go for the bronze

I've been using my Clinique sunscreen religiously for a month now and I couldn't be happier. Clinique Sun New SPF 50 Face Cream ($17.50) and Spf 50 Body Cream ($20) with SolarSmart UVA/UVB advanced protection have won the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, thanks to their non-greasy formulas that are oil-free, water- and sweat-resistant, non-clogging and great for those with sensitive skin. I've even been carrying the New SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick ($17.50) in my bag for areas I tend to forget like lips and under eyes. But now that the summer is coming to a close, I can't wait to switch to Clinique's Self Sun Face Tinted Lotion ($20) and Body Tinted Lotion ($20). The face lotion acts like a bronzer and makes you look tan as soon as you smooth it on, but will turn into a natural-looking self-tan in two to three hours. Watch your tan appear before your very eyes! The body lotion (I tried light/medium) works the same way--and the fact that you can see the color where you apply it helps you avoid an unnatural, streaky or splotchy look you can get from other self-tanners. Next on my list to try: The Body Airbrush Spray ($20), which offers natural-looking color similar to a professional airbrush tan. It dries in three to five minutes and color starts to emerge in under an hour. With skin color this warm and natural, I'm sure I'll barely notice the change of season... Go to www.clinique.com and choose the formula that's right for you. And don't forget your sunscreen; Self Sun doesn't have SPF which you'll still need this fall.

in living color

Tired of being Ador-a-ball? Weary of looking Wicked? I know I am. That's why I'm so excited to try Sally Hansen HD Hi-Definition Nail Color, a unique, patented formula with real liquid crystals, that translates the clarity of High Definition into an unprecedented nail lacquer. HD Nail Color offers spectacular shades with pure, vivid pigments that provide multi-dimensional color and extraordinary brilliance (think Cyber, a futuristic purple, Pixel Pretty, a deep Caribbean bluish-green hue, and Hi-Res, a burst of berries, to name a few). Nothing compares to this color breakthrough when it comes to long-lasting, vibrant, high-definition color and deep, intense shine. The best part: HD also protects nails and helps prevent chipping, breaking and cracking. In celebration of this exciting launch, Sally Hansen is hosting a sweepstakes on their website from July 8, 2009-September 15, 2009. Win amazing prizes like a 32" HD TV, one of three iPod Nanos or one of ten Sally Hansen gift bags. Just go to www.sallyhansen.com and click on HD Nail Color Sweepstakes to enter.

help for humidity

No matter what I do, some days I can't seem to get rid of this halo around my head. No, I'm no angel--it's just that this humidity is really getting to me--and my hair. I've tried smoothing products but I need something more. So I decided to try Ecru Sunlight Styling Spray ($22.95), designed for brilliant shine and brushable hold. The company's first-ever aerosol spray is loaded with proteins and vitamins to keep hair healthy while providing flexible hold. And it comes in a quick-dry formula so your hair doesn't feel wet or sticky after you spray it on. But the best news yet is that Sunlight Styling Spray is formulated to be used in the most extreme humid climates, leaving hair with incredible shine while protecting it from the sun and the environment. Granted, I'm still not moving to Florida but at least I've found something to keep my hair in check on sticky New York summer days. Also try Ecru Sunlight Finishing Spray Max for maximum hold, Silk Nourishing Spray, a weightless leave-in conditioner, and Volumizing Silk Mist for added volume and conditioning. Go to www.ecrunewyork.com to purchase any of these products.

