GirlsGuideTo | {21 Summer Fashion Essentials #3}: Bronzer

We’re counting down until the official start of summer with one of our fave fashion bloggers, Gabrielle of Resort Rock Sugar. She’s made a list of the 21 fashion and beauty essentials no girl can do without this summer. Make sure to check back daily to kick off your summer looking fab! Take it away Gabrielle:

Look, we all know that when you look a little bronzed, you look a little healthier and feel a little sexier. But, that being said, we all know that faux is the only way to go. Enter bronzer. It’s the only make-up you need for a day by the pool or a day at the beach to give you that perfect summer glow…

…As long as you lather on that sunscreen too!

Some of the best bronzers I’ve found:

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder
This bronzer is a staple in 'InStyle' magazine's annual 'Best Beauty' lists. The color isn't too "orange" which can be a problem with bronzers. If you get a lighter color (say 2) then you can layer more color for darker results. There's a bit of sheen or shimmer which looks great, too. The 1 is perfect for blondes with pale skin, the 2 is for brunettes and the 20 is moisturizing and perfect for those who tan naturally. You can use different shades for different times of the year.

e.l.f. Essentials Bronzer Kit
e.l.f.'s bronzers are immensely popular and for good reason – they look great and are cheap as Hell. Use these bronzers throughout the year, taking care to choose the shades that perfect your sun-kissed look each season.

NARS Bronzing Powder
This is one of the most popular bronzers! I love it because it goes on without looking "dirty." Although pricey, the powder will last a loooooong time and if you use it almost daily, the cost per use is worth it. Apply with a big, fluffy bronzer brush for best effects, you can use a smaller brush to create contouring just under the cheekbones.

Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
This must-have award winning self tanner and beauty editor favorite, delivers a quick, streak-free, natural golden color without sitting in the sun. It’s not oily at all so it's easy to apply and dries quickly. No need to wait before getting dressed.

L'Oreal Sublime Glow for the Body
This is a great, inexpensive gradual tanner. I love the shimmer it leaves behind and well, the price. One con is the product tends to be runny and it would be better with a pump. But still, this is a quality self-tanner for the money ($10).

*Written By: Gabrielle, a self-professed fashion junkie, and the blogger behind Resort Rock Sugar, leads a dual life. Quite paradoxically, she spends her days in a downtown highrise office building as a busy civil litigation attorney, but you wouldn't guess it if you peeked inside her closet. There you would find everything from fringe tank tops to short leather mini dresses, essentially nothing she can wear to her 9 to 5, err, 8 to 8 job. On the weekends, when she isn't discovering hot new designers whilst hitting up her favorite shopping haunts in LA, or taking in the brilliant fashion that is LA's scenester crowd, she is documenting it all via her blog, and probably from a prime seat at the Coffee Bean on the corner of Beverly and Robertson, because in LA all you need to do is step outside to get a little fashion inspiration.