We all know that tanning beds and UV rays are terrible for our skin, but many of us still crave that lightly bronzed look–especially during the seemingly endless dark days of winter. Fortunately, there’s some makeup products that can help smooth the way without increasing your risk of melanoma.
Living in Minnesota, otherwise known as the Polar Tundra of the United States, I’ve tried just about everything to add some color to my fair skin during the coldest months of the year.
Here are my top 5 favorite makeup products for adding some natural-looking color to your face without risking the health of your skin (or turning orange).
- Nars The Multiple in Orgasm ($39). The name says it all, yes? This shimmering peach cream-to-powder blush stick will add a universally flattering flush to your cheeks in seconds. As the name implies, it has multiple uses– it adds a pretty coat of color to lips and eyes as well.
- Tan Towel Face Tan Anti-Aging Face Towelettes ($30). Ideal for those new to self-tanning because the perfect amount of formula is built in to the fresh-smelling, pre-moistened towelettes. Simply use one of the moisturizing and exfoliating wipes on your face and neck in the morning, and by evening, your skin will look lightly sun-kissed and radiant (without a hint of orange)! It dries quickly, and you can wear make-up over it.
- Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer in Medium/Deep ($30). If you prefer a matte finish, this powder bronzer is the one for you. It not only smells like chocolate (it contains real cocoa powder!), but it also adds a natural layer of warmth to your skin. I apply it all over my face and neck area with a large, fluffy kabuki brush and it evens out my skin tone. Don’t let the “medium/deep” label scare you– I’m fair-skinned and it doesn’t look fake on my skin.
- tarte Cheek Stain in Flush ($30). To bring out a youthful, long-lasting rosy glow, my go-to cheek stain is tarte’s Flush, enriched with active antioxidant-rich super fruits. Simply dab this sheer, moisturizing berry-tinted gel stick on the apples of your cheeks and blend with your fingers. Voila! You, just a little more colorful.
- Physician’s Formula Bronzers ($10). For bronzing on a budget, I’m a fan of Physician’s Formula matte pressed bronzers, especially my old standby, the Powder Pallette Multicolor Face Powder in Bronzer. Hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and non-comedogenic, this affordable bronzer comes with a brush and lasts for months. Like the other products I’ve listed, it’s almost impossible to mess up, and it’s great for sensitive skin.
When I’m feeling ambitious and my kids aren’t pulling on me, I’ll layer a couple of these products. The Multiple or the tarte Cheek stain look pretty and natural layered over one of the powdered matte bronzers.
But even just one of these products can make you feel like a million bucks. I feel quite put together wearing some mascara, lip gloss, and “Orgasm” on my cheeks, and it only takes about 3 minutes.
This is super helpful! I always avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure in general but it’s awesome to have some bronzing arsenal on hand 🙂
Thanks, Andrea! I also avoid being in the sun too much (especially without sunscreen!), but I admit to liking a light tan. These really are my go-to products to help me feel less pasty in the winter :).
~Julia
Oh my goodness, some of these names are so funny! It’s all really helpful information to have, though – and it’s so nice to have multiple options for “tanning!”
Haha, yes, cosmetic companies know how to come up with attention-grabbing names, don’t they? Thanks for stopping by!
~Julia
This is great. You just never know what self-tanning products are great and which ones give the awful orange glow. Thanks for the recommendations! Even though I’m in San Diego, I’ll be skipping the actual sun and faking it with one or more of your favorites.
Awesome, Lisa! I highly recommend all of them :). I also really like Jergen’s Daily Face Moisturizer Natural Glow. I use it almost every day in the morning.
~Julia
[…] 5 Makeup Products to Capture that Sun-Kissed Glow Staying Beautiful in the Winter …Naturally! Author Aislinn Hunter Answers: What’s in My Bag? […]