Why I Use a Sunscreen to Build My Tan
A couple of months ago, I had a terrible reaction to a sunburn that I had to deal with for weeks. My skin absolutely hated me. I vowed to never, ever set foot outside again without proper SPF protection (duh) but was bummed that this renewed commitment meant I’d probably look pasty all summer long. Whomp whomp.
During a recent beauty haul at Target, I discovered Pacifica Mineral Bronzing Sunscreen Coconut Probiotic SPF 30 ($16), which has changed my summer skincare game for the better. There are several reasons I’m obsessed AF with this buy; not only does it have the whole sun protection thing going for it, but the subtle bronze also makes you look like you just got back from a tropical vacation (sans sunburn, of course). Don’t even get me started on the smell — it smells so good it makes me feel like I’m laying on a beach drinking a piña colada. Read on to learn more about my newest beach bag must-have.
Does it make your skin super dark? I have fair skin — even in the summer — and the color of this bronzing spray works perfectly with my tone. It’s buildable, which means it’ll work for everyone. A light layer will give light skin a barely there veil of back-from-the-beach color, but as you reapply (at least every two hours, remember!), the color will deepen. I’ve applied this tanning SPF as many as five times in one (long) beach day, and the color still worked for me.
Is it waterproof? You’re protected for 80 minutes in the water after spraying yourself, but again, don’t forget to reapply after you’re done with your dip.
What does it smell like? If I could bottle this scent and use it as a perfume every day, I would. It smells like fresh coconut and a touch of sunscreen (some people, like me, love that scent) but isn’t perfumey or overpowering. A friend asked me what fragrance I was wearing when I sat next to her after using this.
Will the color rub off? I don’t recommend wearing a white bathing suit or cover-up after spritzing this on. The color does, unfortunately, rub off on lightly colored items you come into contact with. But if you ask me, it’s totally worth it.
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