I think we can all agree that there is nothing sexier than the look of sun-kissed skin. I personally like having a bit of color all-year-round, but come June, July and August it’s practically a requirement.  This summer, more than ever before, I’ve been trying to take better care of my skin (it’s not getting any younger, if you know what I’m sayin’), and that means loading up on sunscreens and turning to self-tanners to achieve that ‘bronzed glow’ I’m always after.

Some of the best ones I’ve found are from James Read, who started out spray-tanning the bods of A-list clients and later developed his own brand—so basically this guy really knows his stuff.  He even has a product called Sleep Mask Tan that you use overnight…so you wake up in the morning looking bronzed and beautiful (it’s so easy—like visiting a beach in your dreams…genius!).  I often start use these products before I leave for my holiday because pulling off your sundress on day 1 of your getaway to reveal skin that looks like Caspar The Ghost is the worst feeling! You can find a great selection of James Read products here, here and here.

Sisley-Paris is another company that makes a great self-tanner that really nourishes and hydrates your skin.  I just started using it recently and I’m really impressed.  It’s quite pricey but I think it works quickly and leaves skin smooth and happy.

Guerlain also makes an amaaaaaazing product called Jambes de Gazelle that I always travel with and apply to my legs before going out at night—it makes them look sleek and bronzed and fabulous.  It’s beloved by all the cool European girls, the ones that make it all look so effortless and easy (this product is one of their many little tricks!).  You can pick up a bottle here and here.

I also really love Mister Radiant Luminizer by Givenchy.  It’s not a self-tanner, but rather a bronzer for your face (so you can wash it all off before bed) but I like to bring it on vacation because I love the subtle glow it gives my face in the day, when I’m not wearing any makeup at the beach but I still want my face to ‘look’ tan.  It goes on as a clear gel with tiny micro-beads of color and as you rub it into your skin the beads pop, releasing the color, and voila! you look like a shimmering goddess!

The best part about getting a glow from a bottle?  You can look like you’ve been on vacation all summer long even if you’re really stuck sitting at your desk (don’t worry, your secret is safe with me!).