We’ve all been there. Semester one is well under way, summer is a distant dream and winter is beginning to rear its ugly head. Our skin is beginning to look rather more Edward Cullen than beach Goddess, which is far from ideal. Like me, you might feel that Leeds is packed with girls who have a perma-tan and look effortlessly hot. Edward Boyle is definitely more a catwalk than a library these days, so we are all in need of a fresh new glow to perk up winter skin. With Headingley and even our own student Union offering the ultimate option of a quick fix natural tan, straight from the bulb, the temptation to hit the sun beds is more than appealing. Should we risk the sun beds? Or should we just hit the bottle?
You can’t go for a sun bed these days without feeling guilty, and for all the right reasons. Recent findings from experts have warned that the risk of developing skin cancer due to sun bed usage is a shocking three times more than it was ten years ago. This comes with the introduction of new, more powerful sun beds, which break many safety guidelines, all in the name of achieving a perfect tan. With the rates of skin cancer having more than doubled in the past 10 years, and children as young as 11 deciding to use sun beds, it might not be worth it after all.
Many of us ignore these claims and just think we’ll worry about it when we’re older, but do we really want to age ourselves in the process? Sun bed usage is proven to dramatically increase premature aging. Leathery, sagging and wrinkled skin is surely not the look we should be going for. While we’re young we are also particularly at risk, with a 20% chance of developing skin cancer from sun bed use. Let’s worry about it now rather than later.
So give sun beds the boot and let’s look at our other options. Fake tans are getting better and better, and even the cheap stuff can give you a long lasting, glowing tan. Don’t be put off by the fact that many celebs have given fake tan a bad name, such as the army of tangoed oompa loompas that is our WAG’s and their wannabes, who slap it on everyday and then trowel another layer of make-up on top too. When applied correctly, you canachieve the ultimate golden glow and there is certainly nothing wrong with faking it.
Or, alternatively, if you happen to be blessed with a gorgeous, creamy, natural complexion, why bother? Girls like Lily Cole, Scarlett Johansson and Nicola Roberts are pulling off the pale and interesting look and taking it to a whole new level. With such beautiful translucent skin you don’t need to add anything other than a flash of red lipstick and a swish of blusher to complete your look. However, if ,like many of us, you still get that ‘naked feeling’ and need for the security of a fake tan, there is nothing wrong with faking it as an olive skinned beauty.
Some Her Campus favourites are:
Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Self Tan Lotion – £18.37
On the more expensive side, but definitely worth it! It contains only the finest naturally derived premium tanning agents, DHA and Erythrulose, and creates a natural looking tan. It’s easy to apply and won’t leave you smelling like a biscuit tin.
St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mouse – £30.00
If you feel like splashing out this is definitely a treat. It’s filled with yummy ingredients such as Aloe Vera, meaning that you will achieve a very reliable, even and long lasting tan every time.
St Moriz – £4.99
One of our top faves! It’s cheap as chips and has a rich, luxurious texture whilst smelling great too. It even comes in a darker shade if you have a natural darker complexion. Perfect for a quick fix.
So, ditch the sun beds and don’t be put off at the thought of an orangey Essex glow! Apply a natural looking tan and be ready to face the winter looking fabulous!