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Sun-Kissed Style

There is a lot of talk being exchanged these days about people who are “positively glowing!” As in sun-kissed, healthy tan glowing; beach goddess, Hawaiian princess glowing. As in I-spent-the-winter-in-St.-Tropez-while-you-froze-in-Chicago glowing.

Granted, spring has definitely sprung and is in the process of sashaying right on into summer. Which is just fine by me since I am in love with this adorable little twist-front tank and absolutely can't wait for an excuse to wear it! Will look gorgeous with my new linen cuffed capri's and a great pair of print wedges, and what do you know? I seem to have already located the perfect little bag to complete the ensemble!

Back to glowing. To be honest, I've never been one to receive this particular brand of compliment. I've always been the type of person that others don sunglasses around (for two purposes: 1. To counteract the gleaming glare, and 2. To see what I would look like if I actually had a tan). Okay, I'll admit I've actually received the compliment once in my life. At the end of the evening, my prom date in high school enthusiastically exclaimed, “You're glowing!” The reflective beam from a romantic full moon had illuminated my über-pale shoulders, back and décolletage exposed by my gorgeous spaghetti strap LBPD (little black prom dress). Abrupt end of romantic evening. 'Nuff said.

Plenty of people have tried to assist me in what they perceive as my unfortunate apparent birth defect. In fact, I have even been offered free runs at the tanning parlor. I've been given tinted moisturizers and “tanning pills” as (assumedly) a not-so-subtle hint that my lack of melanin is somehow offensive to certain people. I wonder, does Nicole Kidman have to deal with this? She is positively gorgeous in her paleness and I'll bet none of her friends drop off gift baskets filled with body bronzer! Perhaps if I were a star of stage and screen (instead of just a legend in my own mind) I, too, would command the respect owed to one so fair. But I digress.

Now I have embraced the pale, but since I occasionally frighten innocent bystanders I do indeed try to produce believable results via frugal, yet regular, use of self-tanning products. However, a recent trip to the dermatologist confirms my utter disapproval of tanning salons. Okay, first of all it doesn't look like a real tan. No one is naturally that dark in overcast winter months and no one believes that you actually spent the winter in Ibiza. Secondly, I endured the dreaded show-me-my-future-wrinkles-and-aged-facade exam. Me, in my youthful twirties! As though I'd walked in begging to be depressed all week! Anyhoo, one glance at my photo-future and the signs of impending wrinkles (completely due to outdoor childhood disasters, i.e. sixth grade field trip to the water park—8 hours, one application of sunblock—resulting in hideously blistered shoulders, nose and even the part in my hair!) will forever deter any lingering thoughts toward the use of tanning beds and/or sunbathing. Instead I am on a mission to find the best, the healthiest and the most affordable skin tinters and tanners, as well as other tips for staying youthful as long as naturally (and cosmetically) possible.

The first step in this mission took me to various beauty salons and spas to speak one-on-one with knowledgeable beauty experts. (I would highly recommend Ask Kate at Avenue You because this girl knows whereof she speaks!) This turned out to be a very educational trip indeed! Plus, my sister had clued me in on a fabulous way to avoid blisters while shopping the day away in three inch peep-toes, so my stamina was top notch (love peep-toes—very classy, but still able to show off my new summer pedi. And to give them their due, a great pair of flip flops serves an equal purpose on casual days). So I will share with you the knowledge acquired through said beauty expedition, as well as some great suggestions for attire to show off your newly acquired healthy glow!

Customizable tanning lotions:

• Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion —color-enhancing moisturizer available in fair and medium skin tones. The exclusive formula also helps smooth out skin's imperfections—bringing out skin's natural radiance.
• Banana Boat Ultra Mist Summer Color Sunless Spray, SPF30. The Self Adjusting Color® formula lets you control the shade of your tan for the deepest richest tan possible with your skin tone.
• Time to break out that sassy new sundress! Bare those gorgeous shoulders in style and flash those freshly pedi'd tootsies in something marvelously metallic.
• A flirty skirt goes a long way with those long, lean, tan legs! (Or short, semi-lean and soon-to-be-not-oatmeal-colored in my case.) Bump up the sexy factor with a great pair of strappies.

