Fashion & Beauty

7 Products to Keep Your Summer Glow


Cielo Magaña
Cielo Magaña

    We hate to break it to you but summer’s almost over. And your gorgeous sun-kissed glow? Its days are numbered, too. Not to worry, though. The latest crop of self-tanning products are fast, foolproof and guaranteed to make you look like you just got back from the beach. Below, our favorite faux tanners—plus, expert tips for streak-free application every time.

  • James Read Wash-Off Tan

  • Commitment-phobes, this wash-off bronzer is for you. Its creamy tinted formula goes on like a dream, develops into a golden hue and comes off with soap and water. To use, apply with a tanning mitt in long, sweeping strokes and allow to dry for a few minutes before dressing. It’s safe for normal wear and formulated without DHA (the harsh coloring agent in most sunless tanners) so it’s ideal for sensitive skin.

  • Tan Towel

  • Self-tanning can get, well, messy. There are the goopy formulas, overpowering scents and sticky residues. But with these travel-friendly towelettes, getting that radiant, Victoria Secret Angel glow has never been easier. Dry time is less than 5 minutes, and within 2-4 hours our skin developed a subtle, straight-off-the-beach radiance. The nifty wipes proved especially useful in evening out our summer tan lines.

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  • St. Tropez Applicator Mitt

  • The telltale sign of a fake bake? Oompa Loompa palms. Save yourself the unsightly stain and subsequent Windex removal (hey, we've all been there), and slip on these handy mitts pre-application. They’re soft and washable, and lasted us through three weeks worth of applications.

  • Coco Rose Herbivore Body Polish

  • The cardinal rule of self-tanning is to exfoliate your skin pre-application. Doing so will reduce dryness and help you develop a deeper and longer tan. Our all-time fave scrub is Coco Rose’s Herbivore Body Polish, which gently buffs while moisturizing with virgin coconut oil and Bulgarian rose concentrate. Plus, its cute packaging instantly chic-ified our shower stall.

  • Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush

  • Since salt can irritate some complexions, those with sensitive-skin might consider skipping the aforementioned scrub and opting for a body brush instead. Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan of this Aromatherapy Associates brush—a paddle-style buffer with natural Cactus Sisal bristles. It removes dead skin cells as it stimulates circulation and boosts lymphatic drainage.

  • Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Face Oil

  • The skin on your face is thin and delicate and therefore requires a different tanning formula than your body. Made with a blend of super soothing ingredients (think: coconut water, black tea extract and aloe vera), Josie Maran’s Self-Tanning Face Oil is as hydrating as your best moisturizer. The glow it imparts is very subtle (comparable to a swipe of bronzer) and you only need a dime-size amount (applied on your forehead, apples of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose and your chin) to get luminous coverage.

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  • Hampton Sun After Sun Moisturizer

  • Moisturizing is key for enhancing and extending the life of your tan. To keep your tan looking its best, slather on this after-sun moisturizer from NYC-brand Hampton Sun. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly and has a fresh beachy scent that doubles as a fragrance.



    —Siobhan Reid



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