Sunless tanning
While your great grandparents might have slathered their limbs in olive oil and basked in the sun to achieve a bronzed radiance, it is common knowledge now the likeliest outcome of this is skin cancer, early wrinkles, dry and patchy skin and uneven skin pigmentation, writes CAT WOODS.
NEW ZEALAND FITNESS, December 2013 / January 2014
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hankfully, you can rely on a variety of methods and products to achieve a bronzed glow that can be adapted to your natural skin colour, type and required depth. Need a deep, Caribbeanstyle bronze that’s all natural? Maybe a lighter shade that you can build up daily, or a moisturising, shimmering lotion that flatters the legs you’ve been lunging for! The important factors, regardless of whether you opt to apply your own selftanner or attend a salon, are: Preparation Application Maintenance
PREPARATION You wouldn’t apply makeup over a flaky, unwashed face and expect it to look natural. Don’t attempt short-cuts with your tan either! If you want a streak free, long-lasting colour, you need to prepare your skin. If you have
scheduled a waxing appointment, wait at least 24 hours to apply a tanning solution. The DHA in a self-tanner stains the outer layer of the skin, so if you apply it any sooner, it will streak and appear patchy (trust me, I’ve made this error). Shower prior to application. Smoothe your skin texture by exfoliating with a loofah and cleanser or body polish. Don’t scrub until your skin is raw – no need to overdo it! Dry thoroughly. Tie your hair up and apply a thin layer of Vaseline around your hairline. Only moisturise the areas of your body most likely to absorb more tanner and appear unnaturally orange (between fingers and toes, back of hands, ankles, elbows and knees).
APPLICATION There are so many varieties of colour and product on the market. From the price of a couple of coffees, to more prestige brands, opt for the product that best suits your skin
tone and condition. If you are particularly pale or new to tanning, you may choose to start with a moisturiser combined with a tanner so that you can gradually darken the shade to your preferred depth over a few days. Dove and Garnier are both reputable and widely available brands. My personal preference is for a foaming mousse applied with a glove. I find it easier to blend onto the limbs, with a texture that is ideal for covering the limbs quickly and easily. Apply the foam to the glove first, and then apply from the feet upwards. I love Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse and St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse. Generally, tanners are formulated for the body only and there are different formulas for the face. Don’t risk looking like you rubbed your face in a bag of Twisties. Read the bottle! Clarins and Dior, while a little pricier than your chemist products, make reliable, subtly-
If it looks natural
MAINTENANCE Once you’re glowing like you’ve just returned from a holiday in Ibiza,
avoid exfoliating and scrubbing. Instead, use a gentle and moisturising shower gel and ensure that you moisturise after every shower (Sanctuary Spa Body Moisture Spray is fast and smells divine!). Don’t rub dry with the towel – pat. This will avoid an uneven, patchy colour. If the results haven’t worked out, you can either jump in the shower with an exfoliating scrub or have a tan removal product on standby. St Tropez makes a tan removal lotion (St Tropez Tan Remover). But don’t give up. Different products work better on some skin types than others. Do your research – work out whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive or combination. Don’t use a product for the first time the day before a big event – again, trust me on that. Modify your makeup to play up your tan – bronzer, pinks and shimmers are so flattering with a terrific tan. Go for Rimmel Pink Blush or Nude Delight lips, ck One Cream + Powder Bronzer Duo, Dior 5 Couleurs eyeshadow in 030 Incognito, Clarins BB Cream (with SPF – just because you’re tanned does NOT mean you won’t burn!) and Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Solstice.
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NEW ZEALAND FITNESS, December 2013 / January 2014
scented and skin-nourishing tanners for both face and body. Consider it an investment – a glowing, naturally bronzed-looking limbs and face are instantly beautifying. Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning – there are also lotions and gels and both are best applied with a glove in the same method as foam. Make sure you rub in and blend to avoid streaks. Sprays are great if there’s nobody about to help cover your back, but they still require that you BLEND, BLEND and BLEND! Trust me, that tanning glove will be a vital part of your routine. When applying your facial tanner, apply a thin layer of Vaseline over the eyebrows to avoid build-up of tanning product in that area. When you have applied the tan all over, give it a few minutes to dry. Dress in loose, dark clothing that won’t rub and remove colour during the required development period. To be on the safe side, overestimate how long it will take for an even colour to develop. Most products specify how long the formula must be left on.
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