Self-Tanners: Top 10 Picks

By Jessica Anderson 06/13/11 at 05:35 PM

Don't let the science in this face and body tanner put you off. It's made with n-acetyl-tyrosine- an ingredient that boosts the skin's natural tanning ability‚ and promises a natural-looking tan that customizes to your skin tone within three to seven days. Perricone MD No Sun Tanner, $65; perriconemd.com
Lightweight and non-oily, this instant self-tanning gel creates a golden tan for face and body—with results appearing in as little as two hours. And it absorbs instantly. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, $32.50; clarins.com
That icky self-tanning smell? Not on your watch. This lightweight, velvety bronzing mousse uses advanced Aromaguard fragrance technology that’s clinically proven to erase that tell-tale odor by at least 70 percent. Plus, it dries in 60 seconds. Doesn’t get much better than that. St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, $30-40; sephora.com
Who has time to maintain the perfect tan? You do. Tuck these paraben-free tanning towelettes into that beach bag, and touch-up that sun-kissed glow anytime, anywhere. Results will appear within two to four hours.Kate Somerville Somerville360° Tanning Towelettes, $48 8/pack; sephora.com
There isn’t much this self-tanning mist can’t do. It creates a gradual tan with a transfer-resistant bronzer, hydrates and protects with aloe vera and apple extract, and gets hard-to-reach spots with a 360-degree nozzle. Bliss A Tan For All Seasons, $36; blissworld.com
Just when you thought airbrushed makeup couldn’t get cooler, it does: This tanning pod clicks into an innovative airbrush makeup system and gives your face a fast-drying, natural-looking tan with just a few waves of its wand. TEMPTU Airpod Face Tan (pictured), $45; TEMPTU AirBrush Makeup System, $225; sephora.com
Sometimes you just can’t wait a few hours for that Hawaiian glow. With this instant bronzer and gradual self-tanner, you’ll see immediate results that continue to build over time. Use daily as needed. Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube, $25; toofaced.com
Eco-chic beauties, this one’s for you. This lightweight self-tanning cream is made with 100 percent organic argan oil. It also contains DHA—derived from sugar cane and sugar beets—which creates a natural-looking tan by reacting to your skin’s proteins. Josie Maran Argan Self Tanning Cream, $32; josiemarancosmetics.com
Smooth and easy-to-apply, this gel-based bronzing spray promises the luminous, perfectly tanned gams you see on the most head-turning beach bunnies. Inevitable whistles and catcalls not included. Available in dark and medium dark. MAC Skinsheen Leg Spray, $26.50; maccosmetics.com
If self-tanners went to school, this one would be valedictorian‚ it's uber-smart. Made with revolutionary micro-nutrient technology, the clear formula mists the skin with vitamins and antioxidants to create weeks of just-for-you radiance. Available in light and medium. GlowFusion Micro-Nutrient Face & Body Natural Protein Tan, $58; sephora.com

So, you’re a little behind on the plan to be bikini-ready by mid-June (at the latest!). In fact, you haven’t even felt up (or is it down?) to trying one on quite yet. While we can’t do those sessions at SoulCycle for you, we can offer something besides moral support—this summer’s best self-tanners.

Some of these tanners are brand-new; others are seasoned bronzers with improved formulations. Either way, one of them is sure to be right for you. And just remember: A golden glow goes a long way to making you feel just a little more like a beach bunny, and really, isn’t that half the battle? Now you’re ready to suit up.

FashionEtc.com April 19th, 2024

Self-Tanners: Top 10 Picks

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