I did a two-year professional make-up school and learned a trick or two about how the experts cheat. For a super natural sun kissed tan, start off by keeping a foundation that is at least 4 or 5 shades darker than your skin tone. If you are very dark skinned, try something with an orangey hue to it. I personally use a professional stage make-up stick foundation by Mehron.

While technically it’s supposed to only be available to professionals, you can order it online here. Trust me when I say the dark brown works on everybody, it’s just a question of how much you use. Otherwise any foundation that’s significantly darker will do. The key is to use less in the winter when you are pale and more in the summer when you are tan:

1. Rub two fingers across the top of the foundation stick (just put a tiny dob if you’re using a liquid) and lightly tap it across your cheekbones, starting at the top and moving in towards your nose.  
2. Tap the areas just above your temple on the right and left side of your forehead
3. Lightly tap the bridge of your nose. (This is to mimic the way the sun actually hits your face)You should look a little strange at this point, so don’t freak out. 
4. Wash any excess foundation off your hands and towel dry. 
5. Begin to blend the color from your cheeks up across your cheekbones, rubbing gently and dragging your fingers in an upward motion. If you feel like the color is way too dark, just use a sponge or foundation brush to wipe of the excess and blend at the same time. 
6. Be sure to blend “down” on the lower half of cheekbone and up on the “upper” half. 
7. Use your fingers to blend the two spots on your forehead down towards your temples. This should mimic the way the sun naturally tans your forehead.
8. Use your fingers to blend the color on your nose.
9. Dab a little blush on the apples of your cheek.
10. You’re done. 

There are many variations to how this can work, for example mix hydrating cream with the color before applying for an even more subtle and sheer effect. You can also use the same very dark foundation mixed with some face lotion or cream (about 70% lotion to 30% color, just mix it on your fingers) to give your face a little extra color, not unlike a self-tanner. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that one make-up product has many many uses, so mix and blend in a way that works for your skin tone. 

Do you ever feel like your blush or your bronzer won’t blend all the way, leaving a line or blotchy areas? It’s a problem I used to have all of the time, especially with dry winter skin, which sucks because I am a big fan of blush for a little freshness. 

 When I discovered Smashbox Soft Lights  I knew that I would never have to do the “am I even” mirror dance under the halogen light ever again.  The color I recommend for most skin types is called “Tint” and has a light peachy pinky hue. Sweep it over your cheekbones as a last step (can be used instead of powder to set) and watch the lines magically blend away. You’ll note that your cheekbones now look perfectly sunkissed and blended in every way without being sparkly. Yes!