First World Beauty Problems, Theme Park Edition

You know you’ve been spending too much time at Knott’s Berry Farm when your foundation no longer matches your face. Seriously, I went to do my makeup the other day and realized my foundation is at least two shades too light. Now I look like one of those aunties who refuse to acknowledge that their skin has seen the sun.

This is what happens when you go full theme park mode—running around in the California sun, stuffing your face with boysenberry treats, and completely forgetting that SPF is not, in fact, a one-and-done situation. Reapplication? Never heard of her.

The Curse of the Accidental Tan

I started noticing something was off when I caught my reflection in a bathroom mirror at Knott’s. Under that unflattering fluorescent lighting, it hit me—my face and neck were living completely separate lives. My body has fully embraced its sun-kissed glow, while my face? A ghostly reminder of my winter complexion.

I don’t even tan on purpose! But between waiting in lines, walking from one ride to the next, and spending an unreasonable amount of time debating whether I should get another boysenberry soft serve (spoiler: I always do), my skin has naturally leveled up a shade or two.

First World Beauty Problems, Theme Park Edition

This is peak first-world problems. I mean, in the grand scheme of things, accidentally turning into two different skin tones isn’t exactly a crisis. But still! My carefully curated makeup routine? Wrecked. My foundation, my concealer—useless. Now I have two choices:

1. Buy a darker foundation to match my new summer shade.

2. Accept my fate and just blend down to my chest like my life depends on it.

Neither of these options change the fact that I’ll probably forget to reapply sunscreen again next weekend and continue this never-ending cycle.

Lessons Learned (Or Not)

Let’s be real—am I going to start carrying around a travel-sized sunscreen and actually use it? Probably not. But in case you’re smarter than me, here are some quick survival tips for anyone who practically lives at a theme park:

• Reapply Sunscreen Like It’s Your Job – Every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or eating anything messy (which, let’s face it, you are).

• Find a Foundation with SPF – It’s not a replacement for sunscreen, but every little bit helps.

• Embrace the Tan – Maybe it’s time to lean into that post-theme park glow and stop fighting it.

So, will this makeup dilemma stop me from going to Knott’s every weekend? Absolutely not. But will I be the person in line at GhostRider with a half-blended face and a mild identity crisis? Also yes.

If you’ve ever had your theme park obsession mess with your beauty routine, tell me in the comments so I know I’m not alone! And if you see me at Knott’s, just pretend my face and neck match, okay?