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Summer is officially just days away, which means that it's time to dig out your swimsuit and stock up on sunscreen. Your goal for this summer should be to stay sunburn free -- and also suntan free, because sun exposure is sun exposure, and tanning damages your skin just like burning does. So slather on the SPF 50 and save your skin.
Not a fan of the healthy pale look? Opt for a self-tanner to fake the bake. Star Stevenson at Spendicity has these tips for getting the perfect faux tan:
1. Gently exfoliate your skin. You want a smooth surface for the
tanning agent to adhere to so the application isn’t streaky or patchy.
2. Moisturize your skin before applying self tanner. It will allow for a smoother application.
3. Set aside half an hour or more to apply the self tanner and allow it to dry. Don’t rush the application process otherwise you’ll get streaks and might miss some spots.
4. Tie your hair up or use a shower cap so it doesn’t stick to your skin.
5. Apply self-tanner lightly on areas where your skin is thickest (knees, elbows, knuckles, ankles).
6. Wash your hands immediately after application or save yourself the trouble and wear gloves.
The glove suggestion is brilliant! Thanks, Star!
What's the best self tanner? Well, it would be one that didn't have that distinctive self-tanner smell, right? BeautyDiva at Beauty is Easy has a suggestion:
Most companies have figured out how to make self-tanners streak free and give a natural looking color. But so far, the only company I’ve seen that has gotten rid of the stinky smell is Rodial. Some companies have reduced it and others have covered it up with even stinkier perfumes, but this product really does smell good.
I use a Neutrogena self-tanner, which really does have that self-tanner odor, although it's lighter than other tanning lotions I have tried; I put it on at night and sleep in a pair of ancient yoga pants. Then I can lather up in the morning and wash away the smell. But I would really love the alternative of a self-tanner that maybe smelled good. Or at least didn't smell like self-tanner.
What if you don't want to tan all over, and just want a little color on your face? Grab a bronzer! Marci Robin Zitner at Daily Beauty loves the Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Bronze Brightener, calling it the best bronzer for fair skin:
As soon as I laid eyes on it, I could see this speckled, pressed formula is clearly different from other bronzers. And it turns out, once applied, that the not-too-deep amalgam of glow-growing colors never looks heavy or highly contrasting. My skin simply looks healthier, brighter and warmer.
And -- my favorite part -- it's available in your local drugstore for about $14.00.
What's your secret to faking a summer glow? Or have you just decided to be pale this year?
Susan Wagner writes about style at The Working Closet and about chic suburban living at Friday Playdate.
