We love a good tan. It evens out our complexion and slims our
less than perfect limbs; the only problem is the sun worship
required to achieve it, so the safer option is to fake it. Thankfully, the tell-tale signs of being a frequent sunless tanner
(orange skin and an ever-present scent of biscuits) have been
remedied, so even the biggest self-tan sceptic can achieve
a gorgeous golden glow. All it takes is three simple steps…
HOW
TO...
Get a (Safe) Golden Glow
Pre-Tan Prep
If you want to get the best, most natural (ahem!) looking tan then
you need to prepare the skin first. Take an oil-free exfoliator (oils
leave behind a residue that can cause streaks) or a body mitt and
buff away dead cells and rough skin until you are left with super
smooth limbs. Don’t forget to exfoliate your face too.
Once the skin is clean and smooth, apply a little moisturiser to those
areas prone to clinging onto too much tan (we’re talking wrists,
elbows and knees) and any areas you don’t want your tan to take,
such as the eyebrows and along the hairline.
How to Apply Colour
Self-tan has come a long way since the 80s and the plethora of
formulas and finishes available now means there is definitely a
type of tan that you will be able to work with. Lotions and oils
work best for dehydrated skins, mousses and gels tend to dry the
quickest, and sprays give the most natural finish.
To apply the colour correctly, always use a mitt or wear gloves
(nobody wants tell-tale orange palms) and work in sections from
your ankles up to your neck. For your face, mix a little of the tan
with your moisturiser and apply to the skin or invest in a separate
facial fake tan instead.
Bronze Up and Glow
The morning after the night you tanned, you will need to adjust your
routine slightly to accommodate your new golden hue. Avoid hot showers
and oil-based moisturisers, as these can dissolve your tan and leave you
with uneven patches.
After applying foundation, take a big fluffy brush and blend bronzer
around the edges of your face and along the high points of your features
to mimic those areas where you naturally catch the sun. Follow this with
a gold or copper-toned highlighter, applied along your cheekbones to
really amp up that ‘post-holiday glow’. No one will ever know that your
summer has been more Bognor than Barbados.
ISSUE #01 | SUMMER 2016 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 7