May rain clouds burned off, I was left standing in that hot Ohio sun with skin so white I was about to catch fire. Sun damage is no longer a secret, and I don’t have the time to invest in a cinnamon sugar tan. It’s time for a summer pilgrimage through aisles of self tanning products, the smelly, the Oompa Loompa, and the streaky stripe.
You are now the Goldilocks of self-tanners. No one has disposable income, least of all a Self-Tanner Fund; it’s hard to pick and experiment in choosing the ideal shade and brand. If you have thrown your stained hands up because you’ve yet to find a perfect product, sit tight. This summer, we have tried a bunch. In no particular order, we will outline the stand-outs.
If you need a continuous spray, go with the Sevin Nyne brand. If you think you’ve heard that name, Sevin Nyne is the love child of Lindsey Lohan and tanner to the stars Lorit Simon. At first blush, I was super stoked; the color was pretty much immediate. The spray is visible; you can see what you are working with, a nice feature. The next morning, Sevin Nyne had developed into an even sunburst. Sevin Nyne delivered fantastic all-over color. I hate to sound surprised, but, this stuff is pretty kick ass. Before you dismiss “another celebrity crossover”, try Sevin Nyne.
If a continuous stream is too intense, Lavera Glow n Go is a sweet choice. Spritz on, rub in and you have a subtle glow in just a few hours. It is a lighter consistency than their tanner lotion, but still offers moisture that Lavera is famous for. Lavera Glow n Go will also give you just a splash of shimmer—not pole dancing glitter, but a Jennifer Aniston, classy shimmer. Lavera is ideal, as it is a compound of nourishing, organic ingredients. It also features a list of antioxidants, which is instrumental in fighting the effects of aging.
If you want a lotion self tanner, one of the finest thus far has been the Fake Bake. Again, I was slightly apprehensive to try new products, as I am pasty white. What some call “Gallum” white, Renaissance painters called Alabaster, so, quit making fun.
Fake Bake gave me an all-over, “weekend on my buddy’s boat” glow. It also comes with rubber gloves for your application—brilliant. It went on even and was easily spread out, interestingly, it administers as an olive green until you rub it in. If you have overdone it, you can fix it immediately. If you aren’t working with gloves, apply a layer of heavy lotion to your hands, as a barrier and then smooth out your glow. Wash hands immediately, lest you give away your spray tan intentions.
Last, but certainly not least were the Comodynes Self Tanning towelette. The professionals at Comodynes know that you are busy, that your life is constantly on the go. The entire line is built to assist you live a quick paced, rolling stone life. Unwrap the package; inside is a towelette of sunless tanning lotion, simply rub into your chosen area and you’re done. You could do it at your desk. Literally. When you’re in a pinch, if you’re changing into your skirt, rub one of these towels on those Gallum legs and you’re ready for Happy Hour.
You have more options as far as “safe sun” than ever before. We handpicked these tanners because of their results across the board, from sun junkies to weekend warriors, these are some fantastic ideas to keep you and your life healthy and sun-kissed. To get your started, Buzzbin and Fake Bake want to give away a whole Fake Bake system—the exfoliator, moisturizer, self-tanner and illuminator. Write in and tell us why you opt for self-tanning and you could win!! Email Jara@BuzzbinMagazine.com to win!
Tan lines are SO Spring Break '84.