the one major downside of being a redhead
There are many things I like about having red hair.

The uniqueness.
The compliments.
The supposed higher pain tolerance that comes with it.
And I actually really do like the color of my hair. I would say it is my best feature and probably the thing that defines me most.
But what I don’t like is the one physical attribute that often accompanies redheadedness:
pale skin
Now I’ve heard that there is pasty-pale and pretty-pale and I’ve been told that I have the latter, but I’m not sure I buy it. Pale is pale and I’m pretty much convinced that everyone looks better tan. The problem with redheads is that most of us don’t tan – we freckle. Again, I don’t hate my freckles; in fact I sort of like them.
But I sure wish I could get tan, too.
Before Maui my friends and I went against our better judgement and spent time in pure uv bliss {aka: laying in a tanning bed} in preparation for our trip. They all showed up tan … I just came with freckles.
I’m learning to embrace my paleness. It is part of who I am and I can’t do much about it {although I just discovered that there are artificial melanin injections to make you tanner – crazy but interesting}
What I can do is use self tanner.
Not all self-tanners work for pale skin – most turn out really orange/overly bronze for me.
I have only tried a handful of self-tanning lotions, sprays and foams {mostly drug store varieties} but I have found that Jergens Natural Glow firming lotion is my favorite so far.
It says it takes a few applications for the color to develop, but it actually shows up on me with just one coat. I like how subtle it looks … but could do without that strong self-tanning scent.
There are a million different products on the market that claim to give a natural tan and I’m always looking for one that is just right. If you are the self-tanner type and have a favorite product, will you share your tanning secrets in the comments below?
Just in time for summer.
The fair-skinned girls of the world will thank you.
Posted by emily | 134 comments


































































