When thinking about summer, our first thoughts generally center around the same things--enjoying time outdoors, swimsuits and a healthy bronzed glow. However, in recent years, women have opted against laying out in the sun and have moved toward the more skin-healthy route.
If a fake tan isn’t your thing, don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are a number of ways that you can look sun-kissed without having to cover your body with a spray or lotion. The secret? Smart application of serums, blush and, the pièce de résistance, bronzer.
These three elements combine to create the perfect illusion of fresh, radiant skin. We’ve compiled a list of great products from each category.
BRONZER
Bare Minerals Barepro Glow Bronzer
Although a liquid-based bronzer is unusual, this is a good choice for achieving that shimmering glow. With a sheer pigmentation, this product works well for layering color as desired. Say goodbye to constant application, this formula lasts for up to sixteen hours. With naturally derived botanical ingredients, the look of pores and fine lines will be an image of the past.
TIP: Place the product lightly onto the tips of your fingers. From there, tap gently, making sure to blend fully, onto the tops of your cheekbones, your temples, and your nose.
Vapour - Bronzing Powder
If you consider yourself a beginner, Vapour’s Bronzing Powder is a no-brainer. User-friendly and straightforward to work with, the powder includes several warm-toned shades as well as little specks of sparkle. The bronzer smoothly blends with or without makeup thanks to it’s hydrating and conditioning properties.
TIP: Use a brush. The beauty of a bronzing powder is that you can use it to contour as well. Apply to your cheekbones, nose, and temples as usual, but for a more sculpted look, dust the excess product along your jawline and forehead.
BLUSH
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Blush
Created from finely pressed rice powder, antioxidant-rich fruit pigments add to the simple flush of color that glides perfectly over any skin tone. Made with nourishing cocoa and avocado butters, the product helps dull skin shine and maintain a glow long after use.
TIP: Tap brush before application, to remove excess powder and achieve the most natural look.
Mad Hippie - Cheek and Lip Tint
The ultimate 2-in-1 product, this gives color to both your lips and your cheeks. The cheek and lip tint can be tapped onto the skin for subtle color, or layered for an even bolder look. With shea butter as a key ingredient, the skin stays hydrated and soft all day long. And it’s completely vegan and eco-friendly.
TIP: Perfect for tossing into your bag before leaving the house, you can apply with fingers and the warmth of your body will “melt” the product into the skin.
SERUM
Mad Hippie - Vitamin A Serum
A high concentration of antioxidants and other minerals invigorate your skin on contact, and prep the skin with the boost it needs for the day. Mad Hippie created a series of serums for a multitude of uses, but as a makeup base, the Vitamin A serum reigns supreme. With powers to evenly balance skin tone and smooth imperfections, it works to help you glow from the inside out.
Eminence - Facial Recovery Oil
Not exactly a serum, but due to its incredible toning and hydrating properties, we can let it slide. This facial recovery oil is a cult favorite, created with all-natural ingredients for any skin type. It’s meant to renew the skin and relieve dryness before or after a long day. Just a couple of drops on a clean face will do the trick!