A Faux Glow: The Best New Bronzers & Self Tanners

Of late I’ve pondered if the “pregnancy glow” might have something to do not just with hormones, but the fact that most pregnant women are more hydrated, consume less caffeine and alcohol, and eat a bit healthier than the average individual. But, most of us are not committed to that long-term and for a solution to pasty skin, self tanners and bronzers are an easy go-to. There are plenty of products on the market, including long-time industry favorites such as products from L’Oreal, Jergens and Lancome, but a few new lesser known brands are offering more subtle solutions. Still, for those that want a deep tan fast, a new celebrity self tanner is the way to go.

Before you apply self-tanner, exfoliating is a must to ensure an even application. There are plenty of options and one can even make their own scrub with olive oil and sugar, or kosher salt, assuming there are no open cuts. But, if DIY is too time intensive, the drug store and beauty counters alike offer options from about $5 to $30. Caudalie products are always luxurious and their placement in the newly renovated Plaza means the upper crust trust them. Inspired by the fruit of the vine, the Merlot Friction Scrub ($29) has a citrus note that accompanies a gentle thick grain comprised of brown sugar and essential oils to shed dead skin cells.

Another option comes from Britain-based Liz Earle, which is known for its essential oil-rich formulations, from scrubs and lotions to amazing masks. Using a similar model, Energising Body Scrub ($24) blends different oils with olive stones and rose water to smooth skin. Following exfoliation, the next step is the self-tanner. Veteran self-tanners know to allow enough time for the product to dry before getting dressed, and to wash hands frequently to prevent staining the palms of the hands. Also, some recommend using a bit lotion on rough areas after scrubbing, such as on knees and elbows.

Elemental Herbology, a boutique brand from the U.K., was a pleasant surprise of a product. At first, the efficacy of Sun Kiss ($39) is questionable but with a little time, it proved the perfect product for naturalists. The consistency is that of a very thin lotion, pale yellow in color. In addition to a number of nature-based ingredients, including aloe, fig extract, macadamia and watermelon seed oils, and lavender, the product features a sugar beet-derived natural self-tanning agent that over time takes skin from pasty and pale to healthy and glowing, with a hint of a tint. Plus, the line does not use mineral oil, fake fragrances or colors, sulphates or parabens.

For those consumers seeking a multi-tasking product, Tarte’s CelluFIGHT ($40) is the answer. The combo gel contains caffeine from green tea extract, among other ingredients, to make skin appear more tight and firm. But, slowly, if used often, the gel also tints the skin to serve as both a mild firming gel and self tanner. Packed with algae extract and a plant-based self tanner, like all of this trendsetting line, it is free of the chemical nasties some buyers try to avoid, from talc and dyes to sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and GMO.

For the ultimate tan, though, one that walks the fine line between a natural medium Caribbean tan and overnight orange, the latest release from the Kardashian sisters is the way to go. No matter what people think of the family, one thing is for sure–those women know style and makeup. Glamour Tan is a clear gel made with a self-tanning agent, lactic acid, and vitamins C, D3, and E. The combination means regular use a few times a week will leave skin smooth, in addition to almost bronzing overnight. Beginners should note that because it is clear, careful application and hand washing is especially important to prevent an uneven application. But, once you are accustomed to using it, it’s natural enough to use to fake a beach holiday even if a staycation was the true vacation.

Finally, the last brand to note for tanning and bronzing purposes is Australia’s Napolean Perdis. Already known stateside for the Target collection, the main collection includes self-tanners, bronzers and shimmer cosmetics that are natural and instantly improve one’s complexion.

The liquid tint item, Liquid Veil, is a beige shimmery color that works well when mixed with a daily moisturizer with SPF. A 1: 4 ratio at most gives the user just enough shimmer to shift the eye away from any blemishes. Follow that with one of the NP’s Mosaic powders, shown below, and you’ve created the perfect base for your daily powder bronzer.

NP also makes a bronzing stick but we did not test it. For powder bronzers, the options are almost limitless. Rimmel makes a decent powder bronzer that sells at Walmart while the drugstore in your area most likely carries a dozen or more options. Milani carries bronzers for darker complexions, while Neutrogena offers a more neutral color palette, and Sally Hansen delivers combo pressed powder compacts, including hues to suit yellow-orange undertones. But, the drugstore brand with the most options is Physician’s Formula. Among their offerings is a line with SPF50, including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide; the Organic Wear line with eco-friendly packaging and no parabens; and the bamboo silk line, which is also free of chemicals such as parabens, a man-made preservative.

Caudalie products are available at Sephora, Nordstrom and Caudalie-usa.com. Liz Earle products are available at www.us.lizearle.com, STUDIO BEAUTYMIX at Fred Segal, Santa Monica and Brownes & Co. Apothecary in Miami. Elemental Herbology is available at SpaceNK stores and at SpaceNK.com Tarte products are available at Tarte.com and Sephora, among other stores. Glamour Tan is available at Sephoa stores. Napoleon Perdis products are available at Ulta stores and his concept stores in California. There is also a NP line for Target.