Fake It Till You Make It
I’ve honestly never had a tan. Not because I’m some Skin Cancer Foundation poster child who bathes in SPF and carries a parasol, but because my porcelain-fair skin, when exposed to rays, goes straight from white to crimson to major peeling. So for me, summer is all about lathering on the sunblock and then doing my best to mimic the healthy glow of everyone around me. Here’s how I’ll do it this year.
1
I’ll rub a bit of this subtly sparkly potion onto my cheekbones, then smooth whatever is left on my hands onto my bare shoulders so they look a little less pasty.
Jane Iredale Golden Shimmer Face and Body Lotion, $32, shop.janeiredale.com
2
This cream, which—unlike many zinc oxide formulations—feels ultralight on the skin, will be great for protecting my face. It’s also packed with natural antioxidants like sunflower-shoot extract, raspberry-seed oil, and marula oil.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30, $42, drunkelephant.com
3
I love how this very light oil gives my gams a touch of bronze without the usual messy application ordeal, and I love even more how it leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft.
St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil, $50, sephora.com.
4
In the water, this nongreasy spray will be my go-to. It lasts for more than an hour without reapplication—enough time, hopefully, to get up on one water ski.
Hang Ten 50 Classic Sport Natural Sunscreen, $13, hangtensunscreen.com
