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Aside from the obvious fact that using a self-tanning product is a great way to avoid the sun’s aging and cancer-causing UV damage, if you’ve ever gotten a spray tan or successfully used a DIY self-tanner, you know that it also offers a slew of off-label benefits besides just adding color to the skin. From concealing bruises and scars to blurring the look of cellulite—and even creating a subtle contour (beginners proceed with caution!), there are plenty of perks to sunless tanning.
Unfortunately, salon and professional spray tans are pricey—take it from me—I used to get one every weekend before admitting I had a full-blown addiction. Plus, even when done at the tanning alone, they’re not always foolproof. Of course, at-home, DIY self-tanners pose even more risks... even for those who consider themselves to be experts. Many formulas can come out streaky, orange, and they can leave behind a nasty odor that I couldn't even begin to describe... though boiled hot dogs mixed with expired sunscreen seem like a fair description. Yuck!
If you haven’t tried an at-home sunless tanner in a while, rest assured that many of these new and improved formulas have come a long way in recent years. Sure, there are still sketchy products that I’d avoid at all costs, but if you’re looking for a healthy sunkissed look without the risk of looking like a botched science experiment, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gone ahead and lined up the best natural-looking self-tanner formulas to help you fake a post-vacation glow—even if you’re new to DIY bronzing. In fact, self-tanning offers a slew of other cosmetic benefits aside from adding some color, including covering up scars, bruises, and even cellulite.
From self-tanner drops formulated specifically for the face and neck to transfer-proof foams that won't stain your clothes and bedsheets, scroll through below to check out the best foolproof self-tanning products to test out this summer.
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