Here Comes the Sun: A College Girl's Guide to Sunless Tanning

"It's been a long, cold lonely winter." I couldn't have said it better myself. But fear not, brighter days are on the horizon! Now that we're exchanging our sweaters for sundresses, college women everywhere are looking searching for that "healthy glow." If you're anything like me, you don't have much time to catch some sun the natural way. There are many risks associated with tanning beds, so I decided to compile a complete guide to sunless tanning. Let's glow:

Choosing the Right Shade

Finding the right self-tanner for your skin tone is half the battle. Follow these tips:

Olive skin tones: Choose a shade in the medium color range

Fair and Porcelain skin tones: Choose the lightest shade in the color range. For the best results, choose a gradual tanner.

Peach skin tones: Choose a shade in the light to medium color range. 

Tan and Dark skin tones: Choose a shade in the medium to golden color range.

Fan Favorites: College Girl's Favorite Self Tanners

I surveyed 25 college students about their favorite self- tanners. Drumroll please...

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Jergens seems to be popular with self-tanning beginners or anyone who is looking for a gradual tan.  They also carry a daily facial moisturizer  which is convenient for those looking for a head -to toe- glow. Hillary, a sophomore at UMASS Amherst is a frequent Jergens user says she "likes Jergens color payoff, but wishes it didn't rub off on her clothes" when she's sweating at the gym. 

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self- Tanning Towellettes
These individually wrapped tanning towellettes were popular among the women I surveyed. This Vitamin E- enriched formula promises  a "medium- natural looking tan" that's streak-free. Audrey, a junior at Boston University raves about this product: "I just love the little towellettes because it makes it so much easier to use." This product is convenient because not only does it cut application time in half, it's perfect for touch-ups on the go. 

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup
This product popular because it's mess free and does wonders not only at tanning your body but hiding any imperfections you may be insecure about come sundress season. Kelly, a sophomore at BU also uses this product as an air brushed foundation during the warmer months. "It's so much lighter than real foundation, so I spray it into my palm and blend it into my face."  If you're interested in trying this product be warned that it's temporary and will wash off in the shower immediately after you use it. 


Bare Essentials Faux Tan
This is my personal favorite. I'm extremely fair so finding the right shade of self-tanner is difficult. I cant get enough of this product since I discovered it last spring. While it may appear dark in the bottle, this tinted formula makes it impossible to miss a spot during application. This is the first self-tanner that I've tried that turns brown not orange. Even though each bottle is a little over $20, each application lasts for 4-5 days. This products strawberry scent has made it a cult favorite self-tanner on Youtube.

Application
A self-tanner will only look natural if it's applied correctly. Here are some expert tips that will keep you looking like Snooki. 

1.    Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!: Use a body wash with exfoliating beads or make your own body scrub. 
2.    Moisturize: This will prevent streaking by eliminating dry patches on knuckles, elbows and feet. it also gives the tanner something to stick to. Maintain your tan by moisturizing daily after applying the self- tanner
3. Use gloves: If you don't feel comfortable using rubber gloves you have other options, like a mitt or brush. If you feel like applying the tanner with your hands, be sure scrub your nails with a scrub brush immediately after application. Don't skip out on this step-- orange palms aren't cute. 
4. Start at the ankles and work your way up the body with long upward strokes. Starting at your feet keep streaking to a minimum because you won't smudge your torso when you bend down to apply tanner to your lower half.
5. Once you’ve applied buff any streaky looking spots with your palm. Hyper-extend the fingers and rub the palm on the area in circular motions
6. Fear Not. If you make a mistake, there are plenty of ways to fix self tanning mistakes

Do you have any affordable self-tanning tips?  Share them in comment below! Let's ban together and vow to never let this happen: