Bronze Ambition
Even the fairest of the fair can faux a perfect tan! Here are products for any skin tone.
There’s a reason why people set a goal of returning from Hawai‘i sporting a darker shade of skin. First, there are the bragging rights. I was on vacation; you weren’t. Too bad. Gloating aside, a bit of bronze can also wake up tired, pallid skin and make a person look healthier and more energized. You can accentuate that tan and keep the illusion going long after you return home, with bronzing products to suit any skin tone. Choose a hue no more than two shades darker than your skin, and remember that bronzers look most natural when applied to raised areas that see the most sun: forehead, cheeks and chin, with a light touch on the nose. However, if you start to resemble a particular “Tan Mom” who has made recent headlines, perhaps you’ve gone too far.
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- If You Have Fair Skin… Pale skin can also be dry skin, calling for creamor gel-based bronzers. Lan-come’s Star Bronzer Aqua Stick creamy gel stick bronzing foundation in Solaris delivers long-lasting, sheer coverage. $39 At DFS Galleria Waikiki.
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- Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil creates glowing skin sans the negative effects of the sun or chemicals, for a bronze shimmer with a light-citrus essential-oil scent that can also be applied to the body and hair. $52 at Sephora.
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- Lancome Summer 2012 Bronze Diva Collection also features Bamboo Bronzer in ‘Spice Island,’ an all-over powder bronzer for the face and body, with a limited-edition bamboo design. Its coppery hues look great on olive-tone complexions. $46 at Sephora.
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- Clinique Superbalanced Powder Bronzer comes in a unique compact that shaves off as much as or little as you need. An antioxidant moisturizing complex and oil-absorbing mineral base helps skin look flawless, yet natural. $34.50 at Macy’s.
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- If You Have Medium Skin… M.A.C Hey Sailor! Bronzing to the Beach Body Oil is a shimmering and soothing formula for a sheer, sexy gleam. Limited-edition coppery ‘Man Rays’ color compliments olive skin tones. $28 at Macy’s.
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- If You Have Dark Skin… BareMinerals Ready Bronzer in ‘The Deep End’ buffs on rich golden bronze color for an even, buildable glow. Its antioxidant, anti-aging carrot oil formula is a plus. $24 at Sephora.
