Let’s talk about tanning. We all know that when we’re bronzed we look healthier, thinner, and can pull off the “less is more” look when it comes to makeup. As we move into fall and the cloud cover becomes more frequent, it’s challenging to maintain what we built up over the summer. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but sadly, while you may look fresh now, achieving the golden glow through UVA and UVB rays can cost you your health in time. Never fear my tawny tarts, I have a few products that will deliver a faux-glow that looks like you just came from the beach.
Bottom to Top Bronzing
Body: Trust me when I say that I know the disasters that can come from a poorly executed self-tanning job. To avoid the lemon and vinegar baths and scrubbing yourself raw, use St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion (st.tropeztan.com, Sephora; $30). It’s a long-lasting, natural looking self tanner that is almost impossible to flub. You can see the color as you apply it, and they even have several How-to videos on their site! Make sure that before you apply your self tanner, you have exfoliated well. I recommend St. Ives Apricot Scrub (drugstores; $3.69); this product is gentle enough for your face, but works great for your body as well! Also, prior to applying your bronzing lotion, apply a dot of your favorite moisturizer to your feet, elbows, and knees.
Face:Tanning my face used to terrify me. I would prefer to be pale than pull a Snooki. You know, that tan that almost makes you look dirty? There is a product that I was given recently that I have fallen head over heels for. Alba Botanica’s Golden Tan Sunless Tanning Lotion (Whole Foods stores; $9.95) has never once left a stripe or streak. You have to wash your hands after use, but I use this every morning as a moisturizer and it maintains a subtle glow. This lotion also softens skin, and helps face makeup glide on smoothly.
Just a Kiss: You may think that powdered bronzer is just for your face, but if you concentrate it too much there you could end up looking a little cake-y. Too Faced Caribbean in a Compact Sun Bunny (Sephora; $29) is a beautiful dual-toned bronzer that works perfectly for every skin tone. Blend product on your face in an E formation from forehead to nose to chin with a bronzer brush. I suggest Sephora’s Classic Bronzer Brush #44 (Sephora, $20). Also, Dust the bronzer across your collarbones, on your shoulders, and down your décolletage for a sun-kissed look.
Glow on girls!