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HealtH tips
With the summer wedding season upon us
, most of you
are probably starting to think about how you want to look
on the big day. The typically changeable British weather
keeps us guessing as usual, so it might be unlikely that
you’re going to be getting a genuine tan in Blighty.
Nonetheless, I am sure that many of you are keen to be
bronzed beauties for your wedding snaps – so I have
reviewed some organic tanning products for you to get
your mits on.
As well as keeping you away from harmful UV rays, these
products are free from nasty parabens that are no good
for your body.
Before you begin on your tanning adventure, you need to
prepare your skin. For a lasting tan you need to start
prepping about a week before you apply the self-tan. Use
a dry body brush to remove dead skin cells from the
surface layer by brushing in upward circular movements
towards your heart.
Do this once a day for a really good exfoliation – it will
prevent you getting any unsightly dark patches when the
tan finally goes on. Dry skin tends to cling onto the tan,
which can cause it to appear patchy – not the look you’re
going for!
Next, use a good moisturiser to ensure that your skin is
plump and in good condition. I love coconut oil products.
You can buy them in good health food shops quite cheaply.
My favourite is pure, raw organic coconut oil, which you can
use as a normal moisturiser. It will soften skin and nourish
it with vitamin E and vitamin K.
The day before your tanning session, repeat these steps
and use a good exfoliator before you moisturise. A good
exfoliator will get your skin really smooth by ridding it
of any last patches of dead cells that may be lurking on
the surface.
On the day of your tan, make sure you don’t use any
moisturisers or deodorants for the whole day, as they can
turn your tan green or orange. It’s best to apply the tan
from toes to head
to avoid any
smearing as you
work. Work in
upward, circular
movements and
use a tanning mit
to avoid stained
hands.
Once you have
applied the tan,
it’s best not to
get dressed until
it starts to dry to avoid streaking. Once dry, wear loose,
dark clothing to avoid staining – try to wear old clothes if
you can.
My favourite organic tans are all available online and
stuffed full of skin-nourishing ingredients:
Greenpeople self-tan is a lotion that glides on and
contains organic rosehip, geranium and sandalwood and
is free from parabens, alcohol, artificial perfumes,
petrochemicals and colourants. It’s great for people with
skin complaints such as psoriasis and eczema, and costs
around £18.95 for 200ml.
Available at www.greenpeople.co.uk
Vita Liberata Moment by Moment, £24.50 for 100ml, is
great for all skin types, and comes with a handy tanning
mit to prevent streaks and stains.
It’s full of skin pampering
ingredients such as aloe vera
water and fruit extracts. You can
decide on your shade by leaving it
on for longer or shorter periods,
depending on how sun-kissed
you’d like to appear.
Available at
www.vitaliberata.co.uk
Lavera self-tanning body lotion,
£13.50 for 150ml, is packed with
moisturisers such as shea butter
and macadamia nut oil. It gives a
natural bronzed look and is really
easy to apply. You can intensify the
tan by using it a few times a week.
Available at www.soorganic.com
Complementary therapist
Llinos Merriman
gives her top
tips on getting the best results
from DIY tanning treatments
BRONZED
BEAUTIES