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The bronzer one chooses — be it a temporary spray or a streak-free cream — is the Rorschach of beauty tests, revealing your true nature along with believable, skin-safe color.
Written By JESS BASSER SANDERS
Bronzers for every personality type | #VioletGrey, The Industry's Beauty Edit

— PHOTOGRAPHED IN THE STUDIO WITH VIOLET GREY

Historically, self-tanning was a perfectionist’s game, one that was mastered only by those who had the patience and skill to avoid the pitfalls of tinted palms and muddy elbows. Cut to 2015 and a host of products that make it next to impossible to get it wrong, and faux bronzing is now anyone’s game — suitable for any personality type. 
Perhaps you’re a commitment-phobe through and through? Consider a wash-off temporary tan from a can. Need to be bronzed five minutes ago? Quick-dry formulas are tailor-made for impulse disorders and chronic procrastinators.

Below, the bronzing essentials of the summer, selected by VIOLET GREY and recommended with your character quirks in mind.

BRONZING
BY PERSONALITY

African Botanics - Marula Detoxifying Salt and Sugar Scrub
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FOR THE DEDICATED TANNER
The perpetually tawny among us know that the secret to making self-tanner last is all in the preparation. The raw cane sugar and Himalayan crystal salt formula scrubs away dead and rough skin to ensure a smoother application and longer-lasting color. A blend of antioxidant-rich oils replenishes and hydrates, ensuring the perfect canvas for a radiant, believable bronze.
African Botanics
Marula Detoxifying Salt and Sugar Scrub
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St. Tropez - St. Tropez Application Mitt for Face
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FOR THE DETAIL-OBSESSED
Some might call it obsessive, but VIOLET prefers meticulous. Specially designed applicator mitts, in a larger size for the body and a miniature version for the face, help you avoid potential slips, like tell-tale streaks. Soft and washable, they ensure self-tanner goes on evenly and fingers go unstained, and all is right in the world.
St. Tropez
St. Tropez Application Mitt for Face
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James Read - James Read Wash Off Tan
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FOR THE COMMITMENT-PHOBE
Be bronzed for a night without the commitment of a traditional self-tanner. This creamy tinted formula delivers instant color that dries quickly, doesn’t transfer onto clothes and rinses down the shower drain.
James Read
James Read Wash Off Tan
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La Mer - Face and Body Gradual Tan
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FOR THE EXCEPTIONALLY PATIENT
La Mer’s Face and Body Gradual Tan gives a daily buildable glow that’s subtle and easily reversed. Infused with the brand’s signature healing Miracle Broth, it’s also a safe investment in the future of your skin. Apply daily on clean skin until your desired tan is achieved.
La Mer
Face and Body Gradual Tan
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St. Tropez - St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
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FOR PROCRASTINATORS AND IMPULSIVES
This lightweight mousse is a lifesaver for those who need a quick fix, but need more than a one-night tan. Easy to apply, it dries in 60 seconds and develops into a rich, bronzed, long-lasting tan after four to eight hours.
St. Tropez
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
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James Read - James Read Sleep Mask Tan Face
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FOR THE MULTITASKER
This overnight solution is as “sunless” as it gets, since it’s designed to work in the dark. The formula combines hydrating skin care (aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to soothe and plump) with self-tanning agents, which combine to create glowing skin while you sleep.
James Read
James Read Sleep Mask Tan Face
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Tom Ford Beauty - Tom Ford Summer 2015 Limited Edition Bronzing Powder Gold Dust
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FOR THE PERPETUALLY PERFECT
When just a touch of bronze is needed, Tom Ford’s lightweight powder imparts a radiance like no other, thanks to a blend of sunstone, amber and black tourmaline crystals. Available for a limited time, the petite ivory-and-gold compact is clutch-size for convenient touch-ups.
Tom Ford Beauty
Tom Ford Summer 2015 Limited Edition Bronzing Powder
Gold Dust
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James Read - James Read Instant Bronzing Mist
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FOR THOSE WHO DESIRE INSTANT GRATIFICATION
James Read’s bronzing mist offers both an instant glow and a long-lasting tan. The spray-on formula is infused with aloe vera to give an immediate bronze that develops into a deeper tan throughout the day and lasts beyond it.
James Read
James Read Instant Bronzing Mist
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IN POLITE
SOCIETY

“ ”
In polite society, faux tans are like FACE LIFTS; the good ones are undetectable.
— VIOLET GREY
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PACKING BEAUTY
ESSENTIALS

VIOLET GREY simplifies your summer plans with this comprehensive guide to the best beauty essentials to tote along for any vacation situation.