How to Fake a Sun-Kissed Glow

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Want to look like you’ve spent hours sunning and soaking up the sun’s rays without the danger of UVA/UVB rays?  Fake it!  So many fabulous new makeup products are popping up on shelves everywhere thanks to our sun obsession.  If you want to rock your Memorial Day BBQ or pool party, check out these tips for looking sun soaked without spending any time in the sun!

  1. First, get your skin prepped!  Slough off the last of your dry winter skin with a body scrub.  We like Lush’s Fair Trade Sugar Scrub or save money and the Earth by making one yourself.  It’s easy to make your own sugar scrub.  Just combine ½ cup of brown or white sugar with a tablespoon of olive or grapeseed oil, a tablespoon of honey, and a dash of lemon or lime juice.  Stir to combine, slather on, and then scrub off with your Exfoliating EcoPouf or Sustainable Body Buff.  Another great idea: make a bath soak.  Fitness Magazine suggests soaking in a warm bath with a cup of milk, two tablespoons of honey, and two tablespoons of Epsom salts.  The lactic acid in the milk sloughs dead skin, the salts reduce inflammation, and the honey hydrates.
  2. Next, ‘tis the season to bronze.  To keep looking sun-kissed instead of too dark, apply bronzer where the sun naturally hits: focus on your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin then blend says Jessa Blades, a New York City Organic Beauty Expert.  Use a big, fluffy brush for the easiest application and perfect blending.  Try our Bamboo Bronzer Brush or Retractable Kabuki if you’re a girl on the go.  When picking out a color, opt for one that mimics the way you look when you’ve gotten a touch of sun – a light matte brown works well for most people.  Jessa recommends Physician’s Formula PH Matchmaker Bronzer.  More to try? Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder in bronze by Tarte or Organic Wear.
  3. Once your face is ready to go, don’t skip your legs and arms!   If you have some prep time, use a gradual self-tanner.   Most beauty magazines recommend Jergens’ Natural Glow & Protect which has built in sunscreen.  No time?  Spray on some Victoria’s Secret Instant Bronze Body Spray.  Need some sun to go?  They also have a cute Glow to Go Travel Kit.

Voila!  You’re good to go to your outdoor fete.  Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and sport some chic sunglasses.

Tried our tips?  Have a favorite bronzer?  We want to know!  Leave a comment and share your thoughts.