I'm pale. I have dark hair and green eyes and pale skin. That's me.
I just don't like being pale though. It's not my favorite thing in the world and I try to fight it. I tanned in a tanning bed a little bit in high school and college, especially after I turned 21 and started going to the bars, but I kicked that habit pretty quickly. I like being tan, but I like not having skin cancer more.
I still tan outside and such, but I always wear sunscreen. Yes, sometimes I only wear SPF 15, but SPF 15 is better than SPF 0.
In my older and wiser years, I've turned to sunless tanning lotions.
Ugh. It's a love/hate thing. I love being tan without going to a cancer box, but I hate so many things about sunless tanning lotions.
Streaks.
Spots.
Orange.
Smell.
Uneven bullshit all the freaking time.
You could say that I'm a little frustrated with the whole situation right now. Here are a few I've tried and one I'm going to try..
- Nivea Sun-kissed Radiant Skin Sunless Tanner. I used this one last Spring and just felt that it was very splotchy. I also wasn't a huge fan of the smell. When it wasn't splotchy though, I enjoyed it quite a bit. But it was kind of a dangerous game of "Will I be covered in leopard spots today.. or nah?"
- Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. I actually haven't used this kind in years and I've heard they've recently made huge improvements, which would be good, because it was streaky and spotty and I used to hate it. Like I said though, it's been years and I've heard they've made huge adjustments. I almost want to try it again.
- Mary Kay Subtle Tanning Lotion. I actually really liked this. It is exactly what it says it is though, subtle. In the winter it was pretty great because it was just a nice little touch of color so I wasn't transparent, but now that it's spring, I want a little more color. I do still use this on my face though, because if there is one thing I trust Mary Kay with, it's my face.
- L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Lotion. This is the one I'm going to try next. A lot of people have recommended it, so I'm going to give it a shot. I'll let you know.
Exfoliating, for sure. Also a mitt if you have one. They are cheap at Ulta if you can get your hands on one! Helps with evenness and protects your palms. I like the Loreal Sublime but the one I've used is in a different bottle (not sure what the difference is, but it gives a good color). I also like St. Tropez mouse (pricey) and a Playboy one in a spray can (I know - Playboy - but it works well, haha) For face, I like the Jergens Daily Moisturizer for face. It doesn't smell too awful and gives just a touch of color.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw the words streaks and spots, I was going to recommend exfoliating. I get a spa scrub from Bath and Body Works. Here is a link to one similar. http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11160985&cp=12587010.11433653.11433657 I feel like the lotions soaks in better. I've been using Jergens for a couple years and was using them before and after the change. It is a ton better!
ReplyDeleteSt. Ives makes an exfoliator. It's supposed to be for your face but the pieces in it are pretty big. I use that on my knees and elbows when they get dry.. The Apricot one smells fantastic, and it's pretty cheap.. I think it's like $4 in the cleanser isle at Target (Walmart carries them too but they don't always have the regular apricot one) or Ulta
ReplyDeleteI am pale as well, red hair & freckles pale...and I have tried everything under the sun. Last year I saw reviews on Fake Bake Flawless and decided to try it. I will never use anything else again! (I do use that jergens gradual tan on days I don't use fake bake) It is seriously the best I have ever tried. Definitely exfoliate and use the mitt that comes with fake bake.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely exfoliate! I don't use sunless tanner, but I worked for a spa that did spray tans and I can't tell you how many times I had to tell people to exfoliate well before their appointments. If you don't want to spend tons of money on exfoliating scrubs, you can make your own. Pinterest has TONS of DIY recipes!
ReplyDeleteI used to tan SO MUCH after college! not anymore though. But these sunless tanning things seem like they really work! I have no advice for you... but exfoliating sounds like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI really like Fake Bake. I buy it on Amazon. It doesn't have the sticky feeling that other self tanners have and it instantly leaves you with tan that doesn't rub off on your clothes. It's my favorite until I find something I like better!
ReplyDeletewhen you find a good one let this pale blonder girl with blue eyes know!
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for the St. Ives apricot exfoliator scrub. I SWEAR by this, and I've been using it for at least 10 years. It's for face but you can absolutely use on the body too. Just don't press too hard, just use gentle circular motions with your fingertips. I keep mine in my shower and use on my face 2-3 times per week and on my body as needed in different areas {arms, legs, knees, etc.}. I also LOVE Lush's body exfoliator Rub Rub Rub. It smells like absolute heaven and my skin feels amazing after. A bit pricier but worth it for the season of exposed skin. In summer I also like to use a regular body wash that has some exfoliating properties like the St. Ives sea salt body wash + a shower poof for easy gentle daily exfoliation.
ReplyDeleteAhh sorry for the novel. I am just a skin care enthusiast {#weirdo} and have been battling dry skin my whole life so I've tried it all! Hope this helps :)
Exfoliating is the key. I've had to give up on sunless tanning because I'm allergic to most of them. Fake Bake is probably the best one I've used.
ReplyDeleteStop, you're SO pretty! <3 I need more selfies from you!
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about the whole exfoliating thing but I have had great success with Tan Towels. No streaks. No orange. I love them.
ReplyDeleteI love the Jergens natural glow. It has improved a lot over the years. The smell is pleasant now and I find that I have got a good system down for applying it. as long as you don't try and tan your fingers and toes, I use to slab it on all over and my feet would look the worst. but if you gradually apply to the top part of your foot, not past the part where it meets your toes… it works great! I try to blend it into my wrists too, that way theres not a line. If you make a mistake with it, like I saw on myself this morning lol, grab a cloth, run it under warm water and scrub it until it blends, or I put a little bit of sugar on the towel if its a tough spot to get out. Cant wait to see what you think and which one works best for you! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm always telling my best friend to stop tanning in a bed. She's pretty dang tan thanks to it and I'm certainly jealous but I know I don't want to lay in a bed to get that way. I've used the Sublime Bronze before and liked it a lot! If I use it again I'll definitely be purchasing a mitt to help avoid the orange palm problem!
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of good things about the Tan Towels and Fake Bake Flawless, so I am definitely leaning towards trying one of those!
ReplyDelete