That End-of-Summer Glow, Without the Damage

There are some things in life that are just so damn appealing, despite common sense and substantial research, the allure is too good to resist. That good for nothing ex-boyfriend, the chocolate croissant baiting you before a beach vacation, a naughty cigarette. Tempting, but won’t do your body – or mind – any good. Most of us run a Charlie-Brown-esque blah-blah-put-sunscreen-on tape in the background while relishing in the mischievous adventure of a summer tan. We know it’s bad, but damn it looks good.

And then, you get burned. It hurts. You feel like an idiot that your face is snake-shedding at work. Sunspots appear. Wrinkles worm their way in. Your dermatologist combes your body while thinly veiling judgment. Shit. Pledges are made. I’ll do better! I’ll stop this nonsense. But in the back of your mind a voice is screaming, but dammit I want that summer glow!

Want to look great? Stop being an idiot, lather on SPF and become a pro at faking a summer glow. No one will notice the difference; summer is a blip in time anyways.

Here’s our unofficial list of the best ways to fake the bake. Your future self will thank you.

St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

If you’re committed to a full-body cause, this stuff is legendary. It dries quickly, is more of a mousse and provides an even bronze.

ST. TROPEZ

Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

$42

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum

Pricey, but so worth it, the C-Firma from Drunk Elephant is a powerhouse product, but my favorite part is the subtle glow and rosiness I get from using it. That End-of-Summer Glow, Without the Damage 2 Darphin Soleil Plaisir Sultry Shimmering Oil

This oil from Darphin is perfect for layering on before an evening dinner or late afternoon soiree. It’s glowy, shimmery, and adds just a touch of glow. It’s not cheesy, not greasy, and doesn’t stick.

DARPHIN

Soleil Plaisir Sultry Shimmering Oil

$55

Jergens Shea Beauty Oil

This is oil is less of a tanner and more of a tool to create a buildable glow. It is more lightweight than lotion, but provides hydration to skin and gives off a radiant sheen.

Vive Sana

My favorite sunscreen this summer, the Serum Crema is all natural and is slightly tinted, so it won’t make you feel even whiter than you already are. That End-of-Summer Glow, Without the Damage 1 GLOWPOWDER Hyaluronic Acid Infused Glow Palette

I’m more of a matte kinda gal and generally refrain from anything too glittery or obvious. This palette screams girly, but underneath the hot pink, I’ve actually been quite taken with the Glow palette. I do a light swipe on my upper cheekbone, down the bridge of my nose, and if I’m really going for it, I’ll use this as eyeshadow and a dab on cupid’s bow. It’s perfect for achieving that sunkissed, just off the beach, look. When in reality I’ve been inside working.

GLAMGLOWR

Glamglow Glowpowder Highlighter Palette -

$42

CROP Bio Metal Eyeshadow

Top off your new glowy look with Crop Natural’s all natural metallic eyeshadow. It’s super shiny and provides a sort of futuristic shimmer without flaking off and doesn’t feel like it’s stripping the skin of hydration.

That End-of-Summer Glow, Without the Damage 4