Jillian Barberie: The Essence of Tan

Do it Yourself: Tan

Many of the same principals apply: exfoliate well, tan at least two days after waxing, use product sparingly, moisturize afterwards, not before. Blondes should use extra care as tanner can tint brows and hairlines (try Vaseline). Self-tanners come in creams, gels, mousses, sprays, even wipes. Here are some of the best, in a range of prices:


MD Formulations Sunless Tanning Crème ($26), instant color intensifies after three hours. Use up to three times weekly for maintenance. www.mdformulations.com

Salon Bronze ($19.99, includes applicator and two cans), at at-home airbrush tanning system. Lasts up to seven days; up to four applications for two cans. At mass retailers.

Sublime Bronze Dual Action Instant Bronzer & Self-Tanning Lotion, Self-Tanning Towelettes, and Any Angle Self-Tanning Spray by L’Oréal Paris ($9.99). Lasts five days. At mass retailers.

Guinot Auto Bronze Self-Tanner for Body ($26) Tinted self-tanning gel cream. Instant golden, natural, even and long-lasting tan. www.guinot.com

Jurlique Skin Bronzer ($34), lasts six hours, all-natural ingredients, super hydrating, matched to skin tone. Used by Naomi Watts and Rosario Dawson.www.jurlique.com

Xen-Tan, whipped-foam mousse formula ($29) or lotion ($39). Instant color, dries in under a minute, undertone, streak-free tan in three hours. www.xen-tan.com

Elemis Total Glow Self-Tanning Cream ($26) Macadamia Nut Oil extracts, nutrients and amino acids are included. Smells lovely. Two to three hours after application, the tan emerges.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer ($8.19), use daily, subtle color begins to develop. Designated for either medium or fair skin tones, formulated with essential moisturizers and Erythrulose and DHA. Doesn’t require exfoliation.

Sunless Tan ($35), by Visage de Layla, features “a base that softens and smoothes the skin.” She added tannin components, can be used on face and body.