As promised on my first blog post of 2017, I vowed to be more open and vulnerable, so today I’m sharing my very personal story of why and how I maintain a summer tan year round!
Right after my 26th birthday I received a phone call after a routine doctor checkup. The type of phone call no one wants to hear in their entire lifetime: your test results came back malignant melanoma. NO… ME?! I’M ONLY 26 YEARS OLD. A million and one thoughts ran through my mind, but the worst of them being, that I can’t believe I was just diagnosed with the deadliest form of skin cancer possible at such a young age…
Fast forward about 2 years, one successful surgery, and a large 6 inch scar later, here I am today, alive and happy. I now frequent the dermatologist every 3 months and stay out of the sun as much as possible. But because I live in sunny Santa Barbara this has meant I’ve had to say goodbye to my endless beach days, and hello to fair skin and LOTS of sunscreen every single day! Don’t get me wrong, I totally respect those wanting to keep their pretty pale skin, but I’ve personally always felt I looked more toned and more alive with a tan, so today I’m sharing how I achieve and maintain a glowing summer tan the natural and sun-less way…
BODY TANNER: St. Tropez // FACE TANNER: Sephora // MITT: VitaLiberta
- Shave your legs and arms.
- Exfoliate your entire body in the shower.
- Spray a golf ball size of this product onto your tanning mitt. Starting with one body part at a time (lower legs, upper legs, feet/knees, arms, chest, etc), rub the product into the skin in a circular motion.
- Continue to apply on desired areas.
- Now do not shower for about 3 hours as the tanner needs to soak in. (I usually apply the tanner the night before, so I can wake up and shower and apply lotion over my entire body.) Continue to moisturize in order to lock in the tan for at least 5-7 days.
- For some added natural glow to your face, I use this product before applying my makeup and love it.
HERE ARE MY BEFORE TANNING AND AFTER TANNING RESULTS…
SKIRT: Romwe (only $12) c/o // TANK: Free People (only $20)
If becoming vulnerable and sharing my personal experience can affect at least one person to make a conscious effort to protect and respect their skin, I would be so happy! Please spread the love by informing others of the importance of sunscreen and being mindful of the powerful sun. The Melanoma Research Foundation is near and dear to my heart, so if you feel so inclined to donate, please do so here! 🙂
Holly says
I’m SO proud of you for sharing such a personal side of your life. Wow. What a crazy time that must have been in your life. Although I didn’t know you then, my heart breaks for what you had to go through. I am over the moon you’re okay and I’m so happy you are taking care of yourself and looking fabulous while you do!! St. Tropez is awesome- I am going to do some self tanning tonight before I head to Mexico for the week! Don’t worry, I have packed!!!
Love you!
XOXO
Holly
http://www.teachmestyle.com
Torey Beerman says
Holly, you are THE SWEETEST FRIEND! Thank you for those thoughtful and kind words, and for reading this personal post 🙂 so appreciated!! I’m so happy we have connected via blogging and must meet you asap! In the meantime, ENJOY Mexico1 Viva la!!!
Chris says
Torey,
Thank you for putting an important, no vital, message out there. My wonderful boss was killed by this horrible, aggressive disease. He was 42 and left behind a wonderful wife and 2 small kids. 42 may seem old to a person in her 20s but 42 is way too young to die.
I am so glad that your treatment was successful and that you now are well and happy.
Chris
Torey Beerman says
Chris, thank you so much for sharing that story- I’m so sorry to hear about your boss! It is such a terrible sickness, and the least I can do is keep others informed and aware of preventative measures (to some extent). Thank you for your kind words, skin cancer definitely holds a close place in my heart. I appreciate you taking the time to read my post! Sending you well wishes.
Megan Davis says
It looks amazing! I think I might try this. I have also been on the hunt for a good self tanner. 🙂 Thank you for posting this, it help me alot.