Get glowing, without sun
Tanning is frowned upon more and more these days, and with good reason. The American Cancer Society estimated that nearly 60,000 cases of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, would be diagnosed last year. That number should be enough to get all of us slathering on sunblock or, in some cases, off the beach entirely. Still, despite the statistics, the quest for a bronze bod continues. The good news is that a nice fake glow can be had via self-tanning lotions. If it's your first time trying a tanner, it's not a bad idea to have it professionally applied - either sprayed on or done by hand. The "tan" will look more natural, and you'll be less tempted to ditch the fake stuff for a damaging day in the sun or - yuck - a tanning bed. So, where can you go for a great fake tan? Here are a few options.
La Residencia Spa
336 Elliot St., Newton. 617-244-2280. laresidenciaspa.com
The Body Bronze: $150, 90 minutes
Procedure: First, Guinot's exfoliating blend of fruit and salicylic acid is massaged over the entire body. Then, a relaxing hot-towel wrap aids absorption and softening. After toweling off, Guinot's Body Bronze lotion is hand-applied and left to set.
Lasts: 10-14 days
Best part: The price includes a bottle of bronzing lotion to take home, which is enough for 2-3 more full-body applications. And anything hand-applied sounds good to us.
Worst part: Waiting patiently for the lotion to dry so you don't "tan" your new 7 for All Mankind miniskirt.
Maintenance: Re-apply lotion every week or two.
Pyara Spa & Salon
104 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge. 617-497-9300. pyaraaveda.com
Sun Sourcing Body Treatment: $85, 50 minutes
Procedure: Exfoliation with Aveda's blend of Dead Sea salts and meadowfoam seed oil preps the skin for Aveda's Sun Source, a largely natural product, with no dyes or synthetic coloring agents, which is applied by hand.
Lasts: 7 days
Best part: The exfoliation uses all-natural Aqua Polish, which leaves the skin satin smooth.
Worst part: If re-applying at home, proper exfoliation is an absolute must to achieve an even color.
Maintenance: Pyara recommends a follow-up treatment a week later ($65).
The Sports Club/LA Splash Spa
4 Avery St., Boston. 617-375-8200. thesportsclubla.com
Sunless Tanning: With exfoliation: $130, 50 minutes. Without: $65, 25 minutes.
Procedure: Following exfoliation with Epicurean Fine Citrus Scrub, moisturizer is applied as a base. St. Tropez self-tan lotion is sprayed onto skin and also hand-applied to ensure even coverage.
Lasts: 5-7 days
Best part: The product dries instantly. If you exfoliate at home before coming in, you can save serious dough.
Worst part: To prolong the life of the tan, you can't shower for up to four hours after tanning.
Maintenance: Either at home or the spa, St. Tropez self-tan lotion (mousse $36, spray $35) should be reapplied weekly.
Glow Skin Care Salon
351A Washington St., Braintree. 781-380-3533. glowskincaresalon.com
A Summer's Tan: $40, 20 minutes
Procedure: Mist-on tan is hand-sprayed and color matched to skin for a natural look. Unlike many spray-on tan products, Glow's is made from natural ingredients and contains no alcohol or preservatives. After the tanning spray is applied, the esthetician blow-dries skin with warm air. The color is instant, but also darkens overnight.
Lasts: 5 days
Best part: Airbrushing evens out skin imperfections.
Worst part: Can feel slightly sticky immediately following application, so loose, dark clothes are recommended. Shouldn't shower for eight hours after spray treatment.
Maintenance: A weekly follow-up is recommended.
G2O Day Spa & Salon
338 Newbury St., Boston. 617-262-2220. g2ospasalon.com
Suddenly Tan: $110, 50 minutes; Sun Glory: $110, 50 minutes
Procedure: G2O offers both airbrushed Suddenly Tan and hand-applied Sun Glory. Both treatments are preceded by the spa's half-hour Body Polish treatment, which includes exfoliation and moisturizing.
Lasts: Both last 7-10 days.
Best part: The Body Polish adds a circulation-boosting massage.
Worst part: Avoiding swimming pools and hot tubs. The chlorine in the water will fade the tan.
Maintenance: Wait until the next day to shower, swim, or exercise. Both treatments are best done in a series.
The Beach Plum Spa at the John Carver Inn
25 Summer St., Plymouth. 508-746-7100. beachplumspa.com
Full Body Bronzer: $125, 50 minutes
Procedure: The spa (and its sister spas on the Cape) uses marine-based Phytomer, a French natural products line. First, skin is exfoliated and then moisturizer is applied. The bronzing gel is hand-applied for an even color.
Lasts: 7-10 days
Best part: An instant glow from the moisturizing and a warm, natural color.
Worst part: On very rare occasions, the color won't take.
Maintenance: You can purchase the Phytomer bronzing gel ($44.50) to extend the tan for 2-3 weeks.
