After all the stress of midterms it seems like everyone could use a break—namely spring break. Every year around this time I have the same dilemma: will I find a way to tan or simply not bother until I’m on the beach. This year, I decided to look around for the simplest, cheapest, and best ways to get tan.
Due to a tragic combination of an iron deficiency and Irish heritage I’ve always been very pale. If I ever feel the need to make myself a little darker I usually turn to some product or other. At this point, I’ve tried nearly every product on the market, and those I haven’t tried, I’ve considered trying. Here’s the list of my faves and the most popular Amazon products.
WARNING: These are all great products, but don’t use too much. I’ll let Karen explain why:
I should probably start this list by saying that none of these products are perfect. There is literally no way to tan yourself without some unfortunate risk. At least with these you aren’t risking skin cancer. I’ve used this lotion for years, and I love it. As long as you’re careful when you’re applying it, you get an even, natural looking tan. When using any lotion like this, results are gradual, so if you need a super quick tan, this probably isn’t your best bet. Another thing I should probably mention is the smell. I am not personally a big fan of it, even the “non-scented” version has a weird smell that reminds me of popcorn. Reviewers on Amazon have noticed this too and suggest getting a scented body spray with it, which covers the scent easily, but it might not even bother some people.
2. Tan Towels
These definitely work faster than the lotion, but they have their own set of risks. These little wipes are super effective, but you can’t see exactly where you’re putting the product on, so it’s super easy to miss spots. If you aren’t careful and patient, I’d use an easier product, like the lotion. They’re more expensive but you don’t need to use much to get a result, so one box will last a while.
3. Fake Bake
This was Amazon’s favorite spray on tan. I haven’t tried this method, because on someone pale, it can come out looking really unnatural. This brand is supposed to be good for all skin tones and types and it definitely works fast. You just spray it on then buff with the included mitt to look like you spend a week on the beach—in just ten minutes!
4. Bronzer
This is another quick and easy way to get your glow on. If you only need to add a little color to your face for a short time, use bronzer to achieve a gorgeous sun-kissed effect without any hassle. Just take a big blush brush and gently dust onto your cheeks, chin, forehead, and nose. This one can be as cheap or expensive as you like, depending on the brand you get. My personal favorite is Almay’s Smart Shade Bronzer. The different colors combine nicely to create a really natural look. If you have a little money to burn, check out the Shimmer Brick Compact by Bobbi Brown, it’s expensive but the result is stunning because it adds a nice shimmer to your face, which is really flattering.
I hope this guide helps you achieve the tan you’ve always dreamed about, but remember that if you feel good, you look good!