Are you sad about the end of summer?!! Let's keep it going with a (faux) tan! As much as I love the look of a ‘healthy tan’, I'm relieved that getting a pretty glow no longer requires long hours in the sun, destroying your skin. Aren't you? I mean, self-tanning lotions have come a long way, and these days you can pretty much be as tan (or pale) as you’d like without repercussions. Here’s the thing, though: self-tanner can be tricky, too. Be sure to prep the skin the right way to avoid muddy-looking, patchy skin. We caught up with spray-tan guru and celebrity hair and makeup artist Michelle Q when she visited our Manhattan skin care salon this summer to ask her advice. She said:

“I first had my client use the Mario Badescu Raspberry Body Scrub to exfoliate all over her body and get the dead skin off before we spray tan. Love the Raspberry and Papaya aroma to this product. Secondly never forget about that precious face of yours. Using the NEW Botanical Exfoliating Scrub on the face down to chest to exfoliate dead skin as well, for a smooth and even finish from head to toe. With healing botanicals, Aloe and Green Tea your skin will glow even more after your sunless tanning application.” Don’t forget this important self-tan tip, either—it’s completely genius.

For more advice and behind the scenes with Michelle Q visit her at www.michelleqbeauty.com or Instagram @michelleqbeauty!