best features.  Hold the color fan next to your eyes in good lighting and discover exactly what those greens, browns, and orange tones are.  The closer you get to you and your coloring the more exciting you will look.  

The Renae Knapp Cosmetics you would wear are called "Natural Vanilla"  liquid #2000 (which I custom mixed myself for the very pale yellow base person), and "Cream Beige Wet/Dry"  #2050.  Terra Cotta Eyeshadow #2105 would also be excellent with Java Brown #2106 or Sage Eyeshadow #2107.  These are very earthly and would look gorgeous with you coloring.  Radiant Peach Powder #2080 would enhance you natural coloring just slightly and look very natural.

You probably do not like to wear too much brown in your wardrobe, and the color most suitable for your skin tones would be a shrimp or salmon, a more browned pink.  (see color fan page 122, 123, 124)  For your greens see page 144, #17, #18, and #20.  Spread out the color fan you just bought and , with the Blue Base Colors and the Yellow Base Colors fanned out, put just one hand on top of one spectrum and look at your knuckles.  Then take the same hand and move it to the other spectrum and look at your knuckles.  Which side gives you "old knuckles?"  This is a fun test.  Also, which side enhances your coloring?  Only use one hand, not two, so that your eyes are not confused."

Have fun getting to really know your coloring.   

Renae Knapp

QUESTION:  "When I am trying to purchase clothing in the department stores, what should I do about lighting?" 

ANSWER:  "You can look at something in the store and then get it home and it is a different spectrum because all color is seen through light and the light source does make a difference in how you perceive something.  (again, that is why it is good to carry a small color fan with you to help your eye see pigment correctly).  My advice is always to look for canned lighting or a light bulb incandescent source, if possible.  This type of light is more accurate than the fluorescent lighting available in the stores.  Hold item in question next to spotlight, or a canned light source and it will give you the most accurate form of the color.  You do have an option of going to the natural daylight if a door or window is available and you are shopping in the daytime. 

QUESTION:  "If I am a blue base person and like to decorate my home yellow base, is there something wrong with me?" 

ANSWER:  "Absolutely not!  Remember that the most important thing to do is to create harmony and not mix spectrums within a room or areas that flow visually together.  Decorating yellow base is a more natural feeling and less formal. Decorating blue base is more formal feeling.  Many blue base people love that formal feeling and many do not.  It is a very individual decision."

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