Get Pretty: The Best Self-Tanners to Get You A Glow

Photo via Minimale Animale

I have one very important rule before I'll put on a bikini: I must be tan. But I refuse to let my skin get all wrinkly and crinkly and risk skin cancer. Dilemma.

So, yes, I've stained many a palm trying to get glowy with self tanners, and I've been every shade of tan there is from subtle to carrot. Here, my absolute favorites:

1. Kate Somerville Somerville360 Face Self Tanning Pads
These are like the Holy Grail of face tanners—small applicators with built-in exfoliators that actually give your face a real-looking glow without giving you that weird orange tint around your eyebrows and hairline. Plus, because your hands never touch the formula, no need to even wash up after you apply. So perfect, no complaints here except the price (but listen, it's well worth it).

$45, katesomerville.com

2. True Natural Tropical Tan Self Tanner, Dark Tan
I hate putting chemicals on my skin, but with this self-tanner I have no fears. It's an all-natural formula made with Green Tea extract, organic aloe vera and cupuacu butter and it delivers really great color. It's not quite as dark as I was hoping for, but being as it's the dead of winter here, it's probably doing the best it can against my paleness. For the price, it's a beautiful find.

$22.99, truenatural.com

3. Beautisol Need I Glow More? Face Self-Tanning Lotion
If you already have a base tan going and want that dramatic "just got back from Bali" color, this is your end all be all. The formula gives you an instant hint of color that develops into a sunbaked bronze in a few hours—no streaks in sight. Too good. Just don't panic when it goes on because it's a dark one—it'll blend in seamlessly overnight.

$23, beautisol.com

4. Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight Self Tan Lotion
No matter how many self tanners I try, I always go back to this one. It gives you dark color, doesn't smell offensive like most other versions, and lasts forever since you only need a little bit each time you apply. It's affordable, but be careful when you apply—your hands could stain unless you wash immediately after (I actually use Orange Goo from my dad's workshop) or buy the application mitt.

$29.95, sunlabsonline.com

There you have it, the best of the best in my humble (slightly tanner) opinion.