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This article originally appeared in the June 2016 issue of SELF.
Dana Davenport
At least, it does in theory.
In reality, I don’t and can’t tan.
I once went on a surfing trip, and people swore I came back paler than when I left.
Dana Davenport
(I also caught approximately one and a half waves.)
Still, I wanted that summer-sun skin.
Let’s be clear: I’m not talking about reality-TV levels of contouring.
Dana Davenport
The new bronzers are subtle, matte and natural, like you just spent a day by the ocean.
“All you’re doing is enhancing your skin tone.”
So, here is a step-by-step guide to bronzer for woman with alabaster tones.
Dana Davenport
For my own beachy transformation, I started with a bit of base coverage to even out my complexion.
Next, I set out to choose the bronzer itself.
(Otherwise, a bronzer can end up looking too severe or brassy.)
As for how deep to go, Addington suggests no more than two shades darker than your skin tone.
Then, Martin says, “go in and carve out where you could cheat the sun.”
This typically means your forehead, cheeks and jawline, plus the bridge of your nose.
I took a large, fluffy powder brush and began dusting bronzer lightly over those areas.
I also swept it over my ears and neck so it blended with the rest of me.
(No need to bring new meaning to the notion of “tan lines.")
“Start off light and build,” says Addington.
“it’s possible for you to always apply more as the season goes on.”
And that’s precisely the point.
“It doesn’t need to feel perfect,” says Martin.
The vibe is easy and loose, no 20-minute YouTube how-to necessary.
So I needed a bright blushand here, too, matte is the way to go.
“It’s to add that little hint of a flush,” says Addington.
withLancome Blush Subtil in Rose Fresque, $32.
The whole routine was simplea swipe here, a dab therebut the result looked Roxy-contract-ready.
Mostly, though, Ifeltthe difference.
Sun-kissed skin is a sensation more than anything else.
It’s carefree and confidentand that’s exactly how I plan to be, all summer long.
