Monday, February 04, 2008

Sunless Sunsations







By Emily Felker

Longing for that summer glow, but not the wrinkles that come with it? Sunless tanners are the answer to beautiful, healthy skin to show off all summer long.

Scrub-a-dub-dub

Exfoliating is essential in tanner application. You need your skin to be a smooth canvas for your tan, so put some elbow grease into it, and slough away any dead skin. Body scrubs are a great option, but you can achieve the same results by adding some salt to you usual body wash! Also, shaving your legs helps to exfoliate them and make them oh so smooth.

Choose your weapon

With all the information about the long-term affects of sun tanning, there are many great self-tanners on the market. It’s all about finding the right one for you! Moisturizers with added self-tanner are great for beginners and fair skin, and they allow you to gradually build up that naturally perfect glow. If you're choosing a total self-tanner, one with a bronzer in it is best; it will allow you to see exactly where you’ve applied it. With these tanners it is very important to get the right colour for your skin tone; dark means dark! When using self-tanner on your face, it is vital to use one that is formulated for your face; they are milder and some even have an SPF in them, an added bonus!

Get your glow on

Smooth on your tanner all over in small doses to slowly create your perfect shade. A little bit goes a long way, and too much tanner will cause your skin to look orange and streaky. Remember, you can always reapply. Also, be careful around your elbows and knees; these spots tend to be drier and can absorb more colour and end up looking spotty. Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you are finished, blotched hands are a tell-tale sign of your sun-savvy ways.

Sit back and tan

Most self-tanners will develop their full colour in between three and six hours. Wait it out, for about twenty minutes after applying before putting clothes on...you don’t want to stain them! Avoid showering or swimming for at least six hours; it may take your tan right off! It is best to put self-tanner on at night; this gives it enough time to work its magic while you sleep. You’ll wake up beautifully bronzed and won’t have to worry about it interrupting your day plans. If by chance any streaks or stripes appear, don’t worry; just buff it up and some of the colour will blend together leaving you just the glow you desire.

Enjoy the afterglow

Keep reapplying until you have achieved the tan you’ve been craving, and moisturize as you go; tanner can be drying! Flaunt that smouldering bronze skin! At night rub some baby oil or bronzing oil on for an extra glimmer of allure. And feel great knowing that your beautiful tan won’t be damaging your precious skin!






1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Overall tone is light, fun.. Lots of "s" alliteration. Good for the mag.

Its a little wordy per subheading. Maybe break it up into 5 parts instead?