A Healthy Glow with Self-Tanners and Bronzers
by Tamara
How about the weather in NYC this past weekend? In love, in love! Even if you are not here, Spring is fast approaching everywhere. I must say though, I am NOT in love with how pale and pasty my skin is after a long winter. This weekend made me realize it is time to bust out those self-tanners and bronzers and get warmed-up. I love having a bit more color on my skin.
Although self-tanners may be a bit intimidating, the key is prepping your skin for an even application; read: no streaking. If you feel that bronzers end up looking orange on your skin tone, opt for a bronzer you can apply to the high points of your face for a healthy glow. Here are some splurge and budget picks for products to prep your skin prior to self-tanning, plus splurge and budget picks for self-tanners and bronzers.
Body Scrubs
In order for your self-tanner to go on evenly, your skin needs to be smooth and free of flakes and dead skin cells. I always exfoliate prior to applying self-tanner, as well as in between applications in order to get rid of previous tanner. My go to product is Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Sugar Scrub ($36 for 12oz tub). In addition to leaving your skin smooth, it contains antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E) which protect against aging free radical damage. On a budget? Try Alba Hawaiian Body Polish in Sugar Cane ($8.99 for 10 oz tub). It is 100% vegan, with no animal testing and hypoallergenic.
Self-Tanners
I have had my fair share of Oompa-Loompa moments in my life. After MANY trial and errors, I am hands down a faithful user of Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel ($32.50). I always get a natural bronzed tone on my skin - no orange, no streaks. I also like the fact it is buildable, giving you the ability to look like you just came back from the Caribbean. You do get the typical self-tanner scent, but Clarins’s is a notch down from the traditional scents. My budget pick: L’Oreal Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist ($9.99). The mist allows for a quick-drying, streak-free application.
Bronzers
Finding the right bronzer can be tricky, as you also run the risk of the shades being too orange or too glittery or too muddy. A bronzer that is Goldilocks-approved is NARS Laguna bronzer ($32). This fabulous shade has hints of golden shimmer, enough to give you a glow without looking like a disco ball. A drugstore alternative is Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Bronzer, Blush and Eyeshadow in Sunset Strip ($11.95). This palette has multiple uses: you can swirl the whole product on your brush for a bronzy, glowy look, use the bottom shades for a true bronze, or just the top shades as a highlight.
What products do you use to achieve a bronzed, healthy look?
Tamara is our Beauty Editor and also writes about beauty and fashion at Brunette and Pink.
Tamara is our Beauty Editor and also writes about beauty and fashion at Brunette and Pink.
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18 comments:
I have the last one and love it.
♥
cute blog! everyone needs a bit of colour in them at the moment, love nars
http://lolitasaysso.blogspot.com/
Great ideas and alternatives to staying out of the sun. I also like Victoria's Secret Tanning spray - was out last year hopefully again this year - easy smooth application and a flawless tan out of a spray can (sounds so glamorous right?) lol
Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Sugar Scrub looks soooo good!!
Ohh I'm dying to check out that bliss body scrub! XO
I own the bliss scrub. And I love it. Thanks for sharing these products want to try the NARS bronzer :D
♡,
Jessica
This may sound odd but I was in desparate need of a good fake tan, this advice is priceless. I pretty much suck at stuff like this so thanks for the heads up :)
No matter how hard I tried with scrubs and self tanners, the result is always the same: i get orange with patches, maybe because I am too pale. I am so happy to blog-meet you, I am following now, follow me too if you want! Kisses, Froso from Style Nirvana.
I need to try that bliss sugar scrub
Great tips! I am fair too so need to watch my tanner/self tanner.... I want to try that Bliss smell!
yes i lovedddddd the weather this weekend! and my face is such an awkward color right now, i will definitely try these tips!! thanks
XO Kimmy
www.Strawberry-Stiletto.com
I really like the Aveeno gradual self tanner. It's really natural looking and doesn't smell strong like some of the others!
that blood orange thing sounds amazing!
the L'Oréal bronzer turns your skin into orange... not recommended by me :))
my favorite bronzer is Bobbi Brown's shimmer brick.
have a lovely day, xoxo
i so needed this post. i'm so pastey and white right now, it's pathetic! i have used the loreal brand and loved it!
I am very fair complected, and have had skin cancer...so, I am all too familiar with self-tanners and bronzers. My absolute favorite is Victoria's Secret Bare Bronze self-tan body bronze. It is dark brown so that you can see where it's going, and streaking really isn't an option.
As far as bronzing powder, VS also has a really good one with a build-in brush and pretty sparkles in the powder!
I love that NARs bronzer!
Check out my blog! :-)
http://wardrobewarrioress.blogspot.com/
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Ooh I might just have to pick up that Physicians Formula palette!
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