Pretty Pointers: Be a Bronze Goddess

Our five step guide will get you glowing in no time!

Step One: Clean Machine

Start with a good scrub. There are two kinds of scrubs, sugar and salt. Sugar scrubs are for people with more sensitive skin, they clean but aren't abrasive like salt. They also leave a residue that moisturizes. Salt scrubs are for people with oily skin, they dry up excess moisture and leave skin dry and smooth. We love Urban Decay Cream and Sugar Scrub and Bliss Hot Salt Scrub.

Step Two: Face Time

The scrubs we mentioned are great for the body, but NOT the face! Make sure your face is clean too, we love Philosophy Purity a face wash for all skin types. A good wash will clean off any dirt and makeup as well as restore your skin to a normal type. They make facial exfoliators too, just make sure you pick one for your type.

Step Three: Powder vs. Gel

There are two kinds of bronzing products, self-tanners and powders. Self-tanners stay for days and some leave you instanly bronze. Powders come off daily but also leave you instantly bronze. For the face we love Stila Sun, self-tanners can leave an orange tint and nothing could be worse than orange on your face. If you are very pale, steer clear of bronzers they will only look orange!

Step Four: Get Glowing

Start with your clean face. Apply whatever make-up you normally do and then get ready for the bronzer. If you decided to go with bronzing powder you will need the compact and a brush made for applying powder. Sweep a light dusting across the apples of your cheeks and then your forehead and nose. This will give you a sun-kissed glow. Do not apply too much as it will only appear fake and turn orange.

Step Five: A Leg Up on It

Applying self-tanner to legs is pretty easy. The ones that come with an instant bronze hint are best because you can be sure you applied it evenly. Start with one even application. Then add more daily until you achieve the color you want, after than you should only reapply every three to four days. We love L'Oreal Sublime Bronze line of tanners. Application is easy and looks great.