My sister always jokes that you need sunglasses to see me in the sunlight because I’m so fair. It was always a source of torture for me growing up in El Paso, TX where many of my friends and family had gorgeous golden skin. We had sunshine year round there and there was no excuse not to have a glow, but somehow I managed.
If you have never been able to tan either, there’s still hope! Here’s my self-tanning routine for fair skin that won’t damage your skin and is fairly easy.
I have two “routines” actually. The first self-tanning routine I began a couple of months ago with Luxe Tan and has worked well. The second, I just recently discovered at the Viceroy Chicago with St. Tropez Tan! I had the best time there with Sophie & Shirin, whom invited me to check out St. Tropez Tan! I got so many compliments about my tan with them! There are definitely a few ways to go about your self-tanning routine, so hope this helps!
St. Tropez Tan self tanning routine
This was my self tanning routine guru, Sophie, and she kindly recapped everything you need for the perfect glow. In a British accent no less. 🙂 There’s several options!
Quick review of St. Tropez self-tanning routine:
- nice fragrance, nearly oderless
- beautiful color
- you can choose the type of consistency you want with product; gel, mousse, lotion, spray, etc.
- ease to use, doesn’t streak easily
- not greasy
- you can control shade #yousetthetone is their hashtag after all
- moderately priced
- recommend use of mitts, hands stain quickly!
- Face spray will probably last 4-6 months
- Mousse will probably last 2 months
My St. Tropez self-tanning picks!
Bronzing Water Face Mist $30
What I love the mist is how evenly and easily it goes on to deliver an a gorgeous glow. It’s a great option when you’re wanting to touch up and are more in a hurry.
Self-tanning Bronzing Mousse $18
This is a quick, easy, non-greasy way to get color. You can wash off at 1,2 hours or leave on for a darker tan. Make sure to use a tanning mitt!
Tan-Luxe self-tanning routine
The Face Self-tanning routine with Tan-Luxe
This was the first self-tanning routine I tried this year. Every year there seems to be a bit of an evolution of the products and technology out there. I also love that these oils call out that they are paraben-free and sulfate-free. In short, these get the job done!
Tan-Luxe The Face $49
I use the light/medium drops on my face vs the medium/dark. Then, I blend them in with my morning serum and viola, 2 hours later I’m golden. I haven’t detected any break-outs from the drops on my face or any other significant con with them. They definitely give a nice glow but if you go overboard you can look a bit orangey.
Body self-tanning routine with Tan-Luxe
Tan-Luxe Wonder Oil $68
These are the first drops that I used that didn’t make me orange or streaky. I have had some bad streaks happen, but that’s really my fault. Because when I take my time in applying them, I’m streak free. 🙂 To apply is very easy, you just roll the oil on (it’s a roller) and blend in with your hands. Unlike St. Tropez, you have a few minutes to wash your hands before they streak. But don’t forget to wash them!
Quick review of Tan-Luxe self-tanning routine:
- No parabens or sulfates, cruelty-free
- No mitten needed, must wash hands about 5 minutes after use
- Even, deep color
- Can easily streak
- Greasy until dry- about 5-10 minutes
- On the pricey side
- Very light, pleasant smell
- Can not control tan level
- Face drops will probably last 6 months
- Body Drops will probably last 2 months
Sunscreen with Bronzer
Beautycounter Countersun Tinted sunscreen mist $39
This stuff is amazing for when you haven’t planned ahead and are gonna spend all day in the sun needing sunscreen! It gives you a healthy glow tint and protects you with 30 SPF! I used this recently at the pool to get a nice glow. Caution: It does rub off on things so don’t use it with your pretty, new white dress! You can wash off immediately in the shower, so it’s color you don’t have to commit to. Here are some other awesome BeautyCounter picks!
So there you have it! I am so glad I’ve done some exploring this summer to find the perfect glow! I don’t have time to go to a sunless tanning salon regularly but this I can do in about 5 minutes at home so it has been great! Let me know if you have any questions! XO, Z