I feel like I have been holed up in the house for the last week or so. I did make it into the pool once or twice, but honestly it has been either too hot or too gloomy and cool. So I thought I would kick up Summer a bit and get back into my faux-tan routine, which has gone to pot the last few weeks.

I have been meaning to write about my favorite self-tanners, and I promise I will get to it and spill the good, the bad, and the ugly. Quickly though, I can tell you that there is one type of self-tanner that I use on my arms and hands, and that is an airbrush self-tanner. You know, the ones that spray - an aerosol spray - out of a can. Using an airbrush tanner makes my arms and hands look the most natural to me. The spray can be controlled to only get your arms faux-tanned where the sun would tan them, and I never have to worry about stained palms. While I have not had much luck using an airbrush tan anywhere else on my body, I always - always - have a can, or two, on hand.

So, when I was asked by Total Beauty to review a new airbrush self-tanner, I was more than excited. This is the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist. 

The Self-Tanning Mist itself, is great, and it covers pretty easily. I am used to applying aerosol spray tanners, so having no color guide is easy for me to use. And I actually prefer this type as there is no messy over-spray stain to clean up after. The mist sprays out lightly, but just enough to cover evenly without leaving droplet marks or anything. So, it is basically, spray and go. Well, spray, wait ten minutes or so, then go. The mist does take a few minutes to dry, but I like to wait at least ten minutes before dressing, so as to not mess up the application or my clothing.

The tell-tale self-tanner smell is pretty apparent right upon applying the Sublime Bronze, but it dissipates fairly quickly. By the time the mist dry, the DHA smell is basically gone, and I am left with just a nice, light scent. In about three or four hours, I noticed some newly bronzed hands, and I was pleasantly surprised when I looked at my arms. They looked nice and golden on me and natural. Really natural. Not orange or streaky - pretty perfect with just one application. Medium Natural Tan it is for me. I did use this two days in a row and it has been a few days and my glow is still on. I will probably re-apply tomorrow and keep it up by using this just once or twice a week.

A few tips when using an airbrush self-tanner: Make sure your parts are exfoliated, not freshly shaven and well moisturized. As I mostly apply my self-tanners at night, my normal morning moisturization is enough, except for on my hands. I apply a hand cream right before I use a self-tanning mist as to make sure the mist and color does not settle too much into the cracks and crevices on my knuckles and fingers. If you are self-tanning any other parts of your body first, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly to get off anything that might leave your palms stained, then move onto spraying your arms and hands.

Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist can be found at drugstores and mass merchandiser's nationwide for around $10. 

"spa on a budget with some suggestions on spa of america"