In 1922, Coco Chanel started a new rage on the beaches of Cannes when she was the first woman to display a suntan. All over the western world, women who had been preserving their white skin now worked equally hard to make themselves golden brown.

Chanel’s suntan trend is still in vogue. However, today we understand the danger of getting too much sun. We know about the effects of sun damage to the skin. I have never gone to a tanning bed. I rarely lay-out in the sun. If I am on vacation or at an outdoor event, I make sure to keep applying sunscreen. I also use a foundation that has a SPF, even in the winter months.

Although some may argue I look pale, staying out of the sun has prevented wrinkles and sun damage. It has also allowed my skin to look youthful.

If I do want a sun-kissed glow, I opt for a self tanner. I prefer Clarins Gelée Auto-Bronzante Self Tanning Instant Gel. It works well on the body; especially the legs. The self tanning instant gel seems to work best when applied after you exfoliate. Apply the tanner in an upward motion. I don’t apply self tanner on my face as I use a bronzer powder. The Clarins self tanning instant gel will give you golden tan without the dangerous sun exposure.

Clarins Gelée Auto-Bronzante Self Tanning Instant Gel -A terrific option to suntanning