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Zero orange splotches in sight.
Byrdie / Hannah Baxter
Byrdie / Hannah Baxter
In This Article
TL;DR
My favorite self-tanner is theSt.
Youll stay looking bronzed for at least three days and its simple to touch up for continuous color.
It has no unpleasant tanning smell and rubs in seamlessly.
PHOTO: Amazon
I set out totestthebuzziest self-tannerson the market right nownine for the body and three for the face.
It dried down in just about 30 minutes, but I showered before getting into bed toavoid color transfer.
The shade already looked nice and naturalvery just-got-back-from-vacation.
By day three I noticed a bit of patchiness on my arms but nothing too crazy or overly noticeable.
You do need toscrub it awaybefore it fades too unevenly though.
That might have been a mistake since one of my legs ended up with a massive streak.
PHOTO: Isle of Paradise
The color was really beautiful though, sun-kissed and not too orange.
It gave me a super subtle tan after one day, with no funky smell or streaks.
Even my friends commented that I looked more tan than usual.
Just ensure to wash your hands after applying it.
I forgot one day and wound up with a splotch of tan on my palm.
The color payoff isnt super intense, its more of a subtle, natural glow.
PHOTO: Saltyface
Instead, I misted my face and neck while my moisturizer was still wet and before applying sunscreen.
I do appreciate that it feels low stakes and fairly foolproof though.
This one lasted a pretty long time, especially considering how lightweight it felt on the skin.
The color itself is subtle but incredibly natural-looking, especially on pale skin.
I didnt struggle with any streaks or unevenness but gave myself a solid hour before getting dressed.
The color was pretty natural-lookingonly a tad bit more orange than my favorite of the bunch.
PHOTO: Amazon
I started with my hands and then switched to a mitt to help it sink into my skin.
Its already worked its way into my body care rotation every third day to keep the golden glow going.
To determine which self-tanner is right foryourfair skin, I suggest taking the following points into consideration.
I alwaysexfoliate my bodythoroughly to prepmy skin for self-tanner.
Leaving rough patches would all but guarantee my tan would look splotchy and telltale fake.
With pale skin, less is usually moreyou want toavoid accidentally overdoingit.
PHOTO: Tan Luxe
Having said that, the ideal frequency of use depends on the formula.
In any case, its best to moisturize with a regular lotion every day while using self-tanner.
Anywhere else, I just use a makeup wipe and rub gently and it takes away any mistakes!
She’s been testing self-tanner on a trial-and-error basis (emphasis on the error) for over 20 years.
PHOTO: Ulta
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Amazon
Byrdie / Ashley Schaubroeck
