Embracing our Irish skin colour

dearg lady · 30-04-2012 10:19am

Posy wrote: »

I find it a bit sad that when you go to Asia, the shops are packed with lightening creams and whitening products. As a whole, we're never happy with what we've got it seems, dark or pale!

In some places in Asia pale skin suggests you're not so poor, ie don't spend all day out in the sun toiling on the fields. And I suppose as a general rule, most of us fall for the exotic look, darker skin for us, paler skin for asians.

Ilyana · 30-04-2012 10:27am

g'em wrote: »

I inherited skin that tans very well, and both my parents would be big fans of the sun. When I was a kid my Dad would actively encourage me to spend as much time outside in the sun playing so that I wouldn't burn when the holidays came around. So from a very early age I've associated being tanned with happy summer times and it's difficult to shake that. Even now I definitely feel 'healthier' with a bit of colour on me. The ironic thing is I'm starting to notice the sun damage on my face and in the last couple of years I've made a much bigger effort to make sure I wear SPF year-round.

I've spent quite a few summers working in the tropics too, and it got to the point that my skin was so dark it wouldn't tan any deeper. My nickname when I came home was the little ewok because of my dark skin and bleached blonde bodyhair that looked like down :pac:

I'm actually thee same, my parents are both very sallow and tan easily so I do as well. When we used to go on holidays I never had to bother with fake tan because I was so naturally tanned that I didn't even look Irish. I think there's some French blood in my Dad's family somewhere

But these days I can't afford a sun holiday so I have no tan. Now I just look kinda yellow and jaundiced. This is pale for me, but some of my friends still think I'm tanned :rolleyes:

I wear fake tan on nights out now because I miss being brown, I don't feel like myself when I'm pale.

Festy · 30-04-2012 10:42am

Ye girls are lucky you should try being a bloke with pale skin

cynder · 30-04-2012 10:47am

EmilyO wrote: »

I'm actually thee same, my parents are both very sallow and tan easily so I do as well. When we used to go on holidays I never had to bother with fake tan because I was so naturally tanned that I didn't even look Irish. I think there's some French blood in my Dad's family somewhere

.

My kids are pale during the winter but as soon as march hits they start turing brown, i put factor 50 on them and they still turn brown (very brown) their hair goes from blond to almost white.

If we lived in spain/france they would have really blond hair and a year round tan.

It helps that their dads side has german blood, his family are all dark haired and sallow and that my side has italian blood. im the only blond one in my family my brother inherited the italian looks (brown hair and brown skin) i looked scandinavian i was that white and blond. We looked far from brother and sister.

Ilyana · 30-04-2012 10:50am

grindelwald wrote: »

My kids are pale during the winter but as soon as march hits they start turing brown, i put factor 50 on them and they still turn brown (very brown) their hair goes from blond to almost white.

If we lived in spain/france they would have really blond hair and a year round tan.

It helps that their dads side has german blood, his family are all dark haired and sallow and that my side has italian blood. im the only blond one in my family my brother inherited the italian looks (brown hair and brown skin) i looked scandinavian i was that white and blond. We looked far from brother and sister.

It's fascinating how people from the same family can look so different. My sister was always blonde as a child, with a more golden skin tone and green eyes, whereas I always had brown skin, hair and eyes.

In some ways, being pale would be easier rather than being stuck in the middle between pale and tanned :rolleyes:

cynder · 30-04-2012 10:54am

EmilyO wrote: »

It's fascinating how people from the same family can look so different. My sister was always blonde as a child, with a more golden skin tone and green eyes, whereas I always had brown skin, hair and eyes.

In some ways, being pale would be easier rather than being stuck in the middle between pale and tanned :rolleyes:

chalk n cheese, my brother with his year round tan and me with my whiteness

No my mom didnt cheat on my dad!
picture.php?albumid=1382&pictureid=12664

After i had my first child i would walk down the street and my brother would push the buggy, everyone thought he was the dad :eek: not because the baby looked like him, but because he looked so different from me...

hollypink · 30-04-2012 11:04am

I used to think fake tan was an essential part of 'big' events like weddings where I'd be wearing a nice dress. My friends would all wear fake tan as well. But I just got fed-up with it; having to be organised enough to get it a few days in advance, the inevitable streak marks no matter how careful I was, the smell, the marks on clothes/sheets. I just didn't think the result was worth the effort.

