How to get pale skin

by Ashlee Breedlove

Gothic beauty tips: Do you despise tanning? Or, like me, do you burn instead? Fear not darlings, no matter what they say, pale skin is in!

For a bit of history: For a long time, pale skin was in. Having a tan meant you were poor and worked in the fields. If you were rich, you got to stay inside. Then came the Industrial Revolution, towards the end of the Victorian era. With machines doing much of the work, it was easier to avoid sunlight. Thus, High Society needed to find something new. They ended up taking cruises, where they acquired tans. Little did they know that those tans could cause premature aging, wrinkles, sunspots and cancer.

Nowadays we know better. Right? Yeah, there are a lot of ways to achieve the look without the side-effects. You could use fake tan if you like the orange look, but let's not.

Back on topic: How to get pale skin? The first question you should be asking yourself is "How do I protect my skin from all those nasty things the sun does?". Sunscreen, my friend. Sunscreen is the answer. You'll need three sunscreens: one for your face, one for your eyes, and one for your body.

Regular sun block for pale skin

When looking for sunscreen for your face, you should look for the keywords: Face, blocks UVA and UVB rays, sweat or waterproof, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), and oil-free (especially if you have oily skin). Furthermore, your facial suncream should have the highest SPF you can find. Take note: sunscreen goes under moisturizer and makeup. If you use one for your eye area, choose one formulated for that purpose. Otherwise, what's the point?

While we're on the subject of faces, you should use makeup offering sun protection and chap stick with sunscreen offers even more protection to your delicate face skin.

Now, when you're looking for sunscreen for your body, you can probably skip the non-comedogenic and oil-free, but you mustn't skimp on sweat and waterproof. An SPF of at least 30 is recommended, but they go up to about SPF 85.

Body sunscreen also has the choice of lotion or spray. Choose what works best for you. Lotion is thicker and may stay better, but spray is easier to apply and reapply.

Makeup tips for pale skin

Foundation for pale skin

Now that you've got your skin protected, the next step is makeup for pale skin. When choosing foundation and/or powder, it's necessary to choose the right shade. The lady at a makeup counter can help. Otherwise, you'll need to go the trial-and-error route. If you're in between shades, always go lighter. The nice counter-lady can also help if you have pesky under-eye bags.

Eyeshadow for pale skin

Eyeshadow can be fun. Fair skin works well with pastels. Light Pink, Coral, Peach, Cream... it's all good. Just stay away from reds and reddish-pinks, unless you've chosen a strong red eyeshadow for a personal, unique and self-expressive reason. Most likely it won't look healthy. For evening styles you can definitely break out the darker colours; they'll contrast beautifully. Do avoid looking like you've a black eye.

Blush and bronzer for pale skin

On to the subject of blush and bronzer: Stay away from brown shades. They'll make your pale skin look dirty. Instead, opt for a pretty pink or coral shade for more of a delicate china doll look.

Lipstick for pale skin

I'm not sure if you wear lipstick, I surely don't. From what I've been able to gleam though, coral, pink, and berry shades look best for daytime looks. And we all know that bright red lips work wonderfully. Think Dita Von Teese. Wear it and be proud - tan skinned girls can't pull off the vintage-chic look.

There you have it. A guide to living with pale skin. Go forth and wow the world with your strikingly white legs, and your wonderful peaches-and-cream or alabaster complexion. Put in fake fangs and make people think you're a vampire if you are that way inclined. Whatever you do, make a healthy skin statement and be yourself.

More gothic beauty tips: How to get pale skin part le deux

More Health, Hairstyles, Makeup Tips & How-Tos on Mookychick