miracle oil

Talk about the all-encompassing beauty product: Whether you want to minimize scars and stretch marks, add moisture, even skin tone, or even make your skin look a few years younger, Bio-Oil ($11.99 for 2 ounces, $19.99 for 4.2 ounces) is the answer. The advanced formula is a rapidly absorbing dry oil that targets all of the above without leaving skin feeling greasy. Just smooth some on your skin for a healthy dose of some of my favorite ingredients: vitamins A and E, calendula, lavender, rosemary oil and chamomile extract through PurCellin Oil. How it works: This unique oil creates a thin, non-greasy, protective layer on your skin to prevent dryness and guard against moisture loss while allowing skin to absorb all the vitamins and natural herbal ingredients and allowing skin to breathe. On a serious note, I have friends with stretch marks who have tried everything and swear by Bio-Oil to reduce the appearance of their unsightly lines. If you just want to glisten, add a few drops of Bio-Oil to your favorite body bronzer and smooth it over your skin. You'll get a sexy, summer shimmer. Pick up a bottle of Bio-Oil at Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS and other leading drugstores.

butter up!

Keep your gorgeous glow and your carefree mood even after summer days fade away--with LaLicious Body Butter ($24 for 8 ounces). It's a non-greasy, paraben-free body butter that nourishes and softens with Vitamin E, Almond Oil and a hint of aloe vera. It comes in yummy, fruitilicious scents like Island Guava, Coconut Cream, Tahitian Flower and Lily Mango. I tried the sweet-smelling Lily Mango after a shower and was instantly transported to my favorite Caribbean island for a few blissful minutes. The whipped texture left my skin feeling silky smooth, ultimately hydrated and luxuriously soft. Go to www.lalicious.com to see the entire product line.

beauty score

This past weekend, Serena Williams took the Wimbledon Women's Tennis title in London and announced the launch of her new luxe beauty line with MISSION skincare. On July 23rd and 24th, she'll appear on HSN to give you a preview of her Mission Skincare Active Beauty Line: featuring Serena Williams. The products offer proven solutions for the active lifestyle of today's woman. The Oxygen-Active Daily Facial Cleanser ($39.99), with a unique self-foaming, oxygenating technology, cleans skin, removes makeup, nourishes and renews in only 90 seconds. Also try the gently exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub in Honey Sugar ($29.99), the Restorative Body Butter in Honey Sugar ($24.99) designed to protect and hydrate skin, the Lip Balmer SPF 15 in Pomegranate ($3.99) with broad spectrum sun protection, moisturizing cocoa butter and soybean oil to nourish and hydrate, and the Lip Balmer SPF 15 in Pink Lemonade ($3.99) designed to moisturize lips for up to eight hours. Check out the products on www.missionskincare.com or win a chance to meet Serena herself! From July 8th to July 21st, the tennis star turned beauty guru is hosting a contest to see what you can do in 90 seconds. Enter at SerenaMISSION.com for the chance to meet her and win two VIP tickers to one of her upcoming tournaments among other prizes.

to be tan and taut

There is a God--and he oversaw the creation of celluFIGHT ($40), a natural, anti-cellulite self-tanner with proven results. I mean, what more could you want from a summer beauty product? You get a golden glow and tighter/smoother looking skin. Just smooth it all over your body like a daily body lotion, using circular motions in problem areas (like waist, hips, thighs and buttocks), and you should see results in eight weeks time. (Try it now and you'll see results just in time for Labor Day!) I've only been using it for one week and I can already see some dimpled spots beginning to look, well, less dimpled. The product's skinTIGHT complex firms and tones skin while improving elasticity, plant and bio-nutrient extracts boost cellular metabolism shedding excess fat tissue, and caffeine from green tea extract stimulates blood flow creating a smoother effect. I made sure to wash my hands well after applying and wait 5-10 minutes before getting dressed to make sure the lotion is dry. I can't wait to see what the next seven weeks bring! For more great summer beauty from tarte, try multiplEYE ($65), a natural lash enhancer with HydroPeptide designed to give the appearance of longer, thicker lashes; and eyeQUATIC ($35) featuring three mermaid-inspired lock & roll creaseless cream and powder shadow duos, a deluxe lights, camera, splashes! waterproof mascara and a colorful, chic headscarf. Available at tarte.com, sephora.com, beauty.com, Henri Bendel and boutiques nationwide.