Since we’re all well aware of the dangers of tanning beds — and too much time in natural sunlight sans SPF — self-tanners are the perfect solution for when the pastiness of those post-summer months gets to be a little too much for those of us who crave sun-kissed skin.
Sadly, not all self-tanners are created equally, and some can leave you looking streakier than a tabby cat. Luckily, beauty brands have launched innovative new products to make the process almost foolproof. Here are the ones to know about right now, so you don’t end up an orange mess later.
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This airy whip feels like a luxurious body moisturiser and makes skin feel like silk. The subtle, golden tan that develops is seamless.
Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived Body Mousse, $9.99 Buy
This airy mousse doesn't drip or streak. Instead, it glides on easily, absorbs almost instantly and imparts a believable bronzed finish.
Amanda Harrington Body Illuminating Bronzing Mousse, $36.00 Buy
Welcome to the future. Instead of layering on a cream atop your cleanser, toner, and moisturiser, just slap this on for five to 15 minutes. Et voila: instant beach goddess.
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Face Sheet Masks, $15.00 Buy
Forget all that exhaustive tanning prep — these wipes exfoliate and build your colour at the same time.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow, $36.00 Buy
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Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs is a classic spray-on tanning option for those looking for temporary colour that won't leave muddy streaks on your clothes. Simply spray the lightweight formula over your limbs and blend and allow to briefly dry. It's that easy.
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Light Glow, $9.99 $6.65 Buy
There's a reason why this faux tan mousse has so many 5 star reviews. It develops into a gorgeous golden colour fast, doesn't ruin bedsheets, and smells tropical, not of stale biscuits.
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, $29.90 Buy
We love this solution to the messiness associated with traditional self-tanner application. By applying this formula in the shower, we keep our towels, clothes, and hands stain-free. Genius.
St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion, $14.50 Buy
One major self-tanner turn-off? A chemical smell. Thankfully, this mousse contains zero stink and keeps your skin bronze for up to three weeks.
Vita Liberata pHenomenal Self Tan Mousse, $37.50 Buy
We don’t know how Gigi Hadid gets her sun-kissed, weekend-in-Malibu bronze on, but this easy-to-blend lotion can help you easily dupe the golden girl’s coveted tan.
This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle, $38.00 Buy
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This smart oil-based formula means colour doesn't cling to parched patches around elbows or knees. Instead, it moisturises deeply as it leaves behind a gorgeous glow.
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Tan Oil, $14.99 $9.98 Buy
This bronzing booster serum makes applying self-tanner to your face so easy. Just mix three drops with your day or night moisturizer and smooth it onto your visage and neck.
Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster, $20.00 Buy
This brand new gradual tan lotion from St. Tropez is tinted, which helps with application so you know where you’ve already applied, aiding you in your anti-streak mission. Plus, you get the benefit of an “instant” glow. Over time the tan gradually sets in to give you healthy colour, and you can add to it each day to intensify the look.
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Everyday Body Lotion, $15.00 Buy
This mousse is incredibly lightweight and sinks in speedily, taking the chore out of tanning. Use the Velvotan Self-Tanning Applicator Mitt, £3.99, for an even finish.
Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse, $25.95 Buy
This overnight tanning oil not only hydrates and gently exfoliates while you snooze, it also tans your skin within hours so you wake up with a glow. Even better, the formula is translucent so you'll never have to worry about staining your pillowcase.
Tan-Luxe Sleep Oil Miracle Tanning Oil, $34.00 Buy
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This self-tanner is completely colourless, which means there's no need to fear sheet stains. And self-tanning when you sleep means you'll wake up with a glow. It's like magic.
James Read Sleep Mask Tan Face, $25.00 Buy
You can trust that these colour-correcting mists won't plague you with the dreaded Oompa Loompa skin that gives self-tanners a bad rap. Plus, the three shade options (sun-kissed, golden, and bronze) work for a wide range of skin tones, so you can even your complexion and score a healthy glow no matter where you're starting from.
Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Water, $18.95 Buy
Don't let the price fool you; the results are on par with luxe faux tanners. The mousse dries incredibly fast so you can forget about that dreaded sticky feel, and the brilliant bronze colour stays put for almost a week.
Rimmel Instant Self Tan Mousse, $8.00 Buy
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