13 Comments

Amazing Ella!! I have friends who still use sun beds which is just 🤯

I only fake tan for really special occasions and this year, for my friends wedding, I didn't tan at all because I simply didn't have time to line it up right. I felt surprisingly confident without the tan which was refreshing!

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Nov 8Author

Me too!! I didn't realise how big of a thing they still were!

I don't know if it's a case of getting older? I generally feel much less bothered about my appearance than I used to, and this probably plays into that as well. But I totally get it, if tanning doesn't line up with bedding wash day then it simply isn't happening

Thank you for reading Soph!! 🩵

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I thought this was interesting especially because I too am pale (once had a professor angrily comment on my essay about how vegetarianism one day a week could help with climate change) say “no wonder you’re so pale!!” 😲) but I’ve always loved the pale look and contrast on myself and others. Especially with my darker hair/lighter eyes combo I’ve always sought it out and even darkened my hair to achieve it!

But you’re right I never noticed the positivity around words to describe tan skin vs negativity around pale. That’s absurd!

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I think the fact that you've always been able to see the beauty in your natural features is wonderful!! Also, can't believe your professor said that...

Thank you for reading Angela!! 🩷

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Right?! How is that even allowed?!

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This is so important, very well put! As a girl who used to self tanner religiously but am learning to embrace my natural skin tone - I love this!

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Nov 8Author

Thank you so much for reading Martha! I'm so glad it resonated with you🩷

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Oh, I bloody loved this, Ella! I too am definitely more English Rose than tan and I've always struggled to embrace my skin tone, but actually, fake tanning is a total faff and I have never had the patience for it. I use the Isle of Paradise gradual tan in the summer as it's basically moisturiser, and the rest of the year I don't bother, apart from a little dusting of bronzer on my face.

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Nov 8Author

Thank you Lauren! 💕 I definitely go through phases, especially in the summer! Isle of Paradise is my favourite too though haha

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Love love love! I’ve been forgoing the tan lately too, and I still feel a bit odd and pasty every night out! I’m hoooping I adjust soon 😢 super well put here!

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Nov 8Author

Thank you for reading Ellen!! I know, it's such a process which feels ridiculous to say but I think more of us feel it than we realise!

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10000%!!

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Brilliant piece! I am naturally very pale and, like you, I’ve fought this insecurity with many bottles of tan over the years. I’d totally convinced myself that I looked more attractive that way. (I used to say I’d rather be orange than have no tan ☹️). And I dreaded coming home from a holiday to face the ‘did you even go away?!’ jokes. Ew. But, while I’m not totally there yet, I am weaning myself off that way of thinking now! And pieces like this really help 🫶🏻

Also, describing our skin as ‘tiger bread’ when the tan is past its best is SO painfully accurate. Been there many times 😂😭

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