The last few weddings I went to last year, I skipped the fake tan and it was grand. I do remember the disapprobation of one friend when I said I wasn't getting fake tan. She went on and on about how it looked better and how you could get organic (or something) ones that didn't smell and looked natural and really couldn't understand why I was so determined not to use it. When I saw the wedding photos I thought I looked nice so I made the right decision.

In saying that, I do think tanned legs look much better or at least are more forgiving for someone like me with not particularly toned legs. So I'd wear tights if I'm wearing a shortish dress.

I always used to envy girls who tanned easily but when I was in Thailand and South America, on a few occasions, local women admired my pale skin which made me feel great!

Susie_Q · 30-04-2012 11:21am

The contrast in beauty products here in India is remarkable; instead of fake tan on the shelves you will find racks and racks of 'whitening' or 'lightening' products that basically try to bleach your skin to make you whiter.

These products are so prolific I actually can't use the local moisturising creams as they all have skin-bleaching agents in them. Isn't it sad that both sides of the world are constantly trying to change their skin colour?! A bit lighter, a bit darker... I say be happy in your own skin, it most likely looks its best without all the chemicals lashed on there.

30-04-2012 11:25am

Susie_Q wrote: »

I say be happy in your own skin, it most likely looks its best without all the chemicals lashed on there.

I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, that this absolutely doesn't apply to me. And while there are definitely chemicals in the tan I use (St. Tropez), there are chemicals in almost everything I put on my skin, be it soap, perfume, shower gel, moisturiser, srubs, masks, make up. It's all chemicals.

Gauge · 30-04-2012 11:43am

I don't like my pale legs. Every bruise and nick shows up so obviously (and cellulite is way more obvious), it's ridiculous! I've tried fake tan a few times but I'm so apathetic about it- the smell annoys me and I have zero interest in learning to use it and trying out brands so I don't bother. I avoid wearing shorts and skirts unless I've got tights or leggings on. I've been getting those "milk bottle" comments since I was a child and to be honest it has given me a bit of a complex!

It can be a pain in the arse in hot climates, having to cover every exposed inch of myself in factor 50 and feeling greasy all day. One of the reasons I actually like Ireland's climate is that generally I don't have to worry about being burned and it's rarely hot enough for skin baring clothing! I've spent some time in Asia and South America and total strangers have actually approached me to check I'm wearing sunscreen which is always hilarious, it's never happened here. It happened once when I was cycling in a desert in Chile, a jeep with a family inside stopped and the driver rolled down the window and waved me over. I thought they were lost or something, but the man just wanted to ask if I was wearing suncream

People can be very pass remarkable about it and I really dislike that, it's so rude. Some people will even go so far as to imply I'm being 'rude' for not slapping on the fake tan for formal or dressy occasions. I get asked often if I'm anemic, or people will assume that I'm pale because I'm a vegetarian- no, I was just as pale when I ate meat.

I don't 'embrace' it really, but I accept it I suppose- probably because I'm too lazy to actually do anything about it

30-04-2012 12:00pm

Gauge wrote: »

People can be very pass remarkable about it and I really dislike that, it's so rude. Some people will even go so far as to imply I'm being 'rude' for not slapping on the fake tan for formal or dressy occasions.

I have to admit that I'm shocked reading these sort of posts. I can't believe people can be so nasty. Jesus, do we not have enough to deal with in life without other women being absolute bitches to other women because they choose to wear or not to wear fake tan?

I'm sure it's easier said than done, but try to ignore ridiculous comments like that. People who are rude for the sake of being rude aren't worth thinking about.

Salty · 30-04-2012 12:02pm

I'm quite pale but have warm undertones. I used to get a dark enough tan as a child, but stopped when I got to about 14 because we didn't go on a sun holiday for a few years and the weather here was crap. I also had to go on antibiotics to combat acne and it made my skin very sensitive so it would burn easily. I don't expose myself to the sun in the way that I wouldn't be the type to sunbathe on holidays. I'd rather sit under a parasol with the lightest spray tan possible, a good suncream and soak up the heat, rather than the sun itself.

