Get Your Best Summer Tan Glowing Without the Sun

While we melt away during the hot summer work week, we find ourselves daydreaming at our desk of weekend getaways at the beach and rooftop cocktails shared with our best friends. After all, what says summer more than an ice cold margarita and a sexy golden tan (faux tan of course!)? We have found the best self tanners and bronzers that will turn you into an enviable bathing beauty in no time… St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse and Mitt, $36.50
This mousse formula is unique because you can use it for both your face and body; it’s a two-for-one.  The application mitt ensures smooth coverage while protecting your hands from the orange palm syndrome that is so common with many self tanners.  This formula is quick drying, in just 60 seconds!  Shower just four hours after application to wash off any excess and you’ll be ready for that bikini. Jergens Natural Glow & Protect Daily Moisturizer, $7.49
Jergens is a great solution for a first-time self tanner.  This product does double duty as a moisturizer and it even has built in SPF 20.  What more could a girl ask for?  Since the formula works as a gradual tanner, it is the perfect product to use during the week leading up to a beach trip.  It even caters to a variety of skin pigments coming in fair, medium and dark. Duwop Clear Revolotion Tinted Body Moisturizer, $30
DuWop has outfitted their Clear Revolotion product with a blueish hue to offset any orange tendencies, leaving you with a fabulously realistic tan.  Fortified with white tea and chamomile extracts, this gel helps to condition and smooth your skin while a hint of shimmer gives you a dewy glow.  It dries in just 5-10 minutes and gives you the most natural, temporary glow. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection, $28
This silky lotion glides over the skin easily leaving no orange streaks behind and you will see your tan start to develop in just an hour.  Since this product doesn’t come with an applicator make sure to wash hands after application to avoid orange palms to simply wear latex gloves.  It dries within minutes so it’s a perfect product for women on the move. Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting, $45
This is the perfect product to have in your makeup kit for those impromptu invites for rooftop cocktails.  It is essentially a tinted highlighter.  Apply it to your arms, legs and décolletage for a sexy shimmer.  For a more dramatic color, wet the body puff before applying.  Toss this little compact into your clutch for the night to apply touch ups when needed.

It seems like every woman who has tried a self tanner has a similar story to tell…they don’t like the smell, they look orangey, the color came out looking unnatural, streaky or uneven. Before you begin your tanning, here are some insider tips to ensure you get your best glow on:

• It is important to exfoliate your skin before applying.   Pay special attention to your knees and elbows.
• Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying.
• Apply a barrier like Vaseline onto your fingernails, toenails and cuticles to avoid discoloration in these areas.
• Remember to start at your feet and work your way up.  This way you won’t crease the color by bending over.

Have a self tanning disaster?  It happens to the best of us, no worries!  If you see that your tanning application wasn’t as flawless as you thought there is no need to panic.  To get rid of any streaks you may have you can simply combine a few tablespoons of baking soda and some fresh lemon juice until it forms a paste and apply it to the necessary areas.  The baking soda acts as a light exfoliate while the acid from the lemon juice removes any excess tanner your skin may not have absorbed.