3 Ways to Get a Perfectly Natural Faux Tan
By Lexi Novak
If you want to have a beautiful, golden tan, you need self-tanner. If you want to have a beautiful, golden tan that looks like you regularly visit the Maldives, you need a few extras.
GRADUAL SELF-TANNER
Massage a gradual self-tanner, like Jergens Natural Glow Tan Extender, all over your skin as you would a regular body lotion—just remember to wash your hands afterward. It’s ideal for less-experienced self-tanners “because the color is buildable, and you can control it,” says Los Angeles–based spray-tan artist Jenni Blafer, who owns Sunkissed by Jenni. In other words, minor mistakes won’t be as obvious. And “whenever you notice your professional tan starting to fade, gradual tanner can extend it by two or three days,” she says.
*Aerin Gradual Tan for Face & Body
*Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion
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POWDER BRONZER
The skin on your chest is thin and prone to patchy fading if you apply too much self-tanner. Instead, your best bet is to use a powder bronzer, such as Tom Ford Beauty Bronzing Powder. Dust it down the middle of your sternum, blending it slightly up and around the tops of your breasts. (Makeup artist Scott Barnes also recommends tapping a bit of champagne-colored powder highlighter on the tops of your shoulders, over your collarbones, and over the fullest upper areas of your breasts.)
*Urban Decay Naked Flushed in Streak
*Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
*Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow
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BODY BRONZER
Used on its own, body bronzer, like St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion, is essentially foundation for your body: It evens out skin tone, conceals mild imperfections, and adds bronzy color without actually dyeing the skin, like self-tanner. Layered over a spray tan, it can enhance the shade or add a pearly finish. It’s also good for evening out any glaring holes or stripes in the self-tanner application. But give it at least 15 minutes to dry, and consider your clothes—it does rub off slightly.
*Per-fékt Matte Body Perfection Gel Tan
*Prtty Peaushun Skin Tight Body Lotion
*Scott Barnes Body Bling Original
(Photos: Courtesy of brands)
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