You Glow Girl: SUnless Tanning + Bronzer Favorites
SHARING ALL OF MY FAVORITE
SUNLESS TANNING + Bronzer OPTIONS
One of the most frequently asked questions lately is about my skincare/tanning routine. To be transparent, I don't wear a ton of self-tanners this time of year because I tan easily, thanks to my Italian roots. However, I have learned a lot about the art of sunless tan, so I thought it would be helpful to share an update on some of my favorite products I use and can confidently recommend to glow year-round. A few years ago, I shared my go-to routine for applying self-tanner. My technique is still the same and I would recommend checking out that post if you’d like to read more in depth about the application process.
The short version is that you need to exfoliate your skin prior to applying self tanner so that the product can apply evenly. I really love to use First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser prior to self or spray tanning, the fine beads exfoliate the skin and make for easy application. You can also use an exfoliating mitt like this one with any body wash. After you apply self tanner, let it set and after rinsing off, keeping your skin hydrated is essential for a long-lasting tan. I use First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream year-round to keep my skin looking hydrated and fabulous, head to toe. For more of my First Aid Beauty skincare favorites, check out this post!
As far as self-tanners go, I really love a foaming mousse. Once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to apply and the results are quick. I highly recommend Luna Bronze products, their products are all safe, give great color and smell like oranges. They reinstated my code CARALYN20 if interested in trying! St. Tropez is also one of my tried and true favorites as well. If you plan to use a mousse, a tanning mitt is essential for proper application. If you’d like something a little more gradual, you may consider a moisturizer with tanner in it or tanning drops that slowly develops and builds over time. You could also try a tanning mist, which is buildable and easy to control how much color you’d like.
If sunless tanners aren’t for you, you may want to consider bronzer! This is non-permanent and washes off in the shower. For my face, I love adding these bronze drops to serums or moisturizer for a nice little glow on my face. I also recently fell in love with this Gucci bronzer, it is 100% worth the hype (I use shade 03). A little goes a long way and it gives the most beautiful warmth to the face. I also like Bare Minerals’ All Over Face color for something a little more budget friendly. I have also loved using Milk Makeup’s Matte Bronzer Stick (baked), it’s user friendly and also adds a nice glow. I like to use a damp beauty sponge to blend it in. I have more recent spring/summer makeup tips on this recent post.
For the body, I like to apply this glow oil. Once it is dry, I find it pretty transfer resistant. However, if it does get on clothing it washes out nicely too. I like to wear this on my legs and arms for special occasions or days when I feel like I need a little instant glow! I have also heard incredible things about this Fenty Beauty Body Sauce, I have not tried it yet but it has fantastic reviews and on my list.
I hope you loved this post! I’d love to hear and of your favorite items for glowing year-round. Feel free to leave any questions below. As always, thanks for reading. xx CMK
Photos by Ryan Kell