Sunless tanners from St. Tropez, Mary Kay, mark., and Perricone MD!

It's that time of year again where my pasty white arms and legs become painfully obvious! Since I've sworn off tanning of the cancerous variety, faux is the next best thing! Best tips I can give you for flawless application: exfoliate before applying so the colour will go on evenly, use a bit of moisturizer first in any areas that tend to be drier - like knees and elbows and don't forget to wash your hands really well after applying!

For instant gratification try:


St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Gel - 150ml - $44 -a super-lightweight and fast drying gel formula infused with conditioning aloe vera to deliver a streak-free finish and contains the same Aromaguard fragrance technology that all the St. Tropez products do that reduces the odour of DHA by at least 70% leaving only a subtle unoffensive fragrance.

I love the light feel of the gel and the nice glowing colour I get after about an hour, it's also really great not to have the usual self-tanner smell!

Available at Sephora.

Unless I have something last minute come up that I need instant colour for, I usually prefer to get my colour more gradually - I find it gives me a more natural look - here's a few that I'm loving right now:

Mary Kay Subtle Tanning Lotion - 118ml - $20 - a lightweight, non-greasy lotion suitable for face and body that glides on evenly and absorbs quickly for even tone without streaking or blotching. When used daily the color builds up in about one week and contains moisturizing ingredients for skin that feels soft, smooth and moisturized. Great for all skin types and tones.

Available exclusively through Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants. Find one at www.marykay.ca or call 1-866-455-5454.

mark. Glow It All - 200ml - $16 -builds a sun-kissed colour with no streaking that is formulated with radiance-boosting skin conditioners. In two shades: light to medium and medium to deep.

Also available in a face formulation - It's A Glow - 50ml - $14

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca

Perricone MD No Sun Tanner - 118ml - $79 - with pro-vitamin D is a multi-tasking, all-over body tanner that helps to nourish, firm and tone the skin with DMAE while also customizing to skin tone for a healthy, natural looking tan that reaches optimal colour in 7-14 days with no streaks, no stickiness, no stains, and no bad smell. It contains olive squalane, cocoa butter and kukui oil to help create a rich, creamy texture and deep moisturizing benefit and to help the colour last for a younger-looking appearance with no harmful effects from the sun.

Find it at The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com

- Lisamarie -