Wedding Day Glow

It’s your wedding day. Everyone is focusing on you. Your dress, your hair, your makeup, your glow… only you’re glowing like Snookie from MTV’s Jersey Shore. Not good!

Yes, tanning can be an exact science that can produce a healthy, bronzed skin tone… but it can also explode like a bad high school science project and leave you looking like an Oompa Loompa!

I’m not a fan of tanning beds and the damage that they can cause, but we can’t all lounge on the beach and catch some good old fashioned sun rays every day. With that in mind, here are some hot tips for faux tanning.

Automated Spray Tans: Many tanning salons offer good options for a sunless tan, like Mystic Tan, and it’s great if you are uncomfortable doing a D.I.Y. tan. They run around $20 a session. It is recommended that you use Mystic Tan at least once a week to maintain your tan.

D.I.Y. Sprays: St. Tropez has a whole range of home tanning solutions that are great for those bathroom pioneers who like to go it alone. It’s recommended that you exfoliate with their body polish, first. At a cost of $35 per can, this option is great for those on a budget. Reapply a couple of times a week for the best results.

Professional Airbrush Tanning: Salons and some independent, mobile professionals offer airbrush tanning. Similar to the automated spray tan, airbrushing gives the tan a better chance for a flawless application, while having the added bonus of having a skilled professional on hand to make sure it is, in fact, even. A full body application costs around $40 and lasts up to 7-10 days.

Tanning Wipes: Comodynes have become quite the media sensation this summer, and I have to admit they work pretty well. The little moisturized towels avoid skin tightening and adapt to any skin tone to create a natural looking tan. You still have to be careful to apply evenly, but they do avoid streaking, which is a big bonus. Apply every 3-4 days to maintain your look.

Lotions and Creams: If you’re looking for something a bit richer and deeper in tone, then St. Tropez’s lotion (which costs around $30) is a good option. Just rub it on a couple of times a week for an even tan. It contains aloe vera to keep your skin looking healthy as well as golden.

Makeup Bronzers: If you want something a little bit more temporary, makeup bronzers are a great way to go. Both Stilla and Jane Iredale make a great bronzer in two shades. Jane Iredale’s applicator is really great for on the go as the powder is loaded in a reserve behind the brush and is easily loaded without fuss. Costs range from around $30 for Stilla to about $40 for Jane Iredale.

Whatever you do, test it first. You don’t want to experiment on your big day.

So enjoy the sun this summer, but remember that you don’t need to spend it soaking up UV rays so you can look tan on your big day. There are tons of options out there to choose from, so pick the one that is right for you.

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