Or rather … The Pale Girl’s Guide to Faking A Perfect Tan.
Here’s the truth: I’m pale. So pale, I match my husband’s white cotton Hanes t-shirts. Casper pale. Like white on rice.
I identify with this scene from the movie The Waitress (which, if you haven’t seen, you must):
Becky: “As you can plainly see, my right boob is much higher than my left boob. And Dawn here has pasty, pasty skin. I’m stuck in a marriage to Droolin’ Phil the Invalid, and Dawn eats TV dinners alone, but still, we wouldn’t rather be you.”
Dawn: “I do have pasty, pasty skin.”
Pale, pale.
So you see, tanning beds, beaches, and outdoor exposure without a pound of sunscreen, an umbrella, and J-Lo-worthy hat, are out of the question for me.
But even I recognize the benefit of a sexy summer tan.
So I fake it.
A few tips for using sunless tanning lotions + sprays:
- — exfoliate before you apply product – you may even want to exfoliate well, several days before application (focus on areas that tend to be dry – i.e., elbows, knees – these are the areas where the tanning lotion appears worst)
- — moisturize like crazy, for the same reason
- — don’t apply sunless tanner right out of the shower – any moisture will cause the color to drip (think sweat as well)
- — take your time when applying
- — wash your hands frequently throughout application
- — wait at least 15 minutes after application before putting on clothes
- — look for “gradual color” tanners so that you can’t mess up too badly – I like the subtle gradual color tanners that give more of a shimmer (the dark tanners are great too, but they require a whole lot more patience … be warned!)
Do you rock the sunless tanner? Any brilliant tips or tricks?
Read up on all of my Philips summer “beauty cheats” here.
And for a chance at winning a $1,500 shopping spree, designer clothes, and the best in beauty, enter the Style Your Spring Sweepstakes at www.beauty.philips.com!
Second image found here.
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*Compensation was provided by Philips via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Philips.
I too suffer from the look-of-sickness skin tone! I love a good sunless tanner. …But the BEST trick I have for you is the Sally Hansen spray on pantyhose! I know, I know- Sally Hansen??? YES! It’s a spray on makeup that makes your legs look perfect! And it’s waterproof so you can even wear it to the pool. I cross my heart and hope to die! (I think you’ve just inspired my next blog post. Thanks Lexi!)
I feel for ya, girl. Fortunately, I was born with skin that tans quite easily. One afternoon in the sun and I’m set for the summer.
I loved this post it was so informative and fun!
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo
Sharon
Love this!! Am in such need of these tips!
haha, ditto! I definitely need to start faking it for summer!
https://borntobeblonde.com/best-tan-recipe-ever/ I found this via pinterest and I love it!!! It is easy peasy and all you need is water and black tea!!!! If you like a cheap easy tan that lasts go ahead and check this out 🙂