Since moving to LA two years ago I often hear, “you’re so tan!” Which I immediately follow with, “It’s self-tanner!” I discovered bronzer in my early twenties, and religiously used Bobbi Brown’s miracle powder for years to come. Then I discovered Estee Lauder’s tanning towelettes, I used them once a week or so until they were discontinued about 3 years ago now. Devastating! I dislike most self-tanners on the market. Anything that’s a cream or foam isn’t for me, I’d rather use actual bronzer than a tanner that acts the same way (coming off on my clothes, sheets, etc). It took me a year to discover my next go-to, Look Good Naked’s Tan Towel (in face and half body applications). I’ve used these once a week since moving to LA – yes, I live in a city that prides itself on averaging 320 days of sunshine per year… but no, I don’t live outside, and I believe in sunscreen. Recently, I was introduced to Kate Somerville’s “Somerville360 Tan Towelettes”. After one use, I was converted! The perfect bronzing tan that isn’t orange (apply moderately)… this towelette is a 10.
Living in LA, I can get away with using self-tanner twice a week (NB: apply tanner at least two hours before applying makeup or leaving the house – do no use bronzer at all on these days – your skin with get darker throughout the day, sometimes as late as 6 hours later!) – for others I’d suggest once in the fall and winter, and twice in spring and summer. For in between days, trust a bronzing blush (subtle shimmer is OK, sometimes matte bronzer makes your face look dirty – try a few to find your match). I swear by Yves Saint Laurent Variation Blush, offering a pop of color that is the perfect combination of gold-bronze and rose-pink-blush.
Another great way to fight pale and pasty skin is tinted moisturizer. Almost every cosmetics line makes this efficient and effective beauty must-have. I put on Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer in the morning before my makeup. With SPF built-in, it’s great for travel.
Stay harmful-ray-free – and with these four beauty pillars – get ready for a sunless summer GLOW.
