Best Ways to Bronze

Spritz if you're in a hurry A new breed of spray-on self-tanners and bronzers are so light, they dry in about two minutes, meaning you can literally spray and go. Plus, they have nozzles that work upside down so you can target hard-to-reach areas like the middle of your back. A few to try: L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist ($10; at drugstores), which gives you a medium tan color, and IsaDora Instant Spray-On Bronzer SPF 12 in Sun Tan ($15; isadora.com), with skin-softening beeswax.

Prolong your tan with oil Maximize the life of your faux glow by smoothing on baby oil before hitting a cool-to-warm shower (avoid hot water, as it can dry out the skin and make your tan blotchy). "The oil acts like plastic wrap around your skin and minimizes exfoliation caused by the pelting water," says Stankiewicz. "The oil will wash off, but your tan will stay put."

Go easy on your face "I avoid self-tanner on the face," says Stankiewicz. "Because the skin there is oilier and the pores larger, the color often ends up uneven." More flattering options include Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Brush in Natural Bronze ($46; nordstrom.com), which is pretty on cheeks; the Body Shop Sun Lustre Bronzer in Bronze Gleam ($29; thebodyshop.com) for face and chest; and Givenchy Prismissime Compact Face Powder in Sunny ($50; sephora.com), which works on eyes too.

Bronze sans self-tanner If you're not up for the whole self-tanning routine but want some healthy color, swipe on Tarte Glam Gams Bronzing Leg Stick ($30; tartecosmetics.com). Despite the name, it's not just for legs and leaves your skin looking subtly sun-kissed.