Faux glow 101: How to get the perfect sunless tan

October 2, 2015 at 9:10PM
The Glow Lounge owner Mollie Michura and a client during the spray tan application process.
The Glow Lounge owner Mollie Michura and a client during the spray tan application process. (Randy Salas/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

As a local blogger and beauty expert, Elizabeth Dehn (beautybets.com) has tested nearly every self-tanning formula under the sun. From professional spray tans to drugstore brands, Dehn shared her picks for the best fake tan solutions for a perfect summer look.

1. Spray tan

The Glow Lounge, $35-$40 per session

"Palms down the best spray tan I've ever received: golden, natural-looking and long-lasting. Plus, if I'm going to strip down to a disposable paper thong, I only want to do it in front of the Glow ladies, who are so sweet and professional."

Info: www.theglowlounge.com (locations in Edina and St. Paul)

2. Drugstore brand

L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes, $7.99

"I always keep these towelettes on hand for a quick-drying, mess-free tan. They are also fantastic for travel."

3. Organic (and local)

Kasia Organic Salon Honey-Dip Natural Sunless Tanner and Anti-Aging Cream, $29

"The self-tanner I recommend most often because the color is so deep, the scent addictive, and it's synthetic-free."

4. Face tanner

BareMinerals Faux Tan Face Gradual Glow Sunless Tanner, $24

"The face can be tricky, but BareMinerals' gel formula looks super natural, not orange-y. I love to apply at night and wake up looking like I just got back from vacay."

5. Department store brand

Clarins self-tanning products, $30-$45

"The gold standard for sunless tanners — the French know what they're doing! Clarins' collection for face and body is luxurious, fast-acting and is the next best thing to going to St. Tropez."

Aimee Blanchette • 612-673-1715

Elizabeth Dehn
Elizabeth Dehn (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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