In this pre-Olympic year, we're seeing metallics on every runway and retail window display. But contrary to popular prejudice, the only medal you're dreaming about these days is bronze - for the healthy glowing skin that looks like you spent hours baking in the sun but without the whole slathered-in-Banana-Boat-cancer-prevention dance.

Tanning your baby oil-basted leather is but a shameful memory, and although pale skin has been trying to make a serious comeback for a few years now, a beautiful sun-kissed blush is still what we really want.

ChickAdvisors know best. Here are your top contenders for a beautiful bottle bronze:








L'Oreal Sublime Luminous Bronzer

Medals in: Best in Class
Disqualified for: Streaks if applied improperly

Jergens Natural Glow

Medals in: Best in Value
Disqualified for: Irritates sensitive skin and has a strong product smell

Body Shop Cocoa Butter Everyday Summer Body Lotion

Medals in: Best for sensitive and acne-prone skin

Lancôme Soleil Flash Bronzer

Medals in: Best in Face
Disqualified for: High price point

Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Self Tanning Gel

Medals in: Best Application
Disqualified for: Requires multiple applications for best results

Leave the gold and silver debate for the not-so-subtle hints your guy has been dropping about a certain Hockey final next February in Vancouver. You're thinking, so long as he doesn't make any more asinine remarks about your plans to get ice-level seats for figure skating, anything's possible.

Do you disagree? Rate your go-to bottle bronzer here.

by Claire Rahn