Short Cuts

Have you heard the saying "it's not how hard you work but how smart you work?" Yes you can play by the books and take the brown nosing route...Or you can get a bit clever, cut a few corners and get to the end destination in a faster, more efficient way. Think Mercedes CLS versus the Honda Accord. So when it comes to the bronzed, sun kissed look you can be the good girl and reside yourself to the policy that no matter how Gisele-esque the tan may look there is absolutely no way you would ever consider frolicking in the sun… so white and pasty it is! Or you may play the street smart route and admit to yourself that “I just got back from a beach vaca” look is desirable and more importantly attainable. With the right know how and savviness your bronze goddess look is a bottle and a few strokes away sans (that’s without in Français of course!) sun damage or premature UV induced wrinkles.

Courtesy of MAC you can be your own Monet and blend your way to sun kissed status with their Face and Body Foundation. A water-resistant, sheer fluid this product provides natural looking coverage while hydrating and conditioning skin with an emollient blend. A staple in every makeup artists’ bag, this foundation-like (but really more tinted moisturizer) gives a professional, air brushed finish and more importantly it does not budge so you can fake your way all day long. Opt for shades like C7 Warm Caramel or N7 Warm Bronze to recreate the tan look. Apply a nickel size amount to arms and legs with a stroking motion being sure to provide even coverage without any patchiness. You can even paint your way to definition and authenticity by paying special attention to those areas that are more prone to being sun kissed like the shoulders or front of arms. Versatile and life/skin saving, there’s a reason that sales of this product are up 38% this year! And I’m guessing will only continue climbing higher.

Usage tip: All smart girls love a little shimmer so mix the foundation with a loose luminescent powder like Laura Mercier Shimmer Loose Powder in Sun Dust and Star Dust (look at what it does for your cleavage!) and then apply. Think Victoria Secret annual lingerie fashion show bronze!

The result: Those minis and short shorts were made for bronze gams, not vampire skin!