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 winter 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.
James Read has introduced a bronzer-and-highlighter duo that claims to mimic the effects of tantouring (a semi-permanent contouring technique that uses self-tanner instead of traditional contouring products). The bronzer is infused with self-tan so it slightly deepens are you wear it, meaning it will last for hours and hours.
James Read Tantouring Sculpting Duo, $54, available in June at Net-A-Porter.
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.
This bronzing booster serum makes applying self-tanner to your face so easy. Just mix three drops of this bronzing booster with your day or night moisturizer and smooth it onto your visage and neck. It's that easy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This self-tanner is caramel-colored to help prevent mistakes and has a delicious cocoa scent (hence the name). Plus, the cream is ultra-moisturizing, so once you’ve applied your glow, your skin will be extra soft, too.
Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream, $45, available at Sephora.
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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