STYLE : Bottle Bronze

Years ago, if you wanted a tan without lying out in the sun, you rubbed a self-tanning lotion all over your face and body. Unfortunately, a few hours later, you looked like a pumpkin and smelled like a chemical plant.

Self-tanning lotions have come a long way since then--good news for anyone interested in maintaining a winter tan. Now such lotions produce a natural bronze color with only a faint chemical aroma. Some, like Chanel’s Bronzage Automatique, possess a pleasing botanical scent. Lancome has face (Effet du Soleil) and body formulas; Estee Lauder’s Self-Action Tanning Creme comes in light, medium and dark shades; and Prescriptives’ Sun-Free Tanner is for sensitive skin.

The tan is achieved through the ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), whose molecules interact with the protein in the upper layer of the skin. The altered, slightly darker skin protein tans a person from two to six hours later.

For optimum results with self-tanning product, beauty experts recommend the following:

Begin with an exfoliating cream to remove dead skin and residue.

After bathing, apply the self-tanning lotion evenly to avoid splotches and streaks. Don’t forget to dab some on the neck. And go lightly on thick-skinned areas such as elbows and knees, which tend to absorb more lotion and become unnaturally dark.

Never apply the lotion in the sun. Perspiring could cause it to streak.

To avoid staining clothing and hosiery, wait 15 to 25 minutes before dressing.

Finally, wash hands thoroughly so palms don’t darken.