Fake-bake it Till You Make it

It's not news how damaging the sun's UV rays can be to skin. Freckles, age spots, wrinkles and even deadly forms of skin cancer can all be attributed to prolonged, unprotected sun exposure—even the federal government has hopped on board and slapped a hefty tax on tanning salon visits. As much as we're all aware the of the potential health risks that come with sunkissed skin, let's face it—many women just look better tan. So if we can't all pull off the porcelain doll/ Dita Von Teese look, but don't want to expose our selves to the dangers of tanning, what's a girl to do? The explosion of self-tanning products to come on the market in the last decade gives an exhausting amount of options: gradual tan, bronzers, shimmer, sprays, lotions, wipes—the choices are endless (even if the results are not). Even with advances in this area, there doesn't seem to be a perfect option. Many products still give streaky, uneven results, funky smells and come off oddly in the shower. However, if you want to channel your inner Mad Scientist and take a trip to your local drug store, the following concoction can give you a bronze goddess application that A) is a sinch to apply B) washes off easily C) looks great on every skin tone while offering sun protection and D) smells delicious! Give it a try!

Here's what you need:

Loreal Paris Sublime Bronze One Day Tinted Gel available at drugstores $7.49 or amazon.com for $2.47!

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup Glow (comes in Fair, Medium or Tan-choose closest to your skintone) available at drugstores $9.79.

Maybelline Mineral Power Naturally Luminous Blush in Classic Mauve (or any nude shimmer powder) available at drugstores $8.99 or amazon.com for $1.99!

Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 available at drugstores $7.69 (or any regular unscented sunblock SPF 30 or higher).

Spectrum Naturals Orgainc Coconut Oil Amazon.com for $8.99.

Your favorite Scented Lotion—Try Bath & Body Works Exotic Coconut Pleasures Collection Body Lotion for $11.99.

Okay, let's get started with 10 easy steps!

1. Take an old mixing bowl and add 1 TBS of the Loreal One Day Bronzer, 1 TBS Liquified Coconut Oil (just run the jar under warm water for a minute to emullsify the oil), about a shotglass full of the sunblock, and a 1 TBS of the scented lotion.
2. Take a couple papertowels and drape over the nozzle of the Airbrush Tan canister use the excess paper towel to cover the bowl, so the product does not spray out of the bowl. Spray for 10 seconds.
3. Add 2 TSP of the Mineral Powder. Make sure to add the powder AFTER the Airbrush tan to avoid a mess.
4. Thoroughly mix all ingridents and let sit.
5. Meanwhile take a shower and gently exfoliate entire body. Exfoliation gloves work excellent for this. Concentrate on rough areas such as elbows and knees.
6. Gently pat dry. Use a small about of coconut oil and rub into rough areas, such as elbows, knees, heels and ankles. Also rub thoroughly into hands.
7. Re-stir the mixture as some separation may have occurred.
8. 8.Starting from feet and working your way upwards apply half-dollar size amounts to all areas of the body, using circular motions. Make sure the mixture is evenly absorbed. Don't forget areas between shoulders, back of hands and behind ears (avoid using mixture on face if prone to break-outs).
9. Thoroughly wash palms of hands and fingernails. Keep hands pointed downward while washing and drying to prevent water trickling down your arms. Let dry for at least 30 minutes before dressing.
10. If you want to “set” the bronze, simply use a fluffy brush with translucent powder and apply over entire body in circular motion. To adjust color, use more Loreal One Day Bronze for darker application OR more Scented Lotion for lighter application.

All done! It will wash off easily in the shower and you can always make more of the mixture and save for later use as this can be used as a daily lotion. Use this recipe for a gorgeous summer glow all year round!

Naturally fair-skinned bombshell Megan Fox's golden glow.

Photo courtesy of colorbrief.com.