Sun-Kissed & Stunning: Easy Steps for a Radiant Makeup Finish

Why Everyone Wants a Sun-Kissed Look

A sun kissed look is that healthy, natural glow that makes you look like you just came back from vacation—without the sun damage, premature aging, or skin cancer risk. Here's what defines it:

• Golden, radiant skin with warmth and dimension
• A subtle bronze on cheeks, nose, temples, and collarbones
• Dewy, luminous finish that looks fresh, not flat
• Natural flush that mimics real sun exposure
• Zero UV damage—achieved through self-tanner and makeup, not tanning beds or sun

The sun-kissed look is about looking fresh, not fried. It's the year-round summer vibe that says effortless beauty—and it starts with a safe, sunless base.

The global sunless tanning market is projected to hit USD 2.1 billion by 2030, growing at 8.5% annually, because more people are choosing safer alternatives over UV exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology is clear: tanning causes skin damage, speeds up aging, and increases skin cancer risk. Doctors do not recommend tanning. That's why the smartest glow is the one you build at home—with the right products and zero sun.

I'm Emmy Bre, founder of 3VERYBODY, and I've spent over a decade testing self-tanners to create a water-light, never-orange formula that works on every skin tone. In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to layer a flawless sun kissed look using sunless tanner and makeup—fast, streak-free, and sweat-resistant.

Sun kissed look glossary:

• best sunless tanning
• natural fake tan
• self tan fair skin

The Best Base: A Safe, Sunless Glow

Okay, let's talk about that perfect sun kissed look. The secret to making your makeup truly shine? A flawless, sunless tan as your base. Forget baking in the sun or hitting tanning beds. As the American Academy of Dermatology constantly reminds us, tanning isn't just about avoiding a nasty sunburn; it's about protecting your skin from premature aging, wrinkles, and, most importantly, the serious threat of skin cancer. You absolutely can get that gorgeous, healthy glow without compromising your long-term skin health.

That's why I created our Life Proof Tan Tinted Tanning Water. It's designed to give you a water-light, quick-dry, never-orange glow that's also sweat and transfer-resistant. The best part? It works beautifully on every single skin tone and type. Unlike other heavy or sticky formulas you might have tried, our water-light formula blends cleaner and dries faster. This means you get a super natural finish, whether your skin is very fair or beautifully deep. Plus, it's packed with good-for-you ingredients like argan oil, cucumber oil, caffeine, and guarana extract, all working to nourish your skin. And of course, it's vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and sulfates. Clean beauty is non-negotiable for us.

Choosing a sunless method, like our Tinted Tanning Water, isn't just a trend—it's smart beauty. More and more people are realizing the dangers of UV exposure and looking for safer, effective alternatives. We're proud to offer a product that delivers a salon-quality tan right in your home, fuss-free and damage-free. It's truly your easiest glow, bottled.

How to Get a Streak-Free Tan at Home

Getting that beautiful, even, and sun kissed look with our Tinted Tanning Water is truly easier than you might imagine. It all comes down to a little bit of prep and the right technique. Trust me, we've perfected the process to make it foolproof.

First things first: prep your skin. Think of it like painting a canvas! You want a smooth, clean surface. Start with freshly showered and exfoliated skin to gently remove any dead skin cells. Pay special attention to drier areas like your elbows, knees, ankles, and hands. Our guide on Exfoliate Before Self Tan has all the best tips. Once you've exfoliated, make sure your skin is completely dry. A little trick? Lightly moisturize those extra-dry spots—elbows, knees, hands, and feet—right before you apply. This creates a barrier so these areas don't soak up too much product.

Now for the fun part: application! Spritz our Tinted Tanning Water directly onto our Streak-Free Tan Applicator Mitt. This double-sided, washable mitt is your best friend for an even, smooth application and, bonus, keeps your palms stain-free. Use long, sweeping strokes with gentle circular motions to blend the water-light formula across your skin. Work in sections, making sure you cover each area thoroughly before moving on. For your hands and feet, use the clean, unused side of your mitt, or just the residual product. Lightly feather it over these areas, blending outwards from your wrists and ankles. Less is always more here!

Once you're done, let your tan dry for just a few minutes—our quick-dry formula means you won't be waiting around forever. Then, slip into some loose, dark clothing to avoid any transfer. You can rinse off after just 1 hour for a lighter glow, or leave it on for up to 8 hours for a deeper, longer-lasting tan. For all my best secrets, check out our Self Tanner Application Tips.

