We´re close to summer and it´s time to say yay! to tanned skin.

Ditch that pale-as-powder look and embrace golden glowing skin.

But the question is, are you willing to bake under the sun? Think painful sunburn and worse, skin cancer!

Fortunately, sunbathing for hours isn´t the only way to get tanned skin. In fact, if you don´t have the time in the world for natural self-tanning, the solution comes SO handy.

You know what I mean, we´re talking bright bronzers …

How to Get the Perfect Bronzed Skin

Applying skin bronzers and tanners isn´t an easy feat. It needs practice and skill. But girls are always willing to go through a process if only for the name of beauty.

So if you´re one who´d rather opt for the safest option when it comes the tanning and yet haven´t mastered the skill, here´s our tips:

1. Careful, Careful

Bronzers and self-tanners are a tricky business. Sure they can add dimension to your face and banish some pounds but if done wrong, you´ll be left looking like a walking alien. Too oranged or too burned?

Make sure that you´re using the right shade suited for your skin tone. Do your research or ask the experts if you´re uncertain.

Remember, a little too dark shades will make you look muddy while too-light will make you look very oranged under a flourescent lamp.

2. Even Out

Using tanning sprays and gel tints? Make sure to exfoliate well before applying the product. Rough surfaces and bumps all over the body results to uneven color.

Also, avoid applying tanner on areas that aren´t hit by the sun – tanned palms? Too-bronzed heels? You get it …

To be safe, use latex gloves when applying tanner.

3. Proper Placing

For powder and cream bronzers, make sure to use the products in the right places. For example, a bronzer that contains shimmer should be used sparingly on the forehead and nose, otherwise, you´ll look like you can fry a fish on your skin.

A matte brown shade, on the other hand, if overly applied, can make your cheeks look dirty.

Combine matte and shimmer … and experiment.

The Best Bronzers for Your Skin

1. Lancome Paris Flash Bronzer Airbrush Self-tanning

If you don´t have the time to hit the beach (or you live in a place with no beach like we do) to look fabulously sun-kissed, then Lancome Paris Flash Bronzer Airbrush Self-tanning is for you.

Keep your stems from looking flabby in miniskirts, spritz on some of this easy-to-use bronzer to instantly slim down your leg.

Remember to apply this bronzer at night or at least 2 hours before the event for best results.

2. Laura Mercier Bronzing Pressed Powder

You know how to snag J.Lo´s glow-y skin? This Laura Mercier Bronzing Pressed Powder contains two shimmery brown shades. Swipe the darker tone under your cheeks for some depth and brush the lighter shade on the apples of your cheeks for a healthy flush.

3. NARS The Multiple Palm Beach

Are you a traveler? Meet your best friend – NARS The Multiple Palm Beach. To impress the crowd of a big event, follow the instructions on how to apply it. But if you´re on the road, this creamy stick quickly serves you in three ways – as a blush, eyeshadow and lip tint.

Pat it lightly on areas where the sun naturally hist your face to get that golden glow.

4. Fusion Beauty Glow Fusion Face & Body Natural Tan

The liquid in this bottle is deceptively crystal-clear but the special formula after tested technology – pure sugarcane-derived formulas, work with your skin´s natural keratin proteins which creates your perfect, customized shade of glow.

The liquid dries immediately so this tanner requires skill of how to apply it evenly quickly before it dries. If done right, Fusion Beauty Glow Fusion Face & Body Natural makes your tan more natural than a predetermined tint.

5. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze One-Day Tinted Gel

The best way to give your skin that sun-kissed glow is to create a creamy, coffee-colored complexion with L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze One-Day Tinted Gel. It has a quick drying formula with natural caramel colorants.

The best thing about this tanner is that it washes away with soap and water. Apply evenly on clean skin and allow to dry before dressing tp avoid stains on cloth.

What skin bronzers or self tanning products do you use? How do you find the process? Share your secret in making the pefect tan as a comment below.