Ready…Set…Get the Faux Glow

Given that a natural tan comes with a heightened risk of melanoma, sun spots, and photo-aging, the only healthy way to get the glow is to fake it. Unlike the days when faux tanning meant looking more pumpkin than bronze, the latest high-tech formulas can make even the palest complexion believably radiant. Faux tanning expert Jeani Roth - founder/owner of NYC's Faux Glow which has been widely featured in the Best of Allure, Self, InStyle, Harper's Bazaar, and caters to bold face names including Lindsay, Paris, Britney, Nicole, Ivana, Marla Maples, Donna Dixon, Hilary, Alyson Hannison, Vanessa Trump, Dylan Lauren - offers these fake tanning tips and tricks so whether you visit an expert or are a DIY'er, it's easy to look like you spent weeks lounging on a Caribbean beach rather than under a city umbrella.

PRE-TAN PREP

Do your research: If you don't live in NYC, follow Jeani's advice and use an informative site with written reviews - like Citysearch - to find a local airbrush tanning salon, and then schedule a complimentary consultation.

Exfoliate & Moisturize: Before the procedure, exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, focusing on rough areas like elbows, knees and ankles. Moisturize hands, feet, elbows, face, neck, and any dry patches to prevent tanner from grabbing too much color onto thick or dead skin.

Wax or Shave: Waxing pulls color off, so wax or shave first. And be sure to get your mani/pedi before your session.

D.I.Y. TIPS

Do It At Night: Apply your self-tanner in a well-lit room and at night; this will give the color a good eight hours to come out.

Tips & Tricks: Work from the feet up, apply in thin coats, and let dry for 5-10 minutes before getting dressed; if you get antsy, use a hair dryer to speed things up. In our experience, Airbrush Tan in a Can works the best: just spray your entire body and use a sponge brush to blend.

Be Streak-Free: Avoid the dreaded orange palms and streaking by washing the palms of your hands afterward with soap, water and a wash cloth, or using self-tan remover like St. Tropez Sunless Tan Remover. Alternatively, erase any self-tanning mistakes with hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or Teeth Whitening toothpaste (from personal experience, we recommend Rembrandt's which removes stains days afterwards).

CARE FOR YOUR FAUX GLOW

Shower Secrets: After the procedure, don't shower for at least 8-12 hours, and prior to your first post-spray tan shower, put baby oil on your skin to act as a barrier and help extend the tan. Avoid baths in favor of quick showers, or, better yet, try Baby Wipes (any brand) - you'll be amazed how clean you can get with them. (A healthy pick: Seventh Generation organic Baby Wipes). And remember that swimming in the ocean or pool will speed up fading.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: At least twice a day, be sure moisturize your skin. A tan extender can help your tan last up to two weeks.

Conceal Imperfections: Bronzer and self-tanner both darken the skin, making flaws virtually disappear, leaving you with luscious legs.

- Michelyn Camen

New York City based global fragrance expert Camen is the Fashiontribes Fragrance Editor and owner of FifthSense N.Y.C. where she consults for luxury perfumers and fragrance companies, and provides personalized fragrance consultations based on body chemistry, psychology, fashion, and lifestyle. She is a Senior Contributor for Fragrantica.com In addition, she is the Fragrance Columnist for UptownSocial.net, the former Senior Contributing Writer for Sniffapalooza Magazine, New in Niche Columnist for Basenotes and Editorial Director/Fragrance Editor for Beauty News NYC & LA. Email her at Michelyn AT Fashiontribes DOT com.

(images: top: source; exfoliating: source; applying self-tanner: source)