If you've read the news lately, or basically any beauty mag or blog, you know the importance of taking care of your skin. Skincare isn't just about cleanse, tone, and moisturize, it's also about minimizing the external factors that can negate these daily rituals, and one area which you need to pay particular attention to is the sun!
If you're anything like me, you love summer and you love a good tan but if you're not careful, overexposure to the sun can have some serious damaging effects on your skin. Painful burning, skin cancer and wrinkles are reason enough for me to slather up in the highest SPF, but I am also a firm believer in going sunless. Here a few of my favorite ways I suggest you get your glow on this summer...
Spray Tan
Yes, it smells a bit, and yes, you will probably leave a few marks on your bed sheets while you let it settle and dry, but a spray tan is one of the most natural and even-looking results you'll get in your endeavor to be golden. Brands such as St Tropez have taken over the market, and these give you that vacation glow without having to sit and bake in the sun. Simply stand there in those rather unattractive paper pants and allow the beautician to spray you all over. If you don't enjoy the idea of venturing to a salon, you can do this at home with a large range of 'at home' products.
Messy? Yes. Worth it? Definitely.
Photo Credit: Life To Lauren
@LifeToLauren
1. BASSIKE Camisole 2. LA MER Lip Balm 3. BEAUTYBLENDER Bodyblender 4. ST. TROPEZ Bronzing Mist 5. AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES Body Brush 6. MEL BOTERI Multicolor Raffia And Black Leather Abbey Clutch 7. RAG & BONE Denim Shorts 8. ATP ATELIER Cutout Slides
Tanning Lotion
Another option for a sans-sun glow is tanning lotion. This is personally my favorite, because it is much less smelly and messy, and it's a simpler solution all around. All you need to do is apply the lotion to your skin post shower daily and watch the tan build up...SO easy! You can give the product mentioned by our blogger friend, Blonde on Earth, a try, or one I love is this gradual tan for face and body by Aerin Beauty. The reality is there are countless lotions on the market, and it's just a case of finding the best one for you. Many of these also have anti-aging capabilities, which is major a plus in my book!
Photo Credit: Blonde On Earth
@BlondeOnEarth
Natural Sun
This guide wouldn't be complete without talking about safe tanning if you do decide to venture out into the sun. Always, always wear a high factor SPF sun lotion - ALWAYS! Tanning is not about burning and getting as much sun as possible, it's about slowly changing the pigment of your skin, while protecting it from damage as much as possible.
Avoid the peak sun hours, between 1pm to 3pm everyday and always remember to wear a hat - sun stroke is yet another potential side effect that you want to avoid! Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body, and remember to re-apply your SPF regularly, especially if you are dipping in and out of the water.
Photo Credit: Gal About Town
@LynleePoston
1. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Off-the-shoulder Blouse 2. DIOR Sunglasses 3. JULIE VOS Bracelet 4. LA MER Protecting Fluid 5. MEL BOTERI Multicolor Raffia And Denim Leather Abbey Clutch 6. J BRAND Denim Shorts 7. DAVID YURMAN Bracelet 8. DAVID YURMAN Bracelet 9. CONVERSE Sneakers
These are all easy and safe ways you can extend that gorgeous tan of yours, or even get it started from scratch. And, no, you don't have to venture outside to get your summer glow on!
A couple of weeks ago we gave you some pointers on mastering the natural makeup look for summer. Tune in next week when we're going to show you how to do the opposite and create something a bit more bold and bright.
See you then! xx - Mel