A lot of self-tanners are too greasy for the face and create prime conditions for a major breakout. And you can forget about applying foundation on top -- it slides right off. But this moisturizing cream feels like real, luxurious skin care. Plus, the color develops quickly (you'll start to see it in about an hour) into a warm golden bronze.
Lotions can be streaky and sprays can be unwieldy, which is why many self-tanning aficionados opt for a mousse. This formula from St. Tropez is the gold standard. It's incredibly light, yet it's sturdy enough to stay on the skin (this one is tinted, so you can tell where you've applied it). And it comes with a mitt, which makes all the difference when it comes to preventing streaks and splotches.
You could slap this self-tanner on blindfolded and it wouldn't streak -- it's that good. Its magic ability to always go on evenly is what makes it ideal for before-bed application. You apply, put on your pajamas, and forget about it. As with all self-tanners, it doesn't play nicely with white sheets, so switch your light-colored bed linens out for a darker color. But overall, this one requires minimal effort for a maximum tan by morning.
There's something about a glistening gel in a sleek tube that's very French Riviera. It's straightforward and easy to use -- no special accessories needed or gymnastics necessary to apply it. And it dries incredibly quickly -- so you can throw on your white sundress and head straight for the beach.
I've had some major self-tanner mishaps over the years. From orange palms for weeks (yes, weeks) to splotches that looked like rare skin diseases, I've experienced it all.
And after a string of self-tanner woes, I've finally had what Oprah would call an "Aha! Moment": Most self-tanners are terrible. So terrible, in fact, that I'd rather be pale.
However, there are a few gems -- a select group of self-tanners that stand out among their awful competitors -- and they can be found in drugstores, Sephora, and department stores alike. When I'm desperate for color (i.e. the last Vegas bachelorette party I attended), I turn to one of these.
Since the self-tanning formula is so tricky to get right, I've decided the good self-tanners out there deserve an award. Which is why I'm handing out self-tanner superlatives. Some of these are new for 2013, while others are oldies but goodies. I hope you find the one that works for you so you never have to go out in public looking like Tony the Tiger. I already suffered for you.
