Eating Your Cake

What do you think of the term "fake it till you make it?" You see I've never been a person to fake anything...I've always come from the school of thought that it's the real thing or nothing (afterall I think we all know how to spot the fake Louis' and Cartier's). But ever so often there comes a time where the most prideful of us need to bend our strong convictions for that exception. In this case the exception would be tanning. The reality is we all love that bronze beach goddess color but know the hazards of tanning (wrinkles, sun spots, sagging, let me know when you get the picture). But luckily shade patrol doesn't equal a chalky white color. With the plethora of self-tanning products available an enviable sun inspired glow is just a bottle away. The key? Your technique. Like all things there's a right way and wrong way of doing it.

How to Fake a Natural Tan

1. Exfoliate! This helps remove dead skin cells for an even base.

2. After towel drying apply a thin layer of body moisturizer paying special attention to drier areas like the elbows.

3. My favorite self tanner is St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion because it gives a true "bronzed" color versus the orangey tinge more often achieved through self tanners. A word to the wise, this lotion will give your skin a deep tan so if you are fairer or want more control over the color I suggest St. Tropez Gradual Tan Mousse. The mousse has a lower amount of DHA (the molecule which interacts with your skin to develop the color) so the tanning effect will be more mild. Apply the product from the bottom up starting at your legs and working up to your chest and arms. Smooth onto skin and apply with long, firm strokes. Avoid rubbing in which could lead to streakiness or darker spots. Systematically apply making sure to never miss a spot (which includes gently applying to tops of feet and back of hands) and blend carefully. Remember the goal is to look sun kissed so no bare spots! Side note: I never like to apply self tanner to my face...rather I think this is an effect better left to makeup. That way you can contour, define and bronze in a controlled manner. We will cover this soon.

4. Don't put any clothes on for at least 10 minutes to let the product properly dry and when you do finally clothe avoid whites which could show some rub off of the tanning product. Shower 4 hours later at which time your bronze color should be fully developed.

Usage tip: If you do end up with streakiness or dark spots take a lemon and gently rub it over the area to help smooth out the color. Apply the self tanning lotion once a week or the mousse every other day to maintain your color. If you want to deepen the tan apply more frequently.

The result: Bronze goddess sans the sun induced wrinkles and age spots...I think they call that having your cake and eating it too!