(Photo by Alvaro Goveia)
Choose a bronzer that allows you to gradually layer and build colour. Sweep the powder across your forehead, nose, and chin (basically anywhere the sun hits your face) and don’t forget to highlight your neck and upper chest. For a more dewy finish, look for a bronzer with some iridescence. And for a more subtle hit of colour, try a formula with pearl-sized stones.
Try: Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Sun Stones, $20. Physicians Formula.
Getting that Saint-Tropez skin year-round is nothing short of a major beauty dilemma. Give your pale skin a perfect looking tan with an easy-to-apply bronzing mousse. For the most natural-looking finish, be sure to exfoliate the skin first.
Try: Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, $38, St.Tropez, Shopper's Drug Mart, Hudson's Bay and Sephora.
A highlighter and bronzer duo does double duty. Dust it on top of cheekbones, sweep it across your cheeks and apply it along your collarbone. Apply it on in layers to get an even glow.
Try: Benefit 10 Bronzing & Highlighting Face Powder Duo, $36. Sephora.
A warm radiance is key to warding off a sallow look sans sunshine but you also don’t want to look like you just stepped off the Jersey Shore set. A subtle illuminating fluid with light-reflecting pigment is sure to boost your complexion without overdoing it. Try one that evens out your skin tone and simultaneously moisturizes.
Try: Soleil Tan De Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid, $49. Chanel.
If you’re prepping for a tropical vacation or want year-round colour, try a creamy self tanner with a caramel tint. Bonus: Look for one that performs double-duty and that can be used on both your face and body.
Try: Delicious Self Tanning Cream, $42, Clarins, The Bay, Sephora.
If you want to look tanned but not too faux, try a moisturizer-infused self tanner. It will help keep your skin looking healthy along with building up a colour base. Apply it as you would your regular cream and let it work its magic while providing your body a bit of sheen.
Try: Authohelios Cream Gel, $24, La Roche-Posay
One key product to a healthy sheen is your trusty highlighter. Whether you opt for a cream or powder, apply it to your upper cheekbones and brow bone, and even apply a little to your lips before your lipstick or gloss. Look for one that shimmers not sparkles, and don’t be afraid to blend it with your blush or bronzer. Be sure to check your face in natural light before leaving the house — you don’t want to overdo the shine.
Try: Highlighter, $8. Joe Fresh.
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