Tan, tan, everywhere. At this time of year, false tan is all over the place. And I mean that literally; it's frequently crusted into people's knuckles, streaked on the inside of their dresses, and sometimes, in their hair - though don't say anything...
For those who love a spot of tan, there ain't a thing wrong with it. If it's not applied well it can look a bit obvious, but who the hell cares if you feel good about yourself in it? Some products are designed to make it easier to apply and help prevent common tanning mishaps. Industrious folks have even invented tools to help make the process easier but there remains the ordeal of getting the stuff off!
Still, I won't touch false tan for one simple reason - I'm TOO DAMN PALE! It isn't going to happen. I'll only look in need of a good wash, and that just isn't flattering. I also like my paleness - I'm at ease in it. Beauty measures should be taken to make you feel more confident, and I would feel strange and self conscious in tan. Also, I don't really want to smell like a pack of digestives... But there are other options.
Whether you're pale or not, body makeup is a brilliant choice to cover blemishes, discolouration or veins. You will absolutely never see a photo of a celebrity on a red carpet who isn't sporting some body makeup on their limbs. It evens out the complexion and eradicates corned beef legs, which we'd generally cover with tan. You have more options than you might think when it comes to body makeup.
- Mac Face and Body Foundation (€31.50)
This is the traditional choice of professional makeup artists for shoots and red carpet makeup. The same rule applies to body makeup as to tan - you need to exfoliate the skin well and moisturise beforehand in order to create the best effect on the skin. Mac's Face and Body comes in so many shades that yours is definitely in there, no matter what your skin colour. Though the consistency is thin, this foundation becomes increasingly thick the longer its exposed to air and the more you work it.
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Massage this into arms or legs with hands and it will dry - it contains a film fixer which sets it - to a lovely finish. Your clothes will be just fine and it will come off in the shower really easily with an oil based shower gel. Job done!
- Vichy Dermablend Total Body Corrective Foundation (€32.99)
This is maximum coverage foundation. It will cover tattoos, birth marks, or minor blemishes too. If you have a mark or blemish which is affecting your confidence, a product like this might help you to feel comfortable baring a bit more of your skin. This foundation is very thick and you need to work with it quickly as it will set completely, but it will cover literally anything, and washes off without fuss. Again, an oil-based cleanser will remove this quickly.
- No7 Instant Illusions Rapid Radiance Balm (€22)
This illuminator looks fantastic on both face and body. It imbues a glowy radiance rather than a showy sparkle, and applied down the shins (over foundation or just straight onto skin). Add a touch to the arms and collarbones to make your skin look inhumanly lovely and clear. A spot of liquid highlighter just adds that extra something! We reviewed it earlier on in the year, read it here!
So body makeup is always an option if you don't want to opt for tan. Though the way you actually are is pretty good too. Corned beef legs are a sound Irish tradition!
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Are you devoted to tan, and would you ever consider a touch of foundation on your legs or arms as an alternative? Share your thoughts in the comments!
