In short: your skin tone changes with the seasons, your classic foundation doesn't. The result: a shade that's too light in July, too dark in February, and two half-used bottles in your make-up bag. An adaptive foundation solves the problem: its pigments are released as you apply it and blend with your skin as it is right now, whether fair or tanned.
The foundation headache when you tan
Every summer, it's the same story:
- your winter shade becomes too light and gives a mask effect;
- a visible line appears between your face and your tanned neck;
- you buy a second shade, which becomes too dark by September;
- in between, you mix bottles on the back of your hand every morning.
The problem isn't your skin: it's the shade range. A fixed shade can't keep up with a skin tone that changes.
How adaptive foundation follows your tan
In the bottle, the texture is neutral. The pigments are sealed in micro-beads. As you apply it, the pressure of the sponge or your finger releases them, and the shade blends with the colour of your skin at the moment you apply it. Is your skin more golden in August? The result follows. Does it get lighter in November? The result follows too.
For more on how it works, read Colour-changing foundation: how does it work?
One bottle, four seasons
| Season |
Your skin |
With a classic foundation |
With Elegance II |
| Winter |
Fair, sometimes dull |
Light shade |
The same bottle |
| Spring |
First rays of sunshine |
Light shade that starts to stand out |
The same bottle |
| Summer |
Tanned, golden |
A second shade to buy |
The same bottle |
| Autumn |
The tan fades |
Neither shade works |
The same bottle |
The right steps on tanned skin
-
Moisturise well. The sun dehydrates: a moisturiser five minutes before application makes the result much more even.
-
Shake the bottle for a few seconds.
-
Go light. Tanned skin often needs less coverage: one pea-sized drop is enough to even out your complexion and keep that healthy glow.
-
Dab on with a damp sponge from the centre outwards, then blend well along the jaw and the top of the neck.
-
Leave it to set for a minute: the shade finishes adjusting to your tan.
All the details are in our guide how to apply adaptive foundation without visible lines.
SPF 50: the summer choice
If you tan, it means you spend time in the sun. Elegance II comes in SPF 50: same texture, same shade adaptation, same finish, with stronger protection. A good approach: SPF 50 for summer and holidays, SPF 15 for the rest of the year. More info in SPF 15 or SPF 50: which one to choose?
Elegance II, designed for changing complexions
Elegance II is formulated for very fair to lightly tanned skin tones: exactly the range fair skin goes through between winter and summer. One single product, buildable coverage, a satin finish, and no visible lines when you're back from holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to change foundation when I tan?
With a classic foundation, yes. With an adaptive foundation, no: the same bottle follows your tan.
Does adaptive foundation work with self-tanner?
Apply it once the self-tanner has fully dried: the shade blends with your skin tone at the moment of application.
How do I avoid a line between my face and tanned neck?
With a foundation that adjusts to your skin, and by running the almost-empty sponge under the jaw and over the top of the neck.
Isn't foundation too heavy in summer?
A single thin layer of Elegance II stays light on the skin. It's ideal for evening out your complexion without a mask-like feel.
One bottle for the whole year: discover Elegance II, in SPF 15 or SPF 50.
