It's Time to Bust Out the Bronzing Lotion
Now that the weather is beginning to warm up across the country, some of us have been able to pull out the short sleeves and skirts without tights! YAY! But one look in the mirror and we know the pasty whiteness has got to go. If you aren't a fan of the tanning beds and their UV rays... try the bronzing lotion. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Pick a color that is not too drastically different from your natural skin tone. If you go with one that is shades darker you are going to end up with a orange glow instead of the coppery one you're aiming for. Orange = BAD.
2. Smell before you buy. Some of the lotions smell pretty potent, and not always in a good way. Crack the tops open and smell the lotion you're looking to buy. If you don't like your first whiff you probably aren't going to want it slathered all over your body.
3. Even application is crucial. You want to make sure you rub the lotion evenly over your arms and legs. That includes all the way down to the bottom of your foot, making sure to hit the top. If you don't rub it in enough and cover the whole visible surface area, the ankle area is going to be the one tell-tale sign that you are using bottle-bronzer.
4. Wash your hands as soon as you are done applying the lotion. This will prevent you from having concentrated orange spots around your palms and nail beds. You still want your hands to be the same color as your arms so after you wash them completely put a small drop of the lotion in your hand and rub it around, covering both sides of both hands evenly.
5. Lotion is best applied after your shower. That way you are locking the moisture in, which in these hot and cold weather patterns can be really helpful.
6. Only apply bronzing lotion when you have time to let it dry. Smoothing the lotion into your skin then throwing on your clothes for the day will leave streaks of orange-colored lotion on your clothes and will leave bare spots on your body. Apply the lotion and let it settle in before finishing your dressing routine.
7. Don't apply daily. If you use the bronzing lotion daily you're going to look orange. I suggest one day on and one day off. The best is to use the bronze lotion one day and then a non-tinted lotion the following day to make sure your skin is still getting the moisture and you are subtly locking in the color too.
8. Be careful around the face. If you are going to apply this lotion to your face make sure you rub it in evenly everywhere - all the way down your neck, near your eyes (but not in them - obviously), and on your ears. Pretend you are putting sunblock on in the summer and you're one of those girls who burns immediately. You need every inch evenly covered. Otherwise the orange spots are going to be a dead give away and unflattering.
What other tips do you guys have? Do you have a product you like the most? I use Jergens Natural Glow. Not sure which to use? Ulta has a lot of options.
Loved this blog post Katie! Have you tried the new Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer? It is the best...doesn't streak and dries in about 10 seconds! Really! It gives great color and actually makes skin feel soft, unlike most any skin product that provides any color. I'm also excited to try the new Xen Tan Luxe products that are hitting the market soon. Am also fan of Mystic Tan and St Tropez tan intensifying products as the provide color without streaking.