We can all agree that summer calls for a beautiful glowing, bronzed complexion. And if you haven’t been able to soak up the sun as of late, you might be wondering how you can get that glow at home. Good news: You can get sun-kissed skin sans the sun, and it’s actually way safer for your skin. All you need are the right makeup products and a bit of self-tanner to transform your skin right before your eyes. Sound like an idea you can get behind? Keep reading as we give you the rundown on how to achieve a glowing complexion from head to toe.
STEP #1: SELF-TANNER
Having a tan and laying out in the sun seem like they go hand in hand, but with the right self-tanner, you can have a glowing tan all year round—no sunbathing necessary. Before reaching for your self-tanner of choice (more on that in a bit), there are three prep steps to ensure you have a seamless, streak-free glow: exfoliate, shave, and moisturize. All set? Take your pick from two of our favorite self-tanners.
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Mousse: Love the look of a natural, sun-kissed tan? This self-tanning mousse will rise to the occasion. The lightweight mousse goes on clear and develops color within four to eight hours. We also dig that it’s transfer-resistant, so there’s no need to worry about getting the product on your clothes or sheets. Not to mention, it has a fresh coconut fragrance and hydrates your skin.
How to use it: Smooth the mousse onto your skin and wash hands immediately after use. Allow the color to fully develop before showering.
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes for Body: Want to achieve a bronzed glow without making a mess of your hands? Well, consider this self-tanner to be your saving grace. These tanning wipes are a quick and easy way to bring your glowing skin dreams to life! Made with vitamin E and gentle alpha hydroxy acids, this tanner is packed with the right amount of color to give you an ultra-smooth, streak-free, and natural-looking tan.
How to use it: Smooth the towelette evenly over your entire body, and sparingly over your knees, elbows, wrists, and ankles. Unfold the towelette as you go to keep it from drying out. Wash your hands immediately after use and allow the self-tanner to dry.
STEP #2: BRONZER
To level up your bronzed glow, you’ll need to carry the sun-kissed look up to your face. Self-tanner is perfect for giving your body a lasting glow, but for your visage, we suggest turning to a makeup staple: bronzer. Not sure where to start? Choose one of the following, based on your preference for liquid or powder bronzer.
If you prefer liquid formulas…try the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. Made with glycerin and shea butter, this liquid glow lotion works to hydrate skin while giving it a luminous sun-lit glow that won’t go unnoticed. We also love that you can use this luminizer on your face and body, making it a well-rounded pick in your quest for an all-over bronzed complexion. How could you not swoon over this beauty find? Apply one of the deeper shades all over for instant color and shimmer, revealing soft, beautiful, and healthy-looking skin in the process.
If you prefer powder formulas…try the L’Oréal Paris Summer Belle Makeup Bronze Please! Packed with blendable and long-wearing pigments, this multi-use bronzer works double-duty to add warmth to your beauty look and prevents your makeup from falling flat. Apply the powder on your cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin for a bronzed finish. You can also use it on your décolletage, sweeping the powder onto your shoulders and collarbone for extra definition and glow.
STEP #3: BLUSH
Of course, your luminous beauty look calls for a healthy glow, don’t you think? As the last step in your journey to a sunless bronze, you’ll want to use blush. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Summer Belle Makeup Blush Please! With its shimmering formula, this beautiful blush seamlessly blends onto cheekbones for a rosy, sun-kissed look. Using a makeup brush, dust the powder over your cheekbones and onto the tip of your nose to give your complexion a warm, radiant touch.
Editor’s tip: Don’t want your bronzed goddess aesthetic to fade as the day goes on? No worries—you can lock them in your look and up your glow factor in the process. Give your face a few spritzes of the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist to see what we mean. Formulated with coconut water and vitamin C, this face mist brightens and delivers lasting hydration for a refreshed, revived, and rejuvenated complexion.
And there you have it! Instead of relying on the sun to help you achieve a bronzed glow, you can glow at home.
Next up: Now that you know how to DIY a sun-kissed glow, it’s time to focus on your mane. Head on over to our article, How to Highlight Your Hair at Home, to make your strands look equally-suited to summer.