Firming tanning lotions:

• Nivea sun-kissed firming moisturizer (great for bikini season). Improves skin's firmness while providing lasting moisture. Builds an even, glowing tan in just five days.
• Jergens Natural Glow Multi-Pack. Daily moisturizer delivers clinically proven firming benefits to improve skin elasticity and a subtle skin darkening complex to create a natural-looking, summer color.
• Bella Bronze Tinted Self Tanner For Legs. Creates a streakless, sun-free tan within 2-3 hours as anti-cellulite slimming agents help diminish the appearance of unsightly skin dimpling to enhance your sexy-bronze legs.
• Now that you are firm and glowing, show it off in a great pair of shorts, a stylish halter or tank top and sassy espadrilles.
• The ultimate firm tan test: a sleek and sexy swimsuit. Snap up a chic cover to wear with it, as well as a protective sun hat and sensational sunglasses.

Miscellaneous tinting products:

• L'Oreal Sublime Bronze varieties: self tanning lotion with SPF15, tinted self-tanning lotion, towelettes and more.
• Physicians Formula bronze gems, shimmer strips and summer eclipse bronzers (powders). Perfect for that kiss-of-sunshine look.
• Decleor Aroma Sun Self Tanning Milk SPF 8. Not only does this great product protect your skin from sun damage, but it also promotes healing and relaxes sun damaged skin.
• Lancome Star Bronzer Magic Bronzing Brush. Sweep on a shimmering, sun-kissed glow, from head to toe, at the press of a button.
  

Spray tans:

Focusing on the at-home, here is a collection of awesome continuous sprays/aerosols:

• Bliss A Tan For All Seasons. This citrus-scented self-tanner gives you a gradual, head-to-toe tan (not to mention a cursory camouflaging of cellulite).
• Modelco Tan Translucent Airbrush in a Can. Tan Translucent creates a natural, all-over sun-kissed glow that's dye-free and won't stain or mark your fluffy fresh white towels or luxurious linens.
• Nuress Home Tanning Salon. This is the ultimate home tanning system. Nuress is easy and quick to use and only takes a few minutes to spray tan your entire body for an instant streak-free flawless looking tan
• Since you will now have a fabulous all-over tan, you can go as bare as you dare in a teeny bikini! Toss a floaty sundress over the top and slip into a pair of wood wedges and you are set for lunch at a seaside bistro and an afternoon at the beach.
• If you happen to be the luckiest of girls and are planning a beach wedding this summer, this deep plunging-back beach wedding dress is perfection indeed, especially with your golden sun-kissed tan!

Tips to look tan:

• Wear warm colors (gold, summery hues).
• Shimmering eye and lip treatments (also makes your teeth look whiter).
• Shiny “sun-made” highlights in your hair. Even a few subtle sun-kissed streaks will go a long way.

Tips to youthful skin:

• Moisturize! A great moisturizer with SPF for daytime revitalization, and a rich, creamy moisturizer for night time is the best way to restore youthful glow to sun-damaged skin.
• For skin already damaged by UV rays, try a restorative treatment. Personal favorites include Boscia's Antioxidant Recovery Treatment C and Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum.
• Consuming certain antioxidant-rich foods is also a satisfying way to restore and/or preserve a youthful appearance.
• Avoid tanning beds! This should be taken without questioning, unless of course you prefer the “wise beyond her years” look.

As always, feel free to clue me in to any tanning solutions you swear by—just visit our blog! Fortune of the day: a girl who shares her wisdom is a girl with many friends (and gorgeous skin, hair, nails, clothes, shoes, etc.). Happy safe tanning, beach babes!

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