I'm naturally pale and have never been a fan of tanning (by sun or bed). I commute about an hour to and from work each day... and now that it's sunny I've developed a bit of a tan on my left shoulder and upper arm.
I'm afriad when I wear my strapless gown in about 2 months it will look a little silly, especially from the back with my extremely pale white upper back contrasting with my shoulder. I've never really played with self-tanning lotions or tried the spray-on tan thing.
Have any of you ladies tried self-tanners or spray-ons and were happy with the results? I don't want to look orange ;-)
My fiance suggested I just start wearing sunscreen on my left shoulder, but it isn't going to take away the color I already have... any suggestions or personal experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!
2007-07-19 11:57:29 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Thank you so much for your comments and ideas! I truly appreciate it.
2007-07-19 13:29:13 · update #1
As a pale child myself I say spray-tan.
Go someplace professional that does it by hand...not one of those booths. Try it now and you will have plenty of time for it to wash/fade away in case you think it looks too orange.
The pro places that airbrush it on usually look good. It's when I've done the booths or the stuff at home that it comes out looking really bad or uneven.
Beds don't work for me and I would be worried I would accidentaly burn myself and end up looking like a lobster on wedding day or be peeling (gross). At least with a spray tan you know you won't burn.
2007-07-19 12:02:51 · answer #1 · answered by pspoptart 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ok, if you are really pale, any tan that is spray-on will look blotchy and/or orange. Almost always orange. Find a place RIGHT NOW if you decide to spray on, because i've had many many many friends try spray on and most looked pretty bad....you'll want to find a place NOW that looks good so you can go there. And make sure you give it a few days so it doesnt run-because if its raining or you sweat it could smear.
I'm sorry to say it but tanning in a bed is the best option-its all over and looks natural because it looks like how you would tan normally. Could you make an exception this once for your wedding? Or go to a pool a lot and make sure you wear a tube-top swimsuit?
2007-07-19 16:09:59 · answer #2 · answered by amy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually I had a similar dilemma recently. My best friend was married last month and I was a bridesmaid. My dress has spagetti straps and I had a completely uneven tan.
I am also VERY fair skinned and I did not want to use self tanners for fear of turning orange and I didn't want to go to a tanning place for the spray on tan because I felt silly.
SOOOO I tried the Jergens natural glow lotion that is supposed to gradually darken your skin. I used it everyday, twice a day and within 1 week the tan lines totally faded, and made it look much more even. If you are as fair as me, it should work to even things out. It does not make your skin a lot darker, just enough to even it out.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about is the smell, it's not bad just not real pleasant. BUT it was worth it to not feel self conscious!
2007-07-19 12:10:53 · answer #3 · answered by Reba 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The fastest, easiest thing to do is the Mysitc Tan. They are NOT orange. But if you are nervous try it out in plenty of time.
They only last about two days, so you want to go the day before the wedding if you go that route.
Before you go get the Mystic Tan, be fresh shaven, and exfoliate your legs. You could also dab a little lotion on the rough spots, like elbows and knees.
If it's a hot day, wait a little while before you get in to a hot car. Maybe run the air conditioner for a little bit before getting in. If you sweat in the back of your knees or the bend of your arms, you could end up with a white sopt. But it's not a big deal, you can just dab on some sunless tanner/ tinted moisturizer in those spots if that happens.
It's not as complicated as it sounds and is very easy if you try it out in advance and learn some quick tips like the ones I mentioned.
I am so white that I glow in the dark. I used to go get the mystic tan on Friday afternoon so that I could look good in my short skirts and halter tops in the summer when I went out on the weekends. (I was younger and in better shape then too! LOL)
2007-07-19 12:52:07 · answer #4 · answered by Proud Momma 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Jergens tinted moisturizer does work, depending on how dark your arm is, that might just work for you and its moderatly priced at around $6 a bottle. No orange at all.
Neutrogena has a tanning mist, which again moderatly priced at $7, is pretty decent. spray evenly, and lightly coat ankles, knees, elbows, etc. wherever your skin is drier. I usually put a thick coat of moisturizer on right beforehand, this helps with streaking and prevents it from going on too thick. You can get orangy, but only if you put a massive amount on yourself.
Mystic tanning booths are available at most tanning salons, and are $20 per time. I think that they fade pretty fast though, so if you are getting one done, see if they have a package. Most have buy one get one half off. GET TWO!!! Do one now to make sure that you like it, and then do one right before the date. I dont think they make you look orange at all.
Airbrush tans are very expensive, at like $100-$200 depending on where you go. You mostly get them done at a salon or a spa. So you expected to tip as well.
I would suggest the Jergens tinted moisturizer, or the Mystic Tan. Possibly even a little of both.
2007-07-19 12:18:37 · answer #5 · answered by jayde_eyez 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
being pale myself and have been in your situation before I definitely would do the air brush tan- find a place that is reputable and go to them a few weeks before for a trial run. I did this for my own wedding and it came out great! Def dont do a booth though, make sure it is someone that air brushes you- I went to two different places since then, do to moving around, and have had great success. Ask around and see if any one has done it and which place they recommend.
It worked great and did not look orange at all adn it lasts about 5- 7 days
just if you do go to one of these places make sure they tell you directions before you come in: to exfoliate before, dont wear lotion that day, etc
good luck
2007-07-19 15:05:23 · answer #6 · answered by mom25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to find a make up artist that does air brushing. It is kind of like the Mystic Tan that someone else spoke of already, but they can do a foundation on your face as well that will give you flawless coverage and no smearing/smudging.
I am looking for an air brusher myself, but am finding out there are other techniques out there too. Unfortunately, I do not know much about them, but I am told it is very similar to air brushing.
2007-07-19 14:01:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the sunscreen idea from your finance should work, your skin will fade enough in two months and nobody will notice.
I have a friend who says that the Jergins self-tanning daily moisturizing lotion works really well, if you want to give that a try.
2007-07-19 12:05:04 · answer #8 · answered by librarygirl 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