To make your gorgeous glow last, moisturize daily! After your tan has developed and you've had a quick lukewarm rinse, gently pat your skin dry. Hydrated skin means a longer-lasting, more even fade. It's a simple routine that leads to a completely natural, head-turning glow.

Customizing Your Glow with Tanning Drops

Sometimes, you just need that extra bit of control, right? Especially for your face, or if you want to dial up your glow in specific areas. That's exactly where our Tanning Drops shine. They're my go-to for building a beautifully customized, natural-looking sun kissed look without any fuss.

It's super simple: just mix our vegan Tanning Drops into your favorite moisturizer, serum, or even an oil. The magic of drops is that you're completely in charge of the intensity. Add just a couple for a subtle hint of color, or a few more if you're aiming for a deeper glow. Our drops are packed with nourishing rosehip oil and cucumber extract, so they're kind to your skin, always buildable, and promise a never-orange finish. Plus, they're vegan and free from parabens, palm oil, and sulfates.

A common question I get is, How Many Tanning Drops Should I Use For My Face Versus My Body? It really depends on your skin tone and how deep you want your tan to be. I usually recommend starting with 2-3 drops for your face and 4-6 drops per body part. Since they're buildable, you can easily add more over a few days until you hit your perfect glow. Just mix, apply, and enjoy watching your custom sun kissed look develop seamlessly.

Your 5-Step Sun-Kissed Makeup Routine

Okay, so you've nailed your perfect sunless tan base with our Life Proof Tan Tinted Tanning Water – amazing! Now, let's talk about how to make that gorgeous glow pop even more with makeup. This 5-step routine is all about enhancing your sun kissed look, not covering it up. We want to layer cosmetics for a natural, radiant finish that screams "just back from vacation" without ever leaving your home.

The big secret to a believable sun kissed look with makeup? It's all about strategic placement and a light touch. We're aiming for that healthy, outdoor flush, not a heavy, sculpted face. Think about where the sun naturally hits you – those are your target zones! As Attitude Living suggests, it's about mimicking that natural warmth and radiance without any UV damage. Our full guide on How to get a sun-kissed makeup look has even more tips.

The best part? You don't need a heavy foundation. Your sunless tan is your perfect base. Just a lightweight skin tint or strategic concealing where you need it, and then you're ready to build on that glow!

Step 1: Bronze Where the Sun Hits

Bronzer is your absolute best friend for a sun kissed look. Its job is to add warmth and dimension, making you look naturally radiant. We're not doing heavy contouring here! Just think about where the sun would naturally kiss your face: your forehead, cheekbones, and the bridge of your nose.

Grab a warm, matte bronzer that's just one or two shades deeper than your skin tone. For those with warmer skin, a beautiful golden brown will work wonders. If you have paler skin, a soft peach tone might be your perfect match. Skip anything too shimmery for this step – we'll add that kind of glow later. Now, apply it in a '3' shape on each side of your face: start from your temples, sweep it down to your cheekbones, and then along your jawline. Don't forget a light dusting on the bridge of your nose for that authentic, sun-kissed effect. This technique ensures a seamless blend, just like Real Techniques explains in their guide on The sun kissed look for any skintone. Remember: warmth, not harsh lines!

Step 2: Add a Natural Flush with Blush

A natural, healthy flush is key to a true sun kissed look. This mimics the subtle pinkish tone your skin gets after a lovely day outdoors. It just looks so fresh!

Choose a cream or powder blush in a warm shade like peach, coral, or a soft rose. To apply, we love the "W" technique: starting from one temple, sweep the blush across the top of your cheekbone, then lightly across the bridge of your nose, and up to the top of the other cheekbone. This clever method puts the blush exactly where the sun would naturally hit, giving you a believable, diffused flush. Cream blushes melt beautifully into your skin for a super natural finish, while powder blushes can offer a little more pigment and staying power. Blend upwards towards your hairline for a little lift!

Step 3: Highlight for a Dewy Sheen

Now it's time for the glow! Highlighting is absolutely essential for that dewy, luminous finish that truly makes a sun kissed look pop. It catches the light just like healthy, radiant skin should.

