Colour Conversation with Cliff Bashforth, Managing Director of Colour Me Beautiful, UK
Twenty years after first having his colours first analysed, Lancashire-born Cliff Bashforth liked the product so much, he bought the company. In our latest Colour Conversation, the MD of Colour Me Beautiful talks wow colours, shopping trips – and being a male colour consultant in a woman’s world.
When was your first introduction to colour analysis and what led to you becoming MD of Colour Me Beautiful?
My ‘Life in Colour’ started 35 years ago, while I was working for Wella. The company had decided to segregate permanent hair colour on their shade chart into ‘warm’ and ‘cool’ tones, which was quite radical at the time. So, we were all hauled off to get our ‘colours done’, so that we could ‘get a grip’ on how Wella had made their decisions. As you can imagine, it was fascinating!
I was colour-analysed as a ‘season’, and quite frankly found it life-changing. Gradually, all the white business shirts disappeared from my wardrobe, and were replaced by tones such as ivory, mint and pale peach. You all know what’s coming next… all the things that everyone said I look like I’d had a blood transfusion – I looked healthier, smarter, more ‘put-together, incredibly business-like and I walked taller. I couldn’t really have looked any younger, as was only 26 years old, and slimmer – no way! I already had a 28in waist.
After 12 months or so, I began to research the industry, and visited three different image companies to find out more. Remember, the internet didn’t exist, and therefore one couldn’t Google or download a brochure – you had to pick up the phone and have a conversation or meet face-to-face, which is something that many people shy away from these days (but let’s not go into my pet hates right now!).
I trained in Colour & Make-up in 1988, the style in Style & Image in 1989. I threw everything I had at my incredible new-found career, and by the end of 1990 was able to give up my full-time job. Over the next 25+ years, I colour-analysed and ‘styled’ over 20,000 individuals, delivered presentations to hundreds of thousands of people all over the globe, ran workshops for major airlines, car manufacturers, rail networks, insurance companies, banks, department stores, cruise liners, optical frame manufacturers and haircare companies. Looking back, I’m not sure how I managed it.
In 2016, the Colour Me Beautiful business in its entirety was put up for sale. The awesome and indefatigable Managing Director, Veronique Henderson, who had steered the business successfully for more than 16 years, wished to step down, and after a little negotiation between myself, my partner Paul, and CMB’s Chairman, a deal was struck. For those of you who remember the Remington Shavers TV commercial last century, ‘I liked the product so much I bought the company’. And, quite frankly, I still sometimes pinch myself when I realise what the Lancashire lad has achieved over the past 30-odd years.
Can you briefly explain CMB analysis for those unfamiliar with the colour system?
Apologies – I’m not particularly good at ‘briefly’, but I’ll give it a go. If you look at the colour wheel displaying the four seasons, the Spring and Autumn palettes both contain all ‘warm’ shades. So, an individual with warm colouring (Stacey Dooley, for example) can wear many of these colours as they have a ‘yellow’ undertone. At CMB, our consultants then demonstrate (to the client) whether they are better in the clearer warm shades, or the softer, more muted hues. We then describe that person as either a Warm/Clear (Warm Spring) or Warm/Soft (Warm Autumn).
The Summer and Winter palettes, contain ‘cool’ shades – therefore, if someone has cool colouring (eg, Jamie Lee Curtis), we present them with their cool palette and then test to see whether they need clarity Cool and Clear (Cool Winter), or softness, Cool and Soft (Cool Summer).
The Winter and Autumn palettes have more ‘depth,’ therefore, if an individual has deeper colouring (eg, Natalie Portman), we just check to see whether they are more suited to the warmer shades, Deep and Warm (Deep Autumn), or cooler tones, Deep and Cool (Deep Winter).
The Spring and Summer palettes have an overall ‘lighter’ look (eg, Gwyneth Paltrow) compared to Autumn and Winter. We just test to see if a client has a warmer skin tone, Light and Warm (Light Spring), or is cooler Light and Cool (Light Summer).
When you view the Spring and Winter palettes, one notices that they both contain clearer rather than muted shades. So, quite simply, if someone has clear/bright colouring (eg, Sophie Ellis-Bextor), our consultants already know that muted tones would be disastrous, so they test and help the client understand that firstly, she needs clear colours, and then demonstrate whether she (or he) would be better wearing the Clear and Warm hues (Clear Spring), or the Clear and Cool shades (Clear Winter).
