This time last year, I was a D’Arctan believer. Why not? Have you ever visited that place? It’s clean and sparkling, and some beds even have aromatherapy. It’s heaven here in the dead of winter, and I’m sure many, many women (and a few men) on campus would wholeheartedly agree with me. But I always felt pretty guilty about sunbathing in bed. After all, tanning in tanning beds has been proven to be closely linked to the most dangerous skin cancer – melanoma. Then I learned the news that it was as carcinogenic as asbestos, and unfortunately I decided not to continue tanning. I’m not going to get on the preachy sunscreen soapbox. Because I really wish I was listening to Britney Spears in my tanning bed right now, but please consider the risks before you go tanning. (If you’re the same color as your New Mexico adobe house, you need to step away from your tanning bed now. Think about the wrinkles you’ll get when you’re 50.) But I… We know how good a tan feels and how it feels. Since it’s before spring break, I decided to try self-tanning. (Reader’s note: I’m not a huge DIY fan.) I’m inexplicably drawn to anything hot pink, so I thought the Model CoâÄôs canned tan airbrush would be perfect for me. The reviews on MakeupAlley, a site I frequent, were positive, so I prepared it as recommended. I showered, exfoliated, and applied a thick lotion (such as Eucerin) to the driest areas, such as my elbows and knees. That way, the tanner won’t soak in too much and ruin your look. dirty. Tan in a Can comes in a spray bottle and sprays out a dark greenish-brown color reminiscent of sludge, so users are advised to apply it in the shower. The whole process took about 10 minutes, plus another 10 minutes waiting in the bathroom for it to dry. I think I did well considering it was my first time. Spraying it on your back yourself may be a little tricky, so if you’re a gentler, you might appreciate it, but for the most part Tan in a Can produced an even, natural color. It feels real, it doesn’t rub off on your sheets, and it smells like something toxic, not cookies. (Tan in a Can sells for $30 at Beauty360.) Another alternative to tanning that I recommend is a gradual tanning lotion. I’ve been using the DoveâÄô version off and on for the past year and love everything about it except for the smell. Guys, it’s a little suspicious to show up to a lecture looking like you’ve spent a week in Cabo. A subtle glow looks much more beautiful than a burnt tan. Self-tan tips: 1. Assemble your supplies. An old towel, Crorox wipes (for cleaning up if you get a tan in the shower), and rubber gloves can be helpful. I also put it on the floor. 2. Wash your hands immediately after application. My palms are very dirty now. Apparently I wasn’t washing it fast enough. 3. Some sprays say not to rub, but I find that canned tan works better. 4. Do not touch your face. That’s what bronzer is for. 5. Speaking of bronzer, this is a key component to properly camouflaging your tan. I recommend going to a makeup counter (like MAC or NARS, places where makeup artists know their stuff) and finding the shades that actually work for you. Drugstore bronzers are difficult to work with and often come in an orange color. It is also important to purchase a large, thick bronzer brush. (I use NARS Laguna. It’s expensive, but perfect.)
