Get sun-kissed...

…without the kiss of death. Avoid wrinkles and skin damage by faking that summer glow with locally available products.

Nothing says “summer” like strutting around town in some sassy shorts or a flirty sundress, but showing off glaring white limbs leaves much to be desired. Rather than risk skin cancer or premature aging by baking in the sun, why not try a sunless tanning option this year? Technology has come a long way since the orange QT products of the ’70s, and stores are filled with a vast array of options. Too vast. With so many to choose, I thought you might need some help, so I’m here to make this a little
easier for you.

From the Bottle

The Cosmetic Co. has two terrific options in self-tanning for the do-it-at-home tanner. My personal favorite is GlowFusion by FusionBeauty. This spray, designed for face and body, boasts a natural tan with no streaking, smell, or staining. Believe it or not, it’s true. I tried this product last year and achieved a lovely, natural glow without all the stickiness or smelliness that often goes along with it. At $58 for 5 ounces, it isn’t cheap, but the bottle should last a month or more. Pair it with the GlowFusion Tan Enhancing Emulsion lotion for longer-lasting color. It’s $40 for 5 ounces. Bare Minerals offers Faux Tan, a lotion that goes on dark, so you can see where you’re putting it, then softens to a nice tan color. The smell is a warm, almond scent. It’s $22 for 4.5 ounces. Find them at The Cosmetic Co., 1450 E. Republic Rd., 417-889-6464, open Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

At the Salon

For professional results in self-tanning, check out the Mystic Tan system at The Tan Company. Springfield attorney Sarah Kerner tried it last year for an event and was very pleased with the results. “I would do it again. It looked pretty natural, and I was really, really happy with it,” she says. The process is simple: Wearing a bathing suit, underwear or whatever, step into the booth, close your eyes, wait for the spray, turn and wait again. The whole thing takes about a minute. To keep your hands, nails and feet from tanning, a barrier cream is applied before you go in the booth. Sarah said that the tan looked nice when she left, then developed overnight. Yes, there was a smell, but she said showering the next morning took care of it. The tan lasted about 10 days. First time special is $15. Normal prices are $20 per visit, two for $25 or unlimited tanning for $38.88 per month. Corner of Battlefield and National Avenue, 417-883-3565 and 1828 N. Glenstone Ave., 417-869-0099. Both open Mon.–Fri. 7 a.m.–11 p.m., Sat. and Sun., 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

D.I.Y. Spray

Still not sure about self-tanning? Maybe Air Stocking is for you. This spray is easily applied, gives instant color without the smell and is sweat-proof and waterproof. The finish is smooth and silky, with a color selection to match most skin tones. At $28 for a 4.2-ounce can, it’s an inexpensive way to achieve instant results. Find it at The Harem & Co., 4339 S. National Ave., 417-881-0602. Open Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

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