Winter Blues and Pale Skin

I don't know about you but I am definitely not one for winter weather or the effects it has on my skin tone. It is a combination of the constant running of my heater in my house along with the crisp, dry, bitterly cold air outside and lack of sunlight that wreak havoc on my skin. Today, I am going to discuss the best ways to get the perfect sun-kissed look to perk you right up!

Lately, I have felt so pale. So, last night after my shower I was rummaging through all my products searching for a self tanning product a friend of mine gave to me a few months back for me to try. It was called the Tan Towel and I have to admit I am in love- even more in love with the fact that it doesnt even smell! This product made self tanning so easy to achieve and I have to say it looks so natural. I am always hesitant to try self tanning products simple for the fact, you have no idea how they are going to turn out...but I was positive in knowing that my friend wouldn't steer me in the wrong direction and I was desperate for some color. The Tan Towel was so easy to apply and dried super quickly on my skin which made it perfect for me to hop right into bed after the application. Not to mention, I have white sheets and sleep next to my own little personal heater (my husband) so, I was nervous about it rubbing off onto my sheets which to my surprise...it did not.

Here are some of my best self tanning how-to's:
Step One: Exfoliate your entire body with a loofah sponge and body wash. Use a body wash that is clear, fragrance free, has no moisturizing agents in it and no oils. STAY AWAY FROM DOVE PRODUCTS- they tend to strip the color once it is applied.
Step Two: Shave your legs- again, use the same product as you would wash your body with. The oils in some shave lotions with create a barrier against your skin and the tanning product which will not allow the color to be absorbed.
Step Three: Get out of the shower, dry off and put NOTHING on your skin. No deodorant, no lotions, no face moisturizer, no perfume...NOTHING! Tanning products have a tendency to change your skin color if you are to apply the tanner on top of the items I just mentioned. No one wants bluish armpits, right??
Step Four: Put on a pair of plastic gloves. You can buy them at any beauty supply store. The gloves help for a smooth application and keep the color off the palms of your hands.
Step Five: Apply color liberally to the areas you wish to tan. I tend to always use less product around my elbows, knees and feet. Especially now because they are a little dryer. *Useful Tip* Apply a light layer of moisturizer to the dry spots on your body to make sure you dont overdue it with the tanner.
Step Six: Once you have applied the tanner air dry for a few minutes before you dress or you can use your blow dryer on the cool setting to help set the color on your skin.
Step Seven: Go about your daily routine but do not shower, sweat, get wet or have any sexy time for at least 8 hours.
*I always apply self tanner right before bed*
Step Eight: Shower after your 8 hours are up to reveal that perfect tan! And now you can add all your regular goodies to your skin. But try not to over do it with the shaving and exfoliating. It will strip your color and you may have to reapply the tan again.

Here are my top 3 favorite self-tanning products:
#1- The Tan Towel Fair-Med Skin Tones (Sephora-10 Towelettes for $24)
#2- St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse (Blue Mercury- $30)
#3-Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel (Sephora- $33 or any Clarins Counter)

All three products last an extremely long time so I definitely feel they are worth every penny. But, you do want to replace your tanning products every 6-8 months as they can go bad. Also, don't forget to wear your sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day..especially on your face! Just because it's cold outside and the sun may not be out...you are still prone to sun damage and getting burnt : )

Love,
Meredith