Beauty 101.

Beauty101

Self-tanners

FAIR SKIN * A gradual tanner is the best choice for subtle color. Try L'Oreal Paris Body Expertise Sublime Glow for Face Daily Moisturizer in Fair, Olay Complete Touch of Sun Daily UV Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 in Fair, or Jergens Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 in Fair (lorealparisusa.com; olay.com; jergens.com). MEDIUM SKIN * You can choose to build color over several days with a gradual tanner, such as True Blue Spa Bronze Bombshell Self-Tanner SPF 15 For Face, or achieve a more intense color within a few hours with Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Natural Glow Face or Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel (True Blue Spa, bathandbodyworks

.com; dior.com; clarinsusa.com). DARK SKIN * To even out your skin tone, try Estee Lauder Self Tan Go Bronze Plus Tinted Self-Tanner for Face, which develops into a natural-looking brown. When you're in a rush, Fake Bake The Face Self-Tanning Lotion dries more quickly than other formulas (esteelauder.com; Fake Bake, sephora.com).

Beauty101

Cheat Sheet

1 Gently exfoliate with a fine-grain scrub to smooth away dead skin and prevent streaking. 2 Pat face dry and apply a thin layer of oil-free moisturizer. Wait 15 minutes for it to absorb before smoothing on tanner. (Skip this step if you're using a gradual formula with built-in moisturizers.) 3 Squeeze a pea-size amount of self-tanner on your index and middle fingers. 4 Dab the formula on the center of your forehead, cheekbones, nose, and chin, then blend all the way to the perimeter of your face. 5 Extend the formula down your jawline and neck. 6 Allow the tanner to dry completely (according to the instructions) before applying makeup. 7 The next day, when the tan has developed, switch to a tinted moisturizer and concealer one shade darker than usual. Rub a sheer rosy blush on your cheeks. 8 Smudge a bronze or gold cream shadow over the eyelids and up to the crease. A coat of black mascara and peach lip gloss complement the look.