A New Additive to My Regimen: Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning

I've been on a self tanning testing kick for the past two months because I was writing an article called "The Best Way to Bronze" for iVillage so I have a slew of product.  Lately I've been using something that I have to tell you about – Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning, $32.50. Normally I'm skeptical to apply different self tanning products, especially creams, to my face in fear of break outs, but I was so pale I thought I'd give it a go.  After all, this is my job.  I love it.  I apply it as finishing touch to my skincare and as the beginning step to applying your makeup (which really just consists of bronzer).

The creamy consistency almost acts as a primer smoothing out my skin and instantly adds a natural glow that washes right off.  Bottom line, it gets the job done. You can get it here.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: Backstage Body Sculpting Secrets

This was perhaps me at my A-game as an "investigative reporter."  What I do for my BeautySweetSpot readers, let me tell you. Picture this – me in a 5' x 8' area, enclosed by a curtain backstage surrounded by three buck naked Victoria's Secret models and two women hand painting them with self tanner. Yes, I was the reporter who had to see for myself exactly how the ladies were being self tanned and how they took the extra step to perfect their already perfect bodies.  So allow me to fill you in:

First of all, all three models back there were concavely skinny with A cup boobs.  I was not surrounded by bombshell bodies.  It's amazing what VS lingerie can do to a stick figure!  I have to say though, none of the girls I was back there with were the core VS models.  They were cast just for the show.  The core models were all shapely and very toned.

I had to get that out.  Their beachy glowing bodies started two days ago when the models met with spray tanner, Jimmy Coco at the Giraffe Hotel in NYC to begin the process. Then, at the show the girls whole bodies were rubbed down by one artist under makeup artist, Tom Pecheux's lead with a combination of moisturizer and Victoria's Secret Sunkissed Bronze Instant Self Tan Lotion with Tint.

Once their whole bodies were covered, they went to a second woman who used the Victoria's Secret Flawless Airbrush Body Tan to sculpt their bodies, a paint brush with foundation to cover flaws and bruises and finished by using a light shimmer product coming out this holiday season.

The girls said they didn't feel sticky and that the formulas dried quickly.  None of them looked tanned, just sun-kissed.

Spray Yourself Tan This Fall

Summer may be over, but your tan doesn’t have to leave with it. I got a few easy tips from Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare Salons, on how to get a great DIY spray tan. First of all, the Completely Bare spray tan is no joke.  Not only have they mastered the spray tan, but you can even get a "sculpted tan," which can hide any imperfection you may have, or “sculpt” thinner thighs or abs.  What girl wouldn’t want that?  For at-home, I recommend trying to get an even, all around glow.  Leave the sculpting to the pros!

Rule Number One: Preperation

Before you even open the self-tanner bottle, make sure that you shave your legs, and exfoliate your entire body and don't moisturize. Cindy also recommends using Earth Therapeutic Hydro Gloves in Jade to prevent the tanner from getting on your hands.

Rule Number Two: Spray Away, Carefully

Next, use a self tan like Completely Bare Model Tan on your body, (not your face) and spray it in a circular motion. The circular motion will give your tan a more natural look.

Rule Number Three: Take Time on Delicate Areas

Save your knees and elbows for last. To make those areas look natural add a tiny drop of moisturizer to your self-tanner and make sure your knees and elbows are bent when applying. This will bring down the level of intensity for the tan and give an overall natural look.  On your face Cindy recommends using Jergens Natural Glow for Face. Make sure to apply up to your hair line and down to your neck.

Rule Number Four: Post Spray Care

Use a hair dryer on cold to avoid humanity which makes you sweat and your tan fade, and to make sure you're completely dry.  Avoid wearing tight clothing and don't shower for about 12 hours.