Darker summer skin needs care to keep it looking supple and glowing -- not leathery and dry. Here's how to do that:
1. Moisturize daily with a rich lotion.
This will keep your (faux) tan lasting longer.
2. Remember your sunscreen.
There are two myths we need to debunk right here and now:
a. there is no such thing as a healthy base tan.
b. you can burn even if you look tan.
The healthiest way to glow is fake it with the right bronzer.
3. Add a little shimmer to your regimen.
Body shimmer can really play up your golden color and even make your muscle tone stand out. My favorite trick is to add it to my daily body moisturizer. Try Eucerin Body Lotion and mix in about two quarter-size dollops of Benefit Flamingo Fancy Body Shimmer. Shake it all up and apply.
It is the perfect coral bronze body glaze that works on light and dark skin. You may even want to add a drop or two of fragrant essential oil so you smell yummy too.
Use shimmer to intensify a tanned face too. Apply Black Radiance Liquid Radiance ($4.99) makeup. This golden bronze shimmery sheer foundation will take your tan to a whole other level.
4. Go easy on the exfoliant.
When you're tan, forgo exfoliating unless you're getting ready to apply more self-tanner. Exfoliating will just make your tan fade faster.
5. Wear makeup that highlights your glow.
Make eyes look bright and sexy against a darker complexion by sweeping shimmering white eye shadow under your brows, on the inside corners of your eyes and above your cheekbones. White will make your tan look even deeper.
Go for amazing contrast by applying lots of black mascara. Use a waterproof formula like Tarte's Lights Camera Splashes Waterproof Mascara.
On your lips think pale golden pinks that look amazing with a golden glow and can make you look darker and your lips look larger (a great trick). Try Nars Lipstick in "Sexual Healing".