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The weather in New York has been tumultuous.  Last weekend the weather was so unbearably humid that I locked myself in the apartment with the air conditioning on high.  Then last Monday, the weather was perfect to spend in the park working on a tan.  Unfortunately, having to go to work got in the way.

Luckily we have technological advancements in beauty that help busy girls who live in uncooperative climates get their golden glows without the time or risk of sun exposure and skin cancer.

Here are my top picks for getting golden brown now:

Illume Yuzu Mint Sugar Scrub ($24 US)

A smooth canvas is essential for a spectacular faux glow.  Start with a good scrub that gently exfoliates dead skin so the self-tanner can be evenly absorbed.

Try Happilogy’s Yuzu Mint Sugar Scrub from Illume.  The candle experts have branched out to a new body care line that is paraben-free, free of animal products, no animal testing and made with certified-organic plant, fruit and vegetable extracts.

I like Yuzu Mint Sugar Scrub because it pulls double duty in one easy step.  The gentle sugar crystals slough off dead skin and the natural blend of essential oils hydrate the newly revealed skin.  The refreshing combination of yuzu fruit (a Japanese citrus), grapefruit, eucalyptus, spearmint, peppermint and vanilla make this scrub a wonderful sensory experience too.

Lancôme Flash Bronzer Tinted Self-Tanning Leg Gel with Pure Vitamin E ($31.50 US)

Lancôme’s entire Flash Bronzer line was recently reformulated and repackaged to be better than ever.  In just 30 minutes, the Tinted Self-Tanning Leg Gel develops into a warm, believable, caramel hue that fakes the result of a sunny, weekend in Aruba.

There are so many reasons I love Tinted Self-Tanning Leg Gel.  The gel formula is quickly absorbed and eliminates awkward moments in the nude waiting for it to dry. Flash Bronzer is also tinted to guide even distribution and vitamin E offers antioxidant protection.

But my favorite feature is the light-reflecting micro-pearls that deliver immediate color and shimmer for sexy legs.  Better yet, the Flash Bronzers are also transfer-resistant.

How confident am I with Lancôme’s self-tanner?  This past Tuesday morning, I Flash Bronzed to look my tanned best for a brand new white cotton dress.  At the end of the day, with the exception of some washable shimmer at the hemline, my dress was still white – inside and out.  The delicious color lasts approximately five days but less if you are using a daily exfoliator in the shower.

Flash Bronzer is also available in Tinted Anti-Age Self-Tanning Face Lotion with SPF 15 ($36 US),  Oil-Free Tinted Self-Tanning Face Lotion ($30 US) and Tinted Self-Tanning Body Gel ($33 US).

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Healthy Bronze ($22.50 US)

If you’re tired of bronzing powder rubbing off collars and are looking to upgrade to longer-lasting color, try Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Healthy Bronze. Ignore that it says it’s for men because it works just as well on me as it does for dudes.

Facial Fuel Healthy Bronze is a gradual self-tanner that has the same color-enhancing DHA ingredient as typical self-tanners, just at a reduced level.  The paraben-free gel develops into a natural-looking, “healthy” bronze color.  Being able to gradually build the color is the key selling point for me.  The thought of slathering on a self-tanner and having to live with too dark, streaky or unnatural results on my face terrifies me.

Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion SPF 38 PA++ ($22.50 US)

If you live in a climate where you can easily tan, please use sun protection.  It’s also important that you apply the sunblock at least 30 minutes before you go outdoors so the active ingredients have enough time to absorb into the skin.

Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion SPF 38 PA++ for face and body is an excellent option because it’s goes on sheer, feels smooth, protects against both UVA and UVB rays, hydrates and is very comfortable on the skin.  Unlike other sunblocks, you can feel the Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion sinking into the skin instead of just resting on top.

Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion is also sand-proof (yeah!), PABA-free, perspiration- and water-resistant.  There are also antioxidant properties from the Rose Apple Leaf extract to help prevent UV-caused skin damage.

If you’re looking for a thicker formula made just for face, try Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38 PA++ ($30 US).

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