Gradual self-tanners work just as the name implies: gradually. You'll notice subtle sun-kissed color over the course of a few days of using these buildable lotions. If you have fair skin or are nervous about looking orange, try a gradual self-tanner, suggests Kerry Evans, owner of and airbrush technician at Glow + Co. Mobile Airbrush Tanning in New York City. "It's also good for newbies since it's less apparent if you miss a spot or mess up the tan," says Evans. She's a fan of Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion, $33, a lotion-oil hybrid that provides color and hydration, thanks to raspberry seed oil, vitamin E and aloe vera. Apply to skin daily for a natural-looking tan.

Have a bit of experience using self-tanner? Than a self-tanner lotion might be for you. When you apply a self-tanner lotion, color typically develops within 6-8 hours after use, but it's not exactly the most forgiving formula. "I recommend more experienced people use this since it's easier to notice if you've missed a spot, especially if it's a darker color," says Evans. She says self-tanner lotions are a great option for everyday use or to enhance your legs if you have an event where you'll be showing them off in a short dress. Evans likes Bondi Sands Self Tanning Lotion, $24. "It's a very bronze color, not orange," she says. Exfoliate before use and apply using a self-tanner mitt for the smoothest, most streak-free finish. Avoid showering for six hours post-application.

In-shower self-tanner lotions exist now, too, but Evans isn't crazy about them because they're a little awkward to use. With these, you apply them in the shower when your skin is wet but then you have to stand around waiting for the color to develop, without getting your skin wet, and rinse off. That being said, in-shower self-tanner lotions do provide subtle, buildable coverage, she adds.

If you find it difficult to apply self-tanner to your backside, then this just might be the right self-tanner formula for you. In essence, self-tanner mist is a tan in a can. "It's definitely easier to get hard-to-reach spots and greater coverage with a spray, so it's less likely that you can mess it up. It's also great to quickly tan your face with a few sprays," Evans says. Caleb Backe, health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics, likes South Seas Skin Care Tahitian Tan Mist, $28. "Not only does it dry instantly, it ensures that you get an even tan that dries on contact," he says. After exfoliating in the shower, shake the can well and spray it all over your body in circular motions from 12 inches away. Wait eight hours until showering again.

Self-tanner towelettes offer a lot of control, so they're easier to use and build coverage than a lot of other formulas, says Evans. Most brands make separate self-tanner towelettes for face and body. For face, she loves Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads, $38, because they offer very natural color. "They exfoliate while adding adding the DHA tanning agent and also have added vitamins and antioxidants," Evans says. After cleansing, apply in circular motions over your face.

For body, Backe says TanTowel Body Tan Towelettes, $29, are the gold standard and are even formulated with tea tree oil to fight body breakouts. Exfoliate, apply in circular motions to dry skin (using sparingly around your knees, ankles and elbows) and allow to dry for at least four hours.

Like self-tanner lotions, it's easy to mess up when using self-tanner mousse, though using a mitt can make application simpler. According to Evans, a mousse is usually thicker and darker than a lotion, providing more coverage and typically fewer streaks. She suggests opting for a lighter color the first time you use it and recommends Tan-Luxe Hydra-Mousse, $57, as her formula of choice. "It's amazing and clear and streak-free and hydrating at the same time," Evans says, adding that it provides very natural, non-orangey color. Use the mitt to sweep the self-tanner over moisturized skin, then wait at least 6 to 10 hours before showering.