Fake, No Bake

If you just can't get into the Oscar White look quite yet, may we suggest an alternative to harmful UV rays?

The spray tan.

A crew of SPF Love fans gathered at Benefit Cosmetics on Greenwich Avenue last week for a spray tan soiree.  Guests nibbled on BBMs and sipped Skin G.L.O. and tequila, graciously poured by Green & Tonic, while anxiously awaiting their turn for their spring break tan.

The process: We arrived at Benefit sans makeup and our faces were prepped for the color. They advise not to wear white just in case clothes go back on before skin is 100% dry.  I'm told the solution will come out of clothes, though. The girls and I did decolletes (face and chest) which literally took two minutes with an air pump.

The verdict: The purple beet and aloe based solution gives a nice color that is more of a purple hue than other self tanners that tend to be more orange. We loved that you have a choice of shades from light to light/medium to dark. The color fades with each day, lasting approximately 5 days.  You can prolong color by not washing skin for the first 12 hours and gently cleansing for the next week.  Exfoliating will removed the color rapidly.

Advise:  Start slow.  If going in with winter white skin, opt for the light solution, otherwise you might feel it's a little much. Benefit can help choose the color that is right for you.

FREE TAN:  Benefit Greenwich has offered SPF Love readers an amazing deal. First, if not already a fan, "like" SPF Love on facebook. Then, bring in a friend, a newbie to Benefit spray tans, and buy one tan, the second is free!  Just mention SPF Love when booking.  Decollete, $18, half body, $30, full body, $48.

Benefit Cosmetics
315 Greenwich Avenue
203.742.1441
Greenwich@benefitcosmetics.com