Guerlain Terracotta L'Eau Hâlée Cooling Bronzing Water for Face for Summer 2016

Guerlain's Terracotta L'Eau Hâlée Cooling Bronzing Water for Face ($54) requires no commitment to a tan. It washes off with soap and water. It is designed to help us achieve a natural-looking, flawless tan for the face.

With this "water," a healthy tan look is just a drop away with this silky-smooth, cooling bronzing water. The ultra-comfortable second-skin texture will delight the skin, but it’s the versatility and the impeccable results will keep us loyal to L’Eau Hâlée. Worn alone or under Terracotta Bronzing Powder, L’Eau Hâlée delivers buildable glow, while simultaneously enhancing and prolonging an existing tan - or creating one we don't have. The tan is said to intensify with every application, and I can't really explain that. (When my Guerlain PR representative returns from vacation, I plan to ask whether it contains a low-dose self-tanner. I do not see one in the ingredients.) L’Eau Hâlée washes off easily with soap and water, so you don't have to make a commitment to your tan. You can be tan by day and fair at night.

This light “Eau” instantly recreates a translucent, naturally sun-kissed complexion with a bare skin effect. The universal color creates a sun-kissed glow that can be adjusted to suit everyone. It's very natural and sheer. Its hydrating formula envelops the skin in freshness. In other words, it's as perfect as it gets for those of us who don't want to use the usually smelly self-tanners on our faces. The scent of L'Eau Hâlée is delightful. It has notes of orange blossom, tonka bean, vanilla, and white musk.

I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine. I applied a drop of the cooling water into my palm and used my finger to apply a broad swatch on my arm. You can see how sheer and natural this wonderful faux tan will be on your face. I hope you can see the swatch near the top of my arm.

This color is perfect for me. It looks natural, and it glows. A light application makes me look healthy, with sun-kissed skin that could be a result of a short time outdoors. It's exceedingly pretty.

I purchased my Terracotta L'Eau Hâlée Cooling Bronzing Water for Face at Neiman Marcus. All Guerlain counters should have it, and I see that it's widely available from retailers who sell Guerlain in store and online. Check it out. If you want options, not a full-out tan look, I think you'll find this L'Eau your sunshine in a bottle.

Photo at top courtesy of Guerlain; other photos by Best Things in Beauty