Self-tanners often get a bad rep for smelling bad, turning orange, or leaving ugly streaks, but they’re not all bad. With so many different kinds of self-tanning products available today, there’s something out there you’re bound to like that will give you the same bronze color as the natural sun without the harmful effects. Whether you’re spending your summer in an office and need to fake a little color or just want to protect your skin from the sun while still looking bronzed, self-tanners can help.
First, the basics of self-tanning:
- Moisturizer is really important: make extra sure your skin isn’t dry or else the tan could start to peel or flake, leaving you with weird splotches.
- Before you invest in a self-tanner, read several reviews online: people who have already tried these products can tell you things about it that you won’t be able to find out otherwise, such as the smell of the product and how it works with different skin tones.
- If it turns out badly, you’re not stuck with orange or uneven color until it fades: soak yourself in a bubble bath for 20 minutes and exfoliate your skin. This should fix any self-tanning mishaps.
With all the self-tanning products out there, though, it’s hard to know which one is right to use. Some provide quick color, others have a slight shimmer to them, etc. Here are a few of the best and most affordable options:
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Probably the most well known and widely used kind of self-tanner, Jergens makes a lotion that gradually builds color with consistent use. While it’s easy to use and the color looks natural, be careful to avoid streaking. Also, make sure to wash your hands after you use the product or they likely will turn orange. It’s about $11 for a bottle, but tends to run out fast.
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Milk
Looking for quick color? Estee Lauder’s Self Tanning Milk may be for you. The color starts to show about an hour after application. At $27 it’s a little pricier than drugstore self-tanners, but the results show up fast.
Sephora Tinted Self Tanning Body Mist
This self-tanning spray gets rave reviews: users say it goes on even, leaves no streaks, and is easy to use because the color shows up instantly so you can see exactly where you’re getting it on your body. It’s $16 for a 5 oz. bottle, but the tan lasts for up to a full week.
Victoria’s Secret Bare Bronze Shimmering Body Oil
Don’t be fooled; there’s no way those VS models look as good as they do without at least a little help. This self-tanner gives you a little color and a light oily sheen that looks effortless and gorgeous. The color is natural, not orange at all, and the combination of color and light oil texture will make you glow.