HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FOUNDATION SHADE WHEN YOU USE FAKE TAN.

Fake tan - some people love it, some people hate it. Personally, I love it - but I’m also the first to admit that this obsession of mine isn’t without its faults. Whilst self tan does come with the promise of a year-round, UV-free faux glow, it also poses various problems and predicaments such as stained bed sheets, major maintenance commitments and a heck of a lot of confusion when choosing the right foundation shade. 

Shopping for foundation is already a very tricky task. What with so many brands to choose from, as well as all the different finishes, textures, types and price points (does paying more always mean getting a better finish?) - but once you add a touch of false tan into the mix, you’re officially embarking on a whole new level of confusion.

As a seasoned self-tanner and someone who has been using fake tan and foundation simultaneously for many years now, I know first hand just how time-consuming pinning down the perfect shade of foundation is when you love a golden glow. Do you go darker to match your skin when it’s all gorgeous and tanned? Or do you opt for a shade that closely matches your natural skin tone to fit those ‘no tan’ days (even if they are few and far between)? It’s just so confusing.

This question is one that I’ve asked myself many a time over the years - quite frankly, it’s driven me completely mad at times, and the same recurring issue comes back to bite me every time I reach the end of my current tube of foundation or tinted moisturiser. 

Finally though, I think I’ve found a solution. Well, solutions, I should say, as there are a few different ways to get around this issue. And I’m going to talk you through each and every one of these solutions in this blog post. So, without any further ado, let’s talk tan…

Solution Number 1: Buy Two Different Foundations - One For When You’re Tanned, The Other For When You Aren’t

To me, this is the most simple solution, and albeit a pricey way to resolve the matter, it does completely alleviate the issue instantly, so you can’t really fault it. My advice when taking this route would be to visit your favourite makeup counter (for me, NARS, Bobbi Brown, MAC & Charlotte Tilbury are the best!) not once, but twice. Go once when you have absolutely zero fake tan on, and then again just one day after applying your best-loved false tanner. In doing this, you will give the consultant the very best idea as to what colour best matches fair-skinned you, and tanned you. Simples!

Solution Number 2: Invest In A Liquid Bronzer

I’ve been using the NARS Laguna Liquid Bronzer for over 2 years now, and I’m still just as obsessed with it as I was the first time my mum bought it for me. This product is just so versatile, and it really does provide the skin with an instant ‘lit from within’ kind of glow - I love it. 

And as well as being an all-round fabulous multi-purpose bronzer, this product is also perfect for deepening your foundation shade. So, whether you’ve been soaking up the sun in Barbados or you’ve simply been slathering on the St Tropez, you can continue to use your usual foundation without any issues. 

For those that haven’t used this product before, the NARS Laguna Liquid Bronzer arrives in a sleek, pump-action bottle that dispenses as little or as much as you want depending on how much pressure you apple/the number of pumps you go for. To go just one or two shades darker, half to one pump of liquid bronzer should be enough. If on the other hand you want a deep, exotic glow, opt for 2-3 pumps instead, and simply use your fingers to lightly mix into your foundation. 

In need of foundation inspiration? Some of my favourites include the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation and the Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation. What I love about these formulas is that they’re all buildable in coverage and the finish is really lovely and natural.

Solution Number 3: Go Foundation Free When You’re Wearing Fake Tan

I very rarely wear fake tan on my face anymore - these days I prefer to bronze up using my makeup instead. However, if you do like to fake tan your face as well as your body, it might be a good idea to skip foundation altogether. False tan is great for achieving a gorgeous glow without the need for any makeup. So, if you’re confident with the appearance of your skin without foundation, then my advice would be to take a break from it! Instead, use concealer to brighten and touch up any areas that need attention, and a touch of liquid highlighter to brighten up your complexion. This natural makeup look is perfect for summer, especially if you’re on holiday.

If I were to share a solution number 4, it would be to banish fake tan from your beauty regime completely - but let’s be real here, who actually wants to do that? Cutting out fake tan probably would make things easier, but if, like me, you love your faux glow fix, this most certainly is not the answer you’re looking for.

I really hope that this blog post has helped you in your quest for finding the perfect foundation when you fake tan!

Until next time, lovelies.

Lots of love,

Grace x