Faux Your Glow: How To Get a Tan With Less Sun

“Mahirap ma-achieve and golden tan!” So says Serafina, the infinitely amusing vixen from the cult classic film, Temptation Island. And we all can relate, right? It takes hours of laying under the sun to get our skin to produce the melanin needed to look like a bronzed goddess. But all of this comes at a price, as we all know that the sun is our skin’s worst enemy and causes all sorts of skin damage and accelerates aging. But fret not—there are certain tricks to create a faux glow, or at least make the tanning process quicker and make your existing tan last longer! Read on, sun worshippers!

1. Fake it with bronzer

Strategically applied bronzer can help give the illusion of a bronzed up glow. Buff the bronzer with a fluffy brush on the areas where the sun usually hits your face (cheekbones, tip of the nose, forehead). You can also apply it on your jawline, hairline, and collarbones to create a slimming effect.

Suggested Product: Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Dance (P435.00)

2. Speed it up with a browning lotion

Slather on a tanning or browning lotion or oil to accelerate your tan, so you can cut down on sunbathing time but still achieve that golden glow. Make sure to layer it over sunscreen for added skin protection.

Suggested Product: Maui Babe Browning Lotion (P1,140.00 P1,898.00)

3. Even it up via exfoliation

A lot of us think exfoliation is the enemy because it will slough off your tanned skin cells (and yes, it will). But did you know that exfoliation PRIOR to tanning ensures a more even and smoother tan? If you’re going to bake yourself, might as well do it right and ensure it looks perfect, right?

Suggested Product: Lace & Rue Dead Sea Salt & Olive Oil Body Scrub 300ml (P2,900.00)

4. Eat your way to a natural tan

Researchers have proven that it is possible to tan from the inside by eating skin superfoods rich in carotene. These include carrots, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and sweet potatoes. Chowing down on these regularly will give your skin a healthy-looking, darker hue.

5. Go to a tanning salon

If you absolutely must get a tan stat for a particular occasion (say, a hot date?) and when all else fails, let the tanning experts do it for you. Go to a professional tanning salon and you’ll emerge through those salon doors a bronzed babe.

Text by: Yasha Barretto

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