Secrets of a Sexy, Safe Tan

Simply Sun-Kissed

It has never been easier to get a natural-looking bronze. Gone are the notorious orange tint and unpleasant smell, replaced with advanced formulas that dry instantly, smell sweet, and create a faux tan so real-looking that nobody will know it came from a bottle. Here, a primer on achieving sun-kissed radiance.

The single most important step for a streak-free tan? "Exfoliation, exfoliation, exfoliation!" says Regina Viotto, spa director of New York City's Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa. To guarantee even coverage, use a scrub in the shower, followed by moisturizer to hydrate rough patches, which tend to sop up color. For goof-proof application, pick a tinted product, so you can see exactly where you've already put the tanner. Post-tanning, use a hand-wipe on palms to remove residue, advises Fiona Locke, senior sunless technician for California Tan, in Los Angeles. Finally, reapply at least once a week -- and to avoid streaks, always wait three hours before using a second coat. Happy bronzing!

1. L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Dual Action Instant Bronzer and Self-Tanning Lotion for Face, $9.99, mixes bronzer for immediate color with vitamin E-infused self-tanner for hydration.
2. Olay Quench Radiance Reviver, $6.99, blends a 24-hour moisturizer with a hint of self-tanner for understated color that becomes slightly more noticeable with each daily application.
3. Coppertone Endless Summer Sunless Tanning Bronzing Foam, $11, dries in just five minutes and contains Hydrosil to develop color in only 30 minutes. The bronzer provides an instant tint for easy application.
4. Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelettes, $14.99 for 8, are pre-moistened for easy use with just enough tanner in one towelette for face, neck, and decolletage; use one wipe for each arm and leg.

Skin Coolers

If, like many women, you notice that your face feels oilier during the sweltering summer months, you may want to send your thick, creamy moisturizers and cleansers on vacation. Then try lightening up your skincare routine with gel-based products. Although gels have traditionally been recommended for breakout-prone skin, we're now seeing them formulated for all skin types -- dry, combination, and oily. Gel-based skin products feel more soothing on contact than creams or lotions, thanks to their cool consistency. And because they're water-based, they evaporate quickly, leaving skin energized and refreshed. Also, some formulas tighten pores to make them appear smaller and minimize overall shine, which means smoother, prettier skin. Gels are available as light-as-air hydrators, and also as toners, exfoliators, and cleansers, meaning you can fit one anywhere in your regimen. Getting gorgeous, healthy skin this summer is suddenly no sweat!

1. Pond's Cool, Calm & Perfected Pore-Shrinking Gel Toner, $5.99, removes excess oil while maintaining skin's pH balance, plus it contains calming aloe and bamboo extracts.
2. Babor B. Young Moisture Gel, $24, instantly hydrates and nourishes dry skin with moisturizing algae extracts.
3. Lumene Matt Touch Balancing Gel Cleanser, $7.99, is ideal for combination skin, and it features papaya extract and wheat protein to help banish facial oil.
4. Yves Rocher Purifying Exfoliant, $9, is a twice-weekly foaming cleanser great for all skin types, thanks to its gently sloughing microgranules and soothing chamomile essence.

Soothing Post-Sun Protection

Sometimes, despite your best intentions, a day in the sun can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it looking and feeling less than desirable. "Skin responds to sun damage with redness, tenderness, inflammation, and dryness," explains S. Manjula Jegasothy, MD, a Miami-based dermatologist. "Depending on your skin tone, damage can begin occurring in as little as five minutes." She adds that while skin does naturally repair itself, this protective function decreases with age and accumulated damage. Help your skin help itself with after-sun products, which are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C or E that combat free radicals. Other ingredients to look for include shea butter, which has moisturizing benefits, and soothing aloe vera or lavender oil, which are excellent for alleviating inflammation. Not only do these ingredients feel great on irritated, flushed skin, but before long, your skin will be back to its original soft, smooth, even-toned state.

1. Kiss My Face After Sun Aloe Soother, $6, contains moisturizing aloe vera and anti-inflammatory Yucca-glauca root to hydrate and calm irritated skin.
2. Decleor Aromessence After-Sun Balm (Face), $37, is designed for use on the face and includes hydrating avocado oil and relaxing Roman chamomile oil.
3. Guinot Apres Soleil Fraicheur, $25, helps calm redness and irritation thanks to nourishing antioxidants, plus soothing heliotropine, moisturizing shea butter, and anti-inflammatory mother-of-pearl.
4. Ocean Potion Instant Burn Relief Cool Mint Body Wash, $6.49, features Questice, a type of menthol that helps relieve pain and redness.

Smooth Moves

While summer is the time to revel in warmer temperatures, longer days, and balmier nights, it's also time to wear skin-baring shorts, tanks, and bathing suits. For many of us, however, this means razors or depilatories are required to get hibernating body parts ready for their warm-weather debut. Luckily, there's a slew of new products that make hair removal easier and faster than ever. The newest razors minimize nicks and scratches, and some even have extra skincare bonuses, such as exfoliation. As for depilatories, the newest versions come in fruity scents and quickly dissolve hair while keeping your skin soft.

1. Schick Quattro for Women, $8.99, has four superthin blades, plus a 40-degree pivoting head for an amazingly close shave with fewer nicks.
2. Sally Hansen Extra Strength Hair Remover Lotion, $2.99, works in four minutes to dissolve leg, underarm, and bikini hair, and has a fruity, summery scent.
3. Nair Smoothing Effects Bladeless Shaving Kit, $7.99, includes an antioxidant-infused depilatory cream.
4. Gillette Venus Vibrance, $11.99, is the first battery-powered razor that women can use in the shower. The vibrating head means double-duty exfoliating (since shaving naturally sloughs off skin's top layer), leaving legs extra soft and silky.

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal magazine, July 2005.