You have to know when to drag out your tan and when to just let it go,” says the ever-so-glamorous celebrity-makeup artist Mally Roncal, known for her work on faces like Celine Dion’s, Beyoncé’s, and Angelina Jolie’s. But just how do you let your tan go without, well, letting everything go? On a cool summer morning, Roncal took us to Ricky’s (718 Broadway, near Astor Place; 212-979-5232) to pick out the best bath, skin, and makeup products to ease the transition.
Shopping for beauty products with Roncal is like playing dress-up with your older sister – she knows what you need before you do. First order of business: “Re-moisture and re-soften your skin after summer frying,” says Roncal, whose regimen begins with a soak in Berkeley Hill Farms Milk Bubble Bath ($17.99) with a jumbo natural sea sponge ($29.99). Expert tip: Keep a Votivo aromatic candle ($19.99) nearby to make you feel super-relaxed (Roncal likes the Freesia & Tiger Lily fragrance the best).
After a bath, Roncal showers herself with Nivea Sheer Moisture Spray (“gives off a little shine to show off the tan you’re not supposed to have”). Those in need of serious moisture repair might supplement that with Davies Gate Whole Wheat Lotion ($23.99) on their elbows and knees. Mist your face with Evian Le Brumisateur ($14.99), then apply Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer with an SPF of 15 to seal in the moisture. Next, Roncal heads to the Burt’s Bees display. “The lip balm is great for rehydrating,” she says.
Now the fun stuff: Out of the corner of her eye, Roncal spies Kama Sutra Honey Dust – or what she calls “sex powder.” “You want to dust your body, your sheets, and your boyfriend with this.” (Considering her roster of sultry celebs, it’s no surprise that this is an essential.) But in terms of makeup, Roncal thinks less is more – particularly when your skin’s still got its summer glow. “Always curl your lashes and put on mascara. It makes you look awake, exciting, and fresh.” She shuns the pricier mascaras and tosses Maybelline Lash Discovery in soft black ($7.99) in her basket. A bit of bronzer – Mattése N.Y.C. powder bronzer in Bronzemist ($14.99), for instance – can do a lot to help, too. “Smile in the mirror, and run across the apples of your cheeks in a circular motion,” Roncal advises. “Also, move across your nose, forehead, and chin.” The finishing touch? A light-pink lip gloss (“It shows off your summer color”), like Mattése N.Y.C. in Babydoll ($9.99).
James Leonard Opticians has designer frames by Calvin, Armani, Chanel, and others on sale starting at $50 (usually $250). 1010 Second Ave., near 53rd St. (212-753-7733); A.E., M.C., V.; 8/21–9/20 (Mon.–Fri. 10–8; Sat. 10–6; Sun. 11–5).
Shearling Selection New York, Ltd.’s shearling coats and jackets are reduced just in time for fall. Jackets that were $995 to $1,695 are now $595 to $795. 224 W. 35th St. (212-268-3844); checks accepted; 9/3–9/30 (Mon.–Sat. 10–3). Appointments recommended.
Leigh Bantivoglio’s sweet, lacy boy shorts, chemises, and camis are about 80 percent off, from $15 to $75. 648 Broadway, near Bleecker St., Ste. 200 (212-420-9994); A.E., M.C., V.; 8/21 and 8/22 (10–7).
Malia Mills’s stylish, body-flattering women’s swimsuits are up to 75 percent off. Suede suits with Swarovski crystals and floral, leopard, and denim bikinis are $5 to $40 per piece (tops and bottoms sold separately). 263 W. 38th St., fifteenth floor (212-354-4200, ext. 214); A.E., M.C., V.; 8/21 and 8/22 (10–7); 8/23 (10–6).
Morgane Le Fay has sleek daywear, eveningwear, and bridal gowns discounted by up to 90 percent. 411 W. Broadway, near Prince St. (212-219-7672); A.E., M.C., V.; 8/28–9/4 (11–8).
SkinCeuticals and Sophy’s professional-strength skin-care products, as well as permanent hair-removal and other treatments, are 25 percent off at the Completely Bare salon. 764 Madison Ave., at 66th St., Ste. 3R (212-717-9300); M.C., V.; through 8/31 (Mon.–Thurs. 10–9; Fri. 10–7; Sat. 10–6).