For me, heaven is laying in the warmth of a tanning bed, being swaddled like an infant by the warmth and UV Rays emitted by my personal little cocoon of happiness. But hell is dying of skin cancer, so a few years back a gave up the bed and I use the products below to get my golden glow.
2. Get a spray tan, casper!
How many times have I uttered that to my virtually transparent Swedish, Irish, English complexion in the mirror? And when I take my own advice I look and feel better – Which I feel like is pretty true for a lot of folks. You don’t see too many pasty Housewives do you? I’ve been using sunless products since college, when my roomie & college BFF Steph and I used smear orange looking lotion on our skin in our dorm room and stand behind towels stretched across the doorway for 20 minutes until we dried, often to emerge a hot streaky mess. I was even once told that I looked like I rolled in dog *hit by a male friend. But yet somehow it was better than being pale.
If you can afford it, get a spray tan. An airbrush tan from a trained professional that has been referred to you (check Yelp!) is golden. Pun intended. And read below, I feature a product that I use that makes mine last about 2 weeks.
If you’re on a budget or don’t like to get naked in front of strangers (they won’t be a stranger when you go back twice and they’ve seen it before, mind you) use the St. Tropez products below. I use them all and I swear by them. When I discovered this line of tanning products at a resort in Boca Raton it was like angels sang. They don’t smell and are easy to apply (check out the application videos below, they’re from London and we all know everything hits there first) and a celeb favorite. They’re a little more expensive but worth the splurge. Keep in mind all products come in Light/Medium and Medium/Dark, so plan accordingly. I’ve categorized products from the talented tanner to the tanning drop out! AND I’VE INCLUDED THEIR APPLICATION VIDEOS. No excuses ladies…
My Top St. Tropez Products
Tanning pro:
St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse $33.49
Great bronzing mousse – I’m on my 5th bottle. Tinted so you look a little tan right away and can see where you’re applying. DOESN’T SMELL!
Tanning Impaired:
St. Tropez Was Off Instant Glow Mousse $17.25
St. Tropez Wash Off Instant Glow for Face $15
Didn’t plan ahead? These give you a little color so you aren’t as pale. Tan appears right away and washes off with soap and water.
Tanning Novice:
St. Tropez Gradual Tan $27.95
You start to see a tan after the 1st application and you keep going from there. I have NO patience for 7 day lotions! Also, apply this on the 2nd day after getting an airbrush tan and do so every other day. It makes my tan last around 2 weeks! Don’t exfoliate!
Tanning Drop Out:
Screw up? Not a big deal. Try again!
