[VIDEO] Measuring your face: Inside Korea's booming personal color industry

In Korea, dressing well has evolved beyond personal expression to become a service provided by professionals. Personal color and body-type analyses, which examine factors such as skin tone, facial bone structure, and skin texture, have evolved from a niche beauty trend into a mainstream industry.

Kim Ji-woon, who operates the CCL Color Convergence Lab in Seoul's Seongsu district, has been actively involved in the field for 15 years and has consulted with around 50,000 clients. A typical session at Ji-woon's lab lasts approximately three hours and costs around $200. However, the process is far more comprehensive than simply identifying a flattering shade.

Following a personal color analysis using draped fabric swatches, Ji-woon proceeds to conduct a body-type analysis. This involves measuring a client's shoulders, waist, and back length using a ruler. She also measures facial proportions down to the ratio between the upper, middle, and lower face, as well as the angle of the jawline.

This detailed information is then utilized to guide various aspects of the client's appearance, from hairstyle and eyebrow shaping to a personalized makeup lesson tailored to the day's findings.

The ultimate objective of these analyses is not to determine a single definitive look, but rather to provide a comprehensive guide that considers all these factors in order to create a harmonious and flattering overall appearance.