Running in Heels

The Winter Tan

Posted in Body Conscious » by Alice Revel :: November 23, 2010

Winter Tan Preparation

Whether you’re showing off just a little demure decolleté, or planning on exposing your legs despite the chill outdoors, faking that summery radiance requires preparation. Okay, you’re not heading to the beach, but nonetheless any flesh you’re flashing should be toned, taut and dimple-free. Twice-daily application of Payot’s Lift-Performance will firm, tighten and smooth skin pronto, improving elasticity and tone. The lightweight gel absorbs quickly, making for fast and easy post-shower application.

Hair removal might not be your top priority during the winter months, but if you’re thinking of wearing your legs bare à la Emma Watson, ensure they’re fuzz-free. We recommend the 100% natural Sugar Strip Ease for simple depilation from the comfort of your own home. It’s a cinch to use; just pop the pot in the microwave and use the woven strips included, to sugar your way to smooth, hair-free pins. Not having to bother booking a wax means more time for fitting in festive soirées and gift buying too, hoorah!

Any experienced fake tanner will emphasize the importance of exfoliation – it’s a must for an authentic, streak-free tan. However, it can be a bit of a chore when you’re jumping out the shower, so we suggesting saving exfoliation for the evening and luxuriating in a warm bath. The Cassonade Delicious Sugar Scrub from Payot is an indulgent way of sloughing away dead skin gently, and the delicious fragance of lemon, verbena and vanilla leaves a sultry trace of scent too. Follow with a rich lotion – Dr. Hauschka’s Rose Body Moisturiser is packed with hydrating ingredients and smells pretty and floral.

The Winter Glow

Achieving the perfect golden glow at this time of year is actually quite complicated. You just won’t get away with the burnished deep bronze colour you might during summer months, unless you’ve just returned from aforementioned beach trip, of course! For the rest of us, what you’re looking for is a soft, caramel-toned tan, and Rodial’s Brazilian Tan Light is just the ticket. The tinted formula means you’ll avoid making mistakes with application, plus the gel texture absorbs quickly, with a natural colour developing in around 2-4 hours. Easy peasy! If you’ve picked out a thigh-skimming mini, you may want to opt for the Brazilian Tan Dark which has an extra slimming effect – just make sure your legs match your face!

For an even more temporary tan, go for Bloom’s Instant Bronzing Gel. The matt effect gel lasts until you choose to wash it off and is scented with essential oils of ylang ylang and geranium. The formula also contains moisturising macadamia and jojoba oils, meaning it delivers essential hydration to parched winter skin. For a subtle tanned effect, you can mix the gel with your everyday moisturiser or foundation and use on the face too.

The real key to creating a natural tanned effect for your face is a light touch – you want to look healthy and radiant, rather than bronzed. Add colour with the NARS Multiple Bronzer in Tuomota – a light shade which you can buff easily into cheekbones, forehead and chin to create a sexy, sun-kissed glow. For a dewy, radiant look, use together with a highlighter such as Make Up Store’s Sparkling Loose Powder in Shiny Gold and a warm-toned blush like Becca’s Beach Tint in Peach.

Add a final sexy touch to your winter tan with a dusting of Delicious Pearly Powder from YESforLOV. The sensual fragrance and shimmery, iridescent finish will ensure that any miseltoe will definitely be heading in your direction!