How I (Safely) Got My Beach Tan

on June 20, 2011 at 1:00 PM

Lindsay Ferrier Getting a tan at the beach has become a conundrum for many of us.

We want to come home with a healthy glow, but skin cancer is a real concern.

This summer, I tried a combined approach that really worked -- and kept my skin safe.

Read on to find out what I did.

Since I didn't want to be pasty white my first day on the beach, I got a VersaSpa spray tan a few days before we left.

VersaSpa tans generally cost between $20 and $30 and last up to 11 days. I usually buy them in a package to make them cheaper and then use them during special occasions throughout the year.

Once I got to the beach, I was very careful about applying sunscreen. I already had my "VersaSpa tan" and the sunlight at the beach gradually added to it.

But my real secret weapon this year was my Bare Escentuals Bronzed and Buff 2-Piece Faux Tan & Buffing Brush (QVC, $54), which I had received from QVC to try out.

QVC

I LOVED THIS STUFF, for a couple of reasons.

For one thing, it smells better than any self-tanner I've ever used. All self-tanners have a chemical with a scent that I really hate -- the Faux Tan did an excellent job of covering that chemical smell up.

Another thing I loved was that the Faux Tan instantly gives your skin color. Not only does the color look great, it also helps you figure out where you've applied self-tanner and where you haven't.

But my favorite part of the Faux Tan package was the buffing brush that you use to apply the tanner. It is a super-soft, short handled brush that you use to literally paint the tanner on your skin. At first, I was skeptical that it would work, but it worked really well -- and as a result, I got no tanner on the palms of my hands whatsoever.

Brilliant.

I put some on each day after I came in from the beach and showered, and I ended up with a beautiful beach tan and almost no swimsuit lines!

Frankly, I don't have the patience to use self-tanner on a regular basis, but I do try to use Jergens Natural Glow Body Moisturizer, which is a very gradual self-tanner. It's fairly foolproof, it gives you good color, and it's available at the grocery store.

However, if you have a special event coming up and you want to look like a (naturally) bronzed goddess, I highly recommend a VersaSpa or other spray tan treatment, followed up with daily applications of your favorite self-tanner.

What are your safe tanning secrets?

Image via QVC

Disclosure: I received a Bare Escentuals Faux Tan set from QVC to try out for the purposes of this post. My opinions, as always, are my own.

Filed Under: body, skin

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Comments (17)

ashjo85

on Jun 20, 2011 at 1:03 PM

I never like the smell of the Jergen's stuff. And it WILL make your hands brown if you don't wash them furiously right after. But you're right, good for a touch up.

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amandasmomma

on Jun 20, 2011 at 1:07 PM

Yuck, tanned skin is so...passe

Nonmember comment from Gertie

on Jun 20, 2011 at 1:09 PM

High five amandasmomma!

Facebook comment from Jennifer Castleman

on Jun 20, 2011 at 1:28 PM

I'm a spray tanner. I like VersaSpa when I need one in a hurry, but I prefer to go to a skin spa close by my work where the person sprays you. It looks better, it's cheaper ($25 + tip) and lasts longer.

Also, I LOVE Jergen's Natural Glow. But I hate the smell too, so I use the foam instead. The smell isn't as strong and it's a lot less greasy!

So does the Bare Escentuals stuff stay on or does it wash off when you shower?

amberdawn07

on Jun 20, 2011 at 1:51 PM

I have to tan, I'm a pasty red-head and need some color during the summer months.

I do the spray tans, but have been wanting to try one where it's applied by someone else, just haven't had the confidence yet.

I also the self-tanning lotion since they are so easy to use, make quite a bit of difference, and are next to nothing to buy!

Btw, that pic of you is gorgeous!

Facebook comment from Jan Shepherd Ross

on Jun 20, 2011 at 2:25 PM

I have tried virtually all the self-tanning products and have never found one that looks right on your feet. They all wear off slightly and then your feet look like they have dirty streaks on them. If you put it on every day, then you start to look yellow and funny. I have tried the buffing, etc first but even that does not seem to help. How did the Bare Excentuals stuff work for this problem??

Nonmember comment from remikate Bell

on Jun 20, 2011 at 2:52 PM

Havent heard of vera spa. I use a body buddy applicator band at the beach or at a tanning salon, i can rub sunscreen or extender on my entire back and body. Dermatologists have told me even the spray sunscreens NEED to be rubbed in. I can't do spray tanning because it makes my other spots or freckles even darker and I look like a cheetah. Natural tanning doesn't cause the spots to darken in the same way. Any suggestions on how to prevent the spot issue I will be excited to spray tan. Oh and the body buddy keeps palms from turning yellow. I also got a pair of the body buddy mitts to use and their booties. Very pleased with all products. Booties keep my heels soft...of course that has nothing to do with the tanning issue. Would love any suggestions on spots.

knfisch

on Jun 20, 2011 at 2:54 PM

Lorel has a self tanner I love. It smells tropical and it has a bronzer in it so you can tell where you've done. I can't remember the exact one I had thou lol!

mompam

I love to be tan. My favorite thing in the world is to sit in the sun. We go to the beach 2 weeks a year. I lay out, but I always wear the kids suntan lotion. I get tan anyway. I wear number 50!

LindsayFerrier

on Jun 20, 2011 at 4:53 PM

The Bare Escentuals looks great on my feet and it's a brown color, not yellow or orangey, which I love. And yes, it is a true self tanner and the tan won't wash off in the shower (although the bronzer in the tanner will).