pretty in RED

It seems as if this entire summer has been filled with rainy days…. much like the past week. Usually, I don’t mind rainy days. They can be a nice change of pace, a chance to sit around and catch up on Project Runway and Rachel Ray. However to many rainy days and not enough time to enjoy some sunshine just plain sucks.
By the end of June I’m usually so tan that my tan lines make it seem as if I am wearing a bathing suit all the time. However this year my tan lines are barely visible and I’m still using my winter makeup, which means my tan is seriously lacking. So besides using vast amounts of sunless tanner, I’m in a search to find out what I can do to appear more tan without actually laying out in the sun or in a tanning booth. (Not to mention hopefully giving my skin a break from harmful skin cancer causing rays).

What I’ve found is that lighter tones make your skin appear darker, but deep hues such as brown and purple can work as well (as long as you are not paisley to begin with). Yellow seems to work for people with darker complexions as well. Orange can work as well, but it can also bring out the orange tones in your skin and make you look fake baked. White works best for every complexion and black is a close second. These colors work by contrasting with your skin tone.

As far as make up goes, the usual combinations of bronzers and blush seem to be the only solutions to fake a sun kissed look. Applying the bronzer in the correct way will help you look like you just stepped off the beach, not like you just spent hours in front of the mirror. When applying the bronzer use a larger brush. Apply the makeup starting at your forehead making the number “3” down the side of your face. (The hairline, cheekbone, and jaw line). Repeat on the other side of your face. Also make sure that the bronzer you buy matches the color that your skin looks when naturally tan, and that it does not have any orange undertones. By applying the makeup in this way it emulates the natural places the sun hits your face. Applying blush can be tricky, because where and how you apply it all depends on the shape of your face. Personally, I use a large brush and apply the blush to my cheek bones, then a quick swipe across my forehead, chin, and nose because those are the places on my face that receive the most sun.

When it comes to nail polish, the same theories apply to your nails as your clothing. Light pinks and oranges will make toes and fingers appear darker. As opposed to bright reds (as much as I love red toe nails, the color doesn’t do much to make skin look darker). Paired with a white or black sandal, if nothing else your feet will look as if they have just stepped off the beach.

Hopefully these tips will help out the girls who have been stuck inside all summer. If you have any tips of tricks that you use to fake a sun kissed look, let me know!