The art of being pale has never come easy for me.  In my dreams, I imagine I’m some sort of tan, hawaiian-tropic-goddess...but alas, my swedish heritage has donned me with scandinavian skin—fairy dusted with freckles, and lousy at keeping color.

Come fall and it’s a battle to resurrect a hint of a summer glow. By winter I’m practically part ghost.

First off, the self-tanner and bronzing makeup options are oft plagued with synthetic fragrances, parabens and the bad double “D’s” (diazolidinyl & DMDM). There’s also some concern about the safety of DHA (it breaks down in formaldehyde on the skin) but officially the jury is still out on that topic.

I’ve scoured the interwebs for a few options to help me look a bit less zombie-esche during the cold season and tested them out. So yes, here are my favorite natural/non-toxic ways to look a bit sun-kissed (even if it’s beyond chilly outside).

Haut Caramel Tan: This self-tanner is is completely plant based and uses the sugar from red berries to provide natural color (think less orange and more bronzed).  It also uses red raspberry seed oil which is a toxin-free, full-spectrum, natural SPF with wonderful anti-aging properties. Another ingredient in HAUT’s tan formula is organic Canadian maple syrup, which provides anti-cancer/anti-bacterial benefits all while keeping you skin moist. It’s also delightfully streak-free and stain-free.

This self-tanner is my favorite choice since it’s 100% free of DHA, dimethicones and fragrances. It’s also vegan and organic. I’m a bit hesitant about using DHA (no one likes free radicals floating around) so I really appreciate that HAUT adds colors without it.

Suntegrity:  If you aren’t feeling too concerned about dihydroxyacetone and are more invested in tan results ASAP then Suntegrity is the self-tanner for you. Just remember those classic “EHA” guidelines: Exfoliate. Hydrate. Apply. Initially, Suntegrity rubs on dark but turns clear as you rub it in. Which happens to make it a bit harder to apply. Anyway, it’s made with natural fruit oils, so you’ll find yourself smelling a bit berry-ish for a few days.  Luckily it’s fairly worth it since the tan will last a lot longer than typical natural products. Some people swear it’ll last 10 days—my results were about 6ish.

This self tanner does have in it Dihydroxyacetone (but it is eco-certified vegetan from sugar beets) and Suntegrity also has dozen or so ingredients with wonderful antioxidant benefits. While this does contain fragrance, it is phthalate-free and not synthetic. Suntegrity also has a few different natural preservatives: like sodium benzoate and gluconolactone, but overall, it’s a lot better than 99% of the self-tanners out there.

French Girl Lumier Bronzing Oil: If you are looking for some non-permanent, every-day color, French Girl is the way to go.  The owner, Kristeen Griffin-Grimes, handcrafted the line from an old family recipe.  Lumier is made in Seattle, using 90% certified organic ingredients, fair-trade palm oil, botanical absolutes and more.  It’s vegan, cruelty-free, skin soothing goodness. From personal experience, this bronzing oil can stain light clothing, so be careful what you wear after applying it.

French Girl products are made in the USA using certified organic, plant-based ingredients.

RMS Beauty - Tinted “Un” Powder:  Be warned, in the container this product will look far too orange for your skin tone (at least… that what happened to me) but once it is applied  it’s becomes a tanish-translucent fix that’ll blend right in.  While it isn’t a permanent color fix, this tinted “Un” Powder hides blemishes better than a soviet spy.  Honestly, the hint of color it adds really helps minimize pores (especially in the problem areas).  I especially appreciate how it doesn't look cakey while keeping oil at bay. I advise applying it in your “T-zone” and using the puff that comes with it (usually I use my own brush, but I’ve noticed it tends to place too much).

This powder is handmade in small batches in the USA. It is free from talc, silicone, perfume, and parabens. The company uses raw and organic ingredients to stay true to the RMS Beauty’s motto “less is more”

Hopefully this helps you feel a bit lovelier and more colorful before spring begins to sprung.

XOXO,
Lemon