Fake a tan while protecting yourself from a real one

Just because I want to avoid the sun, doesn't mean I want to spend my summer looking like a ghost. I know I'm not alone, which is why self-tanners have become so popular. And now, I've found the perfect beauty product that gives me a gorgeous fake bake, while protecting my skin from the rays. The new SPF 20 Gradual Self Tanning Sunscreen Mousse from Supergoop leaves an ever-so-slight kiss of golden color while saving your skin from sun damage. Pretty genius.

I used this self tanner/sunscreen for one week straight and was thrilled to step out looking like I had just returned from vacation in St. Tropez. The irony? My skin was probably paler than normal because I'd been dousing it from head to toe to make sure I didn't miss a spot. So I can vouch for the efficacy of the SPF.

My biggest complaint with self-tanners is the nasty smell factor. This one does skip the stench, and instead is lightly scented with a nondescript green tea and cucumber fragrance. However I'm not a huge fan of chemical sunscreens; I prefer minerals that do not get absorbed into the skin. Supergoop uses chemicals in the formula, but I'm glad it's free of parabens and the more questionable oxybenzone chemical.  

If it were up to me, I'd spend my entire summer under a tree or an umbrella. But with two little boys to chase around at the beach and splash around with in the pool, what a very clever alternative. -Melissa

SPF 20 Gradual Self Tanning Sunscreen Mousse is $38 at Supergoop.com.