Most Popular Ways To Fake A Beautiful Tan
It’s hard to deny the fact that a glowing tan can look amazing on anyone.
Just because the colder months are here, doesn’t mean you have to go without beautiful, bronzed skin.
There are many different ways to create and keep an awesome looking tan throughout the entire year.
With options a plenty for safe, tanned skin, let’s take a look at the most popular options and the pros and cons of each.
Ways to fake a tan…
1. Professional Spray Tan
Pros: A professional spray tan may be one of the best ways to avoid streaks, blotchy spots, or interesting color results.
The world-renowned spray tanner to the celebs, Jimmy Coco, points out that a professional spray tan can add killer body contouring (aka muscle definition that you may not be blessed with at the time) and can correct any tan lines you may not want.
Many tanning salons and spas offer professional spray tans.
Cons: Professional spray tans are VERY expensive. They can run around $50 to $100 per session.
Unless you have a movie star budget, this isn’t very practical. Professional spray tans also don’t last any longer than regular spray tans or self-tanners (about a week).
Another con is convenience. You have to get in your car, drive to the salon, and then drive back covered in the spray solution. You also have to be comfortable stripping down to your birthday suit in front of a complete stranger!
2. Automatic Spray Tan Booth
Pros: Booth spray tans can be a cheaper alternative to professional spray tans.
They run about $25 per session and can still provide a good, even tan.
They provide a bit more privacy, you’re still naked but it’s only you and the booth (the booth doesn’t judge, I promise).
A fancy shower cap covers your hair from getting tanner on it and you apply lotion or cream to prevent tanner from sticking to particularly dry areas like knees, elbows, and feet.
Cons: These tans aren’t as custom as professional spray tans or applying self-tanning lotion.
They do a good job at trying to create a one size fits all tan, but sometimes they fall flat.
Being trapped in an enclosed booth full of spray tan mist is a bit overwhelming as well.
That was always my least favorite part, getting blasted in the face with tanning mist, while trying to hold my breath and squeeze my eyes shut.
Also, the joys of the feet situation is always a real treat (*stares at feet horrified).
They either end up extremely dark, orange, or a wonderful mixture of the two.
Blotchy feet (no matter tops or bottoms) aren’t the cutest things in the world and are a pain to hide.
3. Bronzers/Makeup
Pros: Using makeup or bronzer is one of the most instant ways to get a bronzed glow to your skin.
For those of us who want instant gratification, these may take the cake.
When applying the bronzer, you want to use a fluffy, short brush and apply it where the sun would naturally hit your face such as nose, chin, forehead, and cheeks.
You can also dust your chest or neck to continue the glow. For a dewy look, you can even use creams or gels.
Cons: Makeup and bronzers can be instant miracle workers but they only really work on your face and chest.
Time and mess factor make bronzers hard to use on your entire body. Not to mention these tend to get all over your clothes.
The biggest con is the fact that these are only temporary, and you lose your bronze the second you wash it off or as the day wears on.
4. Self Tanners
Pros: Self tanners are one of the least expensive, most effective options for faking a beautiful tan.
Self tanners are more convenient and let you tan in the comfort of your own home.
There are also literally hundreds of options on the market for a self tanner. (To find your perfect self tanner, check out our list of the best self tanners)
Since you apply them yourself, you’re able to customize the tan to your specific body.
You can also do any touch ups the next day if you need to, since you have the product on hand.
Another great thing about self tanners is they last 4-5 days on average.
Lastly, you don’t have to get dressed and drive home (as you do with self tanning booths) and ruin any car seats.
Cons: Self tanners do take a bit of practice and patience while applying, but after a try or two it can be a breeze.
Some areas are harder to tan evenly, such as your feet and hands. But again, with a little practice, this usually gets better.
In Conclusion…
There are many safe, effective ways to get a beautiful fake tan.
Some of the most popular ways are professional spray tans, automatic spray tan booths, makeup/bronzers, and self tanners.
Each has its own set of pros and cons to keep in mind… so you’ll have to experiment to see which works best for you
However, once you do find that perfect method, it’s hard to argue with having a safe, beautiful, bronzed tan all year long!
Category: Self Tan, Self Tanning Tips
