The tan commandments

The sun-kissed look is back this winter and the celebs are proudly donning the tanned look. Here's how to sport the look and get it right. Read on.

Gauri Khan got it all wrong with an over-done fake tan look, which she sported at the couture week outing in Mumbai. Instead of a hint of sunny bronze in her make up, Gauri made an overzealous attempt to add a brown tan; making her skin look blotchy and greasy. Celebrity make up artist Bharat Godambe says, “Though tanned make up look is still not very popular in India, with winter coming, some women love to sport that sun kissed look.”

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In Bollywood, he adds, “some celebs like Koena Mitra, Malaika Arora Khan and Gauri Khan have long remained patrons of the look.” Globally Victoria Beckham has been known to experiment with a bronzed look and lately Pixie Lott and Lindsay Lohan too were caught in a beauty blooper, when their tanned make up looked more wannabe than wow.

Here are a few expert guidelines that can help you achieve that perfect tan:

The right tone: Bollywood make up artist Ram Ghosalkar says, "For some one with a fair skin tone like Preity Zinta or Katrina, just a fine layer of self tanner or dark foundation is enough to get a honey glow."

Temporary tanning: Make up artist Ashmeen Munjal says, “The most popular way to get a full body sun kissed look is through air brushing. In the west tan booths are very popular, where you have to stand for four to five minutes with all clothes off and let the fume and spray inside the cabin to give a fresh sun kissed look. In India though, this is normally done for photo shoots.”

The fresh face: Godambe says, “A tan looks best on a healthy looking face. So make sure your face is scrubbed well. Also it’s advised to avoid any excess make up or waxing just a day ahead of tanning as you may get tiny breakouts.”

Do it yourself: Munjal says, “Tan looks terrific in metallic sheer or a slightly shiny form rather than a matt look. You can achieve Malaika Arora Khan’s honey toned tan use lots of Vaseline with sheer bronze foundation. It has to be applied all over the face and neck area. You can highlight your cheek bone with copper bronzer.

Make up wise: Your make up palette should complement your tanned look. Go for shades like light brown, gold etc for lips. Use clear mascara. A nude lipstick is best to enhance the tan.

Things to keep in mind: Apply some tanner or dark foundation on hands and feet as well, avoiding darker patches on the knuckles and ankles. Then, apply some moisturiser to give it a natural fade. A bad tan can be spotted with the skin that looks orangey and oily. So be careful and don’t overdo it.

Sun tanning may seem like the most viable tanning option but pay caution if you plan to go for the natural
way as sun can cause skin damage. So never overdo your sun dosage.