organic sunless tanners and bronzers give you that sun-kissed look

If you’re like me, you’re into safe sunning — which means no tanning (with help from wonderful organic and natural sunscreens). But that doesn't mean you have to lose the look of sun-drenched skin. I mean, sustainable is one thing, pasty is another, right? Right.

So I went in search of organic and natural sunless tanners that worked. And I found a few that did the trick. Then added a few organic bronzers to my arsenal. Oh, speaking of tricks, look below for a few that go beyond your basic bronzers.

But first, what’s wrong with traditional tanners? Well, who wants to put things like DHA, the active ingredient in most traditional self-tanners, on your precious skin? For one thing, it smells terrible, especially when it combines with many people’s natural skin chemistry. There’s no sense in looking good if you smell bad.

And although most companies will tell you DHA is safe, a German study found that skin treated with DHA produced 180 percent more free radicals when exposed to UV light than untreated skin did. Free radicals cause damage to vital skin components like collagen and elastin, and the result is skin-aging inflammation. Uh, did you say “skin-aging?” We don’t need that.

organic self-tanners that really work

Lavera Sunless Tanning - Self Tanner Lotion. The first thing you’ll notice is, Lavera smells wonderful. No DHA. No chemical odors. Just yummy coconut to remind you of a day at the beach. The best part is, it works great. Smoothes on like a luscious body lotion and gives you a flawless tan in a few hours. No orange hue for you.

Lavera also offers FACES Summer Glow Streak-Free Facial Self Tanner. It contains a slightly lower dose of the soy extracts used in Sunless Self-Tanning Body Lotion, letting you build up color gradually with as many applications as you like to get the tan you want.

Besides the soy extracts, Summer Glow drenches your face with extracts of organic calendula, peach, kiwi, apricot and papaya to nourish your skin. Vitamins E and C offer anti-oxidant protection against environmental damage.

Sante Naturkosmetik Sun Care Self Tanning Lotion. This light, moisturizing cream with gentle self-tanning action promotes a summer-like complexion the whole year. With daily use, it develops a soft, even tan in 4-5 days. Natural organic moisturizers, argan and jojoba oils as well as shea butter provide the skin with all the essentials to impart an illuminated, healthy skin tone. Plus it’s vegan—you can’t get greener than that. Make sure to combine it with your favorite organic or natural sunscreen because it doesn’t contain skin protection.

organic and natural bronzers for sun in a hurry

Don’t want to wait for your organic sunless tanner to work? Do want a quick, sunny pick-me-up? Try a bronzer for that fresh-faced glow. Just apply where the sun would hit by sweeping it along your hairline, onto your cheeks and over your jawline. Then dap a small amount on your brow bones and down your nose. Et voila! You’re soleil-soaked.

Physicians Formula Organic wear® 100% Natural Origin Bronzer. These little bronzers are packed Italian powders that you can blend to get a natural tan glow. The different tones just beg you to play with them. Try different combinations until you get the tan you want. They’re 100% natural origin bronzers, formulated with 15% certified organic ingredients, including jojoba seed oil and corn starch to moisturize the skin and even out the texture.

Beauty Wise Bronzing Powders add sun-bronzed color to your cheeks with pure minerals. Just a touch is all you need to wake up a tired or pale complexion. They can also double as face powders and highlighters. You’ll love the soft, warm glow you get with just a gentle brush of the bronzer on cheeks, cheekbones, and anywhere else you want to add warm tones. The best part—these babies are totally vegan. They’re even gluten-free.

Last but not least, here are a few tricks to fake a tan the fast way.

• Give peach a chance. Try Revolution Organics Beauty Balm in Sunkissed, an eco-friendly peachy-toned stick that gives lips, cheeks and eyes a natural glow.

• Colors of the sun: To fake a bake, go with a blush/bronzer/eye shadow combo that has three tones: a light tan, rosy pink, and warm brown. Swirl them together and apply to forehead, across cheeks and nose and onto jawline. Next, apply the lightest shade to your lids, up to the brow bone. Use the rosy shade on the lids and blend the darkest shade on the crease. This creates a natural, just-tan look. Try the Organic Glam Nude Eyeshadow Palette with Organic Glam Blush in Peach or Pink.

• Sun-kissed smackers. Get the look of sunned lips with a bright pink-toned gloss, such as Organic Girls Vegan Lip Glosses in Strawberry or Bubble Gum.

So there you have it. A lot of great ways to get sun-fresh looks without getting sun damage. And without damaging the environment. Summer, here we come!