It doesn’t take a philosopher to figure out the paradox summer presents. While it cautions against sun-rooted illnesses with a propaganda of SPF 60 sunscreens and wide-brimmed hats, it also tempts with images of sexy bikinis and flirty clothing on gleaming, tanned figures. While it warns against skin cancer, the image of health and radiance it gives is that of bronzed, toned bodies. Everyone knows that you need sun to get that sexy, healthy-looking tan. Just as they know that too much tanning invites the wrath of the damaging UV rays sent out by the same sun.
This contradiction finds a compromise in cosmetic science, particularly in self-tanning products, bronzers, and tinted moisturizers. If you’re not one for tanning in the harmful heat, much like a skewered piece of meat browning on a barbecue grill, then you’d best just get your tan from a bottle or a makeup compact. What takes hours for the sun to accomplish, science gets done in a few minutes with a lot less health hazards.
Self-tanners are the best fakes for the summer season. They’re easy to apply, take a few minutes, incur no health risks, and require no surgical incision. Given skin cancer scares and heat hives, self-tanners are now enjoying a popularity high. Formulas now come in smoother, silkier consistencies and some are available in spray packaging for easier application.
| Decleor Aroma Sun Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk with SPF 8 |
This ultra-smooth, non-oily self-tanner leaves the skin bronzed and radiant even without the long hours spent baking your bikini-clad figure under the sun. The SPF 8 guarantees protection against harsh UVA and UVB rays. A self-tanning complex composed of 100% organic Mahakanni/DHA and Erythrulose provides an even and streakproof natural-looking tan.
| Phytomer Bronzinstant Self-Tanning Spray and BronzPerfect Self-Tanning Gel For The Face |
The instant self-tanning spray and self-tanning gel is ideal for giving an instant healthy glow to the face and body. The silky texture makes application easy and gives your skin a natural, even-looking tan. For best results, Phytomer suggests exfoliating the skin before application. Apply evenly over face and body avoiding the eye contour, eyebrows and hairline. Mix in the gel with a little moisturizing cream for a more even application.
| Carita Self-Tanning and Contouring Milk For Legs and Body with SPF 6 |
The quick trim-down is promised in the packaging. Carita’s silky self-tanning milk gives contouring care for legs and body and makes the body look leaner and sexier. Smooth evenly onto legs or entire body. The milky lotion’s Sun Adapt Complex instantly illuminates the skin with iridescent highlights and gives it a natural-looking golden tan. Reapply every three days to maintain your golden color.
Let’s say, neglectful of skin-cancer possi-bilities, you sunbathe and get the first showings of a tan but have to forego any more sun exposure due to an appalling appearance of heat hives. Rather than go half-baked bronze, add a bit more gleam to your body with some body oils. The glistening factor of oils enhances your tan as well as gives a toned look to your body. Oiling up also gives you that sexy-swimsuit- model gleam in pictures.
| Hawaiian Tropic Tan Amplifier Oil |
Hawaiian Tropic has always been one of the strongest contenders when it comes to sexy sun care. The brand’s Tan Amplifier Oil provides an instant bronzing effect on your skin at the same time it allows your skin to tan naturally. Natural amino acids help replace the skin’s vital nutrients lost while tanning; aloe vera, mango and guava extracts help lock in the tan longer; while a hot, citrusy fragrance finishes off the luau feel.
This classic from the Francois Nars cosmetic brand is loved for its sweet scent as much as for its glow-giving qualities. Monoi de Tahiti oil, native to the South Pacific and composed of pure coconut extract macerated with the bud of the tiare flower, permeates the formula with moisturizing nutrients as well as a delicate, natural fragrance. The oil is combined with a rich chocolate shimmer that gives skin a natural glow. Apply Nars Body Glow on shoulders, legs and all over the body.
| Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil with Golden Shimmer |
>Supermodel Helena Christensen is a believer. Nuxe’s bestselling Multi-Purpose golden dry oil is an easily-absorbed natural formula containing golden mother-of-pearls that enhance a suntan and give a healthy golden look to the body. Multi-purpose as it is, it can also be used to put shine on the hair and give radiance to key parts of the face (under the eyebrow arch or on the cheekbones).
| Body Shop Olive Dry Oil Mist |
A favorite among local models especially when taking body shots, this softening mist gives the skin a radiant sheen and leaves it extra smooth.
What’s good for the face should also suffice for the body. Get a two-in-one deal with bronzing powders, bronzing creams, and bronzing sticks. These give subtle contouring to the skin without streaking your clothing.
| Laura Mercier Bronzing Powder and Bronzing Stick |
The soft, silky two-toned bronzer gives the skin a sun-kissed radiance while the bronzing stick offers a sheer and subtle bronze look without shimmer. Brush on cheeks, temples and chin or apply on the shoulders, the collarbones, the cleavage area (to add an "oomph" factor), and the legs.
The effect on your face and body is as golden as the compact it comes in. Nuxe Bronzing Powder is made of natural ingredients and promises all-out shimmer on your skin.
| Shu Uemura Luminizer Stick In Bronze |
This portable stick in signature Shu Uemura packaging gives a healthy, sun-kissed look to the face and also to the shoulders, collarbone, and legs. This bronzing agent is densely formulated so it spreads easier and evenly. No danger of a streaky mess.
| Shu Uemura Base Control In Bronze |
Economical and user-friendly, this base control also acts as a bronzing cream. Just mix with body lotion to come up with a subtle moisturizing self-tanner.
