By now, we should all know that the best way to enjoy the sun’s rays is slathered in high SPF counts, wearing a wide-brimmed hat. (Add an umbrella if you’re at the beach.) But for those of us who can’t imagine exposing our limbs without a bronze glow, there are some natural-looking ways to fake it without those embarrassing streaky, orange-hued results. Having a professional spray tan or a luxurious exfoliating scrub and application of self-tanner at a spa is an indulgent way to prep for shorts and bikini season.
Here are some great places on our Gold Coast to go for the faux:
Expert tip: If you’re skittish about the results; ask for a patch test to rule out allergies and determine if the color meets your bronze standard.
Darien
Lanphier Day Spa
Feel like you’re basking in the tropics –without dipping one toe in the sun’s harmful rays– by indulging in a ginger-lime infused salt scrub to prep for an expert application of self-tanner. (A second application is strongly recommended in a few days to maximize results.) Or: Let the spa’s pros prep you for the beach with a professional spray tan glow.
Greenwich
Allura Salon & Day Spa
Airbrush tanning at this West Putnam Avenue spa features applications of a gentle tanning formula that is FDA approved and will provide a temporary, natural-looking glow that can last about a week.
Warren Tricomi
We’ve only heard raves about the excellent, natural-looking results that can be achieved from this luxury salon’s top-of-the-line spray-tanning system.
Zen Bronze
A friends stunning glow had us asking which tropical island she had jetted in from. Instead, she confessed she’s been booking appointments with the team at Zen Bronze, which specializes in natural-looking spray tans using organic-based products. If you get together a group of friends; owner Donna Buscemi and her team will bring the bronzing party to you with their traveling pop-up tanning tent.
New Canaan
Aetheria Relaxation Spa
The three-step bronzing treatment at this Best of the Gold coast favorite includes a thorough exfoliation and all-over moisturizing treatment followed by an even application of Saint Tropez self-tanning products.
Stamford
Noelle Spa for Beauty & Wellness
Concerns about the harmful effects of the sun prompted this Best of the Gold Coast favorite to offer this healthier alternative; a two-visit service using top-shelf Decleor products: Skin is prepped with an exfoliating scrub and then bronzed with a self-tanner that has consistently produced natural results. Return the next day for a second application to extend the glow.
Wilton
DermageSpa
The scrub and bronze treatment here begins with an all-over body scrub to ensure even color. Next, a streak-free Auto Bronze product is worked into the skin for a smooth, natural-looking glow.
Westport
Born of Earth
This spas two-step treatment combines head-to-toe exfoliation with its sugar glow scrub; followed by a hand application of self-tanner.
Dream Spa
Any chance to visit this Best of the Gold coast favorite is a like a beach day for us, but you can really experience that tropical feel with its Life’s a Beach treatment: You’ll leave scrubbed, exfoliated, bronzed and pampered to perfection.
Elixir Spa
Saint Tropez tanning products are expertly applied at this Main Street spa to get you glowing in preparation for a spring break or simply showing some skin.