Whether you want a sun-kissed visage for a day, a week or longer, we've compiled the best tanning options around.

"Tan" for a Day
Pick the Right Shade
Bronzer is an ideal choice if you want to be able to wash off your summery glow when the day is done. For fair skin, choose a honey-colored bronzer; for medium, go with a rose or gold-flecked product. Amber or tawny shades are best for dark skin. Unlike what you see practiced on "Jersey Shore," bronzer should be only two shades darker than your natural skin tone.

Then put it where the Sun "Hits"
Apply bronzer to the parts of your face that would naturally be hit with sunlight, like the apples of your cheeks, your nose, forehead and decolletage.

Use the Correct Applicators
For powder bronzers, use a large brush or blush brush and make sure you tap your brush first to remove any excess powder. Apply the bronzer beginning at the jawline and work your way up your face using a circular motion. Remember to blend your bronzer into the hairline and neck. Start gradually; you can always apply more! "Some powder bronzers I like are Benefit Cosmetics in Hoola Bronze, NARS powder in Laguna, Lancome blush in Miel Glace, MAC Optical Bronzer and Guerlian's Terracotta Bronzing Powder," says Jennifer Glezer, a professional makeup artist and owner of Fairest of Them All.

For liquid bronzers, start the process by applying a few drops to your fingers. Dab the bronzer onto the apples of your cheeks and blend well with a makeup sponge using a circular motion. Once you're finished, dust your face with translucent powder to set the makeup. "One of the liquid or cream bronzers I like is Stila One Step Bronze," says Glezer.

Bronzers are meant to give you a healthy glow, so choose wisely. A bronzer too matte will lose its depth and a bronzer with too much shimmer will reflect way too much light. A little bit of shimmer goes a long way!
Jennifer Glezer of Fairest of Them All 904-3805 www.jenniferglezer.com

"Tan" for a Week or More
Spray tanning is a UV-free way to achieve a long-lasting tan. We are loving Tropics Tan (Local beauty guru Lorrie Anderschat is the proprietor!) because it gave us a deep, luxurious-feeling honey-dipped glow. The organic sunless tanning solution is all natural and includes fab anti-aging and firming ingredients that made our skin feel silky soft. Because she doesn't use any artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals, it's a great choice for sensitive skin (and our resident self-proclaimed "hippie chic!"). Tip: Make a real effort to exfoliate well the day before your appointment, then moisturize your skin at least once a day after your tan to keep your glow lasting even longer. Tropics Tan 313-4878

Tan Forever
If you're looking for deep, dark tanning at its best, let us introduce you to "tanning nirvana." Hands down, Westside Tan has the most incredible, extensive collection of tanning equipment in the SCV. If you're worried about overexposure via tanning beds, you have to try the Sun Angel. This burn-free bed actually monitors and adjusts to your skin, making it nearly impossible to achieve anything more than a gorgeous glow. The high-pressure Ergoline 1050 was built for the most discerning tanners; the ultra-powerful machine is proof that high-pressure tanning can still be a cool, comfortable, airy experience. Pair your tanning trip with an inch-shaving Fit Body Wrap or go UV-free with a coveted Mystic Tan HD session. No matter what you choose, Westside Tan makes it affordable (as low as .66 cents a day!) - there are no high-prices or locked-down long-term commitments required here. Plus, all representatives are Smart Tan Certified, meaning that you have a partner to help you through the process of achieving your deepest, darkest tan.
Westside Tan 295-0999 www.westsidetan.com