And finally, Autumn and Summer are related because they both contain muted/softer shades. Therefore, if an individual has soft colouring (eg, Kate Winslet), the only two options are Soft and Warm (Soft Autumn) or Soft and Cool (Soft Summer).
Because we don’t appear to be able to stand still, and have a constant need to continue and develop (and indeed, share our knowledge), we expanded our analysis and fine-tuned it even further so, during a full colour consultation, we look at an individual’s dominant colouring type, their secondary characteristic and also their tertiary palette. The result: every single client leaves a consultation with a swatch wallet that contains shades that are all fabulous.
What tonal direction are you and how do you incorporate your colours into everyday life?
Here’s another story… when I was first analysed, I was a Soft Autumn (Soft and Warm). As my hair changed and became more salt and pepper, the best palette was Soft and Cool (Soft Summer). Now that I’m white-haired, the Cool and Soft palette (Cool Summer) is the most flattering. Gone are the ivory business shirts! On the final occasion I tried to wear one, it looked horrendous. White, Icy Violet, Icy Pink and any shade of blue are all my new ‘go-to’ shirt shades.
How does wearing your best colours make you feel?
This is a difficult one to answer. It’s been so long since I wore something that wasn’t in my palette (apart from trying on an Ivory shirt for 15 seconds), that I’ve forgotten how it feels to wear an item of clothing that doesn’t work. All my casual wear (if you can call it casual) is made up of shades from my cool hues. FYI – I have a Classic style personality – with an extra pinch of Classic. Sort of a Classic, Classic, so when I believe that I am in casual gear, everyone else still reckons I’m dressed-up!
How do you find being a male consultant in very much a woman’s world?
Love it! Love it! Love it! I get away with absolute murder. I play on it all the time and never have to beat around the bush when I’m giving advice to women. I was always brutally honest when consulting, and the same applies now when I’m dealing with CMB consultants. My philosophy is ‘If you don’t want an honest opinion, don’t ask!’
Have you found more men turning to colour analysis over the years?
Absolutely YES! In the early days, men had to be dragged to a consultation – generally by their wives/partners. Many were still in therapy after giving up ‘Old Spice’ cologne in favour of something a bit trendier. The guys really do soak up all the information and are sometimes so startled (like a rabbit caught in headlights) that they just nod and agree with everything you show and tell them.
With Covid lockdown restrictions easing, are you finding a strong demand returning for face-to-face consultations?
Finally, yes, we are. Bookings for personal consultations are coming in and consultants have reported that they had eager clients sitting in the chair on the first day restrictions were lifted. Although we have been kept busy by offering virtual consultations – using the six dominant colouring types only (there is absolutely no way we can conduct a full colour analysis online), nothing beats the real thing. Face-to-face consultations are THE best way to show off and demonstrate what we do. Using virtual platforms for colour analysis means that we can only show people what colours to wear, whereas face-to-face, one can show them ‘how to wear colour’. Everyone is an individual, and no two consultations are ever the same.
The University of Central Lancashire granted you an honorary fellowship for your contribution to the image industry. Tell us more…
Well, that was a surprise! I was speechless – OK, only for a few seconds, but I must admit, when the letter landed on my desk, you could have knocked me down with a feather.
Although I had conducted workshops and delivered presentations to both staff and students over many years, the Honorary Fellowship was an incredible honour. I’m extremely proud and the certificate takes pride of place in my office.
How has CMB evolved since its introduction in the 80s and how has it gone about appealing to a younger generation of women?
The company and how we advise and analyse women and men has changed out of all recognition since the mid-Eighties. Gone are the restrictive and dictatorial practices that we adopted in the early days, which have been replaced with a more modern and flexible approach to consulting. Women don’t just lead one life any more, therefore the way we do business has had to evolve to meet the needs of a more demanding and knowledgeable customer. Since buying the business, we have totally revamped our make-up range, introduced vegan skincare and modernised many of our consulting tools (workbooks etc). The age group of our consultants varies widely, and to be honest we are certainly attracting younger women who are now joining as consultants.
Do you have a favourite Kettlewell colour?
I can go one further than that – a number of years ago I purchased a Kettlewell Merino Wool Scarf in the shade Heather. It must be eight or nine years old now. It’s a favourite, so I’m still wearing it.
I’m sure you have plenty of inspiring stories of how colour has transformed people’s lives. Do any stand out?
