Tanning your skin is subjecting yourself to damaging UV rays, and creating a predisposition to premature aging, sun spots, and possibly skin cancer. If you love a tanned look, here’s how you can create a natural-looking glow without exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful rays. You can boost your skin tone and get that perfect sun-kissed look instantly, and right out of a bottle.
You must start with clean, exfoliated skin. Exfoliation is crucial when using a self-tanner to simulate a fake tan. This will help eliminate oil, debris, and dry and dead skin cells, which can accumulate on a constant basis. A fake tan will look more even, be streak-free, and last longer when applied to clean skin. Exfoliation also keeps your skin healthy and radiant by assisting in the prevention of clogged pores and blemishes. Use a mild exfoliating scrub instead of a harsh product, which can irritate the skin.
In order to achieve a natural-looking fake tan with makeup, you must select the proper shade of bronzer or self-tanner hue. This shade should be complimentary and meld effortlessly with your complexion. If the shade is too light, you will not notice a difference. If it is too dark, you may have an orange tinge or look a bit off. It’s best to select a color that’s one to two shades darker than your actual skin tone. Also, be sure to take into account your skin’s natural undertones. Many self-tanners and bronzers have cool or warm undertones, which may clash with your skin tone.
The first step to achieving a natural tan look from the bottle is to apply your fake tan in thin layers. You can gradually build up the color and make sure it harmonizes with your complexion by applying the product in thin layers. Avoid applying too much product all at once, which will create streaks or uneven color. Begin with a small amount of product, then use a makeup brush or blending sponge to integrate thoroughly into your skin. Add more product when necessary to gradually build up the color until you achieve the desired tan. Your fake tan will look realistic when applied in light layers.
Another crucial step to achieve a fake tan when applying makeup is by first using a face primer. This will create a smooth and even base for your makeup and help minimize the appearance of pores and small wrinkles, giving you a more flawless look. Primers are also helpful in creating makeup longevity, to help ensure that your fake tan remains glowing and natural throughout the day. Therefore, choose a lightweight, oil-free primer before the makeup.
Using a self-tanner or bronzer with a moisturizer is another great way to get a makeup induced faux tan that looks more natural. The color will get diluted and the effect is more subtle and blended when both products are combined. Your skin will also feel hydrated and look soft and luminous. Simply combine a tiny amount of each product in your hand and blend well. Then lightly massage the mixture into your skin in circular motions, paying attention to your hairline and jawline while blending.
Employing a contouring method is another way to provide the appearance of a fake tan. By applying a bronzer to create shadows and highlights on your face, contouring brings out your natural features and gives the appearance of a smaller, more sculpted face. Concentrate on the parts of your face that the sun would naturally hit, i.e. forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. To produce a shadow that looks natural, apply the product in a C shape under your cheekbones and along your temples. To appear more toned and defined, you can also shade your collarbone. This will create a sculpted and radiant appearance.
Blending well is the key to achieving a natural looking tan with makeup. It will also prevent streaks and spots. It is therefore crucial to apply small amounts of the product in circular motions with a blending sponge or makeup brush. Pay attention to the hairline, jawline and ears, where the product likes to settle. In order to prevent sharp, unnatural lines, blend very well at the edges. Take your time applying the product slowly, and make sure the fake tan looks seamless and natural by blending properly.
Matte bronzers are a great way to create a faux tan that looks natural. These bronzers don’t have shimmer, which can often make your skin too shiny or reflect an abundance of light. Matte bronzers produce a more delicate and natural effect that gives your face a healthier look without being overdone. They also provide more natural looking shadows, which are perfect for contouring. Use a makeup brush to apply the matte bronzer in one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Then apply gently in circular strokes.
It’s important to remember your hands and feet too. These areas are frequently ignored, resulting in a fake looking tan. Apply a bit of self-tanner or bronzer to the back of your hands and be sure to fully mix into your fingers and knuckles to prevent this. A blending sponge can be beneficial. By paying attention to these spots, you can achieve a beautiful head-to-toe tan.
If you obtained your fake tan with makeup, you must now set it with powder so that it stays put all day long. This will prevent smudging, fading, or migration of the product. Be sure to apply the setting powder with a big, fluffy brush to prevent sharp lines or streaks.
As you will note, there are several ways to achieve a fake tan, from the bottle to a compact. Whether you choose a liquid self-tanner, cream, or powder bronzer, you can look beautiful instantly without sacrificing your skin.
Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.