Make-Up For Beginners [Part 2]

Today we will be talking about Bronzers and Self Tanners.

We all want that healthy sunkissed glow, but without the harmful effects of overexposure. However like all other beauty products, THERE ARE SO MANY OUT THERE! Who wants to waste their money over and over again on a product that just looks too fake. The key to a healthy looking tan is moderation. You want your tan to always look natural, so if you naturally have alabaster skin then you don't need to be deep bronzing it. And we all know that orange=bad.

My skin is a little on the lighter side, but i do have somewhat of a natural tannish glow [thanks mom!] But during the winter months it can start to get a little dull. spf makeup can also aid in a more paler face than the rest of the body.

Bronzer Tips for Skin Tones:
Fair Skin: do not use shade of brown or gold, rather use peachy shimmery shades. This actually ends up looking 100% more natural than if you were to use a deeper shade, plus it looks amazing!
Medium Skin: this is my skin. And what ive found to look ultra natural is brownish pink tones. Medium skin tones can get away with a little bit more brown and golden tones than fair skin tones, but still be careful not to overdo it!
Dark Skin: I honestly dont see the need to add any extra color to these skin tones, you should be so grateful! But i understand those winter months when you need that extra bit of warmth to pull you through. I recommend a brownish red for this skin type.

Tip: Don't just apply bronzer to your face, also apply to your neck and blend into hairline to avoid the "mask" look

Like foundation, there are so many different types of bronzer formula's to choose from. They come in either a matte look, or shimmery look. I personally think that a more flat look is more natural, although shimmery is nice for special occasion. They come in powders, creams, sprays, lotions etc. My personal favorite is gel form. It does not cake, and looks alot more natural than other forms i have used, plus it stays. But beware beginners! you definitely have to practice before you go out in public. Gel bronzers are a little on the harder side to blend. A quick tip is to put as little as you can on t first, if its not enough you can always add a layer.

I have found two of the most perfect bronzers in my quest for perfection, its gonna take a breakthrough to knock them out of first place:
#1 we have [of course] Bobbi brown All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15

Bobbi's unique gel-based bronzer instantly gives the face a healthy, natural-looking glow with the added benefit of sun protection. Depending on desired effect, blend bronzer all over face or where the sun naturally hits - forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.
To use: Apply to face, one area at a time, blending quickly and evenly. Wash hands immediately after applying. To remove from face, simply use your regular cleanser. Not a self-tanner, so it washes off easily like other makeup.
-This stuff is seriously amazing! it looks very natural, and theres no commitment:)

#2 is RAW and Minerals warm glow

This stuff is pretty amazing also, its not even half as hard to put on as Bobbi brown's and you still get that fab glow.

Now lets talk about self tanners.

These can be extremely tricky, especially for beginners. Most tanners end up having you look like an orange peel, even though they say otherwise. It is important to remember that crucial word; Moderation. Its easy for some people to get addicted to tanning because they love the new color that is now on their skin. All too many times i have seen beautiful girls walk around with the most horrible, overdone self tan. And yes, it is that obvious.

I have only one product that i would like to recommend in this area, although i will be reviewing a lot more in the future [you can never look enough right?] I'll be sure to tell you all if i find a better one, but this one is gold! its easy to apply, and the result look super.
-Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream
-This stuff works magic for fair-medium skin, and it smells delicious:)

Hope this article helped you guys on your search for the perfect sunkissed skin! What do you think?
-gigi