beauty mark: bronzers

Not to be a downer, but there is no such thing as a healthy tan. It’s an oxymoron. The only way to tan responsibly is to fake it with bronzer.

Applying the stuff is easy and even the pastiest of complexions can get believable-looking color. Just pick one that’s no more than two shades darker than your base color (unless you want to look like a Real Housewife).

Want an all-over glow? Rub a liquid or gel formula onto your entire face, neck and décolletage. Prefer to look slightly sun-kissed? Brush powder or cream onto the high points of your face—cheekbones, bridge of your nose, temples, and chin—and blend well. Fake it ‘til you make it with these awesome bronzers.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer in Deep, $36

You want the sun to shine, not your face. This powder’s oil-absorbing compound will make it matte.

Maybelline Face Studio Master Hi-Light in Deep Bronze, $10

Minerals rock for anyone with sensitive skin. And this loose powder is made of that stuff without crap like talc and fragrance.

Perricone MD No Bronzer Bronzer, $35

Just look like spent the weekend at the beach with this super-natural tinted serum. The added SPF is a nice bonus.

Dior Diorskin Nude Tan Matte Sun Powder in Amber, $52

Shun shimmer? You can get your faux-tan sans sparkle with this matte powder.

By Terry Tea to Tan Water Color Bronzer Bronze Bay, $58

This iced-tea-colored water is basically like a lip stain for your face—weightless, lasting, and super sheer.

Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer, $56

Treat yo’ skin with this bronzer enriched with complexion perfecting ingredients.   

Tom Ford Skin Illuminator in Fire Lust, $65

Mix it up, literally. Add a few drops of this liquid bronzer to your regular tinted moisturizer or foundation to get a foolproof glow.

Covergirl TruMagic Bronzer in The Sunkisser, $11

Get a base tan, sort of. This bronzy balm lays down a hint of color to add warmth to your skin whether you wear it alone or as a foundation primer.

Urban Decay Naked Flushed in Strip, $30

Look alive in a snap with this illuminating bronzer, blush, and highlighter trio.

NARS Matte Multiple in Vientiane, $39

The one-hit wonder imparts a golden glow on lips, lids, and cheeks.