Suddenly Summer Skin

Let's face it, as the bleak winter (especially here in Cleveland) days start to become longer and a little warmer, you feel compelled to buy fresh flowers, wear happy colors, brighten (or lighten) your hair, and get rid of that pasty winter skin.

Sun Safe
Just say NO to tanning beds, and instead, go sun safe this year with a great sunless tanner.

And I've got just the product.

I've used all kinds -- ranging from the no-brand cheapies to the higher quality department store buys.

The verdict?

For the most part, you get what you pay for. My favorite, and the best quality one I'm using right now? Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess Tinted Self Tan. And at $28.50, it's not too hard to fit it into the budget (hmmm, reduced chances of skin cancer as well as the need for cosmetic corrections of sun damage to my skin down the road? Okay -- I'm convinced!).

Streak-free & Carefree
Oh, I can already hear you grumbling:

• "It's messy."
• "I don't like the smell."
• "I can't get even color."

Not so! While there is a light scent characteristic of self tanners, it's not a deal breaker. And I LOVE this product because not only is it tinted (which means I get immediate color), but it's also a nice spreadable consistency (gelee) that gives me really even color.

Don't Forget the Sunscreen
No matter what your sunless tanning choices might be, be sure to note that most of these don't include a sunscreen.

Protect, prevent and stop damaging your skin!