On nights out I just use Sally Hansen. It looks far more natural imo if you pick a shade that suits you. I'd use the medium when I'm out at night, and if I need a colour during the day for whatever reason, I find the light a good option. It suits my skin because of the warm undertones. Nothing worse on a night out than looking at the some of the girls who are orange or dirty looking! It's disgusting!

dearg lady · 30-04-2012 12:35pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, that this absolutely doesn't apply to me. And while there are definitely chemicals in the tan I use (St. Tropez), there are chemicals in almost everything I put on my skin, be it soap, perfume, shower gel, moisturiser, srubs, masks, make up. It's all chemicals.

I wonder if it's as bad as you really think though. And I say this as I know I am my own worst enemy, judging my appearance more harshly than anyone elses. I wonder if you are prone to doing the same? not meaning to pick on your post, just a general thought really. I think most women are pretty harsh on themselves.

Lia_lia · 30-04-2012 12:38pm

grindelwald wrote: »

If we lived in spain/france they would have really blond hair and a year round tan.

My brother and sister have naturally very pale skin. Well, my sister is a bit darker but my brother is as white as me. But they've lived in France all their lives and always have a tan. In the summer they are black. I was in Paris with my Dad and brother and sister for a while last summer and in all the photos I stick out like a sore thumb...even-though I was actually quite tanned for me!!

cynder · 30-04-2012 12:48pm

Lia_lia wrote: »

My brother and sister have naturally very pale skin. Well, my sister is a bit darker but my brother is as white as me. But they've lived in France all their lives and always have a tan. In the summer they are black. I was in Paris with my Dad and brother and sister for a while last summer and in all the photos I stick out like a sore thumb...even-though I was actually quite tanned for me!!

a pic of my son after 3 weeks in france, he has white on his arms due to arm bands being on him, as you can see from his arms he is naturally very white and we used factor 50.

picture.php?albumid=1382&pictureid=12665

picture.php?albumid=1382&pictureid=12665

He looks like his been dipped in a tub of fake tan, but no its all natural, goodness know what he would have looked like after 3 months in the sun.

noddyone2 · 30-04-2012 12:55pm

Pale is nice. That orange tan is awful.

miss choc · 30-04-2012 1:02pm

I am pale blonde with blue eyes I used to go really dark as a kid once the Summer came the weather seems to be really good back in the 80's

probably being out in the sun till you were called in gave a nice colour.
Once I hit the teens it was harder to tan after lobster incidents in Oz I just have to slap on the sunscreen and use the fake tan for going out/hols to make me look a bit healthy. I like a light healthy tan can't stand the orange look that some of the soap stars/TOWIE ones have. Olive skinned girls can get away with being darker ie Kardashians lucky girls dont have to bother with spray tans all the time.

panda100 · 30-04-2012 1:49pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I have to admit that I'm shocked reading these sort of posts. I can't believe people can be so nasty. Jesus, do we not have enough to deal with in life without other women being absolute bitches to other women because they choose to wear or not to wear fake tan?

In my experience its not just women that comment. Generally, I find Americans,Canadians and Australians quite rude when commenting on my skin tone. I spent a summer in Canada when I was 20, and I lost count the amount of Canadian guys who couldn't understand why I would choose to be so pale. I kept on having to explain that I don't tan, and they kept on saying I needed to get in the sun more. While on holiday recently I was heading out for an evening, and my brother asked if I was not wearing tights with my outfit as my legs looked like milk bottles. He didn't say anything about tights to my tanned sisters!

In other countries such as India, or even Spain, people will comment on your skincolour but not in a derogatory way. They are just so used to seeing dark skinned people that they are amazed to see someone so pale. I don't mind people staring at me or commenting on my skin tone at all, as long as they are not being offensive.

When I was looking for that picture of Nicola Roberts the amount of negative comments associated with that picture of her standing beside her bandmates is unreal. People are saying she looked like a 'ghost' and 'unhealthy'. Nicola always felt she was 'the ugly one' in Girls Aloud because of her pale skin. I can definitely relate to where she is coming from. I think pale skin is just seen as being unhealthy and unglamorous.

Twee. · 30-04-2012 1:55pm

panda100 wrote: »

... and they kept on saying I needed to get in the sun more.

Some said this to me. On a beach. In 35 degree weather. While I was wearing shorts and a tank. :rolleyes: How could one be more in the sun than this!?

Morag · 30-04-2012 2:02pm

I get that as well. Get out in the sun more.
Seriously I don't tan I don't burn, blister, peel and then burn again.
Why would I get out in the sun more so I can suffer more?

