How To Create A Natural Golden Glow To Show Off Your Christmas Party Dress

Yes, it's that time of year again when we are all thinking of what we will be wearing for the annual Christmas bash, but I think nothing sets off a little black or sparkly dress as well as a lovely golden glow. Don't get me wrong - I'm not advocating a few hurried sessions on the sun-bed as we all know that in the long term this is not good for you. However, there are lots of other ways to create a golden summer glow on your face and body without harming your skin.

How To Create A Healthy and Natural Glow For Your Face

• Start by either mixing some self-tanning cream with your normal night cream - allowing the tanning solution to work overnight will give you a lovely golden complexion the next day. Be careful to use a cotton bud to wipe away excess cream from the sides of your nose otherwise this part of your face will be darker than the rest.
• Use a day cream which already includes a hint of tanning lotion - these are available even in the supermarket with brands such as Johnson's and Olay being easily available.
• On the party night itself when applying your make up stick with your normal foundation colour. Using a darker shade just won't work, particularly if you plan to dance the night away, as with the heat of the Christmas dance floor you will probably just end up with a patchy face.
• Instead set your foundation with a light application of face powder and then work with a bronzer, brushing over your check-bones, and lightly across the forehead and nose. You are aiming for a subtle shimmer - not an orange all-over glow.

Shimmering And Glowing Arms, Shoulders and Chest

• Ideally you should be planning at least two or three days ahead - start by using a body scrub and exfoliate - then each day apply a light application of self-tanning lotion. Have a look at my blog entry on self-tan application which gives some great tips on how to achieve the perfect tan.
• On the evening itself, using a bronzer and large powder brush or puff, dust the bronzer over your forearms, shoulders and along your collar bone and decollete.

Perfect Golden Pins

• If you are showing off your legs without stockings or tights, again you need to prepare a few days ahead, particularly if you are waxing to avoid any redness or rashes.
• Again, you may be happy with an application of self tan, but there are also leg creams available, such as Pretty Polly Love Legs Sheer Silk Leg Make Up which covers up minor imperfections.