Self Tanners

Two weeks into my favorite gradual self tanner and I can finally say I'm ready to bare my skin for the spring and summer months. In fact, I'll be wearing a strapless dress to an event this Friday. When you have a little color, you have a bit more confidence — confidence to sport those shorter hem lengths. After all, self tanner does wonders for masking spider veins. Bronze me up, baby!
voguejapanjune12

Photo from Vogue Japan June 2012

 
amirarganoiltouchoftanThis past Saturday, I stopped by Jeffre Scott to catch up with my stylish friends, Jeffre, Charlton and Jason, in addition to picking up some of my favorite beauty staples. After a little eyebrow playtime, Jason convinced me his brow brush was better than mine. Of course, he is a Becca make-up artist and expert!

As the subject turned to getting my pale skin ready for summer, Jason mentioned how much he enjoyed Amir Argan Oil Touch of Tan Moisturizer (a gradual self tanning lotion). Curious, I had to snag a bottle.

I have yet to find a gradual self tanner that produces beautiful color in a short amount of time. Until now, that is. I started applying the lotion Saturday night. Four days later, I am tanner than my swim team kids! This stuff is crazy good!

I decided to really have a go at it, so I've been applying the moisturizer both morning and evening. Here's why this self tanner is so amazing. First, it smells good — like a moisturizer, not a self tanner (no after smell) — and is super hydrating. Plus, it contains Acai Berry Extracts, so it's good for my skin. Second, it doesn't rub off on clothes or sheets. Third, it delivers gorgeous bronze color with no streaking. It's mistake free!

You must get your hands on a bottle of this self tanning moisturizer. Truly, truly unbelievable.
 
When you meet someone so terrific, you just have to share. And when you experience stellar customer service, there's even more reason to shout it from the rooftops!

glowcharlottegingerGinger Moss, owner of Glow Charlotte, is one of the warmest individuals I have met. In fact, I feel like I've known her for years. She is so comfortable and easy to be around, which is important considering you'll be modeling your birthday suit in front of her.

Last week, I went in for the infinity sun spray tan. I wasn't sure what to expect, as I have never had anyone apply self tanner to my body other than myself. As instructed, I wore baggy clothes and flip flops. While most go totally naked in the spray room, I opted to wear the paper thong (call me modest). The process was fairly quick. Ginger sprayed all areas of the body and face twice. A couple things to note: don't do a heavy duty upper body workout prior to spray tanning, as you have to hold your arms up for a long time. Also, make sure you have warm, sunny thoughts running through your head since it can get a little chilly while drying under the fan.

I left bronzed and happy! And, a little nervous. After 7 hours, even though advised not to, I took a shower. I wanted to see what my tan looked like without the bronze powder on top. (I tell you this because I wish I hadn't.) The longer you stay away from the shower, the deeper your tan. Thankfully, I am still glowing 7 days later.

I contemplated not having my face sprayed because I don't like color on my face (you get used to being pale after all these years). However, it's best to do all over since your neck would be a dead giveaway. Even though the spray formula for my face was lighter than my body, it took some getting used to. In fact, I have another confession: I exfoliated my face more than 4 times to get to a lighter color. It was then perfect for me, with the natural pink undertones that I have. I love how simplified my make-up routine is in the mornings now!

So, what does everyone think of my tan? Ironically, most don't notice. I take that as a great sign, though. It means that my tan is totally believable and natural! My family, of course, noticed. I think they are a little jealous of my faux glow. I loved showing off my skin at the Merry Mixology event. I was the color of Lisa Sherry and a bit darker than Jeffre Scott, where normally I'd be the pasty white one. Love that!

My Glow Charlotte experience was fantastic and I know yours will be, too. Couldn't be better timing, too, with the holidays — where you'll be baring your skin for all the events and cocktail parties.

Aside from spray tanning, Glow Charlotte offers airbrush foundation, GLO Minerals make-up and other beauty products. Visit Ginger today ... and get glowing!
 
As I sit here tonight after having just applied self tanner, I dream of the skirts and dresses I will be wearing over the next week. After all, what fun is a tan if you can't show it off! And what fun is a tan if it fades a day or two after application?

A good self tanner will hold color for a week. Mine sure does. Want to know what I use? I thought you'd ask, so I came prepared. Here are three self tanners that provide deep, rich color for a whole week (or longer).
selftanners
Beautisol Summer Glow
You will love this product for many reasons. (1) No awful processing smell. (2) It's easy to apply (rubber gloves included). (3) It provides a deep, bronzed color both instantly and after you shower. And (4) The videos by Sinead are so helpful! Beautisol makes self tanning fun! Exclusive bonus to you ... get 20% off your order with code: MyStyle.

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
First off, I love that it's a mousse. The color makes it easy to see where you are applying the product. It dries quickly and leaves soft, golden kissed skin.

Kymaro Sunless Tanning System
New to market, this self tanning kit delivers a dark tan with ease. The lotion is not tinted, so you don't need rubber gloves. However, you need to rub the product in well for an even application. The light wand is supposed to show you places you have missed. Though, I don't really think it's necessary. It's scary to see your skin under purple light anyway. While the smell is potent, I have to say the color is rich.

 

It's resort season. Time to get your skin prepped and ready for that bathing suit. Here are a few self tanners, out of the many, tested here at [my] style files. Enjoy! Aqua Tan, St. Tropez Whipped Bronze Mousse, Xen-Tan Transform, Tan Towel
 
Page 1 of 2