I have allergies so constantly smearing myself with factor 50 is not an option either
and there is no way I am going to put more chemicals in the form of fake tan on.
I'm pale get over it and keep your comments to yourself.

Lia_lia · 30-04-2012 2:03pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I have to admit that I'm shocked reading these sort of posts. I can't believe people can be so nasty. Jesus, do we not have enough to deal with in life without other women being absolute bitches to other women because they choose to wear or not to wear fake tan?

I'm quite shocked about these comments too! I've never in my life had someone make a comment to me about not wearing fake tan/being pale.

Siuin · 30-04-2012 2:12pm

Unfortunately, many of the comments here of people getting negative reactions because they refuse to wear fake tan are pretty unsurprising.

I'm a redhead, pale and completely unable to tan. For my debs, my mom pressured me into getting a fake tan done, and looking back on photos I looked orange and ridiculous. She still gives me a hard time about not 'going for a little colour' for weddings, but I know what suits me and have refused to wear it ever since.

A number of people I know who wear fake tan don't do it so much for the colour, but rather to cover up problematic skin or an uneven skin tone. Fair enough. But I personally feel that it's not worth it for the amount of mess, hassle and expense it creates.

Princess Peach · 30-04-2012 2:29pm

Oh I have had comments! After a night out people would remark about pictures saying, "Look how pale you are next to me. my God." Yeah only because you have made yourself look like a black person!

And the worse was before a night out when someone's tan didn't come out as nice as they wanted and they would say something like they will just stand next to me all night to seem darker. Morons.

I know a girl who is just beautiful and pale. I remember chatting to her ages ago about fake tan, she said she never did it but was trying it soon because she was going on a night out with girls who all wear it and didn't want to stick out. Now a couple of years later she always goes out with these girls and always wears tan. Its hard to know whether its because she thinks she looks better or because she was comparing herself to friends. I always thought she was gorgeous!

But I can understand when there have been formal events and I have been the only one in group pictures not tanned! Never bothered me, but I guess it could for some.

Pembily · 30-04-2012 2:36pm

If there is sun I will tan fairly easily and would never really be that pale. I tan my legs with instant tan and maybe put a bit of bronzer on my arms but that's it. I never wear fake tan, even if I am pale, it's too much effort, I can't stand the smell of it and it would destroy my clothes. Mainly I am just tooooo lazy :rolleyes: Some girls have lovely fake tan and others don't.

Personally if all my friends want fake tan that's grand, I will never judge anyone who does use it, I am just too lazy.

As for the chemicals in fake tan, sure the same chemicals are in most beauty products...

Dolbert · 30-04-2012 3:18pm

My grandfather suffered from skin cancer from before I was born, he was a carpenter and had spent many years working outdoors in the sun. When his redheaded granddaughter came along, he really drilled home the message of sun protection. I distinctly remember being three or four years old and being put in one of his shirts and a hat as it was such a hot day! He died of his illness when I was ten and I never forgot his message of how important it is to protect myself. Even now, I can burn within twenty minutes on a really hot day in Ireland. If anyone ever tells me that I look unhealthy without a tan they will get short shrift.

I adore 1940s/50s style and my peaches & cream complexion suits the look. Tanned is so far removed from my real skin tone that it couldn't possibly look better, I'd feel like I was in disguise! I just hate the idea that it's somehow obligatory, to be 'dressed up'. My Aussie cousins couldn't believe the obsession some Irish women have with tanning. There's a lot to be said for just being happy in your skin, pale or not!

Blisterman · 30-04-2012 6:00pm

Speaking as a guy who's gone out with girls the whole spectrum from lovely and pale to ebony black, there's nothing more attractive than a girl who embrace her own natural beauty.

I find fake tan and skin lightening creams slightly sad to be honest. Like someone's hiding who they really are.

doctor evil · 30-04-2012 6:12pm

I'm naturally and I buuurrnnn if not careful. I wear factor 50 and I'm tring to be more careful. I'm noticing sun damage and freckles from when I was a child/early teen when I had a few bad burns. I'm surprised at how pale I look at times when out and about while at other times, I suppose because of lighting I notice variations a lot more.

I've never had the milk bottle comment, but if I did, they would be getting a comment back!

