Terri Bly
I love self-tanner; since 1992, self-tanner is what has stood between me and legs the color of ivory pillars. Fortunately, when I choose to get a little lotion-induced color, I now have a number of natural options to choose from. That being said, even the most natural of self-tanners has a few highly processed, if not downright synthetic, ingredients. More importantly, recent research suggests that the chemical reaction that happens when the active ingredient in self-tanners makes contact with the skin actually increases your risk of free radical damage for the first 24 hours after application. While I’m not too concerned my legs, since they don’t spend a ton of time in the sun anyway, I’m more inclined to find other options for my face. Plus, I get lazy sometimes and neglect to put the stuff on my face. That’s where natural, mineral-based bronzers come in.
When the right one is applied in the right places, bronzer will make your face look as sun-kissed as if you just spent the day at the beach. You can even apply it to the décolleté and shoulders in the evening for a warm, sexy glow. Here are a few of the best all-natural bronzers I have found thus far. Find one that is perfect for you, and you’ll never leave home without it.
Terre Caramel by Couleur Caramel ($31). When minerals are baked, they develop a pearly radiance that cannot be replicated using glitter or plastics. Terre Caramel by French newcomer Couleur Caramel has created what I consider to be the best baked bronzer on the market. With 5 shades to choose from, just about every woman can find her perfect shade. As an extra bonus, this bronzer will last forever.
Logona Loose Mineral Bronzer ($21). Praised by celebrity makeup artist Christy Coleman as “a must for a sun kissed shimmer,” this powder is neither too light nor too dark, a great choice for most Caucasian skin tones.
Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Bronzer ($13.95). Although I was unimpressed with their first natural offerings, Physicians Formula has made great strides over the past year. And when it comes to affordability and accessibility, they deserve serious accolades for their role as pioneers in mainstream, all-natural cosmetics. Their bronzer offers the option of customizing the amount of each shade to create just the right amount of color. Although I don’t find it as easy to apply as the others I’ve listed, for the price it’s a solid choice.
Before you head off to begin your search, remember this: If you have fair skin, be sure to select a shade that is almost more pink than bronze (such as Terre Caramel in Pearly Rose Beige). If you use something that’s too dark, your face will simply look dirty. I learned that lesson the hard way. For all of you, the most important thing to remember is that you want to apply the bronzer wherever you would normally see color after spending time in the sun; namely, your cheeks, nose and forehead.
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