Now that fall is here and most students have stowed their swimwear and beach chairs in the closet, the indoor tanning season can officially begin.
In fact, I’ve already seen a handful of red-faced, raccoon-eyed students on campus. And just to be fair, I will admit that I too have endured the embarrassing results from staying in a tanning bed too long.
Despite knowing the harmful effects of UV exposure, we continue to fit Electric Beach appointments into our busy schedules, just to avoid looking pasty.
However, this school year I’ve decided to stop indoor tanning all together and use a self-tanning lotion instead.
For those of you who are completely repulsed by self-tanners, I want you to know that great progress has been made since I first experimented with the streaky, orange spray-on tanners in junior high.
Neutrogena Build-a-Tan is currently my product of choice.I’m certain there are dozens of other great products available.
But if self tanning isn’t your thing, many salons do offer spray-on (Mystic) tanning services, which are also considered safe by the FDA.
I challenge anyone who tans to try a self tanning product this year instead of spending $3.00 per session at a tanning bed.
After all, what do we have to lose other than wrinkles and the chance of getting skin cancer?
Sunless Tanning Tips:
1. Exfoliate before applying
2. Apply evenly and lightly (especially on dry skin or thickened skin)
3. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards
4. Be patient (let the self tanner dry completely before doing anything)

Find Your Body’s Most Flattering Jean for Fall

Pear Shaped…
You have: smaller shoulders, bust and waist, with heavier hips, thighs and buns
You want: to balance your proportions by visually shrinking your bottom half
Celebrity Match: Jennifer Lopez
Most Flattering Jean: At-the-hip boot-cut jeans with bigger pockets
Brand to Try: Levi’s

Curvy...
You have: a full bust and hips—usually size 14 or larger
You want: to minimize curves, but not ignore them
Celebrity Match: Queen Latifah
Most-Flattering Jean: Medium-rise boot-cut jeans with closely placed large pockets
Brand to Try: Old Navy

Boy-shaped...
You have: a straight shape from top to bottom with narrow hips, a small bust and a thin waist.
You want: to look like you’ve got curves
Celebrity Match: Nicole Kidman
Most Flattering Jean: Jeans with preshaped hips and shaded pockets or other embellishments
Brand to Try: American Eagle

Petite...
You have: a proportioned body, with a height of 5’3” or shorter
You want: to look sophisticated and sexy instead of like a 14-year-old
Celebrity Match: Reese Witherspoon
Most Flattering Jean: Slim-legged jeans with narrow waists
Brand to Try: Gap