Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical destination or keeping things local with a relaxing staycation, one thing’s for certain: glowing, sun-kissed skin is always in season.
If you don’t know where to start, Us has you covered. From shimmer oils and bronzing drops to ultra-pampering body care, these quick glow enhancers are destined to become staples in your makeup and skincare routine.
But that’s not all. Along with a lineup of beauty editor-approved launches, Us also tapped founder of the Tan Edit and celebrity spray-tanner Erika Vasco for her expert advice. For the days when you want more than a luminous sheen, but rather a natural-looking, streak-free tan (yes, really) — without the UV damage — she shared her top tips for achieving a flawless finish that’ll have everyone wondering if you just got back from vacation.
Scroll on for all the details:
Mega Moisturizer
Fenty Skin’s Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream with Tropical Oils + Shea Butter arrives in a new fragrance, Amber Bouquet, delivering the same hydrating formula but now layered with notes of tropical amber, freesia, sparkling yuzu and coconut.
Self-Care Treat
Take a beauty note from Megan Thee Stallion and pamper yourself with NYX Professional Makeup’s Caramelt Mami Body Oil, which elevates your daily regimen with its gourmand blend of pistachio cream, caramel swirl and brown sugar.
Skin Soother
Halo 42’s Nourishing Face & Body Elixir is a blend of copaiba resin oil and cold-pressed botanicals — including jojoba and geranium — designed to cocoon dry, irritated skin without leaving it feeling greasy.
Sparkling Lotion
For the final step in your getting-ready beauty routine, apply a layer of Hempz Glow Getter Shimmer Body Moisturizer to your arms and legs for some rose-gold sheen.
Multitasker MVP
Babor’s Soul & Body Shimmer Oil Grounding doesn’t just ensure you look radiant all over — it’s made with essential fatty acids to help strengthen your skin barrier, too.
Vacation Hero
Shield skin and keep it moisturized (thanks to vitamins and botanical extracts like papaya and mango) with Hawaiian Tropic’s Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion SPF 30. Alix Earle is a fan!
Radiance Revival
Too much fun in the sun? No matter how parched your skin feels, the Body Butter Melt from Mutha delivers an instant dose of nourishment and a dewy appearance that’s impossible not to notice — or feel!
No-Fuss Hydrator
If you prefer a lightweight oil that doesn’t contain shimmer, opt for Maëlys’ So-Supple Barrier Body Oil, laced with squalane and bisabolol for a soft finish.
Sun-Kissed Effect
For a natural-looking glow beyond the face, mix a little of Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Everything Bronze Drops — infused with anti-aging and protective ingredients — into your favorite moisturizer and apply to the neck and décolletage.
Erika Self-Tan Secrets Behind a Filtered-Like Glow
Prep Is Everything
“If you don’t exfoliate regularly, start gently three to four days leading up to your tan,” Vasco says, noting that this helps ensure a streak-free application. “I recommend using an exfoliating mitt like Cleanlogic’s.” When choosing a scrub, she adds, try to “avoid oil- or cream-based [formulas] as they can leave a film on the skin that interferes with how the tan develops.”
How To Sculpt and Define
“Contouring adds depth and dimension, which creates the appearance of more definition,” she says. “Use [thinner brushes] for precision — they give you more control when carving out areas like the abs. From there, use a larger, foundation-style brush to buff and diffuse the edges so everything blends seamlessly into the skin.”
You Can Minimize the Appearance of Cellulite
“The key is making sure your application is consistent,” she says. “Areas like the upper thighs tend to be lighter, so it’s important to apply enough product there to fully even out the tone across the leg.” This helps blur uneven texture: “When the color is balanced from top to bottom, the skin appears smoother and more uniform.”
Pick the Right Formula
For someone with “sensitive or textured skin,” Vasco tells Us that a clear tanning water — like her own Water Veil, which is ideal for “smaller, visible areas like the neck, shoulders, décolletage and arms” — is a better option than a mousse. “They’re typically bronzer-free, [so] less likely to cling to dry patches or emphasize uneven texture.”
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