How to Choose the Best Makeup for a Tan

Nothing looks more beautiful than the glow of sun touched skin although this may best be achieved by use of a self tanner to avoid sun damage. Gently bronzed skin can be further enhanced by selecting the right makeup. Some people who have a suntanned face choose to forgo makeup entirely. This is usually not the best choice since bronzed skin can look monotone and flat without a bit of subtle enhancement. A little skillfully applied makeup can beautifully enhance the glow of bronzed skin. Here's how to choose the best makeup for a tan:

Start with the basics.

If you've chosen to get a sun bronzed face through sun exposure, you'll need to apply a good moisturizer as well as a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB light with an SPF of at least fifteen. You're probably already aware of the dangers of sun exposure and will want to limit further damage to the skin which can promote skin cancers and premature aging. Before getting out that lawn chair again, explore the world of facial self tanners which can give you a nice bronze color without skin damage.

Foundation

When choosing makeup for a tan, stay away from heavy foundations. Use a light mineral based, brush-on foundation in a shade that matches your tan. A light, mineral based foundation will help to diffuse the light and mask small imperfections without being heavy or cakey. When you have a tan, you want to keep your makeup as natural as possible.

Accent your tan with a little bronzer.

Because tanned skin can look flat in the absence of makeup, brush on a little bronzer in the hollows of your cheeks to give a bit of depth and contour. This can really make your tan "pop" and play up your beautiful, bronzed skin.

Go light on the blush

You may choose not to wear blush when you have a tan. If you do choose to add a little cheek color, pick a color in the coral or orange family and apply it lightly. Coral shades look quite flattering on bronzed, sun kissed skin.

Eye makeup