Up until the 1920s, tanned skin was seen as a symbol of poverty and represented those who worked long hours outside. Coco Chanel changed the game when she came back from vacation a little extra bronzed than normal. Thus, a trend was born. If holding on to your fading summer glow is something you struggle with every winter season, don’t turn to tanning beds. It is easy to want to mimic the warming glow from the sun’s rays by the UV rays in tanning beds, but the truth is they are more harmful than helpful. Instead, try our favorite alternative: self-tanner. In the 1970s, ingredients present in self-tanners were finally approved by the FDA, and many variations have been made ever since. Here are our top choices for how to safely secure that summer glow in all seasons.

If you are new to the alternative tanning scene, an easy way to stay looking tan is by getting a spray tan every few weeks or so. The appointment can be as quick as five minutes, and you leave looking noticeably darker. It is recommended to leave the tan on for about 4-8 hours before rinsing off gently in the shower. Sleeping in loose dark clothes is an easy way to let the tan develop, and minimal movement reduces the risk of messing up your perfect tan. One downside is that appointments can become costly, and there is the mild inconvenience of not tanning in the comfort of your own home or on your schedule. But, in a pinch, a spray tan can save you the time and stress of not getting it exactly right yourself. In the College Station area, two spray tan small businesses to try are Go Bronze Custom Spray Tans (IG: gobronze_bcs) and Pure Bronze Sunless Tanning (IG: purebronzetx).

If flexibility is more your thing, trying a self-application fake tanner might be better for you. Depending on your undertones, there are a variety of shades and application styles that can work for you best. If you have more olive skin and features to accompany this shade, the St. Tropez line of tanning products is your best bet. On the other hand, Loving Tan is for anyone with more red undertones. Each of these brands prices out about the same, and offer a range of shades from light and medium to dark and ultra-dark. If a gradual tan is more the route for you, the Jergens brand has foams and lotion styles that add extra color to your skin and make a more subtle bronze that takes a build-up of application to achieve a natural tan. Another cheaper option, Tanologist, is available at your local Target and comes out in a clear foam—which can be less intimidating to first-time self-tanners.

Whichever route you choose to achieve a beautiful sun (less) kissed look, the prep is still the same and most important part! Dry skin is even more present in the winter months, so a clean shave and moisturizing process a few days before you plan to tan is crucial to avoid tanner building up in elbow and ankle creases. Ensuring a long enough period to let the color develop fully after applying is the second tip for a successful tan. Finally, make sure to keep moisturizing and touch up after a week or so if you need it.

We all feel more confident in our skin when we look a certain way. Whether it be having our nails painted, a fresh haircut once a month, or self-tanner to stay glowy, everyone is allowed their confidence booster.

Writing: Grace Bercher, Photography: Olivia Garza, Design: Josh Carley, Social Media: Marilyn Espinoza

Your Guide to Glowing Skin Year Round