[sidebar]Thankfully, I’ve since learned about the dangers of sun exposure and now rely entirely on bronzer to fake the glow I crave. And today, dozen of bronzers and self-tanners are available. It’s easier than ever to learn how to apply bronzer and self-tanning lotions to get a tan that’s not only natural-looking, but safe, too.
Instant Gratification
Bronzer comes in a handful of formulas: powder, cream (stick or compact), or gel. Bronzing powder is my favorite because it’s quick and virtually mistake-proof. It’s a good choice for normal to oily skin types. Use a short, fluffy brush to apply bronzer where the sun naturally hits your face—on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin—and dust your neck and chest if you’re wearing a skin-baring top. If you have dry skin or want a dewy look, try a cream formula. Gel formulas give you a sheer, stained look and are good for very oily skin. Use your fingers or a cosmetic sponge to apply a cream or gel bronzer on the same areas you’d use a powder.Once you decide on the type, pick your shade: light, medium, or dark. Choose based on how you tan naturally. For example, if you turn a golden brown in the sun, a medium bronzer is your best bet. The most natural-looking bronzers have predominantly brown tones with a touch of red, just like suntanned skin. Avoid bronzers that are orange-toned or frosted; these look artificial on any complexion. Test bronzers when you’re at the makeup counter. Dust or rub some on and step outside to check your reflection in natural light. The bronzer should blend easily and warm up your face. If the color looks too orange or obvious, try one shade lighter.[pagebreak]
Tan in a Tube
If you want color that lasts several days, try a self-tanner. Clean, smooth skin is the secret to a good out-of-the-bottle tan, so always exfoliate any rough patches before you apply the product. For your face, use a gentle, grainy scrub; for your body, a loofah, sea sponge, or Buf-Puf. Always apply self-tanner on bare skin. Layering it over moisturizer or sunscreen may cause color to develop unevenly. Test a patch of skin on the inside of your arm to make sure you’re not allergic to the formula. When you’re ready to use the product, spread a thin layer to start. Avoid the eye area—blend in a concealer a few shades darker than your everyday concealer instead—and be certain to apply self-tanner to your ears and neck to avoid any obvious lines. Color will begin to show in an hour, but let it develop overnight so you can make a better assessment of the results. If you want to go darker, you can always reapply the formula. Wash your hands thoroughly after rubbing on the self-tanner, and be sure to allow enough time for it to be absorbed before you go to bed. If the resulting color is too dark in patches or there are obvious streaks, use the gentle exfoliant you prepped with on the mistakes only to help fade them and give your skin a more uniform look. A tinted moisturizer on your face will also help even out skin tone. When picking a self-tanner shade, follow the same rules as for bronzers.
When a Blush Is Better
If you’ve been blessed with a porcelain complexion, even the lightest bronzers and self-tanners will look unnatural. Skip them and use a soft pink or apricot blush instead to warm up your skin. Our cheeks tend to get flushed when we’re outdoors, and I like to re-create the look with blush. After applying bronzer or self-tanner, sweep pink or rose blush on the apples of your cheeks. More from Prevention: Is It A Mole Or Cancer?
