How to Tone Down Your Tan

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By Katherine Huether
eHow Contributing Writer

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(6 Ratings)

Tone Down Your Tan

Am I the only one who thinks that Hollywood goes overboard with spray tanning or (*gasp) the tanning booth? They may think they've achieved that healthy glow, but I say they just look orange. (Think Aubrey O'Day, former Danity Kane singer.)

Remember those "Oompa Loompas" from the original "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory?" That's my "what not to do." Sure, that was a painted look, but I've met some real-life people who actually look like that.

They think it's a healthy glow--I say it's just glowing. Even George Clooney, yes, George Clooney--sports a glow now and then.

The good news is you can have a tanned, healthy look without going overboard. Follow these tips for looking healthy and vibrant.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Exfoliate your skin before your tanning session in order to avoid looking tanned and burnt like Kelly Ripa (see Resources below for some fun pics). If your skin is flaky--your tan, whether real, fake or even sprayed on--will look blotchy. You can use a cream-based scrub product or a luffa sponge.
Step 2

Try bronzer if you'd like your face to have a healthy glow without tanning or using fake tanning products. Find a shade in a color that matches and enhances your skin tone. For example, if you have a rosy undertone, choose a bronzer that does too. Apply it with a giant bronzer brush on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Don't put it anywhere else on your face, otherwise it won't look natural. Check out Cameron Diaz's fake look. I think she went a bit crazy with the bronzing powder.
Step 3

Choose the right shade of "tan" for your skin. There are so many fake tanning products out there, it can be hard to know which to choose, and you don't want an orange undertone. Remember when these products first came out? This orange look was pretty common. See Rachel Hunter's "mug shot"--this is a prime example of the "Oompa Loompa" look--a definite NOT. Do a patch test PUHLEASE! Return it if you end up looking like Rachel did--and make sure you follow the package instructions for application.
Step 4

Go to the spa if you want a sprayed-on fake tan. Some packages include exfoliation too. I've never had the guts to do this, especially after watching an old episode of "Friends." Remember the episode where "Ross" tried to have this done and kept screwing up how to turn? Needless to say, one side of his body was quite orange; the rest was SO not--but the spray does deliver an even look.
Step 5

It's OK to get a little natural sun; just wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 to protect your skin. You'll still get a bit of a glow, but it will be natural and not overbearing. And please don't fall asleep in the sun for hours with your sunglasses on like Kim Kardashian did.
Step 6

If you are sporting some color, makeup and hair can make or break your look. Try to avoid the washed-out, bleached-blond look. If you plan on sporting your tan for a while, work with your stylist to find a good color for your skin tone. As for makeup, you'll want to keep it natural. Bright red lips and bright orange skin? I don't think so. Everyone's skin is different, so find the colors that enhance your tan the best.