Anybody know of a non greasy moisturiser with a decent spf for face and neck?

30-04-2012 6:26pm

doctor evil wrote: »

I'm naturally and I buuurrnnn if not careful. I wear factor 50 and I'm tring to be more careful. I'm noticing sun damage and freckles from when I was a child/early teen when I had a few bad burns. I'm surprised at how pale I look at times when out and about while at other times, I suppose because of lighting I notice variations a lot more.

I've never had the milk bottle comment, but if I did, they would be getting a comment back!

Anybody know of a non greasy moisturiser with a decent spf for face and neck?

nivea oil free has spf 15

Posy · 01-05-2012 7:49pm

I'd like to wear an SPF every day on my face, but I don't have time for a sun cream that has to soak in because I usually hastily slap on a bit of foundation before leaving the house.

My pet peeve with my paleness is that I'm so see-through. I can see all my veins through my skin and any cuts or bruises are so obvious. I still can't be arsed using tan as a general rule though.

The problem with a lot of Irish girls is that a nice healthy glow can be attractive. But they end up looking like they've put streaky mahogany wood varnish all over themselves, which gives tan a pretty bad rep!
Still, pale or streaky orange all the way before destroying your skin with sunbeds in my opinion.

Stheno · 01-05-2012 9:58pm

Posy I think you notice it more as it's yourself.

I'm so pale I glow in the dark, wear SPF 15 in the winter and 50 in warm weather, I tend to burn, blister and then peel

And I'm allergic to fake tan, so I've learned to live with being very very pale.

I'd never however go bare legged, I just wear holdups in a very natural colour, and makeup wise I tend to wear a colour very close to my skin colour

Posy · 01-05-2012 10:05pm

I'm just lucky I generally don't burn.

I was in a queue in blistering sunshine for over 2 hours waiting to get into a popular museum in Italy, in August, when it was 40 degrees (with no sun protection) and was paler afterwards.
I think I'm sun repellent. I'd need about 3 weeks of constant sunshine to even get a shade less pale!

Stheno · 01-05-2012 10:07pm

Posy wrote: »

I'm just lucky I generally don't burn.
I was in a queue in blistering sunshine for over 2 hours waiting to get into a popular museum in Italy, in August, when it was 40 degrees (with no sun protection) and was paler afterwards.
I think I'm sun repellent. I'd need about 3 weeks of constant sunshine to even get a shade less pale!

You are, I very diligently applied factor fifty on the hour for four hours in 35 degree heat in Toronto a few years ago and ended up sleeping sitting up due to the sun/windburn

Wibbs · 01-05-2012 11:12pm

Posy wrote: »

I'm just lucky I generally don't burn.
I was in a queue in blistering sunshine for over 2 hours waiting to get into a popular museum in Italy, in August, when it was 40 degrees (with no sun protection) and was paler afterwards.
I think I'm sun repellent. I'd need about 3 weeks of constant sunshine to even get a shade less pale!

Separated at birth P

I make Dracula look like he's got a bit of colour, but for some odd reason don't burn. I spent a fortnight in the Sahara many moons ago and the Moroccan lads I was with were cracking up with the comments on how I was still the whitest human they'd ever seen at the end of it. Oh I went a bit red on the second or third day and they were all "aha, Irishman is going to buuurn". The bastards.

I then went right back to "Christ I can see his bones through the skin". One Tuareg lad who was really dark, near blue black would regularly come up to me and look hard at me and say what sounded like the same thing in Arabic. When I asked what, the rest kept me in suspense until the last day, when they told me it translated as "you're weird".

It appears we both have white melatonin.

iguana · 01-05-2012 11:55pm

Posy wrote: »

I'm just lucky I generally don't burn.
I was in a queue in blistering sunshine for over 2 hours waiting to get into a popular museum in Italy, in August, when it was 40 degrees (with no sun protection) and was paler afterwards.
I think I'm sun repellent. I'd need about 3 weeks of constant sunshine to even get a shade less pale!

My legs are like that, I'm pale all over but my legs, especially the thighs, just do not seem to have the ability to burn or tan. My face and arms will tan a bit if I was to let them, or maybe they don't tan just freckle so much that the freckles meet up and I look slightly tanned. But I prefer not to tan at all. I generally wear SPF30, and as importantly 5* UVA, protection most days, even when it's not sunny. If it's very sunny or I'm on holidays I go up to SPF 50(+) as long as it's still 5*UVA. But the best sunscreen I've found is the Tesco brand factor 30 as I can wear it all around my eyes, including on my eyelids, without it irritating them.

