If you’re like me, once the winter weather starts to fade and the flowers bloom, you can’t wait to bear some skin.
To avoid looking like you were in hibernation all summer like the bears and putting yourself at risk for skin cancer, here a few ways of “faking it” while looking amazing. There are numerous products on the market right now but to save you the hassle of spending your college budget testing each and every one of them, I’ve done the dirty work for you.
Store Bought Products
Physician’s Formula Summer Eclipse Bronzer: This bronzer is an item that is NEVER absent from my make-up bag. It comes with a shimmering addition that grabs light at just the right angles, accenting the best features on your face and adding a little bit of a “Look at Me” kind of feel. Add the bronzer with a large powder brush to your cheekbones, forehead and jaw line to make your face look slimmer, but so that it darkens the parts of your face that tan first. It retails for $12 in most drug stores.
Jergen’s Natural Glow: This self-tanner comes in numerous shades and goes on like your regular lotion. After you shower, dry off completely. Moisturize with the Jergen’s Natural Glow lotion all over your body (for a complete look) or just over the parts that will be seen (your arms, legs, face, chest). Do this daily and after about three days you’ll gradually start building color.
The good thing about this brand is the tan grows gradually, as it does in the summer when you’re out in the sun—rather than going from pale to tan in 2.5 seconds. Because the chemicals aren’t as strong as other tanners, the smell isn’t as bad either which easily can be hidden by a few spritzes of perfume or body spray. It also comes in different forms: lotion, foam, and wipes. It retails for under $10 in most drug stores.
Salon UV Free Tanners
Mystic Spray Tan: Ever see the episode of Friends where Ross steps into a tanning booth and only gets one side of his body colored? Yep, this is that machine! The “big blue box” can be intimidating but if you can stand to be a little cold for less than a minute, you’ll be strutting your golden strut all around town and making heads turn!
Each salon should have a “blocking lotion” that you must apply before stepping into the booth. Use it, or you’ll be sorry. Make sure to apply a good portion on your feet, knees, elbows and hands or you’ll be walking around splotchy and orange.
You step into the box, close the door, press a button, get into your stance and close your eyes. A voice tells you when it’s time to turn around and do your other side. I recommend practicing holding your breathe; something you may want to do when the spray moves from your feet to your face. With three levels of tanning levels, you’re bound to come out with a “fresh off a tropical island” look rather than the orange “Snooki” look.
California Spray Tan: This tan is good for those who just want a little glow, rather than a full-blown tan. The machine is completely open and, like the Mystic, talks you through the process. With both the mist and a fan blowing on you, your teeth will most likely chatter from the cold.
When I tried this, I tried a level two, which did a similar job to the bronzer I was using at the time. For the price, I wasn’t incredibly impressed but it did the job on some level.
But for those who are looking for a major color difference, I’d stick with the Mystic. And for those who are UV free tan newbies, the California tan is a great starter.
One thing to keep in mind before applying any self-tanner, or getting one professionally done, is to shower beforehand. Use a loofah to exfoliate so your skin is completely fresh and clean. This will help the color stick better. Also, after the tan has set and you begin to notice a change in your pigment, take a shower so any excess color is washed off. This will also save your clothes from being stained (a lesson I just recently learned after years of self-tanning).
Spring is rapidly approaching and summer will be here before you know it. So freshen up, add some color, put on that flirty dress and make sure everyone knows you’re ready for the gorgeous weather.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Kean chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.