Bronzer prep 101: Top self-tanners for summer

Don’t risk tan skin today for sunspots, wrinkles and melanoma tomorrow.

With all the beauty technology available today–and the wide knowledge about the serious dangers of tanning–there’s really no excuse for intentionally subjecting your skin to harmful UV rays. So, slather on your sunscreen, grab a cute floppy hat and acquire that fresh summer look in a healthy way.

Here are our top bronzer products for the season and how to pick the right one for your skin.

All bronzers are not equal

Just like foundation and powder, you need to match your skin tone to your bronzer. Generally speaking, pick a shade that is just one or two shades darker than your regular skin color. Don’t go too dark, or you will look Jersey Shore instead of sun-kissed. For a natural look, lightly dust this all-over face color wherever the sun would naturally touch your skin: cheeks, chin, nose, forehead. Did we mention lightly dust? Yeah, thought so. BareMinerals Warmth face color, $20, ulta.com

Adjust your foundation to complement your bronzer

If you wear foundation, pick a slightly darker foundation than you usually wear. This will help the bronzer blend more naturally. Plus, chances are you will need a slightly warmer foundation in the summer anyway. Bonus: Pick a foundation with SPF and protect your skin at the same time. BareMinerals SPF 15 foundation, $28, ulta.com

Work with your blush, not against it

Blush plus bronzer can become overkill and even clash. Instead, look for perfectly matched blush/bronzer duos. Nars blush/bronzer duo, $42, sephora.com

Ditch the foamy sponge and upgrade to a bronzer brush

A fluffy, wide brush will more naturally and evenly distribute your bronzer, whereas the sponges that some bronzers come with tend to cake, streak and unnaturally coat your face. Ulta has a great selection of bronzer brushes to help you get the perfect application. Ask any pro: Quality brushes are key. IT Brushes for Ulta bronzer brush, $26, ulta.com

Contour away

With professional advice (ask for a tutorial at the makeup counter, even if you think you know how), consider adding in some contouring, too. This item is a best-seller for a reason: It can really do magic on your face. The key is knowing what you’re doing, so don’t be shy to ask for help and watch plenty of tutorials on Youtube. Nyx contour/bronzer contour pro palette, $24.99, ulta.com
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