I'm pale and that's just how I am so I see no reason to do anything to change it or pretend that's not my skin colour. I have pink toned skin and most fake tan is designed for yellow toned skin, so I'd only ever look extremely orange if I was to wear it anyway, no matter how lightly I applied it.

I'm also very mole-y so I have to protect them. In fact I had a mole removed last year because it was changing colour and looked like a melanoma. Waiting for the results was utterly terrifying, even though I don't usually sunbathe and I knew my mole was fading around a patch that was staying dark, rather than part of it going dark which is the usual way melanomas present. It's definitely not worth tanning if it endangers your life.

NeonCookies · 02-05-2012 2:46pm

The furthest I've ever gotten with fake tan was the self spray on ones in my younger days when I was a bit self conscious about my pale skin, and thankfully I never looked orange.

Well actually, I lie, I have looked orange once. And ironically this was at my Debs when I got a professional to do my make up. I didn't really wear much make up anyway and she went completely overboard with it!! I remember running to the bathroom as soon as I got home and scrubbing my face with tissue to try get the worst of the orange off!

Now, I don't mind being pale. I will usually wear tan tights if I'm wearing a dress though as my legs can be a bit blotchy and they even them out. Luckily, I've found a shade that matches me perfectly and people are often shocked when I tell them I'm wearing them. If I'm wearing sandles or peep toe shoes and don't want to wear tights I'll use Sally Hansen in the lightest shade. Doesn't add colour, just a nice airbrush effect

I hate getting burned and am really conscious of protecting my skin, so sun protection is a must - no natural tan for me!!

Jenneke87 · 02-05-2012 2:51pm

Pale&proud. Always been the palest person in the family(and often the palest person in the group where-ever I go) I've had the "milk bottle" and "have you never seen the sun before in your life" comments and I just give 'm a look and say:"yeah so?" and that stops any annoying comments. Never have worn fake tan and don't think I ever will.

mood · 02-05-2012 5:17pm

I have got some very rude comments about my paleness. One friend even tried to get me to get sun burnt as I 'would look better'!!! i just ignore it now. I occasionally wear tan but I only use very little and nobody would ever know.

Novella · 02-05-2012 6:05pm

I don't fake tan for a few reasons; I don't like the smell, I'm too lazy to delicately apply it, wait for it to dry etc., and I don't know why, but the thought of all of my skin being covered in something makes me feel a bit uneasy.

It doesn't bother if other people wear fake tan, different strokes for different folks and all that, but for me, no.

NamelessPhil · 02-05-2012 8:08pm

NeonCookies wrote: »

Now, I don't mind being pale. I will usually wear tan tights if I'm wearing a dress though as my legs can be a bit blotchy and they even them out. Luckily, I've found a shade that matches me perfectly and people are often shocked when I tell them I'm wearing them.

Do you want to share the brand of tights? It would be helpful given how many paleskins are posting on this thread.

I too have embraced factor 30 - 50 from my late teens. Now I'm at an age where I look a few years younger than my chronological age and I'm thankful that I've taken care of my skin.

I do go a light tan but unfortunately cycling kit is not conducive to a flattering tan, I end up with a farmer's tan. :mad:

Twee. · 02-05-2012 8:15pm

Marks and Spencers Oiled Look tights are brilliant! If I ever go bare legs I'd wear them instead of tan, less chance of me making a mess of it!

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Denier-Cooling-Sheer-Oiled-Tights/dp/B002F64LMK

02-05-2012 9:08pm

I'm extremely tanned naturally but if I weren't, I think I'd embrace the pale look. I love white skin and black hair, the whole Dita Von Teese look. Really stunning, IMO. I think fake tan looks silly on people who are naturally red haired/blonde/freckly. It makes them look dirty. I've only seen it look good on people who are naturally quite sallow.

Pythia · 02-05-2012 10:08pm

I have extra pale skin with red hair. I have applied fake tan every week for the last 10 years. I am so used to it now I don't look like myself unless it's on. I think it looks well (of course!) and, although not natural as red heads could never have that colour skin, doesn't look so out of place.