I have hundreds upon hundreds of client testimonials and stories to relate, so it’s really difficult to choose one or two. Maybe the best stories are from the ‘What Not to Wear Weekends’ I ran for 14 years. I probably hosted one, two or three a year (depending on the amount of energy I had) and would take 20 women away for a two-day break. I’d host three workshops commencing on the Friday evening and ending after lunch on Sunday. We would all go shopping on the Saturday afternoon, which was like herding wasps, I can tell you! But some of the transformations over the two days were incredible. If you can imagine, the fact that the clients could actually buy the items I suggested while we were in the shopping centre made all the difference. Of course, the eating and drinking made it so much more fun too! I must admit, I have really missed conducting consultations, so when Covid restrictions are totally lifted, I’m going to go back to doing some part-time consulting. I may even brave it and host another weekend!
And finally, we can’t end this Colour Conversation without asking after your adorable West Highland terrier, Barney…
Ah ha, our little Cool and Clear West Highland Terrier is now a teenager. He’s 13 years old and a Libran. Mr Barney Rubble has two sets of leads and collars – one a kind of purple/violet, the other True Blue. They both flatter his colouring perfectly.
Trisha on Feb 17, 2024 4:40 PM
Interesting to read how Cliff's own personal colouring has changed over the years. So many websites say this is not possible, but it is. I was originally typed as deep and warm, now over 25 years later, I was redone as clear and warm.
Jackie Charlesworth on Feb 12, 2024 11:38 PM
I met Cliff on one of his fantastic 2 days weekends which was a combination of workshops and a shopping trip. I was one of the wasps he hearded around.
Workshops were comprehensive and fun covering a mix of personalised shapes, colours, styles including make up and glasses.
Lovely to see the transformations over the weekend. Would love to attend another one of Cliffs sessions....a lovely man
Susan Jane Bennett on Jul 28, 2023 12:35 PM
Where near the Wirral Ch48 5hd can I get a refresher or colours re done . Last time ( years ago ) I went to Cliff in Preston . Nice day out !!! Is this still possible or is any one closer
Many thanks
Jane Bennett x
Fiona MacLeod on Nov 29, 2022 10:52 AM
I achieved 66 this year.
I first had my "colours done" in Geneva when with EXXON - I was a winter. That worked fabulously all through my corporate career
I have been "done" twice since my first I was 26 a last 62.
My sons are gone and successful - Jamie (30) has a PhD in Neuroscience and Iain (27) qualified with a degree in Screenwriting.
I think I recall meeting Veronique at that first stellar consultation - we also had makeup lessons at Rene Guinot (much objection from our "feminist" contingent but overcome in spades at the result......
How can I book a consult with Cliff?
Consultants in Scotland are thin on the ground and in Glasgow rare as hen's teeth ..... I am looking at running my own business here in the west end and may be ready to bash forth once I have converted my garage into my design studio next year pls advise best way to contact Mr Bashforth MD of Design for Well.Being requests audience with MD of CmB
Hoping to go out with Grace and Dignity
Brevity is overrated
Sadie on Jun 16, 2021 11:14 AM
I have completely wore out my “swatch wallet” would it be possible to get a new one?
Marie Wallace on Jun 04, 2021 5:41 PM
I have enjoyed wearing CMB cosmetics for years. I had a problem with an order which was the couriers fault. Cliff couldn't have been nicer and more effecient to deal with. He sent me on a replica of my order so that I wouldn't be inconvenienced. Cliff, your dedication to customer service is very rare these days. I greatly appreciated your attitude when dealing with me. Every email was answered and the goods were sent again. You could give a masterclass on great customer services in a time when it is hard to even speak to a person! Well done to you. I look forward to doing another CMB shop.
Melanie Power on May 24, 2021 6:09 PM
Congratulions Cliff, a fab interview and so You!!🤗
Christine Morris on May 21, 2021 10:02 AM
Nice to hear this success story (originally from Lancashire myself). I had not heard of Kettlewell before my friend passed this onto me. Love the colours and styles and will be ordering once I have located and seen a CMB consultant. I had my colours 'done' around 20 years ago and was told that my colours wouldn't change - I would always be an Autumn. I know that my colouring has changed and some shades that looked good, no longer do so. Like Cliff, am sure that I an cooler now. Very interesting.
