Fake Not Bake

It seems that multiple warnings of how deadly tanning beds are and how sunscreens are a must to block sun exposure still don't really mean much to our tans-are-terrific culture. With a slew of self-tanning products, how come people don't take advantage of this safe alternative?
Take me, for instance. I see a lady with this deeply tanned skin everyday in class. Her Peruvian heritage is to blame for her perfectly dark skin. I am China-doll white. I could be jealous and attempt to sleep in a tanning bed with sweet dreams of Peru, but I will only walk away one cancerous candy cane (I burn weirdly). Tanned I will never be, leading me to today's lesson, if you will.
There are tons of ways to get a "tan." I've tried almost 1200 pounds of them. Cheap or expensive, dries in an hour versus dries in 5 minutes, built in bronzing, mousse, cream, spray formulas ... I've even braved the airbrush tan at a day spa. For pale skin like mine, I've come to rely on three products. These three miracle workers are guaranteed for anyone!
First and foremost, Jergens has a Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. Available in drug stores for $6, this moisturizer adds a slight deposit of DHA so that with regular use a lovely glow results. Because it's predominantly a moisturizer, it doesn't streak.
Second place goes to DuWop's Revolotion, a moisturizer with SPF 15 and shimmery tint. Think of it as lightweight, budge-proof body makeup that is completely goof-proof. Revolotion comes in three tints for $21. (www.sephora.com)
The final force comes from Lancôme. Their Flash Bronzer series deposits a golden tan within an hour and promises no streaks due to its tinted formula which allows you to see where it's being applied. The products run $26-29.50 and can be purchased online or at major department stores.
My pale skin when "enhanced" will never come close to my Peruvian friend's, but at least I can take comfort in knowing that she and I are playing it safe.