How does the color palette work in summer when I’m tanned? Do I become a different type?

Your personal color palette is based on your skin’s undertone, eye color, and natural hair color. Because these traits don’t fundamentally change when you get a tan, you don’t need to worry about suddenly belonging to a completely new season. Even with a summer tan, you’re still the same color type as before.

What happens to the palette when you tan?

• Intensity can increase. Sun-kissed skin means you can wear slightly deeper shades from the same palette without the colors feeling too strong.
• The undertone remains. The warm or cool tone in your skin rarely changes enough to affect your entire color type.
• You can borrow from neighboring seasons. As a “Soft Summer,” you might pick accents from your sister season if you want, but the base of your palette remains the same in the long run.

How to maintain harmony in your wardrobe

1. Focus on the shades you already love. They look just as good when your skin gets more color.
2. Adjust your makeup with the seasons. Follow a guide like Soft Summer Makeup to match your tan.
3. Test in daylight. Try clothes and makeup in natural light to see how the colors play against your skin tone.

So you remain the same color type – for example, Soft Summer – even if your skin tone becomes more vibrant during summer. Experiment with your entire palette and add a little extra depth where it feels right.

Read more in Sister seasons and seasonal variation or book a digital color analysis for personal advice.