Helen Turnpenny on May 19, 2021 11:26 PM
I first met Cliff many years ago when I was really struggling with my colours, having let my hair go completely white. He told me in no uncertain terms that wearing yellow made me look like I was smoking 40 a day, so true!! The whole process was so illuminating I decided to train as a consultant myself and have now been doing the best job in the world for over 10 years, helping hundreds of women in my New Forest studio. Thank you Cliff!
Helen Turnpenny on May 19, 2021 11:26 PM
I first met Cliff many years ago when I was really struggling with my colours, having let my hair go completely white. He told me in no uncertain terms that wearing yellow made me look like I was smoking 40 a day, so true!! The whole process was so illuminating I decided to train as a consultant myself and have now been doing the best job in the world for over 10 years, helping hundreds of women in my New Forest studio. Thank you Cliff!
Sarah Clifton on May 18, 2021 2:44 PM
Love this interview! I had my colour and style analysis with Cliff many years ago. I then tool my husband, Mum and Sister to him. A friend and I went on one of his weekends a number of years ago. I realised my colouring had changed and had a colour review with him just before he stopped consulting. That too was a revelation! Cliff, please,please do some more weekends - I would love to do the whole thing again and bring friends with me.
Lindsay Edmeades on May 16, 2021 8:44 PM
Cliff is the font of knowledge on colour! He is an inspiration to all of us in the CMB team - so pleased to be part of it!
(Gibraltar)
Kay on May 16, 2021 5:02 PM
I loved this blog, it was really interesting to read cliffs journey and how passionate and enthusiastic he his about all things colour.
It was very illumumating to read his colouring changed,I have a couple of older CMB books which I have been reading with great interest (I'm not a colour therapist but love all this colour related) and it has occured to me that maybe having an alternative view is where im at now,( have only been seasonally analysed)
I feel recently I have been stuggling with my colour palette, especially since going grey and lightening my hair to blend,quite beyond my original natural base!
I like the dominant,secondary and tertiary theory,it makes more sense especially as hair colour changes or can be changed over time.
It was lovely to read the find comments as well.
Melanie Redstone on May 16, 2021 9:45 AM
I too had the fortune to be trained in
Colour Analysis by Cliff, at CMB many years ago.. A great start to my colour analysis stylist career ... he’s a master at his craft and an entertainer ...
a great interview...
Pamela Moorhouse on May 15, 2021 6:25 PM
I was one of Cliff's very early clients. I've always bought clothes i n my palette and Cliff has been an inspirati on to me for all these years. I'm so impressed with the way he has built his business . Love to you Cliff
Liz on May 15, 2021 4:19 PM
As always a delight to read Cliff’s story.
I was privileged to train with Cliff and I love Kettlewell Colours which I’m always recommending to clients once they’ve found out their perfect palette. How amazing to combine two fabulous things.
Eivor Sweden on May 15, 2021 3:49 PM
I Do miss Our konsultans meetings
Jeanette Sandiford on May 15, 2021 3:38 PM
If you ever do a weekend workshop count me & my pal in 10 years older we now sport grey barnets so new colour analysis and your fab' presentations and wit'
would make our year . All the best
Mary Lynn Trotter on May 15, 2021 3:23 PM
Love the idea of “What Not to Wear Weekends”. Come to Toronto!
JessM on May 15, 2021 2:16 PM
Congratulation on your long careear. I have been very grateful for your advice both for my mother and myself. Am hoping to have a consultation with you before my 60th wedding anniversary in 2023.
Brenda Dell on May 15, 2021 12:11 PM
I first booked a consultation with Cliff in 1997, and have built my wardrobe since on his excellent advice. It has stopped random purchases, given me confident colour choices, (saving me pounds,) and allowed me much more freedom to show my inner self through colour. Phrases he used stay with me today, and as a client, I find his care and attention is outstanding. His presentations are a joy.
Melanie Wharton on May 15, 2021 11:09 AM
I remember Cliff well, he ‘did my colours’ many many years ago. Certainly an experience in a very positive way. I still have my little green folder. Wonderful to see how successful he’s been. Best wishes
Dorothy Davenport on May 15, 2021 9:54 AM
I'm one of Cliff's "garage girls" from Lancashire when he used to run his consultations from his converted garage. I love a good successful business story and could see he was 'going places' back then as his passion for what he was doing shone through. Good on you Cliff and thank you!
Gaye Richmond on May 15, 2021 9:42 AM
Please can you let me know when you’ll be hosting another weekend, I’m really interested!
