From Health magazine
A safe tan is a bottled tan—this much we all know. What you may not realize, however, is that reaching for the bottle can offer benefits far beyond a sunny tint. The newest self-tanners do more than just bronze. They protect, firm, and rejuvenate your skin, too.Which one is right for you? Here, our picks.
Added benefit: Sun protection
These tanners keep aging rays off your back (and front).
1. Neutrogena Color Boosting Sunblock SPF 30 ($10; drugstores) safeguards with the broad-spectrum protection of Helioplex. Plus, it’s waterproof.
2. The sheer Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Self-Tanning Cream SPF 17 ($24; www.sephora.com) ensures you don’t get burned—by lethal rays or ugly streaks.
Added benefit: Quick-drying
These picks are made for glow and go.
1. Body Drench Whipped Chocolate Self-Tanning Mousse ($20; www.haircareusa.com) delivers a hue as rich as its namesake.
2. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist Dermotologist-tested, ($10; www.lorealparis.com) can get to out-of-reach areas.
3. Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel ($30; www.sephora.com) is a good choice for sensitive skin.
Added benefit: Natural ingredients
Like all self-tanners, these formulas rely on dihydroxyacetone (DHA)—a natural carbohydrate derived from beets and sugarcane—to stain the skin. But added plant-based extracts keep skin feeling soft and smelling fresh.
1. Thanks to the fruit acids in Fake Bake Self-Tanning Lotion ($27; www.fakebake.com), unwanted odor is a thing of the past.
2. Oil-free and laced with organic lavender and chamomile, 302 Self-Tanner ($25; www.302skincare.com) is easy to apply—simply mist for an instant sun-kissed look.
Added benefit: Customizable color
These buildable formulas gradually darken your skin with each application, giving you total control of your tan.
1. Avon Anew Rejuvenate Dial-A-Glow Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 15 ($32; www.avon.com) allows you to personalize your desired tan with four different levels—from a hint of glow to sun-drenched color.
2. Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer ($8; drugstores) imparts flawless color after three days. Plus, you can choose your ideal shade: medium or medium-tan.
Get the best from your bottle bronzer
Apply self-tanner in circular motions, blending one section seamlessly into the next. (Rubbing up and down can cause you to miss spots, leaving skin looking blotchy.)
Be sure to use a light touch and blend well when applying self-tanner to the tops of your feet and toes, because these areas tend to absorb more color.
Next: Going the professional route: The best sunless tanning options
Related Links:
Comments (14)
hi my name is joseph 25yrs old male from india and now in bahrain my problem is
Im bit dark skined and my chest is light and my hands and legs are dark i know its because of suns rays and i want u to give me any suggestion to brighten my skin mainly my face pls help!!!!!
waiting for ur reply
thanks
joseph
joseph, many skin tone poducts exist that even out skin tone color differences
hi
my name is prathima 24yrs old female i came from india now in chesapeak my problem is
my face is looking dull and it is becoming tan
my skin is white in colour can u give me any suggestion to me so that my skin becomes glowing.
waiting for u r suggestion
thanks
prathima.
I have a hard problem reachinng my back with self-tanners.
Awesome article – if you’re interested check out the REAL reviews by REAL people of sunless tanners and airbrush tanning solutions at http://www.sunless-tanning.org
Any self-tanners without DHA? I seem to be allergic to it because no matter what brand I use or how much I pay I still get itchy legs and bumps.
I have tried them all. I was watching Racheal Ray and saw a spray tan made by celebrity makeup artist Roxanne Rizzo called “Bronze Glow”, I love it. It is the only self tanner that works well for me. Tt does have DHA in it, but for those not allergic i strongly recommend it. http://www.roxannerizzo.com/tanner
My dermatologist recommended Comodynes Self-Tanning Towlettes. I bought a few packages here, http://www.beautysak.com/Comodynes-s/623.htm
Did the towlettes work without irritating your skin? I break out really bad everytime I use even the hypoallergenic ones, but as a natural redhead I still suffer through it with the help of a prescription exzema cream. Thanks!
I am also looking for a self-tanner that will not break me out. I break out on my neck and joints (knees & elbows). I have tried Clarins and Jergens.
Any self tanners that don’t have that awful smell. I am as white as a ghost & burn easily, but love the tan look; however, most self tanners give you a horrible urine like smell. I would appreciate any feedback.
Does anyone know what method is used by bodybuilders? Would love to get that effect but a little lighter.
Before using a self tanner I apply a creamy lotion to rough, dry areas like knees and elbows. It helps prevent absorbing too much product that could lead to orange spots on light colored skin.
Paty, I really like the gradual self tanner with spf from Bath and Body. It has a nice smell once its on the skin.