We love having a gorgeous summer glow, but soaking up the sun causes premature aging, wrinkles and even skin cancer. So we’ve rounded up the best methods to get a sexy tan sans sun!
Get glowing!
If you’ve never tried sunless tanning before, what are you waiting for? These days, there are tons of foolproof ways to fake a perfect tan. If you’re a total self-tanning newbie, we recommend the gold standard: a spray tan. When you leave the process to a professional, you’re guaranteed amazing results.
Our at-home product faves
St. Tropez is one our favorite lines on the market, since they offer professional spray tans in salons all over the country as well as at-home products. But if you’re heading into a salon, be sure to prep accordingly for a spray tan. Don’t shave 24 hours before your appointment and make sure to exfoliate the day of your tan, paying special attention to hands, elbows, knees and feet. Wear dark, loose clothing to your appointment, since the tan can transfer onto clothes when it’s first applied (if it does, it washes out).
Although you’ll look darker immediately afterwards due to the bronzer in the product, St. Tropez’s skin finishing expert, Sophie Evans, says be sure to wait eight hours before showering for the best color. “If you leave it on overnight, even better,” she says. “Take a lukewarm shower and moisturize every day to make your tan last.”
If you’re going the DIY route, St. Tropez’s Self Tan bronzing mousse comes with an application mitt to ensure you don’t end up with stained palms or streaks. The color looks very natural and non-Snooki.
If you’d prefer a product that doesn’t have a built-in bronzer, try Neutrogena’s MicroMist airbrush sunless tan. It comes as an aerosol clear spray and there’s absolutely no rubbing required. Just spray it on, wait three to five minutes for it to dry and your color will begin to develop in a few hours. This is also great for touchups in between spray tans.
You can bring the spa experience home with Kate Somerville’s Tanning Towelettes. These portable packs from the skin care guru feature a pre-moistened towelette you simply wipe all over your body. They were surprisingly easy to apply but just be sure to wash your hands right after using them to avoid staining your hands.
So what are you waiting for? This summer, forget frying yourself under the sun’s harmful rays and get a guilt-free glow. Whether you want to try a pro spray tan, mousse, aerosol or tan towel, there’s a perfect sunless tanning product for you that will leave you looking gorgeous.
More summer beauty
How to keep your summer tan
The ultimate summer beauty guide
Cool makeup that will last all summer