Summer Glow for Deeper Skin Tones

What are the best practices and products to use to get that Summer glow year around?
Let just say not all products are created equal when it comes to achieving smooth skin especially when color is an issue. For all my dark skin girls out there, I sometimes struggle to get the results I want especially if those products are also non-toxic and vegan.

(editors note: can we just appreciate this gorgeous ray of sunshine that is Mika?)

Before we move on chatting about products recommendations and discuss what does what, let me tell you about myself. By now you should realize it is not the beautiful Rhian.

I am Michaelle, Rhian was so kind to invite me to her blog today. Isn’t she the best? (note: i swear i didn't make her say that) I am also a blogger @ethicalandchic.I love talking about food, makeup, and green beauty products. I am vegan, of course!

Since I love makeup and like any other girl, I always like to look my best, I tend to try out a lot of products. Sometimes it tends to get out of hand. My bank account sometimes looks like it has been on a-crackers-and-water diet only!

I for one love glowing skin all year around. Ashy skin is so out! After tons of trials and errors, I have a routine and a few products that not only make my skin look healthier but gives it a beautiful glow. Don’t worry, it’s nothing high maintenance! You are probably doing most of them already!

You want your best skin ever? Here are my top ways to get that Summer Glow now! Women of color friendly.

• Realistically, good skin starts with what we put inside our body and our environment. If you are into eating dairy and no actual healthy food, you need to get on that shit like yesterday! Load your plates with greens foods, fruits, and vegetables. Eating them in season is cheaper, more accessible, and they taste better!
• Drink plenty of water, get some appropriate shut eyes time and get your body moving. I personally do yoga and kettlebells. I also love walking and biking when the weather allows.
• Also stay away from the harsh sun and stop touching your face! I am guilty of those last two. The warmth of the sun feels so good especially when I haven’t been out in a while, I like just to soak it all up like a lazy feline! That's why a great SPF is necessary.

What’s in your skincare and beauty routine?

To get that summer glow, I tend to favor products with simple ingredients, targeted toward my needs. No sulfates, hard perfumes, and pore-clogging ingredients.

I use a cleanser, a toner, an essence, a serum, and a moisturizer. Petit Vour has products for all these categories. They have samples available! I also browse Ulta, Sephora, and The Detox Market for new finds.

I am a strong believer in the virtues of acids (AHA, BHA). I use them all over my body. I find chemicals exfoliant give the skin a smoother appearance faster and long-lasting.

Some of Mika's top picks!

Products recommendations.

To get that summer glow year around while I keep my skin even, I use a tanning lotion. Yes, you heard me right! A tanning lotion helps me fake it until I make it! Tanning lotion does necessarily make your dark skin dark instead it evens out the complexion and hide imperfections like stretch marks, scars, etc... It’s not going to be perfect unless you already have great skin, but it will be close enough!

My go-to tanning lotion is the Loving Tan mousse. It applies evenly, leaves my skin smooth, and gives me that chocolate glow. I use the dark in Winter and the ultra-dark in Summer. Don’t forget to exfoliate, shave, and hydrate your skin the day before you use the Loving tan mousse for a perfect application!


You probably see the Fenty beauty lava body luminizer everywhere now! While it looks quite nice, I must say it has nothing on the Prtty Peaushun skin tight body lotion. It’s 100 percent natural, vegan, fragrance-free, non-toxic, paraben free, and gluten-free. It gives the skin a natural looking glow, no glitter chunks, no greasy residue. It’s also lightweight. I sometimes use it on my face as a primer before foundation and concealer for a natural, soft makeup look. It’s just so beautiful!

For bronzer, I usually use the 100 Percent Pure Cocoa Pigment Bronzer. It’s enough to warm up my face for a natural look. If I am looking for something dramatic, I use the Alima Pure Powder Foundation in C9. Just a little bit! The Au Naturale Organic Bronzer in Warm is a great one too. It never makes me breakout.

For highlight, I use the Au Naturale Luminous Crème Bronzer Stick in Trailblazer. A little goes a long way. Always make sure it’s well blended to avoid weird patchy looking spot of glitters. For a smooth and natural look, I always reach for Antonym Baked Blush in Copper. That’s a holy grail product right here ladies! The Milani Baked Bronzer in 05 Soleil is quite similar and more affordable although a bit more shimmery.




I tend to stick with what works for my complexion and skin type. I am pretty sure you have different products in your arsenal and a different approach when it comes to getting that summer glow. What are your go-to products to get that Summer glow? What is your skincare routine? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comment below!




(editors notes: Affiliate links are used. A huge thank you to Mika for contributing to my blog, she was a joy to work with and i really hope you'll all check her out in her social media links.)

Labels dark skin deeper skin tones guest blogger non toxic people of color petit vour products review self tanner summer glow tips vegan women of color