7 Ways to Fake a Tan ...

1. Benefit Sun Beam

This liquid bronzer is a makeup bag must-have all winter long, and is among my very favorite ways to fake a tan. I layer it over the Hoola powder bronzer, just along my cheeks and brow bones for a sun-kissed, California-girl look. The color is perfect for all complexions, so it’s very versatile. Want something less golden goddess, more dewy angel? Try Benefit High Beam, a soft, glowing pink.

2. NARS the Multiple

Available in 12 lush tones, from palest pink (Copacabana) to richest cocoa rose (G-spot), this cream-to-powder stick is more than just a bronzer. It’s a blush, highlighter, and even a lip color, all in one. My favorite shade is Luxor, a pale, shimmering pink… it’s just right for adding a little color to a peaches and cream or pale olive complexion.

3. Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil

Is there anything this amazing little oil can’t do? It smooths, hydrates and protects winter-dry hair and skin, and even adds a subtle glow to cheekbones and brow bones. And because it’s by Josie Maran, you know it’s eco-friendly and safe to use, free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates

4. Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Bronzing Beauty Balm

A bit pricey? Maybe. But it’s worth every penny, because it helps you fake a gorgeous tan while protecting you from the sun’s real-life damaging rays. It’s also made without nasty parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes and fragrances, petrochemicals, and phthalates, and the subtle color will make your skin glow from within.

5. LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer

This was the first bronzer I ever tried, and it’s still one of my favorites! It’s formulated to make you look, in a word, radiant, and the color is just right for every skin tone. It glides on smoothly, and stays put all day, so you can glow from brunch all the way to late-night cocktails.

6. Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning

Allergy-tested and non comedogenic, this self-tanning lotion is made for the sensitive skin on your pretty face and delicate décolleté. It works fast, but gives you natural-looking results. Bye bye fake orange tan; hello gorgeous sun-kissed (looking) skin!

7. Perfekt Cheek Perfection Gel

Available in three gorgeous hues – blushed, peached, and bronzed – this lush little gel will take you from bland to bam in a few seconds! Use it alone as a cheek stain, or just apply a few dabs over your powder blush to go from bland to glam in a few seconds, flat!

With so many skin-friendly ways to fake a tan, why risk wrinkles, sun spots, or skin cancer by getting tan for real? These products have been in my arsenal for a year or so, even in summer, and I’m always getting compliments on my glowing skin! Which of these products is your own secret sun-kissed skin weapon? Or is there another bronzer or blush I should include in my list? Let me know!