Let's Talk Skin Safety with Tara Carver

This week we’re discussing the importance of protecting your skin from the sun while maintaining a flawless tan. Content creator Tara Carver (@babe_on_a_mish) joins us for a Q&A on her life, travel and beauty tips, and more!

Start by telling us a bit about you!

Aloha, my name is Tara. I am a 40 year old flight attendant and wellness/beauty creator living in Honolulu. Hawaii has been my home since I moved here 20 years ago with a one way ticket after a destination wedding brought me to this beautiful state- it has single handedly been the best decision of my life. After living here and being so far from my family, the guilt that still stings, I decided to become a flight attendant. The past 8 years in this profession have been pretty wild- but it's amplified the way I take care of myself in so many ways. 

I am an avid surfer. Being in the ocean is my happy place, it is my church. Moving my body whether it's running, Lagree, or strength training keeps my spirits high and my mind right. 

What do you do to keep your skin youthful and glowing?

I am a sunscreen fanatic, as a surfer and someone who LOVES to be outside I swear that sunscreen is my biggest ally. However, as I have turned the corner into my 40s, age has no boundaries for a fair skinned woman who has lived her life outdoors and in the air. Besides my retinol, serums, and moisturizer, I’d say that a BIG change happened for me when I got micro needling done. Hands down changed my skin. That along with general maintenance of hydrafacials and weekly exfoliation. 

What’s a beauty-related travel tip you have? 

As a flight attendant- there are 2 MAJOR FREE tips that make the biggest difference in my overall appearance. HYDRATING and SLEEPING. Trust. After you have those in check (I travel with TSC mint roller that helps depuff me, recently I have added N°Glass Cream to my routine) it's super hydrating with a nice dewy appearance. I live in dry af air on the plane and sunscreen is still something I lather on in the sky!!

When did you start self-tanning and why?

I didn’t start self tanning until my mid 30s - actually not until I met Lux Unfiltered! A long time fan of the blogging queen Sivan, I trusted her rec and gave N°32 a try. It was perfect timing because I was well into my career of flying, my sunkissed glow and blonde streaks from the sun were fading because of my schedule and I just needed some color! It was also around the time I started to visibly notice my skin *aging* form years prior in the sun. The term “I’m a nicer person with a tan” never felt so real. Started self tanning and never looked back, after the launch of N°12 face drops - I’ve been a ride or die fan of this brand.

What ratio would you say you suntan vs. sunless tan?

Legs 80/20 of REAL/FAKE lol it's the only part of my body I am not a psycho about covering! EVERYWHERE else 100% fake tan.

What is some advice you wish you could give your younger self?

BEAUTY WISE:

•  Wear sunscreen. I'm an 80s baby. Sunscreen memos weren’t sent out.  
• Limit your alcohol consumption - turns out looking like a hot mess isn’t just for when you're hungover- it deeply affects skin, hair and nails.
• Invest in facials now.
• Invest in good skincare NOW.

LIFE WISE:

• NOBODY SEES WHAT YOU SEE EVEN IF THEY SEE IT. How many times I have looked back at myself in pictures and thought “OMG T you looked great!” Yet I can look at that same picture and know I was being so hard on myself. 

• Stop being considerate when you're not being considered. 

• If something is triggering you- look at the 3 fingers pointing back at you. 

• TIME is nonrefundable. Spend it wisely.