It’s summertime! And it is about time! I have been snatching up so many cute Lilly pieces to wear during this glorious season and in this heavenly weather! I’m totally set, BUT it can be difficult to get into that summertime feeling without a golden glow. With my red hair and freckles, I am NOT about to log significant amounts of time in the sun. Protecting your skin isn’t just important to prevent premature aging and wrinkles, it is also critical to practice sun safety to avoid skin cancer. It’s nice to have a tan, but it is not worth risking your health. So, I’m spilling all of my secrets on my fake baking routine and what products are worth your time. Let me know what products you’ve tried in the comments below!
Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer – This is an oldie but a goodie. Perfect for getting that gradual glow. This is perfect to use after a spray tan to extend its lifespan. The color is so natural and because it’s a gradual change, it is difficult to make a mistake and get splotching.
St. Tropez Tanning Mousse – This is sold in Sephora and Ulta, but I highly recommend buying the kit at Lilly Pulitzer. I LOVE this mousse because it has a very natural, deep tan color that goes on instantly. The best way to apply this mousse is after a shower and some exfoliation. The kit from Lilly Pulitzer comes with both a full and travel size as well as a mitt for application. I can almost apply this to my whole body by myself, but I commonly have my husband help me with my back. Just use the mitt and apply in a circular motion to avoid streaking. Wait 20 minutes before putting clothes on and don’t be shocked if you get it on your clothes. I haven’t had any issues getting the color out of my clothes, but it will transfer so be sure to stock up on OxiClean and always pretreat your pieces. Don’t forget to wash your mitt and allow it to air-dry after you use it to prevent buildup. This is hands-down my favorite tanning product right now!
L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Gelee – This gelee is so easy to use because you can just apply it with your hands. It’s a thin formula that goes a long way. The color goes on immediately, so if you need to do your legs before work, it just takes a few minutes and
Ocean Potion Sunglow Tanning Moisturizer – I have always been loyal to my Jergens, but the price for the quantity is not my favorite. So, I snatched up this product last time I went to Walmart. For $4.49, this was an incredible bargain! So far, I think it is a great color and I love that it comes in such a large container. I’m hoping it will last me well into the summer!
Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer – This was definitely an impulse buy at Walmart because it had a coupon stuck to the outside, so I figured, why not. Do not use this over top of your St. Tropez. I thought it would be a great idea, it is not. It basically removes your St. Tropez or if you try to put it on first, it is somewhat oily and won’t allow your St. Tropez to stick. If this is all you’re using for a slight glow, it’s great. I definitely don’t recommend using it in conjunction with anything else.
Spray Tanning – I love getting a spray tan because it eliminates all of the work of trying to tan myself. I love the service that I use in my area because the formula is organic and they will travel to you. The price is great ($35!) and it always looks natural. This is who I saw for a light tan before my wedding, so you better believe I think it is the best spray tan in my neck of the woods. I’ve taken my mom and friends and they all agree that it is the best spray tan they have gotten. Definitely enquire about an appointment!
When it comes to fake baking, here are my top tips for any method you choose:
- Avoid getting any fake-tanned part of your body wet for the first hour or so. Whether it be spray from the sink, rain drops, or hopping in a hot tub – do not risk it. You have worked too hard and getting your new bronze wet prematurely could result in splotching or loss of color.
- Take your time. I hate it when I’m rushing and only do the outsides of my arms, leaving my inner arms even more white than normal and causing me to look like a walking oreo cookie. This isn’t something you can do in a rush, so don’t bother trying.
- Watch your clothes. In theory, none of these formulas should stain your clothes, however if it mixes with your deodorant or another moisturizer, it might leave an orange glow on your white shift, or worse. When you go to change at the end of the day, pull out your OxiClean and pre-treat your favorite styles just in case things don’t go as you planned.
- If you go get a spray tan, clear your schedule. Spend the next few hours lounging in something you don’t mind getting tanner on because of all the bronzer. Try to go bra-less (if you can) and wear something loose and strapless so you don’t create any lines.
Happy tanning!
