Bronzed Goddesses
May 4, 2007 - 9:00 pm
Face it, the one thing that makes you feel like you look healthy, and skinnier for that matter, comes from the rays of the sun beating down on you and turning your skin a hue of brown. We all know that exposure to UV rays can lead to skin problems down the road. But you can still get that sunny glow without spending a moment outdoors.
Beauty companies have come a long way since introducing bronzers in the 1990s. Now the products have applications so precise that you could dedicate an entire shelf of your medicine cabinet to bronzers just to get the look you long for. Here's a look at seven that you may want to stock up on.
GAL ON THE GO
If you describe yourself as the gal who wants a tan but doesn't want to spend time doing your makeup, consider a product that combines moisture with its bronzing elements. Tarte's Sunburst Beaded Bronzing Lotion adds a sun-burnished glow while moisturizing your skin. Tarte Sunburst Beaded Bronzing Lotion, $28, Sephora
INDOOR GIRL
You don't spend time in the sun but you envy the bronzed glows you see everywhere. You can still get that outdoor look with Benefit Dallas. This bronzer has a rosy glow that will leave you radiant, sans the UV damage. Benefit Dallas, $26, Macy's
THE CREATIVE TYPE
One color isn't enough for you. You like to paint on your face with the spectrum of bronzes. Bobbi Brown has the bronzer for you -- its original Shimmer Brick Compact. This shimmering, brush-on powder creates a deep, bronzy glow. Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick Compact, $38, Neiman Marcus
THE ALL-OVER GIRL
For you, a tan should be an all-over experience. That means everything from the neck down gets a dash of color. If you don't want to mess with self-tanners, consider Smashbox's Fusion Bronzing Body Powder Set. The oversized product and brush add warmth and a sunny glow while scenting your skin with a tropical fragrance. Day on the beach, indeed. Smashbox Fusion Bronzing Body Powder Set, $54, Ulta
IN A STICK
Powders can disappear. For the girl who wants an all-over tan with a bit of staying powder, turn to Urban Decay's Baked Body Glow. This chubby stick glides on and leaves skin smooth with just a touch of glimmer and a luscious tropical scent. Just blend it until it's even. Urban Decay Baked Body Glow, $25, Ulta
TAKE IT WITH YOU
While compacts can contain the product you need, you still have to figure out where to store that pesky brush in your handbag. Enter Clarins Summer Fever Brush-On Bronzer. This all-in-one contains the powder in the bottom and the brush in the top. Easy sweeping. Clarins Summer Fever Brush-On Bronzer, $28.50, Nordstrom
TWO-FER
You want to look tan but you want to prolong your real tan. Guerlain came to the rescue with its Terracotta Tan Booster. A tan booster within its bronzing powder prepares, activates and prolongs the life of your suntan. Guerlain Terracotta Tan Booster, $54, Nordstrom