Getting That Summertime Glow With Bronzers

By ERIKA RASMUSSON JANES
May 13, 2008

The weather is finally warming up enough to give sun-seekers a real tan, but if you're unwilling to shun the SPF 30, there are plenty of options for faking it. Bronzers are the fastest, easiest way to achieve that just-back-from-a-tropical-island glow. Even better, many of the newest offerings come in multiple shades that provide a more flattering, natural-looking "tan." Several new formulas even contain hints of pink. "A pink base shade blends in more naturally on fair skin and gives skin a warm, radiant hue," a makeup artists for Clarins, Nick Barose, said. Here are some new-to-market offerings.

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1. Giorgio Armani Beauty's Bronze Mania 2008 collection includes Skin Tints ($55) bronzer, which comes in four sheer hues. The silky liquid was easy to blend, and gave me a believable wash of allover color. The company's Mediterranean Palette, No. 6 ($85) added depth to the look: I layered the sheer powder bronzer over the Skin Tints on my cheeks for extra color, and applied the lightest of the four eye colors. (Available at giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com.)

2. The brushes that come with most makeup products leave a lot to be desired. Not so with Elizabeth Arden's Sun Goddess Bronzing Powder ($32) in medium, which comes with a full, Kabuki-style brush that's ideal for applying product to the cheekbones. The powder contains a hint of pink, as does the Bronzing Beauty Kit for Face and Eyes ($35), with its pale pink blush-bronzer duo and four eye shadows. (Available at elizabetharden.com.)

3. On first glance, I worried that Lorac's TANtalizer Baked Bronzer ($28) would be, well, too bronzey and shimmery for my skin. But once applied, the color looked natural and healthy, making this dome-shaped powder one of my favorites. (Available at Sephora, 1500 Broadway, between 43rd and 44th streets, 212-944-6789, and other locations.)

4. The loose powder formula of Bare Escentuals's bareMinerals A Little Sun All-Over Face Color ($28) comes with a fan-shaped brush that actually has a long enough handle to offer some control over the application. The copper shade has pink undertones that give it more of a blush look than a traditional bronzer. Thanks to its sparkle, I'll save this product for evenings. (Available at bareescentuals.com.)

5. Estée Lauder's Bronze Goddess collection has a bronzer for everyone — from shimmery liquid and pressed powders to matte formulas, and the newest addition, Bronze Goddess Bronzing Pearls ($35). The multicolored, pinkish bronze and gold pebbles blended together on my skin for a soft, not-too-shimmery tan. (Available at esteelauder.com.)

6. Many bronzers come in just one or two shades, but Chanel's Soleil Tan De Chanel ($48) is available in five, making it easier to find one that's just right for your skin tone. The oil-free, moisturizing formula has just a bit of shimmer. (Available at chanel.com.)