Claire Martin on May 15, 2021 9:38 AM
Interesting to read that Cliff changed seasons. I am often reading that that doesn’t happen!
Tricia Bruce on May 15, 2021 9:24 AM
Interesting to hear about CMB from the inside but now I really need to know what is happening to your scarfs?
I’m still wearing the perfect colour and style silk scarves I bought in the early ‘90s How or why would they ever wear out,, yet your oldest is only eight years old?
What is going on here ? Could a west highland terrier be involved in the untimely destruction of perfect colour scarfs ?
Sharon Jackson on May 15, 2021 8:53 AM
Cliff changed my life many years ago (and my husband’s) when shopping became so much easier! Glad he’s going to be doing consultations again - I need an update!
Mollie Asplin on May 15, 2021 8:23 AM
I love the bright beautiful colours, my wardrobe has iimproved since Finding you.10
Rosemary Harradine on May 15, 2021 8:18 AM
I, sadly am not part team but I love the concept and the company. As a human who was also put on this earth to cater to the every need of a Westie, I love Mr Barney Rubble, too.
Jane bennett on May 15, 2021 7:42 AM
Met Cliff a couple of times and went on one of his weekends . What fun we had . Hope you re start them . My sister and I will be there for sure !!
Una on May 14, 2021 11:48 PM
This is so nice to read.
Illa Conradie on May 14, 2021 9:16 PM
Loved this interview that popped up in my Facebook feed! I live in Cape Town, South Africa, and first had my "colours done" in the early 1980s by two sisters who had been trained by Gerrie Pinckney and Marge Swenson in California, whose book was called "Your New Image Through Color & Line".
I remained faithful to the concept which evolved into Carole Jackson's various Colour Me Beautiful books, then Mary Spillane's and then Veronique Henderson and Pat Henshaw's. In 1997 I trained as a consultant with our South African Ria Strauss, but never practised. If I remember correctly, Cliff attended a CMB conference here in Cape Town around that time. I still return to Ria's studio for updated consultations every few years, follow both the British and South African CMB on Facebook, and would love another book. The last one was the updated one in 2014. I'm 74 and I'm still as interested in fashion and particularly in the CMB colour and style concepts as ever! Love from Cape Town ❤️
Kathy Aldridge on May 14, 2021 7:46 PM
Great read!
I'm delighted to be working as a Colour Me Beautiful consultant in Sussex & Surrey. I love our colour analysis system and hearing Cliff's stories. 😊
Lynnette Jackson on May 14, 2021 7:41 PM
Great article. Having been trained by Cliff many years ago and since worked with the tonal system - I can firmly say that I think the system is great, flexible and had a modern approach. Thanks Cliff for being my colour inspiration and teaching me so well x
Jennifer Yates on May 14, 2021 7:33 PM
'Life Changing', 'When I'm in my casual gear everyone thinks I'm dressed up' and 'If you don't want an honest opinion, don't ask' are three things which I really resonate with in the interview. As a dramatic, people ask me if I'm going out somewhere special when I think I'm just dressing normally. Colour analysis is life changing. If you wanted me to tell you how great you looked just to be nice well there'd be no point in being a consultant. I've just got to face up to the fact that colour analysis is in my blood. My favourite colour is red after all . (Warm red of course)!
Margarita on May 14, 2021 7:14 PM
Dear Cliff you trained me in colour in 2003!! I really enjoyed it. As I was reading the interview it was as I was listening to you! Thank God you sound the same as always!!! It is a joy to hear from you. Best regards from Honduras ♥️
Julie Harvey on May 14, 2021 5:44 PM
The legend that is Cliff Bashforth!
Great interview 😍
Shirley Webb on May 14, 2021 2:34 PM
I am very proud to be part of Cliff’s team. Representing sunny Norfolk. I love the tonal approach to Colour Analysis helping ladies to build their confidence with colour in a way that flatters the whole of themselves. With the wonderful array of colours available from Kettlewell this keeps my clients very happy
Miranda de Normann on May 14, 2021 2:10 PM
As brilliant as ever, Cliff - so easy and friendly to listen to (or read!)
Jennifer Smith on May 14, 2021 2:09 PM
Entertaining as always Cliff 🥰
Shirley webb on May 13, 2021 11:05 PM
Brilliant. I am very proud to be part of Mr Bashforth’s team