Thursday, October 07, 2010

Sunset Strip

We love that summer's pale palette has lasted into December's Winter Wonderland - even if your sexy tan didn't. Face it, you've lost your golden glow and your nude lipstick just doesn't pop like it used to. Not to fear! Here are some quick and easy ways to keep up that gorgeous tan without breaking the bank.

Summer has come and gone, and by the looks of it, so has your tan. Now there's nothing wrong with channelling your inner English Rose, but honestly, you just don't look as good in your cream blazer anymore. Now if you can't afford two weeks in Jamaica to bronze back up, we've got just the thing you need.

Fake It, Don't Bake It
Some of us are more fortunate than others, and by fortunate I mean, not naturally a pasty shade of white. So for those of you who have managed to hold on to the slightest bit of colour these past few months, you have a few options. I recommend keeping your colour up by gradually applying special bronzing lotions or foams. Neutrogena and Jergens have some great tanning products that have focus on your natural skin colour as well as how dark you would like to get. These creams are relatively inexpensive and can be found at your neighbourhood drugstore. If you follow the instructions carefully you can achieve a streak free tan without any effort at all.

GTL, Baby
Hate tan lines? If you find yourself in the need of a real tan real quick, you may be more willing to try tanning beds. Most people I've spoke to have gone tanning before, but if you're a tanning virgin like me, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, don't overdo it. Tanning can quickly become addictive so remember that you want to keep it looking natural. So if you don't want to end up looking like Snooki on a bad day, go once a week to begin with. Unlike lotions or foams, with tanning bed you will never need to worry about streaks or even tan lines if you're bold enough to bare it all. Although it is more pricey than the other options, it's something to consider if you have some extra cash and require a full body tan. Just keep in mind when searching for your salon that cleanliness is key, but don't be swindled into the idea that it's ok to pay an arm and a leg. Be patient and search around, you're sure to find a diamond in the ruff.

The Bronze and The Beautiful
If you're not so keen on the idea of tanning beds, forgo the "fake bake" and head to your nearest beauty store instead. An investment in a good bronzer can make you look like you've spent time in the sun when you definitely haven't. The great thing about bronzers is that makeup companies have improved them in recent years making them easier to use and more natural looking. Selecting the right colour and shade can make all the difference. With so many available shades, a variety of textures and a multitude of brands, any woman can find her perfect shade. However, exercise caution when choosing your bronzer. Going just a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone will look natural and glowing. Seriously, you may think you look nice and dark in front of your washroom mirror, but once you leave your house your more likely to look like an orange popsicle, not a bronze beauty. If you're willing to shell out a little more cash then try MAC's Bronzing Power. However, an amazing drug store alternative would be Rimmel London's line of bronzing powders. Not stretching over fifteen dollars, Rimmel has a number of shades that are so huge, they're sure to last you to next summer. No matter which option you choose to go with, you're sure to spend this winter standing out - not blending in with the blizzard.





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