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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 Gradual, Streak-Free Coverage
Try: Nature's Gate Glow Lotion, $12.99

Missing a spot is the bane of every self-tanner user's existence. No matter how much you exfoliate or how many pumice stones you go through, preventing a sunless-tanner mistake is much easier than correcting one. That's why we love this gradual self-tanner from Nature's Gate. The formula slowly develops into a subtle, even glow with continued use, so you won't wind up with orange streaks if you happen to miss a spot one day. Made with hydrating ingredients like shea butter and algae extract, this self-tanner doubles as a daily moisturizer, while imparting a subtle, steadily darkening 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.

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