Does Your Color Palette Change When You Tan? Understanding Contrast & Seasonal Shifts

Have you ever tanned in the summer and thought, “Wait… these colors don’t look quite right anymore”? You're not alone—and you’re not crazy. I get this question all the time:
“If my skin tone gets darker in the summer, does my color palette change?”

The answer? Your undertone doesn’t change, but how you wear your palette might.

In this video, I explain how tanning—and seasonal shifts in contrast—affect how certain colors from your color palette appear on you. Whether you’re a Bright Cool Deep, a warm type, or something in between, understanding contrast is essential for choosing the most flattering colors and patterns throughout the year.

🎥 Watch the Video:

Does Your Color Palette Change When You Tan?

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Video:

• Why tanning doesn’t change your color type—but might shift your best colors within that palette

• How contrast affects the intensity and harmony of your color choices

• Why icy tones and corals can feel different on fair vs. tanned skin

• How to adjust your makeup, pattern choices, and wardrobe seasonally

• What we consider when customizing a color palette during your Signature Color Analysis

👗 Real-Life Example:

I show side-by-side comparisons of one of my Bright Cool Deep clients—once in winter with fair skin, and again in summer with a tan. You’ll see how certain colors feel off or too stark when contrast changes… and how a simple shift in shade can restore harmony.

It’s a must-watch if you’ve ever thought, “These used to be my colors… but now they don’t feel right.”

💡 Style Tip:

If you’ve tanned or changed your hair color recently, try shopping within the warmer or deeper side of your existing palette. Your undertone hasn't changed—just the way colors interact with your current skin tone and contrast.

🎨 Want Your Custom Color Palette?

We consider ALL of this (and more!) when you get a Signature Color Analysis. Whether you’re fair, tan, gray-haired, or somewhere in between—we’ll define your most flattering colors and customize your palette for you.

👉 Get your Signature Color Analysis here

Jennifer Vax

Jen Vax is the founder of Your Color Style. She is a best selling author, speaker, artist and entrepreneur. She helps women learn how to wear color in a way that expresses their true nature. Take the FREE color analysis quiz to get started.