Despite the fact that sun exposure accelerates skin aging and undoubtedly contributes to the continually rising rates of skin cancer, a tiny part of us still wants to bask in the warmth and sport that sun-kissed look after a long winter. It’s difficult to break away from the decades-old belief that tanned equals healthy, so what’s a girl to do? Fake it.
It’s possible to get that just-back-from-holiday glow without the sun damage, and whether you want to look like you’ve been outside for the afternoon or away in the south of France for a few weeks, it’s easier than you think to achieve:
With Blush: Using a soft pink blush, warm up your skin by applying to the apples of your cheeks and then sweeping the brush across the bridge of your nose where the sun would have naturally hit your face. This will give you a youthful, subtle glow.
With Bronzer: Using bronzer is ideal to recreate a day spent at the beach as they come in a wide selection of shades and are perfect for building up intensity. Although they are available in gel, compact and stick formulas, powder bronzers are the easiest to master, even for a novice. With a short, fluffy brush, apply to the areas of the face where the sun would normally hit, starting with the temples and cheeks, across the nose and on the forehead and chin. Don’t forget the top of the chest and collarbones. Finish off with a bit of blush or Keys KPro tinted HD Powder to add some highlighting. If you’re feeling more adventurous, jump on the contouring bandwagon for accent and definition.
With Self Tanner: For an instant full-on golden goddess look, nothing beats a tube of self-tanner. Most self- tanners use the ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar that reacts with dead skin cells that sit on top of your skin and causes them to change color. Our favorite is Neostrata Natural Insta-Tan Self Tanner, an easy way to get a rich and natural-looking color instantly. For best results, you’ll want to follow a few tips:
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Exfoliate first for a smooth, even finish
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Work on one section of your body at a time, starting from the feet up
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Go easy on drier areas like knees and elbows to avoid darker spots
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Thoroughly wash hands after application or use a self-tanner mitt
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Keep a cotton pad and undiluted lemon juice handy to even out streaks
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Reapply every three or four days to keep the color up
Regardless of which option you choose, using a stable, broad-spectrum sunscreen like Anthelios is still a must.
Sun-kissed without the sun damage. That’s my idea of a perfect summer day.
