There are few things better than that natural summer glow, which is why when winter rolls around, it can be tempting to want to head straight to the nearest tanning bed to get your fix. But unless you've been living under a rock for the past several decades, you should know by now just how dangerous those UV lights can be, which is why it's important to avoid them all together.
Spray tans and self-tanning products can be tricky, as some often leave you orange or streaky, but there are several products out there that really do work and will have you looking like you just got back from a Caribbean getaway in a matter of minutes.
Before you go out and buy all the sprays, lotions, bronzers and shimmers you can get your hands on, there's some very important steps you should take to prep your skin to make sure it comes out perfect and you don't look like a blotchy mess.
First, you must shower and exfoliate really well to make sure you get all the dry skin off. If you plan on using self-tanner on your legs, be sure to shave first, otherwise the product will stick to the hairs, according to Bustle. Popular YouTube beauty vlogger Jaclyn Hill also suggests slathering body butter on the roughest parts of your body, like your hands, feet, elbows and knees. These sports are prone to turning orange from the product, and the body butter will prevent it from sticking.
While it's suggested here to moisturize well, from personal experience, I've found that you're better off not moisturizing at all, as that only puts an unnecessary layer between your skin and the tanning product. Once you're fake-tanning session is complete, it is important to moisturize after and daily, though, as this helps the color last longer.
Getting a spray tan at any local tanning salon is always an option, whether it's done by hand or by booth, but those can get pricey, so here are some at home options that are proven to work flawlessly.
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer ($10)
"If you're just starting out, I would say that the gradual one is the best one to start with because it's the easiest to use," Val Monroe, Beauty Director at O, The Oprah Magazine, told The Huffington Post of products like this one. "You can apply it like a moisturizer-you want to be careful because you are adding color to your skin, but you're going to see a very, very gradual difference in color, almost as if you've been away for a weekend and you came back and you were slightly tan."
St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse ($44)
This product is convenient because the colored mousse makes it easy to apply, as you can see where you're putting it so you know if you missed a spot. The results look natural, and it dries super fast. This self-tanner is very deep and dark, and although it comes out looking very natural, I would not recommend this if you have fair skin, as it may not look natural on you.
Body Drench Quick Tan Instant Self Tanner Bronzing Spray ($12)
This one is my personal favorite. It really is quick, and it's the most natural looking spray tan I've ever tried. While doing a full-body spray tan is doable with this bottle, it's not exactly the easiest thing to do yourself, but I love to keep these around in the winter when I need a little pick me up on my face and chest area. Just one quick spray, and you're good to go. It dries pretty fast, but I've found that going over it with a blow dryer on cool helps it dry much quicker.
Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Self Tanner ($39)
This is perfect for those with dry and dull skin, as it's a self-tanner in gel form that's packed with different oils. Maracuja oil brightens the skin, and sunflower seed oil leaves skin smooth and silky. It even comes with a tanning mitt for streak-free application.
Xen-Tan Luminous Gold Gel ($35)
While this product is also a gel, it's extra special because it works really well for those who have fair complexions. Instead of being loaded with bronzer, it has iridescent gold shimmer that gives more of a luminous glow than a deep tan.
St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil ($50)
St. Tropez is known for having some of the best self-tanning products around, so if mousse isn't your thing, this oil also gets the job done. "Not only does the skin feel supple while you're applying, but the presence of oil helps the tan last longer," Manhattan tanning expert Kristyn Pradas told Harpers Bazaar.
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum ($11)
It might be annoying to have to buy two separate products, but you really shouldn't use the same self-tanner on your face that your using on your body- and trust me, your skin will thank you later. The products that you're using on your body are likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts, which is why it's important to buy a self-tanner made specifically for your face. This serum is extra special because it can be used in both ways. "Just add three drops to your favorite moisturizer and you'll get a gradual natural tan without worrying that you'll break out from any weird additives," Pradas explains. "It's amazing."
Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint ($45)
This product was No. 1 on Total Beuaty's best self-tanning list for 2016, as it's a fan favorite with a 9.5 rating from users. It's one that goes on subtly and gets gradually darker over time for the most natural-looking tan that lasts for a very long time.
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer ($29)
If you prefer to give yourself a tan with makeup, Benefit Cosmetics' award-winning matte bronzer is the most natural looking bronzer around. It lasts forever and flatters any skin tone without adding any shine or shimmer.
NARS Blush in Luster ($30)
If you're looking for something more subtle, quick and temporary, NARS' blush in Luster gives you that perfect summer glow on just your cheeks for a natural-looking flush. Best part is, a little goes a long way.
