How To Fake A Miami Tan All Winter Long

Even though I live in sunny Miami, rarely will you ever find me lounging on the beach working on my tan.  People are often shocked when they learn that we only go down to the beach maybe once every couple of months considering that we live directly on the beach and the ocean is our backyard!  Ummmmm hello skin cancer + wrinkly old skin?!  No thank you.

On the other hand, I absolutely hate being pale + pasty white.  I have naturally olive colored skin, and when I have no form of a tan I tend to look a little sickly.  I've always been a little bit jelly of girls who have gorgeous porcelain white skin because when I'm pale it's just not a flattering look for me!  So with that being said, I've created a "bronzing routine" that I maintain year round to create the illusion of a Miami tan minus the sun factor.

Read on for more details.

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Out of all the self tanners that I use, I like the So Bronze tanning mist the best.  This is about the closest thing to getting a professional spray tan in my opinion.  It is very easy to use, and I like the fine mist that it delivers and how quickly it dries.  I have yet to have an issue with streaking and the color is always very natural looking + evenly distributed.  It also doesn't have that awful scent that is so prevalent with most other self tanners on the market.  I use this product about once a week, always directly after a shower where I exfoliate my skin.  One can will usually last me a couple of months.

The St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse is another great product for achieving a believable bronzed glow.  I've used this product off and on for over 6 years, so I guess that says something :)  I think that it's essential to buy the mitt that they also sell, as it makes applying the product so much easier.  I used to only use St. Tropez, but since I discovered So Bronze, I don't use it as much anymore.  Personally, I think that So Bronze is easier to apply {I'm lazy!} and dries faster. 

I'm sure everyone is familiar with Jergens Natural Glow so I don't need to go too in depth about it.  My favorite is the Jergens with the firming properties since my booty can always use a little extra help!  I use So Bronze tanning mist once per week and Jergens generally every other day in between to maintain my faux color.  The combo of the two really seems to prolong the tan. 

I also use the So Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion For Face.  I love how after I apply this to my face it gives me an even natural looking glow {like I just came back from the beach!}.  The product is slightly noticeable after you immediately apply it, and the color deepens after several hours.  It is not heavy or greasy, and does not break my sensitive skin out.  Since I wash my face daily+ exfoliate often, the "tan" doesn't last very long, so I need to reapply every couple of days to maintain.  

Lastly, I think that a good bronzing powder is essential to faking a good tan!  My all time favorite is 'Casino' from Nars.  It blends really nicely and doesn't go on heavy.  A little bit of this goes a long way, and this powder lasts me forever!  

So that's my little routine.  It may not be for everyone, but it works for me :)  What products do you ladies use to achieve a faux tan?

P.S. Check in on Monday because I have an AMAZING giveaway that I'll be hosting!  xx