I'll have what she's having

A beach vacation calls for that effortless, sun-kissed glow—the kind that makes you look like you’ve been basking under golden rays for weeks. But let’s be real: after six months of winter, my skin is as pale as it gets, and blending in with the beach scenery is no easy task. Traditional self-tanners can be tricky (streaks, uneven fades, and that dreaded scent), sunbeds are a hard no for skin health, and while spray tans are still on my to-try list, I wanted something easy and foolproof for my trip.

Enter my golden goddess formula—a simple, everyday routine that gives you the illusion of a perfect tan while keeping your skin hydrated, glowy, and protected. The only catch? It washes off at the end of the day, but trust me, it’s worth it.

The Glow-Boosting Formula

Step one: Hydration is key. I start with Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Cream, a rich, fast-absorbing body lotion that leaves skin soft, nourished, and subtly scented with that signature beachy vanilla-pistachio fragrance.

Step two: Sun protection. There’s no glow without healthy skin, so SPF is non-negotiable. I use Sol de Janeiro’s Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Lotion, a mineral sunscreen that protects while adding a hint of radiance. Plus, it smells incredible—like summer in a bottle.

Step three: A natural-looking bronze. This is where the magic happens. Maui Babe Browning Lotion is my go-to for an instant boost of color. It enhances your skin’s natural tone, giving you a believable tan while keeping skin hydrated.

Step four: The final touch—shimmer. Nothing completes the golden goddess look like a luminous glow. I finish with Sol de Janeiro’s Glow Oil, which adds a bronzy sheen and that irresistible sunlit shimmer.

The Verdict

This combination gives you the best of both worlds—hydrated, radiant, beach-ready skin without the commitment of a self-tanner or the risks of sun damage. It’s an effortless way to feel confident in those vacation outfits and enhance that “just got back from the beach” vibe.

And yes, I have pictures to prove it.