Things I Love... Sunless Tanning

Being of European decent, I was not blessed with beautiful tan skin or even the ability to acquire a bronzed skin. Last summer, I was so disgusted with how pale my legs were, I decided I needed some color on them to justify wearing anything above my knee. Artificial tanning was the way to go, not only is it the healthier option but it could provide immediate results.

Now, there are a plethora of self tanners on the market. Prices ranging from around $4 or $5 all the way up to $100 or more. I am a firm believer in the "you get what you pay for" school of thought, and I want quality products, but I don't want to be broke with a beautiful tan. An ideal tanner won't leave you streaky or give that hideous, unnatural orange color.  The fairer your skin, the less flexibility you have with lower quality self tanners. So, how does one find a self tanner that fits the bill and is priced reasonably?

Jergens, a familiar name in skincare, offers a line of sunless tanning moisturizers that are very effective and very affordable.  There is the Revitalizing or Firming Daily Moisturizing lotions, the Express Body Moisturizer for noticeable results quickly, the Foaming Daily Moisturizer (my favorite), and the Healthy Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer with a UVA/UVB protectant of SPF 20.

The foam is my favorite because it is much easier to use than the lotions. I never worry about missing a spot or getting too much in certain areas because it glides on so smooth and evenly. It dries quickly after application and will add only a hint of sun-kissed color. If you desire a darker tan quicker, you can just smooth on another layer once the first application has dried. Last summer, I would put the foam all over my legs every day. By the end of the week I had a nice, subtle tan.

Maintenance was simple, I would be sure to apply a liberal application after every shower, especially after shaving my legs. I will warn you now, make sure you will not be sweating for a couple hours following application. This can mess up the tan unless it is well set into your skin. Also, the lotion doesn't leave you smelling of that bad, chemical reaction that is common with most tanners. All that for around $8-9 per tube/can, and one tube/can goes a looooonnngg way. I bought two cans of the foam last summer and I am still using the second can this year.

So, go on my fellow fair skinned ladies (and gentlemen perhaps?) and slather on a faux glow. Your skin will love you for opting to avoid harmful UV rays, and you will love that you can finally have a fake tan that really is more tan than fake.