Things I Swear By: Tanning Lotion

A few folks have asked about my tan legs, so I thought I'd share my secret here. I used to be a sun addict. I've had three surgeries to remove skin cancer (Basal Cell Carcinoma) to prove it. Like all other sorority girls at Texas Tech in the 90s, I had a tanning membership. During my twenties I worked at a summer camp teaching water skiing and rarely used sunscreen. I know, I know. Absolutely terrible. So I am not allowed to be in the sun these days without SPF 900. But I'm also a firm believer in the old adage, "tan fat looks better than pale fat."

Enter my daily self-esteem saver:

Okay, listen: you need to get the Medium to Dark kind and it is important that you apply a small amount. I usually put less than a dime-size into my palm for one leg. I DO NOT apply on my knees but rub in the lotion until my hands feel dry. The lotion will go on like any normal lotion, leaving no streaks or orange places so you will need to rub it in well, leaving no place "un-lubed." I use sparingly on my chest and arms but it's the legs that I'm typically most concerned with. The great thing about this specific Jergens lotion (NOTE: Natural Glow Express) is that in 3 days you look as if you have a very natural tan. It's much better than the regular Natural Glow lotion.

ps: please, after application, wash your hands extra carefully, paying special attention to the spaces in between your fingers!

pps: Katy, I hear you already complaining about the smell...it smells NICE!