Sun Kissed Skin

how to fake that surfer-girl glow, warm, carefree and fresh-from-the-beach gorgeous.

Summer looks like golden warmth, a flash of heat off the tops of your cheeks. Rays of sun bouncing off wet skin... Or in your head it does.

In reality, most people do-not or can-not tan. Or likely, we all just canceled our beach vacations. Either way, we are going to have to have to get into some in-home bronzing.

Bronzer and self-tanner have come a long way from the reality show versions we used to see. These days they are matte subtle and natural. 2 levels max darker than your natural tone. The industry has even put out some amazing freckle making products. Bronzing if done right should be easy and a small change to your regular routine.

For my own beachy transformation, I start with Charlotte Tillbury Hollywood Flawless, it has descent coverage and will stay dewy looking through additional product application. It will also breath well in a hot and humid climate of the summer. For bronzers I chose a slightly warm base. I use a pallet from Makeup Forever. It’s a cream bronzer, blush, highlight and contour. Cream products for me always ensure that I can build on more color where i want and blend any lines for soft transition.

I try to remember where the sun would kit my face most of the day. The top of forehead, top of cheek bones, and bridge of nose. This is where you apply bronzer. Contour is applied to the places where if the sun was hitting your face where would you want there to be a shadow. A glow from the sun has a different color tone then a shadow. That’s why you chose a slightly golden bronzer and a slightly cooler contour.

When if your not used to cream product, get a big brush and a subtle Hoola Matte Bronzer. Don’t forget the ears.

The flushed, pretty, color you get when you have been running after a beach volleyball or diving repeatedly off the end of the dock, that is the bright pink or peach color. This is what you’re after, not the deeper “took a nap catching rays on the sand” kind of red.

Get a bright blush and matte is the way to go here too. use a cream blush with the pads of your fingers or a slightly denser brush with a powder. Push the color into the apple of your cheeks then move out with less product on your brush.

Tap the tops of your checks with a light or sheer highlight. This is where you sneak in a slight the shimmer.

The whole process is very simple when you find the right products. Swipe here, dab there. Mostly I feel the big difference when I wear bright colors or take photos.

Want to from head to toe?

Check back for full body tanning techniques.