I generally just do tan to my bra area as no one (except the bf) sees any further down.

I get spray tans on holiday and then top them up myself.

I stay out of the sun though as it's just going to burn me and use a high factor when I do venture out.

Daisy03 · 02-05-2012 10:21pm

I am extremely pale and I have never worn fake tan. First off I don't think it would suit me. But I also hate when you see people and the fake tan is patchy or fading particularly someone's hands. It looks like their hands are dirty!

I have gotten comments from some people about my lack of fake tan. But suprisingly mainly from the older generation.. Mainly from my Mums aunts who are in their 60's and 70's.. I don't know what they did in their day. But at family weddings, graduation etc they have mentioned that I should get a tan.

I hate this obsession that a tan looks healthy. Last summer a friend of mine got very badly sunburned. She would be naturally very pale as well. It looked so painful and uncomfortable. A couple of days later I was heading to Killarney for the day with her, her mum and aunt. All day long her aunt kept commenting on how healthy she looked. I had to stop myself from laughing as it looked horrific and far from healthy.

Neyite · 02-05-2012 11:50pm

Another paleface here.

The most I can get on holidays is a "healthy glow" type of colour. Its nowhere near a tan by ordinary non-gingers standards. But I also noticed the price I paid for that "glow" was that I gained a few wrinkles so dont bother much now.

I have had spray tans done for weddings and so on - its rare that they are perfect. I think one, once ever was flawless, and that was a trial run, the tan for the big event, the same beautician became very heavy handed and it was dodgy on the day, and I was stuck with it.

I have a wedding at the weekend. I'm going to put a bit of the palest gradual tanner on over the next couple of days to take the blue look off my skin, but I'll still be pale, and have tights for my legs.

I think that its good to take a break from continual self tan though - I have a cousin who is convinced her constant fake tan is natural looking. She has gradually gotten darker and darker over the years. And she has forgotton what natural looking really is. She looks like she was dipped in Ronseal, and she is convinced that other girls are orange oompa-loopas but not her. If she took a week to "reset" her tanometer she would be less comical looking. And the few people who have the courage to suggest it to her are "jealous" :rolleyes:

NeonCookies · 03-05-2012 11:40am

NamelessPhil wrote: »

Do you want to share the brand of tights? It would be helpful given how many paleskins are posting on this thread.

Dunnes Stores would you believe! I can't remember exactly what the box looks like, but they're the ones you get 5 pairs for 5euro. The shade I get is 'jasmine' - not sure if this is the lightest one or not! They look sooo natural on.

I get a few wears out of them, although they rip eventually (like any brand of these tights I've tried

) I tend to get them a size larger than I need to avoid forcing them too much.

Posy · 03-05-2012 11:56am

I've been avoiding fake tan lately because even the palest, extra pale pale (pale) tan makes me blotchy and brown.
I've been fooled too many times by the promise of 'a subtle hint of colour' only to be left brown and streaky.

Ilyana · 03-05-2012 1:01pm

I know this article is from the Daily Mail, but if it's true.....:eek:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2138197/New-Jersey-mother-Patricia-Krentcil-arrested-daughter-5-burned-tanning-booth.html

Dolbert · 03-05-2012 2:27pm

EmilyO wrote: »

I know this article is from the Daily Mail, but if it's true.....:eek:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2138197/New-Jersey-mother-Patricia-Krentcil-arrested-daughter-5-burned-tanning-booth.html

That poor girl

Her mother should be doing her utmost to protect her from the sun, child endangerment is exactly what it is. She looks like one of the bog bodies.

noddyone2 · 03-05-2012 3:04pm

Jenneke87 wrote: »

Pale&proud. Always been the palest person in the family(and often the palest person in the group where-ever I go) I've had the "milk bottle" and "have you never seen the sun before in your life" comments and I just give 'm a look and say:"yeah so?" and that stops any annoying comments. Never have worn fake tan and don't think I ever will.

Fair playto you! People can be so rude, others have the herd mentality, will follow any trend, whether it's nice on them or not. Anyway, pale is nice.

panda100 · 03-05-2012 7:52pm

Dolorous wrote: »

She looks like one of the bog bodies.

I lol'ed

I think they banned the use of sunbeds for under 18's in the UK this week. Don't think we have any similar regulation over here.

Embracing our Irish skin colour

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