The Five Best Self Tanners Ever

If you've ever had a self tanner mishap (orange streaks ring a bell much?), then you might have sworn off trying to alter your skin color for life. Then again, if you've ever had an A1 totally successful experience made in self tanning heaven, you know that a golden hue does make your skin look perfectly even toned and maybe even just a little bit Sophia Loren-esque, just a little. Personally, I'm hoping that as skin cancer and sun protection awareness increases, in the next few years, overly tanned skin will have so many negative associations that it simply won't be chic anymore. But until that day comes, if ya can't beat em, join em. Here are the top five, absolute best self tanners in the Product Fiend playbook:

1. Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream

We used to swear that Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning was the only tan from a can we'd put on our face, but Clarins l'experts one-upped themselves this year with the latest addition to their self-tanner cannon, Delicious Self Tanning Cream for both face and body. The caramel-colored, aloe-packed gel is streak-proof, Oompa Loompa-proof and (thank god) not too smelly (our only problem with the much more affordable Jergens Natural Glow line). Just glide it on for an insta-gold that's way more Ellen Barkin than Kelly Ripa.

2. Rodial Brazilian Tan Light

Here's what we do before we go to the beach: We mix a few pumps of Rodial's new Brazilian Tan Light into our body lotion before we apply SPF. The light brown gel is a tad too drying on its own but when mixed with a good lotion, we're ready for our imaginary Mario Testino shoot. Now we need a Missoni bikini (instead of our H&M one), legs about three inches longer and a hairless pool-boy in a Speedo.

3. Neutrogena Instant Bronze

For the instant gratification gals among us, nothing beats this tanner and bronzer in one. It's a bonus that the tint allows you to see exactly where the tan will set in 30 minutes down the road, but don't do too much lollygaggin': The extra fast dry formula lets you get dressed right away, which anyone who has spent too much time standing around naked like a statue knows is a good thing.

4. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Ya'll know I'm always harping on Jergens (see above), but there's a reason myself and countless other beauty editors can't say enough good things about the product. It just works. It comes in different shades, which helps both pale and darker skinned women get in on the action. And even though it requires due diligence in terms of application in order to build the color, the results are certainly more natural-looking and there's nary a streak to worry about. You go Jergens!

5. Mystic Tan

Technically, Mystic Tan is more of a service than a product, but for emergency situations where you're unexpectedly going on a beach vacation with a hot guy and you want your bod to look ----- hot in a bikini, Mystic is definitely the way to go. Unlike the extremely pricey self-tanning treatments offered at salons, Mystic is comparatively cheap at about $35, accessible (find a location near you here), and on top of all that, it's fast. Make sure to exfoliate first, strip, go into a booth (hold your breath for the love of God), let the industrial sprayers do all the work and that's about it. Perfection.

--Erin

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