The Best Self-Tanners for Summer

I am so pale. There is no denying that fact. I burn to a crisp outside so I have to use SPF 70. This equals no tan for me.

Instead I sunless tan. Yes, there are some stigmas around this–it’s orange, it’s streaky, you look like an Oompa Loompa, you look like you have leprosy–blah blah blah. It doesn’t have to be that way. There are some really great self and sunless tanners out there.

Check out my post on spray tanning here.

However, for those who don’t want to spray tan, I have also tried every self-tanner in the book. Some are horrible and do give you those horrible side effects mentioned above, but some are really great. I also don’t like to spend a ton of money on tanners. Here are my favorite:

Pros: This comes with plastic gloves and a terry cloth glove for even distribution and application. Plus you don’t get any on your hands. You can see the color as it’s applied so you won’t miss any spots. This tanner is SO even and natural it’s insane.

Cons: After a few applications the glove gets a little gunky. Also, it takes awhile to dry and it stains your sheets if you go to bed too early afterward. You have to be careful to make sure your hands match as well, because they are in gloves.

Pros: This has little to no smell and absolutely no streaking. One towel can be used for about half your body. The tan is totally even and natural looking. This is probably my favorite tanning product ever.

Cons: They come in a pack of 10, but you need two to cover your whole body, so you run out pretty quickly. Also, this is a little more expensive than some of the others, so it could become an expensive habit very quickly.

Pros: Jergens is great for gradual, subtle tanning.  You can use this like lotion after your shower and don’t have to worry about it coming in too dark. Plus it’s super cheap!

Cons: If you’re really pale, after applying too many nights in a row, you might look a little unnatural. Best to alternate nights.

Mary Kay Subtle Tanning Lotion
Pros:You can use this on your face and it’s great for building a gradual tan. Plus it has a hint of sparkle which I don’t hate at all!

Cons: You usually have to buy from a Mary Kay salesperson and sometimes they are hard to find.

Pros:  This is an AMAZING product. Usually, that little straw inside bottles can’t reach the bottom if you flip it upside down. However, this product has 360 mist, so you can spray your front, your back, and all your sides.

Cons: Can only find at tanning salons, not online. I go to Solar Dimensions, but when I Googled it came up on lots of other salon’s pages too.

Pros: You can see it when you apply, but it dries clear so there are no streaks or spots! This product is at Bath and Body works so you can pick up a scented candle while you’re there.

Cons: It’s only out during the summer so you can’t get addicted and use it as a year-round tanner…womp womp.