Summer Series Pt. 3: Cruelty-Free and Nontoxic Self Tanner
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DIY Chic No Sew Beach Cover Up
Where to Stay in Laguna Beach: Monarch Beach Resort
Welcome to the third and final part of my summer series! So far I have shared with you:
Part 1: Cruelty-free and Nontoxic Facial Sunscreen
Part 2: Cruelty-free and Nontoxic Reef-Safe Sunscreen
And today I'm talking about cruelty-free and nontoxic self tanner! Honestly I never thought I'd write about this but, I have had several of you ask me for sunless tanning products AND it gives me a platform to kind of tell my skin tone story. Nothing crazy, but I think if I have felt it, then someone else has too. (which is honestly why I love blogging...helping others!)
I am a pale redhead. I have a plethora of freckles and my early childhood memories are filled with sunburns and peely skin from the beach in Galveston. It would get so bad that by the 3rd or 4th day, I'd have to wear a t-shirt in the pool. The kids are lucky these days with those really cute made for swim shirts! Mine were the scratchy cotton tees from the souvenir shops on the boardwalk.
Being pale was actually the "in" thing in the past, because it meant that you didn't do manual labor. (For example, royalty were never tan) Thennnn Coco Chanel went and got a tan and made it cool. Since then, bronzed skin tone as represented wealth and the ability to vacation.
I remember not liking my freckles when I was younger. It was very much a society thing were being tan was mentioned as the ideal and being "pasty" white was not. I was definitely embarrassed by the color of my skin in middle school. Around the same time, my family took a trip to Thailand. We took a photo booth picture with our extended family and were puzzled, as the images didn't really look like us. Turns out they had PHOTOSHOPPED our face and blurred the freckles out, as they are seen as an imperfection. In Asian culture, the light skin is desired to the point where they advertise whitening lotions that often end up bleaching skin and leaving it splotchy. So, that explains why they edited our photo like that. (random, but Jessica Simpson did an 8 part documentary called The Price of Beauty, back in 2010. I really enjoyed it - it spotlights different cultures and their definitions of beauty)
The point is, I'm 26 (27 in August) and am just now comfortable in my skin. Trust me, I tried all the self tanners and stuff like that and it just isn't a good look for me. In fact, it's not me! Side note -the bottoms of my hands and feet are naturally orangeish (rather thank pinkish) - I was actually made fun of for that, because it looks like I might of played in my mom's self tanner or forgot to wash it off. I get sad every time I see a freshly tanned redhead, because it makes me wonder if they are self conscious like I once was. Orange is not a good look, but more so than that, I don't want them to feel bad for the tint of their skin.
So, my point is, love the skin you're in. Literally!
If being tan makes you feel good about yourself, then by all means, do it! BUT, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons and not to please this "perfect" image society has convinced you that you need to be. Annnnnnd if you're going to do it, here are some cruelty-free and nontoxic options for you:
Ā
EWG Rating: 1
Size: 7.5 fl oz
Price: $28.99
Thoughts: It has rave reviews, even by redheads! It goes on white, so you can see where it is and make sure it is even before rubbing it in. ALSO because it's white, it won't stain your sheets and clothes.
EWG Rating: not rated
Size: 5 fl oz
Price: $36
Thoughts: A well respected brand that I have mentioned before! This one has pretty good reviews - it sounds like it lasts a bit longer than the one above and is really buildable. It passes the no stain test as well, but is more like traditional self tanner in the issues that it brings during application. Many suggested using a glove.
Maybe it's not a sunless tan you want, but some bronzer for your cheek bones! Here are some options for you that are cruelty-free and nontoxic:
EWG Rating: not rated
Size: 5 grams
Price: $34
Thoughts: Great for contouring and can also double as an eyeshadow. Creamy and easy to wear.
EWG Rating: not rated
Size: not listed, small pot
Price: $28
Thoughts: Note that this does have coconut oil in it. I personally can't wear it because it clogs my pores and makes me break out, but it doesn't have that affect on everyone. Creamy, but has staying power.
EWG Rating: not rated
Size: not listed, small pot
Price: $28
Thoughts: Note that this does have coconut oil in it. I personally can't wear it because it clogs my pores and makes me break out, but it doesn't have that affect on everyone. It has cool tones and is good for all skin tones.
EWG Rating: EWG Verified (1+)
Size: n/a, compact
Price: $21.99
Thoughts: A bronzing powder with a slight shimmer!
EWG Rating: EWG Verified (1+)
Size: n/a, stick
Price: $23.99
Thoughts: A cream based bronzer gives you easy application, even on the go!
Do you have a favorite cruelty-free and nontoxic sunless tanner? Let me know in the comments below, so I can share it with others! And whether you're sun-kissed with freckles like me or a bronzed beauty, just know you're perfect the way you are and don't let society tell you otherwise!
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