Whether you are enjoying wedding season as a guest, bridesmaid or bride, I can tell you that summer, sunshine and laughter go hand-in-hand and so does a luminous tan. Faking a glowing, radiant complexion is a must on your wedding day, saving your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Your sunless tan, which can be as subtle as a hint of gradual tan to an Ibiza-worthy golden glow is your wedding makeup inspiration. Think bronzed, summery glowing skin with sexy, gilded eyes. Rocking a tousled Victoria Secret bombshell wedding hairstyle, will set the sizzling pace for your wedding day.
It comes as no surprise at all when I tell you that a faux glow is an instant mood lifter, it’s slimming (for those days we don’t make the gym) and it is in the top 10 best beauty pick me ups for any occasion! A tan always makes you feel sexier and more confident. Whether your beauty weapon of choice is lotion, gel, foam, spray or liquid these products and tips will make sure your dream of an endless summer becomes a reality
SKIN– should always be exfoliated and moisturized prior to your application. Pay particular attention to areas like the elbows, ankles and knees as they will be the driest areas which colour adheres to when exfoliating.
Try:
Kona Tanning exfoliating body mitt
1. Shower in lukewarm water and finish off with a cold shower to close your pores as this stops product from looking dotty on your skin.
2. Make sure you are 100% dry before starting your application by towel drying yourself thoroughly.
3. Only apply moisturiser to the areas of the feet, elbows, knees and knuckles that have drier skin.
4. Application- for lotions, creams, sprays and gels always apply with a mitt. You will avoid streaks and coloured palms and you will see the most natural results with long strokes (up and down the area) not circular buffing motions (which tend to buff the colour off)
5. If you are pale or new to tanning always start with a light to medium formula and build on that colour. Otherwise you may end up with streaks. Dark skins can use one application to top up their tans. If you are tanning for your big day-ALWAYS tan 1-2 days out. This gives you time to correct any errors if they occur.
Here are my 5 star picks:
Tan in a Can
Sprays are great for those hard-to-reach areas, backs, thighs and backs of arms. I still use a mitt to ensure even application. I love Vani-T 2 hr Velocity Rapid Tanner –the color is awesome. It develops super quickly which is great when you need results fast!
Mousse
My favourite pick for a mousse/foam is Vita Liberata PHenomenal 2-3 week tan mousse. Dries quick, gorgeous colour, leaves your skin soft, has no odor and lasts longer than most tanning products I’ve used.
Gel
L’Oreal Sublime bronze tanning gel is a great product and it won’t leave you sticky. It dries and absorbs quickly for those who are time poor. This one even applies with a light tint so you can see the color which helps avoid streaking.
Gradual Tans
This is best for the super pale who want a subtle hint of colour or for someone who wants to naturally increase their colour level-it also a fantastic option for those who want to make sure their skin is hydrated. I love the Vani-T range. Vani-T Bronzing Custard is my favourite pick.
St Tropez In Shower Gradual Tan
This is patented by St Tropez this is a great idea for the time poor. You will notice colour after the 1st application but it’s quite subtle. By the 3rd application or day it looks quite different. It only takes 3 minutes. It’s so easy-shower, turn off the water, apply the cream to your body and work it into a lather. Wash product off your hands only. Rinse after 3 -4 minutes and pat yourself dry! That’s it!
Tanning your Face
Make sure the formula you use is for the face as its less drying and more hydrating. A sunless tanner towelette is a great choice here, you can use one daily after exfoliating or cleansing your face. They are single use, travel friendly and are specifically designed for your face and will not clog your pores. Apply the towelette all over your face and allow to dry. My favourites are Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads and Tarte Brazilliance Self-Tanning Towelettes.
Organic Formulas
DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is the ingredient responsible for turning our skin brown (or orange). Organic products and brands use DHA that is derived from natural ingredients like sugar beets or sugar cane. Naturally derived DHA interacts with the ‘dead’ skin cells that lie in the top layers of your skin. This reaction makes organic tanners develop faster and they do not penetrate the deeper layers of your skin so this means no chemicals are absorbed into your bloodstream. The downside is that your tan doesn’t last as long. I love Eco Tan and Santorini Sun Organics Spray!