With a new crop of self tanners debuting annually, it's hard to spot the bronzing beauties among the bad seeds. Our panel of testers spent a week trying the latest and reportedly greatest bottled tans to hit the shelves -- from rich, tinted creams to hi-tech mists. Find out which formulas won them over and which made them streaky.
Form: Tinted Cream
Tester rating: So-so
Review: "This appropriately named cream smelled vaguely like chocolate and had the consistency and color of caramel pudding. Unfortunately, its promising name and luxurious feel didn't protect me from the inevitable dihydroxyacetone (DHA) smell. Tinted color made for easy, streak-free application. The cream took about five minutes to dry, though I waited 15 to get dressed. After about four or five hours, color looked medium/deep, slightly orange-y brown -- two shades darker than my light olive skin. I found that one application every three days best maintained the optimal golden glow. (But be careful; it can make cuticles brown for a few days.)" -- Lucy
Form: Gradual tan building lotion
Tester rating: Excellent
Review: "I saw a 'warming up' of my skin color (naturally very light with yellow undertones) within 10 minutes after the first application of Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer. The effect was similar to that of putting on a slightly darker foundation. The tinted product dried in just a few minutes and produced full, warm and natural (not orange) color after three applications. Results lasted about three days and weren't dramatic, but I didn't want to go from white to brown instantly [nor did I want] streaks, missed spots, or worse, tan hands. I exfoliated with scrub gloves before applying and yes, had [uneven] areas, but they weren't as bad as they would've been with more rapidly developing self tanner. (Also, the DHA smell was barely noticeable, if at all.)" -- Susin
Form: Aerosol mist
Tester rating: Good
Review: "L'Oreal Paris deserves props for fitting the tanning booth experience in a can. Sunless Sublime Glow Moisturizing MicroFine Mist hits hard-to-reach areas easily, requires no blending (in fact, don't) and dries in five minutes -- a dream come true. But without a booth, getting an even, blotch-free "tan" is difficult. Be careful to mist consistently at arm's length -- and stay away from white walls or rugs. Expect a slight DHA scent within two hours and a realistic brown color by coat two. Note: The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids, which can make skin more sun-sensitive; wear a sunscreen." -- Charli, Associate Editor
Form: Gradual tan building lotion
Tester rating: Good
Review: "On a pale face like mine, Neutrogena Build-A-Tan turns skin at least two shades darker with one application. I only applied it every three days for fear of turning Oompa Loompa orange. Unlike stinky self tanners, this one had a light, beach-y smell and only a slight whiff of chemicals and it dried in less than five minutes (read: no standing around the house naked for half an hour). I also liked the no-fumbling pump top. My only problem was with streaking. This product wasn't as forgiving as Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer; if you're not a pro at applying around ankles and elbows, you'll get splotches and streaks. -- Colleen
With a new crop of self tanners debuting annually, it's hard to spot the bronzing beauties among the bad seeds. Our panel of testers spent a week trying the latest and reportedly greatest bottled tans to hit the shelves -- from rich, tinted creams to hi-tech mists. Find out which formulas won them over and which made them streaky.
