Health & Beauty # 1: Celebrity Tanning Secrets Revealed

As ladies we wait all year for the time when the weather is absolutely gorgeous and we can begin working on obtaining and maintaining our sunbathed skin.  I, like the majority of the female population, am guilty of this mindset, and as I have begun the descent into my upper twenties, I have realized the importance of protecting my skin and being smart about how I spend my time in the sun.

Sun exposure is one of the quickest ways to noticeably age skin, particularly for your face and neck.  To combat the harmful impact of the sun’s rays, I have substituted the normal moisturizers for sunscreen.  As part of my daily regimen, I now wear Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple SPF 50.  Every morning, I apply a nickel size dollop’s worth onto my face and neck prior to putting on my makeup and foundation for the day.  When I share this with others I frequently hear, “my foundation already has SPF in it, and isn't SPF 50 a little much?”  My response to this nature is simply SPF 15 (found inmost makeup products with SPF) is not nearly enough protection for an entire day.  Further more, I would much rather be safe than sorry!  When I first made the switch from the usual moisturizers to Coppertone, I was concerned with my pores clogging and skin irritation.  Surprisingly, the transition was seamless and not only did my complexion improve, but my skin did not get dry or irritated.

I think when we look through magazines or see images of celebrities; we instantly notice their perfect complexions and tans, and think to ourselves, “I want to look like that!”  What we often fail to realize is that celebrities especially, are completely aware of the harmful impacts of sun exposure and take many precautions in addition to wearing sunscreen like; hats, sunglasses, cover-ups, and overall monitored exposure.  As a celebrity, aside from talent, your image and outer appearance is your biggest money maker which is why there is an immense amount of pressure to age gracefully and maintain your youth for as long as possible.  To achieve this, you bet celebrities are not sitting out in the sun for extended periods of time without taking many precautions.  To put it even more simply, there is a reason why the majority of celebrities wear hats and sunglasses while outside, and no it is not just for hiding from the paparazzi.

Celebrities are extremely cognizant of the impact sun exposure has on aging, which is why one of the hottest trends in Hollywood has been and continues to be the spray tan.  Not only do spray tans make it easy to achieve and maintain a flawless and even glow, but it lasts for about 10 days with proper moisturizing.  Professional venues like plastic surgeons offices offer customizable spray tans to make sure your tan is perfect and appropriate for you!

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to paying for a professional spray tan, rest assured there are products available that serve as perfect alternatives.  Over the years I can honestly say that I have gone through my fair share of trial and error with over-the-counter sunless tanning products.  I have finally come up with the perfect marriage of products that will leave you with an all over even, streak free, and natural looking tan. 

Here’s how I do it!

When preparing to sunless tan yourself it is imperative that you make sure your skin is freshly showered.  Following your shower, you will want to completely dry off your skin before applying any products.

The first product you will want to use is Coppertone's Sunless Tanning Gradual Tan Tanning Lotion.  This product serves as not only the base layer for your tan, but it simultaneously moisturizes your skin.  As  an aside, to maximize the longevity of your tan you will want to make sure you are keeping your skin moisturized.  Therefore, this product is crucial for the base of your tan and for daily moisturizing as it will lotion your skin while continuing to build a, for lack of a better word, "gradual tan."  To apply, use generous amounts and apply like you would any other lotion or body moisturizer and make sure to rub in the lotion.  Additionally, you will want to let the lotion completely set in before applying the next product.

Next, apply L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion in deep, and apply in a similar fashion to the previous product.  Note that his product has a built in tinted bronzer which means that upon application, color will be noticeable immediately.  The combination of both the L'Oreal and Coppertone products will work together to ensure that proper evenness and blending is achieved.  Be careful when applying the bronzer on your knees and elbows as the tan will come through a lot easier in these regions, and too much application will result in an unnatural contrast between your joints and the rest of your body.  Once application is complete, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the lotions from tanning your palms.

Finishing off your tan couldn't be easier with Neutrogena Micro Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan in either medium (2) or deep (3).  This product, as the name suggests, airbrushes away imperfections and naturally blends the tan to the inner arms, back of the knees and neck.  When applying gently shake the bottle and spray with even intensity and movement at a distance of about 4 inches from the contact area.  You will want to keep a steady and even movement as you spray your body.  Make sure to spray the top of your hands and feet to prevent unnatural contrast.  In particular, when you previously washed your hands, you removed any tanning application so you will want to make sure to apply to lightly airbrush your hands and feet to keep the tan blended and looking natural.

Following the application of all three products remain standing for a solid 30 minutes so your skin can properly absorb the products and dry.  Over the course of the next 8 hours your tan will gradually show more and more.  On a personal note, I typically tan myself at night so my tan has come through completely for work the next day.  Additionally, I tend to reapply the Coppertone's Sunless Tanning Gradual Tan Tanning Lotion to my legs, arms, face, and neck daily, and will further touch-up with Neutrogena Micro Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan as I see fit.  Overall, the tan will last about 5 days with daily moisturizing before gradually fading out.  Use your discretion and feel free to apply the three products as needed so you can achieve your own personal perfect tan!!!