I’m Torn: Sunless Tanning
It’s a balmy 38 degrees out in Boston, and that can only mean one thing: Spring is coming! For the past few weeks, I haven’t been able to get the springtime out of my mind. All I want to do is wear a sundress and have a picnic in the park with a cute boy. Only problem? I’m about as white as a baby’s bottom. Literally. Which has gotten me thinking- should I go the sunless tanning route? Honestly, I’m torn.
Love it: I love the idea of being bronzed all over without having to deal with sun damage and future wrinkles, or even worse, cancer. It’s awesome that cosmetic companies have come up with so many different ways to fake a tan without harming your skin in the sun, or even worse, in a tanning bed. It’s so easy to just slather on your favorite sunless tanning lotion after a shower. Plus, most of them have a delicious summer-y smell. Mmmmmmm!
Loathe it: I remember back in high school, my friend Jamie’s skin started turning yellow. None of my friends could figure out why. We assumed it had to do with her eating habits, or that she just had a weird rash– we even called her “Jaundice Jamie!” When we finally realized her sunless tanning cream was causing her yellow tinted “glow,” we couldn’t help but laugh. While it was sort of hysterical to laugh at someone else’s sunless tanning disaster, no one really wants to live that on their own. Why is it so difficult to get an even tan? I read article after article in fashion magazine about how to apply the stuff, yet my tan still comes out streaky! There has to be a better way.
So ladies- what do you think? Should I go the sunless tanning route and risk the streak factor, or embrace my perfect porcelain skin? Help – I’m totally torn!
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Arisa says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20098:04 am
It's the product you use, the best I've heard of is the St. Tropez one.
SBG says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20098:12 am
I too am a porcelain doll and while I hat how white I am compared to friends, I've learned to embrace it! Look how beautiful Nicole Kidman and Anne Hathawy's skin looks! Plus, the paler you are, the better your skin ages!
Brittney says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20098:40 am
I heard the opposite. The darker your skin is (naturally) the less wrinkles you will have.
rach says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20099:20 am
make sure you exfoliate in the shower, and shave your legs. then put on a light moisturizer first. this will make sure that any super dry spots you have dont "suck up" all the color in the lotion. then after the regular lotion is soaked in, apply the tanning lotion. that's what works for me. and of course, be careful around the backs of the knees and ankles, and your toes! good luck!
Jes says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20091:56 pm
same with what rach says. I always apply a generous amount of regular lotion on my knees, elbows, ankles, and hands.
Lauren says:
Tue, 31st Mar 20094:58 am
You should really just get an airbrush tan. Basically someone from a salon hand sprays you with the tanner, and it always comes out looking a lot more natural than lotion tans. It is a little more expensive but it also lasts longer. Also, you can get "contouring" done which makes you look more toned.
sara says:
Fri, 3rd Apr 20094:36 pm
In Chicago I got a Mystic Tan at LA Tan. I was super nervous but the only spot that came out a little off was my belly button (guess I didn’t towel the lotion out of there hahahaha) but I was SOOO pleased with the results. They are normally $30 but $10 on Mondays (I think) and last all week. Expensive to maintain, but if you have a special event I would suggest it if you have an LA Tan by you.