There are so many self-tanning products on the market, it's hard to know where to start. To help you sort it all out, the iVillage Beauty team tried several. The good news is they're all pretty good! It's safe to say that with today's self-tanners, the danger of "going orange" is a thing of the past. And there are some that are outstanding. These are our favorites (check back throughout the summer as we'll be adding more!):
Nicole, producer, medium-toned skin
Self-Tanner: Estée Lauder Go Bronze Tinted Self-Tanner for Body
Price: $25
Available: EsteéLauder.com, department stores
Ease of application: It was very easy, because it's tinted and you see where it goes.
Fragrance: It smells like most other self-tanners.
What color tan did you get? I got a nice, honey-golden brown with a bit of sparkle. The sparkle surprised me, but I loved it. The sparkle diminished after a shower, but it lasted for another day.
How long did it last? Three to four days.
Would you do it again? Definitely yes! I've been a sun worshipper for years, but I confess, this product has convinced me otherwise. Now I feel much more confident that I can use a self-tanner and achieve a look close to my normal tan.
Leslie, beauty editor, fair skin
Self-Tanner: Clinique Self-Sun Body Quick Bronze Self-Tanner
Price: $15.50
Available: Clinique.com, department stores
Ease of application: It went on evenly and seemed to make my skin very smooth and moisturized. I could see exactly where it was going because this is a tinted product.
Fragrance: It had a pleasant scent.
What color tan did you get? Golden.
How long did it last? Five days.
Would you do it again? Yes. I loved the color and now that I've used a tinted self-tanner, I won't go back.
Jen, producer, fair skin that always burns
Self-Tanner: Neutrogena Sunless Tanning Spray in Medium
Price: $8.99
Available: Drugstore.com, mass market retailers
Ease of application: I love the spray because I think it's the easiest to apply. I wore gloves to blend it into my skin.
Fragrance: I like the smell; it's like being in the sunshine or at the beach.
What color tan did you get? I have incredibly fair skin, so usually every summer I self-tan to avoid looking like Casper. I really like this one. The color is great and it develops naturally on pale skin.
How long did it last? Three to four days. It fades naturally, which is nice if I don't want to keep it up.
Would you do it again? I'm a fan! This is definitely my favorite self-tanner. I get a great tan for my pale skin -- and the price is right!
Gwynn, product editor, pale skin
Self-Tanner: Bobbi Brown Sunless Tanning Gel for Face and Body
Price: $27.50
Available: BobbiBrown.com
Ease of application: The colorless gel went on easily and dried quickly, in about 10 minutes. However, I waited another 20 minutes before I got dressed.
Fragrance: It was very light, I didn't really notice it.
What color tan did you get? A nice medium tan.
How long did it last? It lasted about seven days.
Would you do it again? I plan to use this product all summer long. I like the fact it's made for face and body so I don't have to buy more than one product. I applied a little too much to my ankles; if the product was tinted, I probably wouldn't have done that. But I will use it again, I really liked it!
Marla, community producer, medium skin, tans easily
Self-Tanner: Banana Boat Sunless Tanning Creme with Color Indicator
Price: $7
Available: Drugstores
Ease of application: The color indicator is very pale, so you still must apply carefully to avoid streaks and build-up.
Fragrance: It smelled like coconut suntan lotion.
What color tan did you get? Medium brown.
How long did it last? Four to five days.
Would you do it again? Yes. This product worked quickly and gave my skin a nice, honey tone.
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