To Tan or Not to Tan
Most brides would love to have a rich, tan glow on their wedding day, but is it a good idea? Too many women have horror stories about tanning just before the wedding, resulting in either a sunburn, or an unnatural, severe-looking tan. With a few key rules, you can make sure to look your best on your wedding day, whether you decide to tan or not.
As a general rule-of-thumb, if you aren't usually the type to tan, don't try tanning for the first time immediately before your wedding day. If your skin is not used to sun exposure, it is likely to burn. The best approach is to build a gradual tan over time, by tanning for just a few minutes at time. Make sure not to tan the day of your wedding, or the day before, just in case you overdo it. That way, you skin will have time to heal before the big day. Women that tan regularly should also not tan immediately before their wedding day to avoid embarrassing burns. Even experienced tanners can misjudge the amount of time that they should tan, particularly if laying out in the sun versus tanning in a timed tanning bed.
An even better approach for women who don't normally tan is to use a sunless tanner. Those with very fair skin are likely to have better results with a sunless tanner than they would with a traditional tan, simply because a darker color can often be achieved. It is also much safer. Today's drugstore sunless tanners have a nice color and most are easy to apply, but be sure to get comfortable with the product before the wedding. It takes a few days to build up the color, and proper application can vary from formula to formula. Another option is to have an airbrush tan done at a salon. While a more expensive option than the drugstore variety, this eliminates any guesswork involved. A well-trained professional can even use the tanner to contour your body, making you look your absolute best.
As people become more and more aware of the risks of tanning, the less fashionable it has become. Don't feel pressured to tan just because that's what other brides do. In fact, lighter skin tends to photograph better. Celebrity makeup artists often use foundation that is one shade lighter than their client's skin tone to make their features stand out better on the red carpet.
Whether using a sunless tanner or the use of UV rays to achieve your color, make sure to not go overboard. Nobody wants to look orange on their wedding day! When in doubt, skip the tan. With a bit of blush and bronzer, you can easily create a lovely glow for your wedding.
Posted by Anna K.
1-800-701-4026
