Summer is approaching. And may I say AMEN! It was a long winter and I am so looking forward to outdoor grilling, spiked lemonade and being lazy by the beach. Unfortunately, the early weeks of summer often result in the blind light which is reflected off my pasty legs. I am use to it, but Im not so sure my comrades are. As I get a little older and a little wiser I have learned the use of tanning beds is not an option, between the horror stories of bacterial infections, my own cases of excessive burning due to new bulbs and the cost, and not to mention its affects on aging, I have opted no longer to join in such festivities. Even though they can be so appealing.

Rather this year I am committing to using globs of SPF and sunscreen. Protect your skin, protect your life. No bronze is worth it to me. But there are some solutions. Sun in moderation with the help of sun screen. You will still get a summer glow, but a healthy one. Not the kind induced with baby oil and third degree burns. The other option is fake tanning products. This month I am going to try out different products in hopes of finding one that gives a natural glow.

I will update on my finds, but until then here are a few that have received rave reviews from other gurus:

-St. Tropez Sunless tanning Foam (at Sephora 25-40 dollars depending on the place of purchase)

-St. Moritz tanning foam (Basically a knock-off of St. Tropez for a fourth of the price. Unfortunately it is only sold in the UK so us Americans have to use ebay...boo)

-Sephora Collection Self-Tanning Mist ($12)

-Xen-Tan Dark lotion (Nordstom $29)

-L'Oreal Sublime tanning lotion with instant bronze ($10)