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For a sun-kissed glow, all year long.

Side-by-side collage of self tanners, including Lux Unfiltered N°12, Saltyface, and Vita Liberata, on a beige background

Byrdie / Alli Waataja

The end result: A flattering, splotch- and streak-free tan that will last for days.

(Tip: Put a towel on the floor so the mist doesnt stick.)

The only con is that it has an unpleasant scent that can linger.

Tan-Luxe The Future Air Brush 360

PHOTO: Ulta

This formula, in particular, takes eight hours to develop and leaves the skin looking hydrated and glowing.

Most tanners are dehydrating as DHA, the color-depositing ingredient in tanners, can be very drying.

As for the tan itself, it lasts a while and looks very natural.

Tan-Luxe The Future Air Brush 360

Byrdie / Caitlyn Martyn

Once you build up the desired color, it lasts for days without needing touch-ups.

Think of self-tanning as makeup for the body and you are the artist, says Grous.

Then, using gloves or a brush, apply layers of the product slowly.

Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan Tinted Mousse

PHOTO: Amazon

Once youre done, remove the gloves and blend any excess with the back of your hands.

Dont forget to wash your hands afterward to avoid discoloration.

The majority of self-tanners last on the skin for about five to seven days.

Hand holding Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan Tinted Mousse

Byrdie / Chelsea Dinterman

Grous says that moisturizing daily can extend the life of your tan, as well as exfoliating less.

For this story, she relied on her first-hand experience with self-tanner, which goes back 10 years.

She’s used an array of self-tanners, from foams and mousses to sprays, waters, and oils.

Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

PHOTO: Amazon

She’s also tested drops and airbrush options, too.

For this article, she personally tested several of the self-tanning mousses, fine-mist sprays, and pads.

Photos of person’s face before and after using Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

Byrdie / Hannah Baxter

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

PHOTO: Coco & Eve

applying Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

Byrdie / Caitlyn Martyn

Amazon St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

PHOTO: Amazon

applying St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

Byrdie / Caitlyn Martyn

Vita Liberata Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion

PHOTO: Amazon

Bondi Sands Technocolor Emerald 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam

PHOTO: Bondi Sands

person applying bondi sands self tanner with mitt

Irene Richardson / Byrdie

Saltyface The Basic Self Tanner

PHOTO: Saltyface

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow for Face

PHOTO: Dr. Dennis Gross

applying Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow

Byrdie / Caitlyn Martyn