bronzed woman with green bikini on with summer glow tan in sea flicking hair back

Achieve a Year-Round Summer Glow: Top Sunscreens and Self-Tanners for Radiant Skin

Today, I’m switching things up with a different kind of post. We all love that sun-kissed glow during the summer, but as the holidays wind down and our tans fade, we often find ourselves missing that bronzed beauty. For those of us with fair skin who don’t tan easily, maintaining that radiant summer look can be a challenge. That’s why I use these products year-round to keep my skin looking beautifully bronzed. Let’s dive into how you can achieve that summer glow no matter the season!

Protecting your skin in the sun:

First and foremost, Gurus, let’s talk about the importance of skin health and the crucial role of SPF. We’ve all heard people say, “I don’t need sunscreen” or “I don’t burn, so I don’t need it.” However, even if you don’t burn, UV rays still have a damaging effect on the skin. Over time, this exposure can accelerate the aging process, making your skin look older much faster. Protecting your skin from the sun is essential for maintaining its health and youthful appearance and also in the prevention of skin cancer.

 

My go-to sunscreen is the Piz Buin SPF 30, and I absolutely love it for several reasons:

  • Delicious scent: It smells amazing!
  • Lightweight texture: It’s more fluid than creamy, so it’s less sticky.
  • Effective protection: It’s the only sunscreen I’ve used where I feel confident that I won’t burn.
  • Pleasant feel: It feels great on the skin.
  • Affordable: It’s reasonably priced.

This sunscreen also comes in various SPF levels to suit different needs, and I’ll link them below for you guys.

SPF 50: https://amzn.to/3RXdwp5

SPF 30: https://amzn.to/3XTApgN

SPF 15: https://amzn.to/45Tng9y

Natural Tanning Enhancement

For those of you who naturally tan (and yes, I’m super jealous!), after applying SPF to protect your skin, you can enhance and deepen your tan with natural tanning enhancers. My top pick is the BYROKKO Shine Brown tanning cream. This product is a fantastic blend of 100% natural oils, making it ideal for those of us who prioritize sustainability and love natural products. BYROKKO Shine Brown promises to help you achieve a deeper, natural tan regardless of your skin type and reduces the amount of sun exposure needed.

 For optimal and safe results when using any tan-enhancing gel, it’s crucial to apply SPF 30 minutes before sun exposure and then apply Shine Brown during your tanning session.

 

As always, for an enhanced natural summer glow I’ll link the product below:

 

BYROKKO Shine Brown tanning cream with 100% natural oils, . Perfect for achieving a deeper natural tan with minimal sun exposure.

Gradual Tanners:

Now, if you find it hard to maintain a tan, a gradual tanner will be your best friend. Not only are they super moisturizing, but they also add a bit of bronze to deepen your tan. While it’s synthetic, some of us have no choice. My absolute favourite is the Bondi Sands Tanning Milk. Unlike some gradual tans that can feel super sticky and uncomfortable, the Bondi Sands Tanning Milk feels silky on the skin. It provides a beautiful sun-kissed tan, and with daily application, you can keep that glow going strong.

If you guys want that golden summer glow, I will link the product below:

 

Another fan favorite is the Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tan. This product is perfect for achieving that coveted summer glow, featuring a beautiful orange base rather than the green undertones found in some other tans. Garnier also ensures that all their products are cruelty-free with a vegan formula. If you’re seeking hydration along with your tan, this is the go-to choice.

For this radiant moisturising tan, I will link the product below:

 

Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tan lotion bottle with a serene beach scene in the background, highlighting its orange-toned glow and vegan, cruelty-free formula for hydrated, sun-kissed skin.

Instant Tanners for a Summer Glow:

Have you ever found yourself with a last-minute event and no time to apply self-tanner or wait for it to develop? It’s happened to me more times than I can count! Luckily, there are a few products I swear by that can save the day. With these products, you can:

  1. Apply instant tan.
  2. Wait just 10-15 minutes to dry.
  3. Dress for the occasion.
  4. And you’re ready to go.

An instant bronze can make all the difference in boosting your confidence in your outfit—I know it does for me!

One of my favourites is Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. It not only gives you a gorgeous summer glow but also acts like an instant filter for your legs. This tan provides coverage that can camouflage bruises and imperfections, making it a lifesaver for those mornings when you wake up with mystery bruises. It also comes in multiple shades—Light, Medium, Tan Glow and Deep—so there’s an option for everyone.

 

 

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs spray can with various shade options (Light, Medium, Deep), against a clean, neutral background

Self Tanners for a Summer Glow

Being extremely fair, I’ve been a devoted fan of self-tanners since I was probably around 14 years old, and I’ve tried countless brands over the years. With my fair share of tan mishaps—from patchy results to dark brown hands—I can confidently share my tried-and-tested tips and tricks for flawless tan application.

When applying tan, thorough skin preparation is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Shower and exfoliate your skin: Ensure your skin is clean and smooth before applying tan.
  2. Avoid applying deodorants beforehand (as they can sometimes cause your skin to turn green).
  3. Apply a thin layer of lightweight moisturizer and allow it to absorb.
  4. Apply a thicker moisturizer on any dry patches to prevent the tan from clinging unevenly.
  5. Apply your chosen tan product evenly across your skin.

One of my absolute favourites is the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey self-tanner. This tan is exceptionally hydrating and provides a stunning summer glow. It not only boasts a gorgeous colour but is also organic and free from harmful ingredients, making it ideal for beauty enthusiasts like us. Here are several key points that make this self-tanner amazing:

  • 100% Natural: The world’s first 100% natural DHA self-tan treatment.
  • Anti-Aging: Natural ingredients help improve signs of aging.
  • Amazing Scent: Infused with tropical mango and guava fragrance—no biscuit smell!
  • Non-transfer: Won’t stain bed sheets or clothes.
This gorgeous tan also comes in three different shades- so there’s an option for all your gurus.

 

That wraps up today’s tips, gurus. I hope this post has been valuable in helping you achieve that summer glow. Feel free to leave your thoughts on what content you’re enjoying, and I’ll be back soon with more.

Naidine  x