Okay, babes, we need to talk. Let’s get real about something that can totally ruin your summer glow: sunglasses tan lines. Like, yeah, everyone loves a good sun-kissed look, but those awkward tan lines around your eyes are just not it. No one wants to look like they have permanent raccoon eyes, am I right?
So, let’s get into it: how to avoid getting those unfortunate tan lines from your sunnies this summer. I got you covered with my fave tips, tricks, and hacks—because you’re going to look all glow and no awkward lines this season.
Sunscreen Is Your BFF—Seriously
First things first: sunscreen needs to be your literal ride-or-die. If you’re not slathering it on like your life depends on it (because, honey, it kind of does), you’re leaving your skin out there vulnerable to the sun’s rays. Trust me, even though you’ve got your sunnies on, the rest of your face isn’t protected unless you’re wearing sunscreen.
For the face, go for a sunscreen that won’t leave you looking like a greasy disco ball. You want something lightweight and non-comedogenic (basically, it won’t make you break out, we love that!). Look for SPF 30+ and make it part of your morning routine, like brushing your teeth—and yes, reapply throughout the day if you’re baking for long hours on the beach.
Here’s my top trick: use a tinted sunscreen! That way, your skin looks flawless and stays protected. It’s honestly a two-in-one genius hack for avoiding weird lines and getting an even glow.
Sunscreen: Literally the ultimate skincare hack. Don’t sleep on it—or you’ll wake up with lines!
Bigger Is Better When It Comes to Sunnies
Let me tell you about oversized sunglasses—I’m talking full celeb-on-vacay vibes. Sure, they’ve been a major fashion trend for years, but did you know they’re also low-key perfect for avoiding tan lines? Yup, if your sunnies cover more of your face, you’re cutting down the surface area that’s going to end up tanned. Win-win.
Go for sunglasses that have wide, wraparound frames, so they cover your cheeks and under your eyes too. Think of them as your beauty armor against those gnarly lines. Plus, bonus points if you find a pair that makes you look like you just stepped out of an episode of The Kardashians.
If you’re feeling real extra, why not switch it up with… a cute hat? A wide-brimmed hat is honestly a game changer (and way chic). Not only will it shade your whole face, but you’ll have ultimate cool-girl vibes all summer long. Double the protection, double the style.
Switch Up Your Sunglass Spot
Okay, this one’s kinda genius—props to the friend who told me about it, because it’s such an easy fix. When you’re laying out in the sun or just chilling in your backyard poolside, don’t leave your sunglasses in the exact same position for hours. Switch it up! Adjust how your sunglasses rest on your nose bridge every so often, that way you won’t end up with a weird, sharp tan line.
Move your sunnies every 15-20 minutes to keep your tan even and line-free.
You can pop them up slightly (hello, 90s vibes) or pull them down a little over your face for instant glam. Or, if you’re feeling extra spicy, take them off completely for a bit and let the tan flow naturally. Just be careful not to squint your eyes too much, or else we’ll need to chat about fine lines… but that’s another post!
Bronzer to the Rescue!
Okay, this is a makeup artist’s secret weapon. Let’s say you’ve already been out and about, and ooops—you notice some subtle (or not-so-subtle) tan lines forming. What do you do? Enter: bronzer.
Use a matte bronzer (stay away from shimmery ones for this) and lightly blend it just around where the tan lines are showing up. It basically tricks the eye into thinking that your tan is all even and seamless. Get a great bronzer brush, gentle strokes, and voilà, those tan lines are soft and barely noticeable. Ain’t nobody gonna know.
Here’s how you work it:
1. Look at where the tan lines are starting to form.
2. Use a brush to apply bronzer around the tanned parts to blend in the color better. Don’t load too much bronzer, keep it light.
3. Buff the bronzer in circular motions with a large, fluffy brush for smooth transitions.
4. Set with a bit of translucent powder to make sure it stays all day.
Trust me, this trick is chef’s kiss—I’ve been doing it for my clients for years (and now for myself if I miss my SPF reapplication because… beach days, y’all).
SPF-Infused Makeup, Baby!
Want some extra protection without having to think about it? Go for makeup products that have SPF built in. From foundations to powders to primers—there’s a ton out there that give you that sun protection while making your face look flawless.
My go-to in the summer is usually a BB cream or tinted moisturizer that includes SPF because it’s lightweight and gives me a natural finish. You can still get that dewy look without feeling like you’re wearing a lot of product. Plus, with SPF, it’s like you’re wearing your protection all day without the bulky feel of actual sunscreen.
Here’s my fav lineup of SPF-infused makeup essentials:
| Product Category | Product Type | SPF Included | My Top Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation/BB Cream | Tinted Moisturizer/BB Cream | SPF 30+ | Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer |
| Setting Powder | Loose Setting Powder | SPF 20+ | Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder |
| Primer | SPF Primer | SPF 40+ | Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen |
| Lip Balm | SPF Lip Treatment | SPF 30 | Sun Bum Hydrating Lip Balm |
Keep these babies on rotation and your face will thank you for it!
Say Yes to Self-Tanner
Alright, so you’re fully covered, wearing your sunscreen, reapplying like a queen, and still managing to rock your cute sunglasses. But let’s say you want to boost that tan look without the awkward real-life tanning situation.
Self-tanner is the ultimate hack. I know, you might be thinking of those streaky 2009 self-tanner fails (cue the flashbacks), but trust me, the products are WAY better now. You can use self-tanner to even out your tan if needed. Or you can just fake the whole thing TBH! Use a gradual tanning lotion to lightly build up your glow over days or one of those instant tanners with a bit of shimmer to make that bronze pop. Either way, the color payoff is real, girl.
Hot tip: Don’t forget to exfoliate first! You want an even base to avoid streaks. And use a tanning mitt for the smoothest application.
Stay Under a Cute Umbrella
Okay, hear me out: if you’re one of those babes lying out by the beach like a mermaid in training, I get it. But you can chill AND still keep your skin protected by just picking a spot under an umbrella. There’s something super aesthetic about having your own dedicated shady area—it’s like a mini-vacay vibe. Plus, less direct sunlight = fewer tan lines!
Don’t sleep on staying in the shade for some of your tanning sesh! Your skin soaks up the goodness without being scorched by the harsh rays, and your face will thank you.
So yeah, next time you’re out there living your best sunny life, just remember: sunscreen first, oversized sunnies, and keep a bronzer, self-tanner, or SPF-infused makeup nearby to erase or prevent those tan lines. You got this, girl!
