FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT
I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I'M REALLY PISSED AT MOTHER NATURE. BLIZZARDS, ARCTIC FREEZES, TORRENTIAL RAIN — THIS WINTER HAS BEEN BS. MOST OF MY DAYS ARE SPENT WISHING I WAS SITTING IN THE SUN DRINKING PINA COLADAS. EXCEPT I'M NOT. AND I WON'T BE ANYTIME SOON, SO I DECIDED TO FAKE IT. HERE ARE OUR SELECTS FOR BEST SELF TANNERS.
It’s the oil in the St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil ($50) (I don’t know what the “dry” part refers to, but I guess it sounds good) that helps this self tanner glide on, and it also makes the tan last longer (about 10 days). Another plus: it’s 100% natural so there’s no weird chemical smell.
Clarins has long been a leader in the self tanner field, and their Radiance Plus Glow Booster ($30) is the newest of the new. Just add three drops of this serum to your day and / or night moisturizer and watched as your skin gradually gets that golden glow. There’s an option for your body ($45), too.
Dr. Dennis Gross is known for his Alpha Beta peels, so the fact that his Alpha Beta Daily Glow Moisturizer ($42) is a ten should come as no surprise. It’s a daily, oil-free moisturizer enriched with active vitamin D that enhances radiance with anti-aging and exfoliating benefits. Plan to see the tan in about three hours.
St. Tropez makes some of the best self tanners on the market, and their Bronzing Mousse ($42) is nothing short of legendary. It’s super lightweight, easy to apply, dries in one minute and – wait for it – has “aromaguard” technology that all but guarantees no self tanner stink.
The best part of Origins’ Great Pretender Shimmery Self Tanner ($24) is that it’s tinted, so not only do you get an immediate glow, you can also see what you’ve done and what you haven’t. And in true Origins fashion, it smells great with orange and peppermint essences.
Kate Somerville’s 360° Tanning Towelettes ($48) make self tanner application a breeze. Each wipe is infused with tea tree extract to help clean and clear skin, cucumber to soothe, and DHA which reacts with your skin’s amino acids to ensure that your tan complements your skin tone.
Smooth the silky Vita Liberata Self Tanning Moisture Mask ($45) on your face, neck and décolleté following your evening routine, and wake up to golden, hydrated, glowing skin.
The cool factor of the James Read BB Tan Pen ($25) is no joke. Just dispense the product onto the brush and then apply and buff to ensure even color. It’s like having the sun in your pocket.
