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5 Tips and Tricks to a Great Summer Tan

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia Tech chapter.

So you’re finally ready for the sun-soaked days spent getting the perfect tan?

Summer is basically here, and with summer comes the trips to pools and to beaches. While most people lather in 75 SPF sunscreen to avoid the sun’s rays some people, including myself, love to go out and get tan. Finding the right tanning lotions or oils can be a pain and figuring out which sunscreens don’t make you feel greasy or risk your chances of getting a bad tan can be difficult. I’ve spent years testing out different products so here’s a few of my favorite products and tips to getting a great tan.

 

1. Pick between tanning lotion or oil.

I usually go for oil because I don’t go in the water that often so I don’t need to reapply, but some lotions are more water resistant so they may be better for someone who enjoys getting in the water frequently.

(From left to right)

Maui Babe Browning Lotion, $12.99 at Walgreens

Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil, $9.99 at Walgreens    

Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil SPF 4, $9.79 at Walgreens    

Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Lotion SPF 6, $7.99 at Target

2. PUT SUNSCREEN ON YOUR FACE!

If you have sensitive skin or use acne treatments, this is extremely important because a lot of acne products can lead to the face becoming sensitive to the sun. Plus you want to avoid wrinkles, so make sure your face is protected.

Aveeno Protect and Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 70  

$9.99 at Target

3. Hats are cool, wear them.

If you don’t want to wear sunscreen on your face, then wear a hat to give your face some protection. If you dye your hair regularly then you should be wearing a hat to prevent fading or a change in color from sun exposure.

Canvas Floppy Hat

$16.99 at Target

4. Use after sun lotion.

It’s extra moisturizing, and it usually contains aloe which can help cool the skin if you’ve gotten a little red from being out all day. Plus they usually smell really good.

Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion (Lime)

$7.29 at Walgreens

5. Stay Hydrated.

Drinking water will keep you out in the sun longer. If you don’t drink water you’re going to lose a lot of water due to sweat and become dehydrated a lot quicker than you realize. I always suggest a reusable one that you can refill throughout the day, or a few half-frozen bottles if you’re going on the beach so that they stay cold as you drink them.

Brita Hard Sided 34oz. Bottle

$16.99 at Target

Keep to these tips and you are sure to get that summer tan. 

Image Sources:

All gifs from Giphy.com. All pictures from Target.com or Walgreens.com / Rep Image.

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Ashleigh Griffin

Virginia Tech '19

Ashleigh is a graduate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.  She received a Bachelor's of Science in Food Science and Technology. Her future career will hopefully combine both her knowledge of the food industry and the importance of marketing and brand management. 
Kaley Roshitsh

Virginia Tech '18

After graduating with a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising and Design from Virginia Tech in 2018, Kaley moved to NYC to start her career with WWD – the authority on the fashion, beauty and retail industries. She is credited with the relaunch of Her Campus at Virginia Tech in 2016, serving as Campus Correspondent for 2 years, building the team to 55+ members while earning multiple Pink chapter level statuses (top-20% of over 330 chapters) and being awarded "Outstanding Organization of the Year" in 2018 at Virginia Tech. Other notable achievements include the annual "Media Mixer" gala and buildout of many strategic content initiatives.