Summer months are brutal on your skin!
Staying hydrated seems next to impossible and keeping your skin protected from the sun is vital- but no one wants to head out amongst a sea of tanned bodies looking like a vampire; so we turn to bottles, sprays and lotions to get the look of sun-kissed skin.
Sometimes ladies–you just gotta fake it!
With so many choices out there it gets confusing and our medicine cabinets become a mad scientists collection of failed experiments in tanning! What is a summer fashionista with a dream to be hydrated AND tan to do?
(above: Kate Somerville 360 Tanning Towelette)
I sat down with Kate Somerville, Creator and Director of Kate Somerville Skin Care Experts, a renowed medi-skin care clinic in Los Angeles, and Founder of Kate Somerville Skin Care, to find out how to get the perfect faux glow this summer.
Q: Sunless tanning. It’s difficult. Sprays, lotions, towelettes, so many methods to choose from! What is the best method and technique?
KS: I, of course, recommend a towelette like our Somerville 360 Tanning Towelettes. They are simple to use, streak free tanning towels that give your body a golden (not orange) glow. The paraben-free formula delivers that beautiful color without the damage associated with tanning or the stink associated with other sprays and lotions.
Q: Many of us have hydration issues during the summer months. what is the best way to keep face and body hydrated through the sunny season?
KS: So many of us know to moisturize our skin and drink water, both of which are important- but we aren’t hydrating our skin, which is totally different.
Hydration means getting water into the skin cells. The products we choose should contain ingredients that act as:
Humectants-to attract water to the skin cell
Occlusives- that keep hydration from evaporating
Emollients- that add lubrication to the epidermis.
Along with drinking enough water, supplementing with fish oil and flaxseed oil for essential omega-3 fatty acids work to hydrate and lock moisture into skin cells. Hyaluronic-acid supplements, when combined with coenzyme Q10, are also incredibly effective in attracting more water to the skin cells and then locking it in by preventing evaporation.
Try to avoid coffee, black tea, and sodas- they can dehydrate, as caffeine pulls moisture content out of skin cells. Alcohol is extremely dehydrating as well.
Quench Hydrating Face Serum delivers lipids to plump up the skin cells and lock in moisture. It also has an advanced form of vitamin A to aid cell turnover. Quench Hydrating Mask is an incredibly soothing and hydrating mask that restores water and moisture to the complexion.
(above: Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum)
Q: Any tips on preventing and/or treating sun damage?
KS: I never leave the house without applying sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30, and I strongly suggest everyone do the same.
Sunscreen today is better than ever- I recommend looking for sunscreens with ingredients that contain either physical or chemical blocks, and always look for broad-spectrum protection, which means protection from all UV rays.
One of my favorite forms of sun protection is mineral makeup. The minerals that comprise these powders protect against UV rays- they create a physical barrier between your skin and the sun and usually have an SPF of 15 to 22. These products are a great alternative for those with really sensitive skin and the acne prone.
There are also topical ingredients that help protect the skin from the sun and other environmental factors, such as pollution.
Make sure that moisturizers and serums contain free-radical-fighting antioxidants, including vitamins C and E and green-tea extract.
Stay Hydrated this summer ladies! Follow Kate’s tips and grab the AMAZING 360 Tanning Towelettes and other Kate Somerville products at Neiman Marcus or online at katesomerville.com (These towelettes are the first faux tanning product I have EVER liked! They are sheer perfection!)
Kate Somerville wants you to glow this Summer!
One lucky winner will receive a box of Kate Somerville 360 Tanning Towelettes!
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Leave a comment on this post between July 3 and July 9 telling me your favorite way to “fake it”….I’m talking about sunless tanning you dirty birds!
Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!
Last weeks lucky winner is …. Got Bliss! Congrats!
9 Comments
ooooo- these look awesome! I use Retin A on my face so I am very sensitive to sun and tanning beds. PLUS as a makeup artist, I see tons of girls with wrinkles, sun spots, and premature ageing from sundamage. I always suggest a “fake” glow/ tan instead of risking our skin! These look perfect, I will be trying ASAP!
To get that flawless beachy bronze tan, I go to Lorit Simon for a Custom Airbrush Tanning sesh. She created her own line of tanning solution with leading indgredients such as goji berries that is not only anti-aging, but also extremely hydrating for your skin! Think: Beautiful combo of Caudalie Facial Toning Spray-like effect from head-to-toe & An amazing natural tan that lasts forever (well, almost ;-)) when your custom airbrush tanning session is complete. Lorit makes miracles; & I, get beautifully tan & get to wear less makeup!
I tried spray tans but hated the way they would smell when you rinsed off in the the shower so I use the lotions with the non streaking bronzer.
You called it! The Kate Somerville towelettes are the best!
I personally like the brozer oil by Nars. It smells good and makes my legs two shades darker.
Usually I go for the spray tan at a salon, but an easy towlette sounds like a great way to stay dark between visits and kick the color up a notch before a shoot. Sweet!!
I’m always up for something easy that can be done anytime, anywhere and protective toward my skin. Towlettes sound like the perfect answer for on the go, and would fit in my purse without worrying about spilling. I have also seen the results you have had – awsome!
Being tan makes you 10 times sexier and skinnier in my opinion. So when I need to fake it to make it with limited time to look natural, I slap on some Neutrogena Sunless Tanner. The more applications the darker you get. If I have time to do a full body fake bake look, I will do airbrush tanning at my local tanning place. It’s freakin awesome! The only thing is I looked a little crazy dark the first couple days. 🙂 Never had a chance to try these Kate Sommerville towelettes. Sounds like it’s amazing!
First. I’m a voluptuous girl. True fact is being tan all over is much sexier in the bare.. I use over the counter self tanning lotion. But becareful if it rains. You might melt!! Lol