Achieving a Natural Glow

So, I am not sure how you feel, but when I look at myself in the mirror right now I feel pale, very pale.  I went to Miami for a quick two days during New Years, but that little tan I got lasted about three days.  When I am a bridesmaid I like to look tan, I am not saying the day you get back from a weeklong vacation where you have spent several hours a day basking in the sun tan, I just mean having a natural glow.

There are many options to get that natural glow without jetsetting somewhere warm in the middle of your hectic work week:

1. Tanning bed - I can literally hear my dad yelling at me through this computer, but if you only go one time a few days in advance it does give you such a perfect glow (I'm sorry Dad if you are reading this!)
   
   
2. Professional spray tan - Many of my Chicago friends swear by the spray tan you can get at Benefit Boutique.  This technique works great but my advice is only do this if you are wearing a darker dress, I would hate for you to wear a light dress and some of the orange to rub off.
   
   
3. Self tanner -  Some people are really good at using self tanner, I am not one of those people.  I would be careful about applying any self tanner yourself if you are new to it.  I would hate to try it out and make a mistake and then have streaks and globs all over my body. YIKES!
   
   
4. Tan-in-a-can -  My favorite option is the Guerlain Terracotta Spray.  It is simply makeup, you can wash it off immediately if you are not satisfied. I spray it on my face and body and it dries instantly as if it was a powdered bronzer.  You can prevent streaks by using a bronzer brush to blend it all in as soon as you spray it.  A little goes a long way and it doesn't come off easily like most self tanners.  Make sure you spray yourself before you put your dress on!

You can also use a combination of the options, but the key is less is more.  You do not want to look too tan or fake.  My favorite trick is to take a few pictures of myself before I get in my dress just to make sure I am happy with the way I look.  Many times when I get my makeup done they don't understand how I want them to apply my bronzer so I like to do my own touch up after.

Okay, I promise I am not trying to give you a tutorial on how to look like Snooki, I just like a natural glow. 

These pictures demonstrate the tan I am looking to achieve:




This was taken at the rehearsal dinner for a wedding I had in November I would tell you what combination I used but that would ruin it (hint I definitely used #4).  On a side note, doesn't my sissy look fantastic?  She is due any day now!