SUNLESS TANNERS SAFER, BUT HOW DO THEY RATE?Byline: -- Nancy Dillon, Sandra Barrera and Sharyn Betz We all know the dangers of too much sun exposure. But many of us still covet cov·et v. cov·et·ed, cov·et·ing, cov·ets v.tr. 1. To feel blameworthy desire for (that which is another's). See Synonyms at envy. 2. To wish for longingly. See Synonyms at desire. that deep bronze, perfect "10" tan. To get the nut-brown look without turning into a shriveled shriv·el intr. & tr.v. shriv·eled or shriv·elled, shriv·el·ing or shriv·el·ling, shriv·els 1. To become or make shrunken and wrinkled, often by drying: walnut, you might consider one of the scores of sunless tanning Sunless tanning (also known as self tanning, or UV-free tanning) refers to applying chemicals on the skin to produce an effect similar in appearance to a traditional suntan. creams now on the market. We put seven popular self tanners to the test. Our three favorites: L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise Sublime Bronze Any Angle Spray, Medium: Ease of Application: The fine mist spray is easy to use, especially on hard-to-reach places. But the clear formula makes it hard to see how much you're using. We got our hands dirty rubbing it in. Color: One of the best performers, this product produced an immediate even, deep tan, even on our pasty forearms. Coverage: The aerosol guards against edgy streaks, so coverage is generally smooth. Fragrance: A mild alcohol odor but nothing too unpleasant. Price: $13 for 3.9 ounces at www.amazon.com. Orlane Anti-Wrinkle Self-Tanner: Ease of Application: The lightly tinted cream -- think wheat, not copper -- glides on smooth with a bit of shimmer. The dual-action cream adds SPF (1) (Stateful Packet Firewall) See stateful inspection. (2) (Sender Policy Framework) An e-mail authentication system that verifies that the message came from an authorized mail server. 8 for extra protection against damaging UV rays. Color: Dark, natural color within a few hours. Coverage: Some blotching, but not a big deal considering the superior color. Fragrance: The cocoa butter cocoa butter n. A yellowish-white fatty solid obtained from cacao seeds and used as an ingredient in cosmetics, tanning oils, chocolate, and soap. Also called cacao butter. scent does a decent job of masking the requisite self-tanner stench. Price: $100 for 4.2 ounces at Neiman Marcus Neiman Marcus U.S. department-store chain. It was founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1907 by Herbert Marcus, his sister Carrie Marcus Neiman, and her husband, A.L. Neiman. . Kiehl's Sun-Free Self-Tanning Formula with Apricot Kernel Apricot kernels are, like most nuts and seeds, very nutritious. Among the compounds they contain is amygdalin, which is sometimes called "vitamin B17", but is not regarded by the scientific community as a vitamin since it does not meet the widely accepted scientific definition of a Oil: Ease of Application: Its thin, nonoily consistency dries in a flash, so application is a bit tricky. To avoid blotchiness, try moisturizing with another lotion first. That way, drier patches won't soak up more than their fair share. Color: A natural-looking bronze in one hour. Coverage: Even, with no trace of streaks. Fragrance: The light, medicinal scent is somewhere between minty crisp and bug spray. Price: $22.50 for 5 ounces at Nordstrom. Other options: Lancome Soleil Flash Bronzer Self-Tan for Legs: Ease of Application: The gel cream is tinted with a bit of shimmer so it's easy to see where the stuff is going. Color: The tint and shimmer give an immediate glow, but the color wasn't as deep or long-lasting as some of the others. Coverage: Generally even coverage with a few streaks. Fragrance: A light floral scent covering up a smell of alcohol and self-tanning solution. Price: $28.50 for 4.4 ounces at Nordstrom. Avon Skin So Soft Satin Glow Daily Body Moisturizer mois·tur·iz·er n. A cosmetic lotion or cream applied to the skin to counter dryness. moisturizer n → crema hidratante moisturizer moist n , Medium: Ease of Application: Heaviest of all the creams. Left a greasy coating, which might work if you're using it as your primary body lotion Noun 1. body lotion - lotion applied to the body after bathing lotion - any of various cosmetic preparations that are applied to the skin . We felt dipped in shortening. Color: Subtle color that builds over time. Definitely not the product for an immediate dose of bronze. Coverage: Oily consistency means it's easy to slather slath·er tr.v. slath·ered, slath·er·ing, slath·ers Informal 1. To use or give great amounts of; lavish: slathered gifts and attention on their only child. 2. a. around without streaks. Fragrance: Perfume-y, with a hint of citrus, not overwhelming. Price: $4.99 for 8.4 ounces at www.avon.com. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Firming Moisturizer for Medium Skin Tones: Ease of Application: Feels like an average after-bath lotion -- good on just-showered skin, yucky the rest of the time. Color: Natural color that builds s-l-o-w-l-y. Also includes a bit of shimmer. Coverage: Subtle color means mistakes are subtle, too. Fragrance: Floral and sweet, but still a bit chemical-smelling. Price: $7.35 for 7.5 ounces at www.amazoncom. Failed to impress: True Blue Spa Bronze Bombshell bomb·shell n. 1. An explosive bomb. 2. One that is sensationally shocking, surprising, or amazing. bombshell Noun a shocking or unwelcome surprise Noun 1. Strike Gold: Ease of Application: The tint and shimmer help you see where the lotion is going, but they also turn your hands a dark orange that takes some time to wash away. Color: More gold than brown, making us look a bit jaundiced jaun·diced adj. 1. Affected with jaundice. 2. Yellow or yellowish. 3. Affected by or exhibiting envy, prejudice, or hostility. jaundiced Adjective 1. . Coverage: Generally smooth. Fragrance: Its overpowering musky musk·y 1 adj. musk·i·er, musk·i·est Of, relating to, or having the odor of musk. musk  i·ness n. scent reminiscent of cheap
men's after-shave gave us a headache.
Price: $15 for 6 ounces at Bath & Body Works. CAPTION(S): 6 photos Photo: (1 -- color) L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise Sublime Bronze Any Angle Spray, Medium (2 -- color) Orlane Anti-Wrinkle Self-Tanner (3 -- color) Kiehl's Sun-Free Self-Tanning Formula with Apricot Kernel Oil (4 -- color) Lancome Soleil Flash Bronzer Self-Tan for Legs (5 -- color) Jergens Natural Glow Daily Firming Moisturizer for Medium Skin Tones (6 -- color) True Blue Spa Bronze Bombshell Strike Gold |
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