Although the spoken word does carry weight as we develop rapport. Initially we are judged by what people see. Each time you meet someone new, they will evaluate you either consciously or subconsciously. They will notice your clothing, your hairstyle, and your accessories. They will notice how you are groomed and how you carry yourself.  Every aspect of how you appear is pieced together forming a picture or an interpretation of your image. This interpretation will lead to their comfort level about you and help them determine whether they will listen to you.

Given the choice, most of us would rather do business with someone we are comfortable with and fit’s our definition of a ‘Professional Business Image’.

As a certified image consultant for more than 12 years, I see this time-and-time again.

My message to you today is… if you don’t wear it, it is actually costing you money, not saving you money. And that’s money you could have used to purchase something you love and would wear.

In other words – it’s only a bargain if you wear it and love it. Don’t be seduced by the price-tag.

• Similar colours harmonize
• Contrasting colours next to each other emphasize one another and add dramatize
• Applying a colour on top of its complementary colour (opposite colours on the colour wheel) will neutralize both colours.
• Light and dark colour worn side by side will dramatize the facial features making them appear more pronounced.

The natural hills and valleys of the face can be recreated or enhanced with optical illusions created by using light and dark cosmetics.

Highlighting is the application of a make-up colour that is lighter than the surrounding area. This area will appear more pronounced than the area next to it.

The most important thing to consider is making sure the brush you use is suited for the job. The best way to pick the right brush is to choose one that is a reasonable size and stiffness – for the make-up product, desired effect and area the product is to be applied.

• A stiff brush will deposit more colour and works well for a dramatic effect or precise application.

• A wide brush works well for applying colour to large areas and for blending.

• An angled or dome shaped brush works well for contouring or shading.

• A small to medium brush, angled or dome shaped of medium stiffness, works well for precise work such as shading small areas.

If your features are naturally warm you will notice ivory, yellow, peach or golden tones in the skin. The hair will likely have yellow, golden or orange undertones. The colours in the eyes will have some or all warm colours.

• Examples of warm colours – peach, golden yellow, camel, rust, russet, gold, olive, golden brown, sea green, bronze, spices, etc.

If your features are naturally cool you will notice porcelain, pinks, rose, blues, violet or olive tones in the skin. The hair will likely have ash, taupe, coco, or black tones. The colours in the eyes will have some or all cool colours.

• Examples of cool colours – coco brown, taupe, black, pink, rose, true blue, burgundy, berry colours, black, etc.

With some of us it’s difficult to tell if our colouring is warm or cool. Some of us have both warm and cool colouring. If this is the case, you have more options. Experimenting is the easiest way to find what works. If still in doubt, I would recommend a professional colour consultation with an image or colour consultant.

• Neutral colours are the most versatile and work well with most skin tones and eye colours unless you are very fair or very dark. e.g. browns, black, greys, tints (off whites), etc.

• For more drama, when working with eyes, choose a tone from the colours opposite your eye colour on the colour wheel. e.g. Blue eyes – coral, peach, pink and yellow tones.

Make eye contact, smile and shake hands, repeating the person’s name in the greeting. For example:

• “Hello Mary. It’s nice to meet you, I am …;
• Or ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

The most formal greeting would be

• “How do you do, Mary, I am…” The reply to “How do you do.” is “How do you do.”

If you would like to meet someone, when approaching that person:

1. Make eye contact and smile.
2. Introduce yourself with your first and last name.
3. Shake hands firmly, web to web. Lean into the handshake. Hands should be vertically parallel.  Shake hands 2-3 pumps.

This shows confidence and sincerity

Handshakes to avoid

• The bone crusher – some people have no idea how strong their grip is.
• The limp handshake (sometimes called the dead fish) – gives a non-confident, wishy-washy impression.
• The power grip (when someone grips with their hand on top) – in body language this indicates that the person perceives themselves as more important or is trying to get the upper hand.
• Gabbing the finger tips sometimes very softly-  this can be a cultural difference not unusual on some Asian cultures – in western society we prefer a web to web handshake

These handshakes are a bit too friendly for business. You may be perceived as coming on too strong. Better to be saved for friends and family.

• 2 handed handshake (when you cup both hands around the other persons hand) – is very nurturing and friendly.
• Keep your hands to yourself. Avoid shaking hands while holding the other persons elbow or shoulder – too friendly for business

For another way to get a grip on your handshake watch the video on Living Vancouver with host, Jaeny Baik and Kimberly Law, AICI CIP. Click on Watch the Show in the top menu and then on It’s a Living in the right column.

Use medium to deep make-up colours with a matte finish on facial areas that you which to look pushed back. This application applied under the cheek bones, in the crease above the eye lid and other areas will add definition to your facial features.