Tanning is a huge trend abroad, and everyone is trying to get the perfect streak-free sun kissed glow with either tanning lotions, tanning beds or just plain old sun. However, research has shown that increased exposure to the sun without sunscreen increases your risk of skin cancer, which is why most people resort to tanning lotions instead, due to them being a safer option. Some of you may be thinking, why would pale goras purposely make themselves tan? Well, because tanning gives you a healthy glow and evens out your skin tone, provided that you do it right.
The tanning situation in Pakistan is the polar opposite. Women are judged upon how fair their complexion is, and women will do anything and everything to avoid having a darker skin tone. I’ve seen women with beautiful tanned skin who are hellbent on becoming paler, which seems like a waste of their flawless golden undertones. I googled ‘tanning in Pakistan’ and guess what I came across, ‘tan removers.’
Over the years, I’ve seen just one person who actually tanned their skin willingly. Most women either stick to skin whitening creams, or just live with their natural skin colour. If you’re like me and you spent most of your childhood running around in the sun, you’re bound to have streak marks on your body. I’ve got them on my arms; one side is lighter than the other. I was looking for a good tanning lotion to even out my skintone a bit, but unfortunately the tanning culture is more or less non-existent in Pakistan. So if you’re looking for a sun-kissed glow, you’re out of luck. However, you could always use good ‘ol sunlight if you’re that desperate, but make sure you put on some SPF50+ sunscreen. If you want to go for something less permanent, use a good, shimmery liquid bronzer to get that glowing sun-kissed skin.
If you can’t get your hands on a liquid body bronzer, look for drugstore bronzers in powder form instead. You’re bound to find a larger variety of shades ranging from matte to shimmery ones, thus allowing you to control the amount of tan/glow you want. L’Oreal makes a great body bronzer in a large pan, which makes it easier to use with a bigger brush.
Here’s a few tips for all the girls out there looking for a sun-kissed glow. It’s about time we realised that we look great with tanned skin and embrace it with open arms.
Kluchit Staff
Ameera Mehmood