Dab a liquid or powder highlighter onto the highest points of your face: the tops of your cheekbones, your brow bone, the inner corners of your eyes, and your cupid’s bow. For that extra touch of radiance, extend a little highlighter down your collarbones and shoulders if they're showing. Bobbi Brown Australia's guide on How to Get a Natural-Looking Sun-Kissed Glow reminds us that a little brightening goes a long way. We suggest choosing a highlighter with a fine, subtle shimmer – think glow, not glitter – for the most natural, healthy sheen.

Step 4 & 5: Finish with Eyes & Lips

To complete your effortless sun kissed look, we'll add subtle improvements to your eyes and lips. The goal here is fresh and easy, nothing too dramatic.

Eyes: For your eyes, warm, golden eyeshadows are your go-to. A wash of shimmery golden beige or a soft bronze across your lids will brighten things up and perfectly complement your overall glow. Define your lash line with a brown eyeliner for a softer look than black, then finish with a volumizing mascara to make your eyes truly pop. You can even use a little of your bronzer as a subtle eyeshadow for a super cohesive, "no-makeup makeup" vibe.

Lips: For lips, think juicy and natural. Nude lip colors with hints of orange or coral can really improve the illusion of sun kissed skin. Or, if you prefer, a sheer, hydrating lip gloss will give you that irresistible, natural shine without adding too much color. Sheer lip colors pair beautifully with a radiant complexion, keeping the focus right on your glowing skin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for a Flawless Sun-Kissed Look

We've all been there – trying to nail that perfect glow only to end up with streaks, an orange hue, or a muddy look. It’s frustrating! But don't worry. With a few simple tips, you can dodge these common pitfalls and achieve a seamless, believable sun kissed look every single time. It’s about working smarter, not harder, to get that radiant, fresh-from-vacation finish.

We want you to look like you just returned from a relaxing getaway, not like you wrestled with your beauty products! Avoiding these little missteps is key to keeping that effortless, glowing vibe. Our guide on Tips for Avoiding Common Self-Tanning Mistakes is packed with even more wisdom to help you perfect your glow journey.

Makeup Mishaps

Even with the best intentions, makeup can sometimes go a little sideways, turning a potential sun kissed look into something less-than-ideal. Here’s how to sidestep those common makeup mistakes:

Too Much Bronzer: The goal here is warmth and a subtle lift, not a heavy mask. Applying too much bronzer, especially if it’s a shade too dark, can make your face look muddy instead of naturally radiant. Remember to apply it lightly, only where the sun would naturally hit, and blend, blend, blend! Less is definitely more when it comes to bronzer.

Shimmer Overload: A dewy sheen is beautiful, but too much shimmer or chunky glitter can make you look greasy or artificial. Keep your highlighter focused on specific high points like your cheekbones and brow bone. That way, you catch the light just right without looking like a disco ball.

Wrong Undertone: Using a bronzer or foundation with an incorrect undertone for your skin can lead to an unnatural orange or ashy appearance. For a true sun kissed look, choose warm, golden-toned bronzers. These will complement your skin’s natural warmth rather than clashing with it.

Forgetting to Blend: Harsh lines where your bronzer or blush starts and stops are a dead giveaway. Always ensure all your makeup, especially around the edges of your face and neck, is seamlessly blended into your skin. As All Things Beauty reminds us in How to Fake Sun-Kissed Skin, bronzer should add warmth, not harsh color, and blending is key to that natural finish.

Self-Tanner Slip-Ups

Self-tanning is an art, and like any art, it has its common missteps. We designed our products to minimize these, but a little know-how goes a long way in ensuring a perfect, streak-free sun kissed look:

Skipping Exfoliation: This is truly a crucial step. Forgetting to exfoliate before you apply self-tanner often leads to patchy, uneven results because the product clings to dry skin. Always start with a smooth, clean canvas. Your skin will thank you!

Not Using a Mitt: Applying self-tanner with bare hands is a surefire recipe for orange palms. Our Streak-Free Tan Applicator Mitt is essential for even application and, just as important, for keeping your hands perfectly stain-free. It’s double-sided and washable, so it’s always ready for your next glow session.

Over-Applying on Dry Areas: Knees, elbows, ankles, and hands tend to absorb more product, which can lead to darker, unnatural patches. To avoid this, always apply a thin layer of moisturizer to these areas before your self-tanner. Then, use a lighter hand when you apply our Tinted Tanning Water to those spots.

Not Washing Hands (if not using a mitt): While we always recommend our mitt for a flawless application, if you must apply without it, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after each section. This prevents stained palms and fingers. Seriously, don't skip this!

