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11 Self-Tanners That Take the Hassle Out of Getting Glowing Skin

Put your love/hate relationship with self-tanners to rest with these formulas that yield a gorgeous faux glow
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For a Golden Glow That Lasts 3 Weeks
Try: Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse, $54

Even when you're using the best self-tanners, the process can be somewhat of a to-do. You have to set aside time to do it, exfoliate beforehand, meticulously apply it, and even then, most sunless tans only last about a week. Enter: Vita Liberata 2-3 Week formula. According to an independently conducted test, this tan lasts up to four times longer than most tans -- which makes the time investment totally worth it.

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For a Mess-Free Application
Try: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse, $12.99

Your roommates and/or significant other will thank you for this cheapie drugstore sunless-tanner purchase. Because it's in mousse form, this self-tanner is a breeze to apply -- no stained bath rugs or bronzed, brown tubs with this in your arsenal. It dries in 60 seconds, so your white towels and clothing are safe, too.

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For a Tan That Also Wards Off Dry Skin
Try: Aerin Beauty Gradual Tan For Face & Body, $65

It's a cardinal rule of self-tanning application: Thou shalt not moisturize before or after, for fear of winding up with streaks. The solution for pale, parched skin: Stock up on this sunless-tanner from Aerin. The tanning lotion, lightly scented with one of their to-die-for signature floral scents, imparts a healthy, gradual glow, while the nourishing formula keeps skin moisturized. With the batik-inspired blue and yellow packaging, you'll want to keep it out on your vanity -- meaning you'll never forget to apply your daily glow.

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For the Easiest All-Over Application
Try: Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Mist, $36

It's not weird to ask someone to apply sunscreen to your back, but calling a friend to apply your self-tanner might be crossing the line. That's where this non-aerosol mist tanner comes in. The spray nozzle allows for easy coverage, even on hard-to-reach places like the middle of your back. This colorless mist is ultrafine, so it spreads evenly across the body, leaving behind no streaks or uneven color.

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For an Instantaneous Glow That Washes Off
Try: NKD Skin 1 Day Bronzing Tinted Lotion, $14.95

The problem with a lot of self-tanners is the amount of time it takes for them to activate. What's a girl with a cocktail-length dress and a last-minute event to do? Swipe on this one-night-only tanner. Color is immediate, and each bottle comes with a mitt to apply it for even coverage.

Bonus: Because it's not permanent, there is no self-tanner smell.

BY EMILY WOODRUFF, JESSICA AMARIS | APR 20, 2016 | SHARES
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