Arnold Speaks

That Sexy Green Tan

Global warming aside, we’ve been having an unseasonably chilly spring, and I am as pale as a non-chlorine-bleached sheet. So when I saw California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger take the stage to address an audience of students, journalists and environmental leaders at a Newsweek Magazine conference in Washington D.C., my first thought was: He’s so tan!

Arnold, balancing the globe on his fingertip on the cover of this week’s Newsweek (April 16), recently signed legislation that will "reduce California’s greenhouse-gas emissions across every sector of the economy," as the magazine reports, dubbing him the "Green Giant." He spoke of a new environmentalism, fuelled by "passion, not guilt." He called upon people who care about the planet to make green "hip," even "sexy."

Drawing inspiration from the Governor’s healthy glow, I decided to get some color on my skin. As sunbathing (wearing sunblock, of course) is out of the question in this frigid April, I turned to some tinted moisturizers, makeups and self-tanners.
I’ve no idea whether Arnold’s tan came from the sun or a product, but as this he-man is used to wearing makeup for television and film, other men can rest easy about applying a little color without fear of being labelled girly.

The following products are free of the most problematic hormone-disrupting (see "Word of the Week" at http://www.greenerpenny.com/) and allergenic chemicals currently known. However, before applying, always do a patch test, as everybody’s different and any makeup can cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Tinted Moisturizers and Makeups (with sunblock added, measured in sun protection factor, or SPF)
Juice Organics (SPF 30), http://www.juicebeauty.com/
Bare Escentuals i.d. bareMinerals Powder Foundation (SPF15) http://www.sephora.com/
Jane Iredale mineral powder, my favorite–it evens the complexion and absorbs oil– www.janeiredale.com

Self Tanning Creams (note, these do not contain sunblock)

Lavera Sunless Self-Tanning Lotion, http://www.lavera/
Jane Iredale’s H\E Bronzer for Men, http://www.heminerals.com/