Rushing the Dry Time: Putting on clothes before your self-tanner is completely dry can lead to streaks and transfer onto your clothes. Our water-light formula dries quickly, usually in just a few minutes, but a little patience here makes all the difference. Once dry, slip into loose, dark clothing.

Not Waiting to Shower: Rinsing off your tan too soon can prevent it from fully developing its beautiful color. Always follow the recommended development time for your desired depth of color – whether it's 1 hour for a lighter result or up to 8 hours for a deeper glow.

For more detailed advice on how to avoid patchy results, our article How Can I Avoid Streaks or Patchiness When Applying Self-Tanner is an excellent resource. And if you ever find yourself with stained hands, don't panic! We have tips for How to Get Fake Tan Off Hands.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Sun-Kissed Look

Hey glow-getters! We know you’ve got questions about getting and keeping that perfect sun kissed look. It’s my pleasure to answer some of the most common ones. Here are some quick, clear answers to help you on your glow journey.

How do I make my sun-kissed glow last longer?

The secret to a long-lasting sun kissed look is all about hydration and gentle care! Think of your tan like a fresh paint job – you want to protect it. First, moisturize daily. I always recommend a non-oil-based lotion. This keeps your skin super soft and supple, which helps your tan fade beautifully and evenly.

Next, be gentle. Use soft cleansers and skip those harsh exfoliants or vigorous scrubbing in the shower. Those can strip away your gorgeous glow way too fast. After showering, just pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing. If you want to stretch out your tan even further, our buildable Tanning Drops are perfect. Just mix a few into your regular body lotion every few days to keep that radiant color topped up. For even more tips, check out our guides on Does Moisturising Help Fake Tan Last Longer and How Can I Make My Self-Tan Last Longer.

Will self-tanner protect me from the sun?

This is super important, so let’s be crystal clear: absolutely not. A fake tan is not a base tan, and it offers zero UV protection. Even with the most beautiful sun kissed look you get from our Tinted Tanning Water, you must still wear SPF. Think of sunscreen as your everyday shield. It’s essential, every single day, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and keep it healthy. Your glow might look like you just came from the beach, but your skin still needs that protection! Our article Do I Need to Wear Sunscreen If I Have a Self-Tan dives deeper into this vital safety measure.

How do I choose the right self-tanner shade?

Choosing your perfect self-tanner shade really comes down to your natural skin tone and how deep you want your glow. The great news is, we’ve made it easy! Our Tinted Tanning Water and Tanning Drops are designed to be buildable and are always formulated to be never orange. This means you can achieve a natural-looking sun kissed look that truly complements your unique complexion.

If you have very fair skin, start with a minimal application of our Tinted Tanning Water or just a few Tanning Drops. Then, you can gradually add more over time until you reach your desired glow. For those with medium to darker skin tones, our products will beautifully improve your natural warmth and add a lovely bronze. The beauty of our water-light formulas is that they adapt and build, giving you total control over the depth of your color. You won't ever have to worry about looking unnatural or, dare I say, "orange." Our expert advice on How to Choose the Right Self-Tanner for Your Skin Tone and What self-tanner wont turn me orange will guide you straight to your perfect match.

Your Easiest Glow, Bottled

Getting that radiant, healthy sun kissed look really is this simple when you have the right prep and products in your corner. We've walked you through every step—from building a safe, sunless base to layering makeup for that just-back-from-vacation glow—all without a single ray of UV damage.

At 3VERYBODY, I built this brand because I wanted everyone to have access to beautiful, natural-looking tans that actually work. No orange tones. No sticky residue. No transfer onto your favorite white sheets. Our formulas are sweat/transfer-resistant, non-sticky, and always streak-free—designed to work on every skin tone and type, from very fair to deep. We're woman-owned, inclusivity-first, and creator-approved (yes, HopeScope genuinely loved us, and that means everything).

The 3VERYBODY Kit is where it all comes together. You get our Tinted Tanning Water for that water-light, quick-dry base, our customizable Tanning Drops for precision control on your face and anywhere you want extra glow, and our double-sided, streak-free Mitt for salon-quality application without leaving the house. It's everything you need to build and maintain a flawless sun kissed look that looks believable, feels comfortable, and lasts.

Ready to bottle your easiest glow? Get your sweat-resistant, non-sticky, never-orange glow with our Life Proof Tan.