fake it ‘til you make it

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i love a good beach tanning session as much as the next gal, but it’s hard to ignore the health hazards that laying out in the sun can bring. to keep my dermatologist happy and my skin bronze for bikini season, i’m turning to these tried and true products.

jergen’s natural glow daily moisturizer ($8.69) – i’ve used this for years and its non-sticky application and subtle glow always carries me through. i use it every other day, and right after a shower to ensure smooth coverage. jergen’s now has an unscented, firming version as well.

sonia kashuk chic luminosity bronzer/blush duo in glimmer ($12.99) – this is the perfect combination of bronze and pink, and though it’s called “glimmer” it does not contain any trace of shimmer or sparkle, which i appreciate.

benefit watt’s up! highlighter ($30) – i’m loving this little treat that was part of my free birthday gift from sephora. a few swipes of this luminizing stick under my brow bones and along my cheekbones is a gorgeous finishing touch to my makeup each morning.

mark’s just pinched instant blush tint in cheeky ($8) – i have to echo lara’s praise for these cute little cheek tints; they have just the right amount of pigment and are super easy to throw in your clutch or purse.

bareminerals marvelous moxie lipgloss in trail blazer ($18) – moxie leaves my lips feeling refreshed and cool (but not in that tingly, painful lip-plumping way). even more so than the sensation, i appreciate the color – a rich, glossy bronze that pairs perfectly with everyday makeup or as the neutral component to a smoky eye.