Looking Good - February 1, 2017

*-- What Are Bronzers and How Do You Use Them? --*
Bronzers refer to both sunless tanning creams/sprays and powders used strategically on the face and body to get a sunny glow. Products are getting easier to use, better at conveying a natural look and eliminating possibility of user error, but there are still some basic things you should keep in mind when applying bronzers.



On the Face

If you want a simple sun-kissed look, go for a powder bronzer. First, you'll want to search out a bronzer that is right for your skin tone. There are a ton to choose from, almost too many, so do a little research to see what other people have tried and already determined which ones look best on whom. When you've got your perfect bronzer, you want to apply it to areas that the sun would naturally hit first. This includes the cheekbones, the nose, the chin and the forehead; it's not technically the face, but you can even hit the collar bones. This will give you a great glow when you just need a little more twinkle to your look. But, be careful about too much sparkle during the day, you don't want people to need sunglasses in order to look at you!

If you are using a cream on your face, make sure your skin is clean and dry; then begin working in a dime sized amount in small circles, staying away from eyes and eye-lids. Stop at the jaw-line, but also make sure you have blended well to avoid a hard line. For best results, exfoliate your skin beforehand, moisturize, then allow twenty minutes to a half hour for the moisturizer to absorb. This creates a smooth surface to begin on.



On the Body

If you've never used a bronzer before, it's best to go with a lighter one to see how it looks and then go darker from there if you want. Bronzers come in sprays as well as creams, so choose whatever sounds easiest for you to apply. Again, before you begin application, make sure your skin is clean and dry. Also, make sure you are well moisturized; if you have patches of dry skin, the bronzer will want to absorb more in that area, creating a darker spot. As with the face, use a moisturizer and allow a good twenty minutes to make sure it's totally absorbed. Next, put on a shower cap and protective gloves so the palms of your hands don't get stained. Then begin massaging into skin evenly. Use remainder of lotion on skin to work into ankles and knees.

Bronzers are a much safer alternative to the tanning bed and provide a great option when you are trying to extend that tan just a little further into Fall. Good luck!

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