The Best Self Tanners

While some of us self tan all year, the rest are most likely adding the confidence boosting task to their beauty regimen right about now.  Happy almost Memorial Day weekend! With so many out there, how do you choose?  Here's my version of sunless tanner beauty awards so even beginners can get it right.


Best for Beginners

Jane Iredale Tantasia

$36 at janeiredale.com

This moisturizing, tinted lotion smells like citrus and adds an immediate tint to your skin.  The tint helps greatly with application and lotion is easily spreadable.  A natural golden glow develops by the next day.


Best Drugstore Buy

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Mousse

$12.99 at ulta.com

Known for their natural glow gradual tanning lotion, Jergens is the first drugstore brand to come out with an instant self tanner.  Available in two shades, light and deep bronze, it dries quickly and leaves you with a light glow.  I use deep bronze, which gives me more of a healthy look, not vacation tan.


Best for Addicts

Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Mist

$36 at ulta.com

While it may seem a spray on self tanner application would be easiest, they're actually the hardest to tackle.  Have your self tanning regiment down to a science, then this tanning mist is for you.  It goes on clear and the spritz allows you to reach even your mid back.  In just a few hours, a vacation-like glow develops.


Best for Travel

Somerville 360 Self- Tanning Towelettes

$48 for a pack of 8 at Sephora

Have you ever gone to an island and got the prettiest, most covetable glow?  These will help you fake it and are great for summer travel.  Rub in a circular motion all over your face and body (I like to start at the feet and work my way up) and a tan will develop in just 2-4 hours.  


Best Gradual

Aerin Beauty Gradual Tanner

$65 at Nordstrom

The latest and greatest in gradual tanners.  The first thing I noticed when I applied this clear lotion was the scent – a beautiful, yet light floral fragrance.  With daily use,  I built my skin up to a light glow (you couldn't see the blue veins in my arms anymore, yay!) and then used it every other day to maintain.