HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day is the beginning of Summer. Summer means tans.

I love being tan. Not overly tan, but my natural skin color is quite pale, so I love having that sun-kissed glow. I admit that in high school and college I visited tanning salons and would ‘fake bake.’ Now that I’ve gotten older, I’m appalled that I did that to my skin and actually wish that I’d listened to my mom on that one.

I’ve grown wiser in the fact that I’m very conscious of the UVA/UVB rays I expose myself to but when the summer season hits I can’t help it; I want to be tan! Through this quest, I have tried various self tanners, sun blocks, etc. so I’ve compiled a few of my favorites below. I hope these help you achieve a golden glow without the trial-and-error of streaks and orange skin that I experienced testing the many products out there!

Favorite Self Tanners: · L’oreal Self Tanning Towelettes for Body and Face

o Pros: does not have the usual nasty self-tanner smell; easy-to-use; not messy; brings you about 2-3 shades darker; affordable

o Cons: you need to master the art of applying since the clear formula does not allow you to see where you might have missed a patch of skin

· St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse

o Pros: includes an instant bronze glow for a streak-free application; very natural looking tan; brings you about 2-3 shades darker after one application

o Cons: can get pricy; need latex gloves to apply; you must put on before bed since the bronze guide leaves you looking a little orange (you wash this off after 8 hours to reveal a natural glow)

· Laura Mercier Foundation Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

o Pros: a light moisturizer that adds a hint of color and SPF for the day; the bottle lasts over 6 months

o Cons: I have none!

· <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P12790&categoryId=B70 NARS Bronzer in Laguna

o Pros: Instant, natural looking tan; bronzer lasts about 6 months

o Cons: I have none – I swear by this stuff!

Deanne Daneck Senior Publicist