Since we’re all well aware of the dangers of tanning beds — and too much time in natural sunlight sans SPF — self-tanners are the perfect solution when the pastiness of those post-summer months gets to be a little too much for those of you who crave sun-kissed skin.
Sadly, not all self-tanners are created equal and some can leave you looking streakier than a tabby cat. Luckily, beauty brands have launched innovative new products to make the process almost foolproof. Here are the ones to know about right now, so you don’t end up an orange mess later.
Squirt a few pumps of this temporary bronzing serum into your palms, and work the liquid onto your face and neck. The result is a beautiful, sheer glow that never looks streaky or patchy.
By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Sun Glow, $116, available at SpaceNK.
Squeeze a dollop of this gel self-tanner directly onto the mitt and buff from head to toe. The final result is a beautiful, lit-from-within bronze that doesn't get all over your clothes.
Tarte Brazilliance Plus+ Self Tanner, $39, available at Tarte.
This gel-based bronzer comes with a handy sponge applicator, making it super easy to get a streak-free tan for one night only. The best part? It won't budge or transfer onto clothes until you wash it off with soap.
Benefit Hoola Zero Tanlines Allover Body Bronzer, $30, available at Sephora.
Finally, a self-tanner that makes skin silky with coconut water and argan oil, and smells not just tolerable, but delicious. (Choose from vanilla, orchid, or apricot.) On top of that, the formula dries crazy-fast and never streaks, so it's nearly impossible to overdo it. If you're a beginner, this is a must-try.
Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil, $38, available at Sephora.
We love this solution to the messiness associated with traditional self-tanner application. By applying this formula in the shower, we keep our towels, clothes, and hands stain-free. Genius.
St. Tropez In Shower Golden Glow Gradual Tan, $25, available at Nordstrom.
This gradual tan moisturizer will build to the the perfect bronze glow within three to four days, but the hydration benefits hit instantly.
First Aid Beauty Slow Glow Gradual Self-Tanning Moisturizer, $28, available at Ulta Beauty.
One major self-tanner turn-off? A chemical smell. Thankfully, this mousse contains zero stink and keeps your skin bronze for up to three weeks.
Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse, $54, available at Sephora.
We don’t know how Gigi Hadid gets her sun-kissed, weekend-in-Malibu bronze on, but this easy-to-blend lotion can help you easily dupe the golden girl’s coveted tan.
This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle, $68, available at This Works.
We know how tedious and time-consuming the process of tanning can be. These towelettes combine exfoliating, tanning, and moisturizing in one.
Tan Towel Half Body Classic Self-Tan Towelettes, $27, available at Tan Towel.
This bronzing booster serum makes applying self-tanner to your face so easy. Just mix three drops with your day or night moisturizer and smooth it onto your visage and neck.
Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster, $30, available at Sephora.
This brand new gradual tan lotion from St. Tropez is tinted, which helps with application so you know where you’ve already applied, aiding you in your anti-streak mission. Plus, you get the benefit of an “instant” glow. Over time the tan gradually sets in to give you healthy color, and you can add to it each day to intensify the look.
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Everyday Body Lotion, $30, available at Ulta Beauty.
Tanning towelettes make the process of self-tanning oh-so easy, but these, from Sun Bum, go above and beyond. Packed with vitamins E and B5, these moisturize as they tan. All you need to do is rub the towel (in a circular motion) onto your skin. If you want a deeper tan than what develops, simply use a second wipe to build color.
Sun Bum Self-Tanning Towelette 5 Pack, $15.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
If you struggle with a lotion application, Jergens’ Natural Glow Instant Sun Mousse may be just what you need. The lightweight mousse assists with an even application and dries in just 60 seconds, so you don’t need to worry about staining.
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Mousse, $12.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
With a blend of energizing caffeine and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight formula instantly brings a glow back to your complexion. The formula has a hint of caramel for a natural tint and works best when mixed with your face moisturizer.
This Works Energy Bank Sun Flash, $52, available at Net-a-Porter.
Everyone knows that if you’re using self-tanner on your body, you also need to find something that will add color to your face, because it all needs to match. Vita Liberata’s new anti-aging serum not only helps to firm and plump up your skin, but it also delivers a natural tan to your face — a place you definitely don’t want to be orange. Plus, the serum is delivered through a dropper, so you can mix it in with your moisturizer to ensure an even application.
Vita Liberata Self Tanning Anti Age Serum, $45, available at Sephora.
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