Getting that Summer Glow

Hello summer! Now that the season has officially begun (and it is finally starting to heat up here in Seattle), I thought I would cover a topic that is on all of our minds: how to get and maintain a healthy summer glow.

I used to begin every summer by working on getting my “base tan,” forgoing all sunscreen and spending far too much time baking in the sun. I would lay out all morning and then claim that my pink skin “will turn into a tan soon.” Sound familiar? As I’ve gotten older, the affects of this type of behavior have become more and more real. Not only does a “good base tan” at 16 turn into wrinkles and sun spots a decade later, but, more dangerously, also greatly increases our chances of developing skin cancer. So gone are the days that I refuse sun screen. Instead, I’ve been working on finding self-tanning and makeup products which help me attain that sun-kissed look that I love during the summer months, without the sun-damaging risks.

Self tanner for the body

I have tried so many self-tanning products over the years — various lotions, aerosol cans, spray bottles and foams. In the end I always come back to the St. Tropez foam. I’ve found that it is the easiest to use, the best smelling and creates the most natural color. All you need is an applicator mitt to apply, and as long as you are rubbing it in well, it’s pretty easy to avoid streaking. A few easy tips to make the process even more successful? Exfoliate before applying and wash your hands once you’re done.

For everyday, I love the Jergens natural glow lotion. They have really improved their formula in recent years to have a better smell and a more natural color. Within their line, my favorite is the Firming Moisturizer. On top of building up gradual color, it tightens things up as well. Win, win.

Self tanner for the face

I don’t like to use the all-over tanning lotions or foams on my face. I’ve found that they can dry my skin out and I worry that they’ll cause breakouts. So, for my face I use the Dr. Dennis Gross glow wipes. They are super easy to apply — just use one wipe all over your face on clean skin. I’ve never had any issues with streaking, dryness, or breakouts, and I don’t find that they stain my hands after application. I’ll usually wash my face a little earlier in the evening and use one wipe, then let my skin “dry” for 30 minutes to an hour before completing the rest of my skin care regimen.

To fake that post-vacation glow

Sometimes you just need a good, all-over bit of color. For this, I absolutely love the spray tans from Seattle Sun light spa. The whole process is quick and easy, and the results are super natural looking. If I can fit it into my schedule, I love to start the week off with one of their lower level clear spray tans. I find that the results are subtle, but provide enough color to make you feel a little sun-kissed for a week or two. An added bonus — the Seattle Sun light spa has some amazing additional services, so if you have time before getting your tan, I would highly suggest taking advantage. I like 30 minutes in the wellness pod on the “fitness” setting, to get specific.

For a little contour

For the days when I want to add a little contour on top of it all, I rely on a good bronzer. Even more than I have with self-tanning products, I have experimented with so many bronzers over the years. I typically find them a little too shimmery, with the wrong undertones, or too hard to blend. But when I picked up this Bobbi Brown bronzer on a whim, I instantly declared it my holy grail bronzer. When you’re spending a little more time on your makeup, it layers easily for a contoured look. But if you only have a few minutes, it can be quickly swiped on to the high points on your face (think — forehead and cheekbones) with a kabuki brush for a natural sun-kissed effect.

For a bit of shimmer

My friend gifted me this NARS highlighting stick (in the shade Copacabana) a month or so ago, and I have never received so many compliments on my skin. It is this beautiful iridescent color and is so easy to apply. I swipe a bit on the top of my cheekbones after applying any foundation or concealer, and then top it all off with a finishing powder. This creates that perfect, effortless, glowy look.