While I do love to mock sun-worshippers with my “Pale Is the New Tan” tank, I am aware that many fashionistas are gaga for the celebrity glow.

According to Hollywood Tans‘ Senior Tanologist Sue Lutter, regardless of what you wear, it’s important to remember style begins with your skin, after all — it’s the one accessory that’s sure not to go out of fashion.

“The key to making your favorite outfits stand out is displaying them on a glowing canvas,” says Lutter.

For a fresh look, Lutter suggests:

A Natural Foundation

Giving your skin-tone a healthy bronze boost can make all the difference in achieving fresh summer style.

High Gloss Finish

Top off your look with sheer or tinted lip gloss to get that polished summer look you’ve dreamed about all winter long. For the perfect pout, keep lips hydrated by applying lip gloss over a lip balm with sunscreen.

Image: Sxc.hu

Mystic Tan is the go-to tan, not just in Hollywood, but in the movies! In fact, both Bride Wars and Mall Cop tapped into the leading spray tan provider, with hilarious results.

In Mall Cop, Kevin James gets a thorough tanning on top of his uniform and in Bride Wars?

Let’s just say that Anne Hathaway takes tanning a little too far.

Mystic Tan creator, Ricky Croft, is happy to go over the top on the big screen, but when it comes to real life (as opposed to reel life), he has all the info you’ll need to ensure a worry-free glow that will get you compliments. That way, brides … and mall cops! … can rest assured that the only thing that’s orange will be a honeymoon Mai Tai.

Perfect Glow Tips from Ricky Croft, Mystic Tan’s Creator:

* Be sure to apply a petroleum based product to cuticles and nail beds to avoid discoloration and a ruined manicure.
* Shave the night before. Exfoliate in the shower prior to use—but don’t apply lotion: skin must be clean!
* Use sparingly around rough and dry areas such as knees, elbows and ankles as these areas tend to darken more quickly and will be particularly unsightly against a white wedding gown!
* BUILD a tan in the weeks prior to a big event. Assess color after a few applications and once desired hue is achieved, maintain tone for the days leading up to the big day with follow-up sprays! This method lends itself to a less drastic, more even glow.

Image: Mystic Tan

It’s not what you think.

However, my job (woe is me!) is taking me to both southern California and South Beach during the month of January - and despite my exclamations otherwise, pale is NOT the new tan. I must be prepared.

Or at least be able to fake it well.

Whether you are looking for a healthy “Hawaiian” glow all year long or just searching for an ideal solution for fast getaway, Booty Butter Tanning Lotion by Bikini Kitchen is an option you may want to consider.

Booty Butter Tanning Lotion is a browning lotion (no innovation there!), but it contains 100% all-natural ingredients from the islands of Hawaii which combine to accelerate the tanning process while keeping the skin moisturized. The lotion glides on golden brown and goes to work. It also works fast - use it right, and we’re talking a noticeable difference in your tan in about an hour.

Ingredients include:

· Kona coffee extract accelerates the tanning process and gives the butter its mocha fragrance. The extract comes from the Kona coffee plant which is renowned for its ability to mend broken skin, soothe irritation and revitalize cells.

· Kukui Nut Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, and Aloe Vera moisturize the skin.

· Antioxidant Vitamins A, E & C. Vitamin A helps to form new blood vessels which give the skin an attractive rosy glow. Vitamin C fends against damage caused by the sun. Vitamin E protects the epidermis from early stages of ultraviolet light damage and reduces the severity of sunburn.

· Bug-repellent quality keeps insects away. (Bug-phobes like me relish this.)

Please not: This is for tanning purposes only, and does not include UVA or UVB protection. You should probably, if you do use this, use it in conjunction with an SPF. (Nothing sexy about a burn.)