Oh if you could see me now. My arms are three shades darker than my stomach. My right leg is streaky. My feet are white. For the past two weeks I’ve been swiping, spraying, and slathering on every self-tanner I could get my hands on to bring you this guide. It’s not an exhaustive list by any means. I only have so much skin and so very little tolerance for the smell of DHA (the chemical that tells your melanin to make haste). So please, chime in if I’ve missed something, or missed the mark. And whatever you do, don’t forget to exfoliate before you try these at home!
Most Fool-Proof
Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan Spray ($10) – I would’ve never believed it until I tried one, but these spray tans are a cinch. No rubbing required, quick-drying, and streak-free. Such a great price to boot.
Most Popular
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse ($40) – When I polled people, this foaming self-tanner was the most popular choice among readers and professionals alike for it’s golden color, light scent, and no-fuss application.
Most Universally Flattering
Lancome Flash Bronzer ($30-$36) – Even if you’re Casper-white, this collection will leave you looking like you just got back from St. Barts. It’s that natural, and it works in 30 minutes flat. I use the Oil-Free Tinted Self-Tanning Face Lotion all summer so I can go bronzed and makeup-free.
Most Luxurious
Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse ($42) – The gold standard of sunless tanners, Clarins just knows how to make a girl feel French and fabulous. The instant gel gets the most press, but I feel like I’m at a spa when I use this gorgeous cream. I’ll pretend that the built-in SPF 15 justifies the splurge.
Best Smelling/Built-in Bronzer
Full-disclosure: I am not a big fan of the tropical, suntan-lotion scent that laces Estee Lauder’s popular Bronze Goddess collection ($28). However. A lot of people love it, and I am willing to overlook this minor detail for the instant, luminous glow that this bronzer/tanner imparts.
Best Gradual Tan
Clinique Self Sun Body Daily Moisturizer ($20) – While I just can’t bring myself to recommend Jergens (too orangey, often streaky), I’m mad about this gradual self-tanner. It’s dark enough that you won’t lose patience, but light enough that you can apply it liberally, like lotion. And you’ll want to, what with the rich, body-butter consistency.
Filed Under: Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse, Clinique Self Sun, estee lauder bronze goddess, Lancome flash bronzer, Neugtrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tanning Spray, St. Tropez Self-Tan Bronzing Mousse
Did you try BareEscentuals Faux Tan? Wonder what you think of it, if you tried it.
Mary, I haven’t tried that one! I do love the BareEscentuals bronzing powder though.
Great post, Elizabeth!
I was wondering which one you will be sticking with this summer? The Clinque Self-Sun sounds right up my ally, because at the moment, I’m using Jergens Natural Glow (don’t harpoon me).
Thanks Emily! I’ll be using the Lancome Flash Bronzer for my face, the Bronze Goddess if I’m off to an event or TV show (b/c it has the built-in bronzer!) and the Clarins for everything else!
I like BE faux tan too – I use it in place of blush during the summer (though, I tan pretty well naturally…)
Would also love to see your round-up of losers/stay-away-froms!
Oh man, I hate to talk self-tanner trash but . . . as much as I like the new L’Oreal Sublime bronzers I can’t get past the smell. The ModelCo airbrush tan that always gets written up in mags is so dark and hard to work with I threw it away. And I’ve never liked the color that Jergens turns my skin.
Love this!!!! I’m always looking for new ones to try. I’ll have to try all of these! And of course, you know I’m part of the masses who loves the St. Tropez mousse. I just can’t figure out if you’re actually supposed to shower it off like a spray tan after a few hours, like it says on the bottle. That feels weird to me, and basically just isn’t going to happen. Thoughts?
Thanks so much for this article! It’s so helpful. I currently use the Clarins Instant Gel, which is fab. But can’t wait to try some of the others you’ve mentioned here :)
@Catherine – I don’t think you *have* to shower it off, unless it’s the bronzer. I don’t usually wash my spray tan until the following day, just to be safe. If it’s working for you, don’t change a thing!
Are there any out there that don’t have DHA in them? I have used the Jergens, but hate the way it turns the freckles on my legs orange.
I am one of the lucky (few?) who has no problems with the Jergens Gradual lotion.
But for the body, Boots No 7 Sunless Tanning Quick Dry Lotion in Medium/Dark leaves a really natural tan. It’s available at Target and they used to sell out last summer. So it can’t just be me.
Sort of pricey are the L’Oreal Sublime Bronze towelettes. I can only find them at Ulta (not Walgreens, Target etc.). 6 to a box.
They are THE most natural tan ever. Seriously, if not for the price (can’t remember what it is, just that I don’t buy them all the time). I fake spray tan at the Salon (Versa Spa) before a vacation or in summer. And then I bring a few of these along and use on every 2/3 days to keep the tan going. Love them!
That is all.
Lucia
I tried self-tanning with L’Oreal Sublime Bronze and the only way to make it look even was too keep applying so I ended up strangely colored. It was super affordable ($11 at Target) but I think I’ll try a better one next time.
I was wondering if you had any ideas for beauty and cosmetic storage. I have a lot of make-up, perfume, etc and no idea how to store it. I currently have all of my cosmetics in two plastic boxes with lids and it’s just not very cute and I have to dig around a lot.
Lucia – Have heard that Versa is super cheap and great for spray tans . . . must check out the Boots for next season!
Cali – Not a fan of the L’oreal either though I really want to be because of the pricepoint. Girl, I have an entire IKEA system for my product. And I, too, store overflow in giant tupperware. But I love using large, open trays in my linen closet to group products and keep them easily accessible. Also love this cute idea: http://themascarawand.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-make-up-table.html
This makes me think of Caboodles. Remember those?!
Pat – Here’s what I learned about the Arcona self-tanner, and DHA. There’s actually some really erroneous information out there on this ingredient:
DHA is actually natural, and always derived from plant sources like sugar beets or sugar cane. DHA doesn’t react with the melanin your skin – it reacts with the proteins in your skin. Arcona’s self-tanner doesn’t have parabens or chemicals, but it does use DHA.
Who knew?!
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