MM Look Book: How to keep a tan in the winter...the healthy way!

So lets face it...It's the dead of winter and our tans are long gone! I personally feel better when I have a healthy glow; and when you feel better, you look better!

So let's get down to business...there are basically two options here: the professional route or the do-it-yourself route.  I have had many professional spray tans in my life, and I must say I am a fan. These are great for extra special occasions, but I would advise that you try it first before the big night just to see how it may react with your skin...everyone is different! 

The do-it-yourself route is great for gaining that everyday glow or if you want to look a little extra special for date night! The great thing about at-home products is you control exactly how much you use! If you feel like you're becoming a little too dark or a little too orange, simply stop using the product for a few days and use a gentle exfoliant. Using the same gentle exfoliant before applying is always a good way to help ensure the product goes on more evenly.

Here are my top alternatives to " fake baking" :  

#1 - St. Tropez 
If I could buy this in bulk I would! It is a gradual, self-bronzing mousse that is applied with the corresponding mitt. It provides a slight glow right away but gradually turns tan over a period of a few hours. I usually apply after my night time shower, so it has time to work its magic while I get my beauty rest! The other great thing about this line is that the actual mousse is a dark brown color (don't be alarmed, it isn't actually as dark as it seems) which allows you to see exactly where you are applying it! It comes in a wide variety of options; everything from the basic tanning mousse, to sensitive skin tanning mousse, to an all new in-shower tanning lotion. 

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#2 - Clarins 
Clarins makes a GREAT self tanning product line! They have several options to choose from. Their "Delicious Self Tanning Cream" is great for building a gradual tan. This is applied with your hands so make sure you wash them well afterwards; you don't want to look like you have been digging in the garden. They also have a self-tanning mousse, which is applied the same way; but the mousse is a white formula where as the cream is a tinted formula. Their self- tanning instant gel is also perfect if you are on a time crunch or if you need to touch up any areas you may have skimmed over using the gradual tanning products - improvise people! 

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#3 - L'Oreal Sublime Bronze 
I love that this same product  comes in three different application options! These are gradual tanning products,
which means you will not see any instant color.
 On the left we have the tanning lotion. This allows you to control how much or how little you many need/want to use.
In the middle we have the tanning towelettes. These are individually packaged wipes that already have the tanning agent in them;  all you have to is apply. These are great for on-the-go or travel use!
On the right we have the self-tanning mist. This requires no rubbing and dries quickly!  

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Y'all comment and let me know if you all have other favorites that have worked for you! 

​Thanks for reading! 
Cheers - Molly Mays