Inspiring Conversations with Yvonne Jordan of The Palette Edit, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvonne Jordan.

Hi Yvonne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been fascinated by color—long before The Palette Edit existed. For years, I spent my time painting and working with colored pencils, and later creating digital art, studying how subtle shifts in hue, temperature, and depth can completely change how something is perceived. Faces, in particular, intrigued me. I often thought of my own face as a living canvas—one that responded differently depending on the colors placed against it.

When I began wearing makeup, that curiosity turned into experimentation. I noticed quickly that some shades made me look vibrant and balanced, while others dulled my complexion, even if they were considered “correct.” Clothing behaved the same way. Despite my instincts, I kept receiving conflicting feedback from professionals—some said I was warm, others cool.

Eventually, I had my colors analyzed using a traditional draping method and was categorized as a “summer.” While certain summer tones worked, many washed me out completely. I spent years compensating with makeup, adjusting for colors that were close—but not right. The system wasn’t entirely wrong, but it lacked precision.
Finding base makeup only added to the frustration. I was often profiled too light, ended up looking pasty, or discovered that a shade that worked in-store failed under different lighting at home or in the office. When I started talking to other women, I realized this experience was nearly universal.

Professionally, my career took me well beyond the beauty industry. I earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in strategic marketing communications, then spent years in marketing, advertising, and director-level roles in high-tech, broadband, and energy industries. Those roles sharpened my strategic thinking, comfort with technology, and ability to build systems that scale.
Still, the creative pull never left. When I revisited color analysis through the combined lens of artistry and modern technology, everything clicked. I began refining the process—merging visual expertise, structured analysis, and objective tools—to develop what would become The Palette Edit.

When I applied the method to myself, I uncovered something traditional systems had never captured: warm undertones with distinct cool influences. Not neutral, but distinctly layered. When I tested the approach on friends and family across a wide range of skin tones and ethnicities, the results were consistently accurate. That’s when I fully embraced the belief that still guides the brand today: no one fits neatly inside a seasonal box. Color is nuanced, individual, and layered—more like a fingerprint than a category.

The Palette Edit officially launched in May 2025, and the response has been incredibly encouraging, from early international clients to opportunities like sponsoring USOA Ms. California. My mission is to continue growing thoughtfully while helping people finally experience what it feels like when color truly works with them.
At The Palette Edit, color analysis meets modern science and artistry—all online, from wherever you are. This approach reflects both my fined and digital art background and my years working in technology-driven industries, where precision, systems, and user experience matter.

We don’t hand clients a season or a generic swatch. Instead, each client begins by submitting a makeup-free photo taken in natural light, along with a detailed questionnaire about their complexion and personal preferences. From there, we create a personalized beauty playbook that includes expertly matched makeup shades by brand, as well as wardrobe tones that enhance—not overpower—their natural coloring.

What truly sets The Palette Edit apart is specificity. We assess skin undertones and overtones, eye color, lip color, and natural hair color, then translate those findings into exact product recommendations, not just general color families. Makeup is the primary focus, because that’s where most people feel the greatest confusion and frustration, though wardrobe guidance is included to ensure harmony.

Clients also receive The Pocket Palette, a compact digital guide they can save directly on their phone. It includes their best lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow tones, plus wardrobe neutrals, core colors, and accent shades—making shopping easier and more confident, whether browsing online or in-store.
Recommendations range from budget-friendly favorites to luxury options, and every selection is chosen specifically for the individual. To maintain objectivity and trust, The Palette Edit is not affiliated with any makeup brands.

We offer two services:
• The Deluxe Color Analysis, which includes a comprehensive beauty playbook with layered makeup recommendations—from everyday essentials to more expressive looks.
• The Essential Color Analysis, a streamlined option that still delivers focused, high-impact guidance.

Both are designed to reduce wasteful spending, eliminate guesswork, and help clients feel confident and aligned every day. Gift cards are also available, making it easy to share the gift of confidence through color.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been entirerly smooth—and that’s to be expected. I’m intentionally growing the business organically through social media, and the beauty industry is a very saturated space. Within color analysis specifically, carving out a new and more precise niche requires a lot of education.

My approach is fundamentally different from traditional color draping and filter-based methods, but social media algorithms don’t always recognize that distinction. Despite careful positioning and hashtags, my work is often grouped alongside more generalized or trend-driven content, which can make differentiation slower.

That said, the challenge has been part of the process I genuinely enjoy. Building something distinct takes patience, clarity, and consistency, and I’m committed to educating my audience and letting the work speak for itself over time.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Most of this has been noted in the initial question, but I’ll reiterate: The Palette Edit is a precision-based color analysis service focused primarily on makeup, with wardrobe color guidance included as a supporting element. The business specializes in identifying a client’s exact skin tone, undertones, and overtones and translating that information into specific, wearable makeup shade recommendations across both luxury and budget brands.

What sets The Palette Edit apart is its emphasis on accuracy and education. Rather than relying on traditional fabric draping, filters, or generalized seasonal assumptions, each analysis is built from detailed facial evaluation and color science. The goal is not to place someone into a rigid category, but to pinpoint the colors that actually harmonize with their natural pigmentation—so clients understand why certain shades work and can apply that knowledge with confidence.

The Palette Edit is known for its makeup-forward approach. While wardrobe color guidance is included because it’s expected, the true value lies in helping clients navigate complexion products, blush, lipstick, and eye makeup with clarity—eliminating guesswork and costly trial-and-error.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of building The Palette Edit organically and intentionally. It’s a business rooted in precision, trust, and results rather than trends or shortcuts. Every client receives a comprehensive analysis, not a quick assessment or generic advice.

What I want readers to know is that The Palette Edit is a service for people who want depth, accuracy, and practical results. It’s not about chasing what’s popular—it’s about helping clients see themselves clearly through color and use that insight every day.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
This business would not exist without the support and encouragement of the people closest to me. My sisters, daughter, and close friends were my original test subjects—allowing me to refine and validate the process across a wide range of skin tones and ethnicities. Their honesty, trust, and willingness to participate were critical in ensuring the approach truly worked. They continue to be my biggest cheerleaders and a constant source of motivation.

One of the most influential figures in my professional life was John Favalo, co-owner and vice president of an Upstate New York marketing firm specializing in technology and industrial accounts. John was a true trailblazer—exceptionally creative, charismatic, and ahead of his time. Early in my career, he recognized potential in me and generously offered encouragement, guidance, and opportunities to grow. We remained in touch over the years, and he became a trusted mentor throughout my journey in marketing and communications. Although John passed away unexpectedly a few years ago, his influence continues to shape how I think, create, and lead.

In addition, every colleague, client, and team member I’ve worked with throughout my career in marketing and technology has contributed in some way to my overall success. Each experience added perspective, discipline, and insight that ultimately helped shape both my career and The Palette Edit.

Pricing:

• $85 Deluxe Color Analysis and Edit — A highly personalized, comprehensive analysis and full range of makeup brand/shade recommendations and 50 wardrobe color swatches and shade matching guidance;Pocket Palette included for easy shopping
• $45. Essential Color Analysis and Edit — A highly personalized and comprehensive color analysis, essential makeup brand/shade recommendations, 30 wardrobe color swatches; Pocket Palette for easy shopping

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thepaletteedit.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@thepaletteedit
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@thepaletteedit
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepaletteedit
• Other: https://www.tiktok.ccom/@thepaletteedit1