It’s the time of year when only a privileged few live in places where the sun is still shining enough to maintain a tan. For the rest of us, we must begin the fall and winter toil of tan maintenance. We could, of course, just embrace the trend of pale, sun-shunned skin, but who are we kidding! Everything looks better bronzed, so how do we stay looking like we’ve spent the weekend in Barbados?

Tanning beds or spray tans aside, there are loads of new products on the market that are amazingly goof-proof and effective for those of us who will continue to fight for the perfect (fake) tan. Let’s talk about the washable products that you put on and take off everyday. Theses are multitasking cosmetics that leave you looking bronzed but not made up.

For you face, the best base for these is a tinted moisturizer that helps keep skin soft and supple. Dry skin or blemish prone skin is difficult to apply these “tanners” to because of the uneven texture. After the tinted moisturizer, try a liquid bronzer. Apply it sparingly to your T-zone and brush loose powder over it to hold it and help prevent caking. The trick with liquid bronzer is to be patient and not apply too much. A little is seen very quickly and too much will look down right silly.

Because we will not ever put away the mini skirts, there are sprays and lotions that add small amounts of pigment (unlike self-tanners that add large amounts that can result in the fake tan look) and wash of easily. These add a sheen and bronzed glow to your skin that is actually believable in the cold months of winter. Instead of people asking what tanner you use, they’ll be asking when you got back from your trip to the Caribbean. Do a little research before applying these products. Some are made for day use and some for night. Night use products will most likely melt off in the sun or from sweat – not a pretty picture. For day use, be sure to test the product for longevity from heat and pressure – like crossing your legs. The shimmer and sheen from these products will make you feel like a movie star once you’ve found the right formula for you. And they wash off so you can use them repeatedly and achieve the same great results without ever starting to look fake-baked.

Don’t forget your hair. Sun kissed hair has a shine all its own. To really keep your friends guessing about your whereabouts last weekend, use a hair product that incorporates liquid crystals in its formula. These act like a silicone to smooth your hair and add shine and bounce. Most of these hair products are designed to compliment your color or level of highlights.

From head to toe, you’ll look better than you did in July!

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