A Little Tan Will Do Ya

Just because it's no longer summer doesn't mean you have to succumb to pasty skin. Keep some color with these sunless cheats

It's a shame to see that spectacular tan fade after Labor Day, but the Jersey shore look just isn't stylish come September. Still, don't let pale, pasty skin claim you just yet. Instead, go for a soft glow that will transition effortlessly into fall's cooler temps. We checked in with expert makeup artist Susmta Patel, founder of Studio Sush, on the best ways to gracefully tone down your complexion.

Transition Your Tan
The best way to seamlessly take your gorgeous glow from summer to fall is to keep your skin hydrated at all times. To help maintain your softened shade, use a moisturizer with a little built-in color, like Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer or L'Oreal Body Expertise Sublime Glow. Patel's tip: Pay special attention to elbows and knees (areas prone to get dry and pasty) by applying a double layer of moisturizer under a self-tanner. "Avoid a common mistake and don't forget your ears, neck and behind the ears—your ears should look slightly sun-kissed," Patel says.

Don't Go to Extremes
Just as a bright orange tan was not the summer statement you wanted to make, autumn is the time to go au naturel—or at least make it appear so.

"A little glow can really brighten your face, but don't overdo it," Patel says.

September's Indian Summer weather means you'll still need to protect your skin from the sun. She advises using a lotion with SPF 15 or higher, like ULTA Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15 to avoid burning your face (which can lead to peeling, premature aging and long-term damage). Don't forget to switch your concealer to match your new darker shade, and stay away from products that give you an Oompa Loompa-like tone, Patel says.

Fake the Bake
Even if those lazy days at the beach are well behind you, it's easy to pretend you just came back from a seaside jaunt—try Laura Geller Bronze and Brighten, which has great pigment that enhances your existing tan. Don't forget to dab a little bronze powder on your neck (a common mistake we all forget), to make sure it matches your fab tan.

Highlight Your Assets
Highlighters provide a beautiful, clean complexion and enhance your tan by giving your skin a hydrated, moisturized finish. "When using highlighter, use muted colors, which means more beiges and pinks rather than white," Patel says. For a golden glow with the sheer coverage (sans powdery residue), use Cargo BeachBlush, and finish your new fall look with autumn-friendly makeup in rust, bronze, coral and violets.