Get That Summer Glow

Self Tanners and Moisturizers

Photograph by Tom Rafalovich

Transforming your winter-weary skin into a sexy replica of Caribbean-kissed color is easy, and you don't even need to expose your skin to the sun. How? Use one of the new self-tanners, which get better and better each year.

The best news is that the orange streakiness that plagued older versions is now history. But the key is to be patient: Just as when you tan naturally, building your at-home tan should be done gradually. Start by choosing a light shade and slather some on every day to deepen the hue. Also, today's choices are so refined they're nearly foolproof. Some are formulated with alpha-hydroxyl acids, which help prep the skin for the color by exfoliating dead skin, while others are now made in gel versions, which dry in just minutes and leave no residue on your skin. Make sure to rub in the product evenly, wait until it's dry (usually a full five minutes), and watch your healthy glow emerge before your very eyes.

After months of plummeting outdoor temperatures and overheated rooms, your dry skin needs to be pampered (and pleasured!) before summer kicks off. Get rid of the flaking, rough skin, and bring back the smooth, satiny skin that's your best outdoor accessory, with this season's moisturizers.

Soft skin is a snap when you slather on a creamy moisturizer immediately after a shower or bath (when the skin is most receptive to moisture). Although the humid summer air doesn't cause dry skin the way winter's harsh winds do, your skin still needs a little help to retain its natural moisture, especially after exposure to heat. Reach for a lighter version of your winter body moisturizer or try an oil spray, which delivers a veil of moisture. The results: dewy, shimmery, beautiful skin.