Beauty Boy: The perfect bronzer for the perfect tan

As summer is finally here, it's time to lose the pasty, pale skin and bring back that beautiful glow. We all know that tanning beds and too much exposure to the sun can come along with some pretty major health risks, but there are many other ways to achieve that summer tan without the health concerns.

One of the simplest ways to achieve a healthy glow on your face is to apply a powder or liquid bronzer.

Benefit's Dew the Hoola is the perfect liquid bronzer that is suitable for all skin tones and can be worn on top of your makeup or just be worn alone. It's completely matte and lightweight so it works well with all skin types.

If you prefer powder bronzers, now is the perfect time to try out a new one. Most makeup collections that are out now feature a limited edition bronzer that is usually a jumbo size so it can even be used on your body as well.

Lise Watier, Clarins and Marcelle all have some gorgeous bronzers out right now that are definite musthaves.

For the rest of your body, there are always self-tanners to help bring your skin's glow back. Some people can be reluctant to try these because of the fear of looking streaky or like an “Oompa Loompa”, but technology has come a long way and these fears can be laid to rest. Most self-tanners give a natural and gradual colour so you don't have to worry about looking orange.

If you follow some of these key steps you will achieve that perfect, streak free tan without any issues.

It is important to know that self-tanners will adhere and go much darker on dry skin so it is best to exfoliate the body well the day before you apply it. Focus a lot on your knees, elbows and ankles, as these tend to be the driest.

If you find you have extremely dry skin, you can always put a light layer of moisturizer on those dry areas before you apply the tanner.

Once your skin has been prepped, you can start to apply the product with either your hands (make sure to wash thoroughly) or with mitts. If you're still not sure which one to try, St. Tropez makes an excellent one.

When you are applying the product, if you can, avoid doing the top of your hands and feet as these areas tend to go orange no matter what.

Once the self-tanner is applied, give yourself at least 30 minutes before you put on any tight clothing as this will help prevent streaking. In a few hours you will have the most beautiful tan you've ever seen.

If you want your tan to go even darker, follow the same steps and reapply in the next day or two.

With summer just around the corner, try out some of the new products on the market to help bring back that radiant glow. Avoid the tanning beds and stick to bronzers and self-tanners, your skin will thank you in the long run!