How to Choose the Perfect Self Tanning Option

So you've sworn off the sun forever-- now what? Do you walk around all spring and summer looking like a ghost...or do you dare use a sunless tanner? It's a hard decision the first time around, but after seeing yourself pale in that gorgeous summer dress or short shorts, you may just take the leap and decide to fake-it this season. There are some products that work wonderfully and others that make you look like an orange. Having personally tried several of these products over the years, I will tell you the best ones as far as I'm concerned.
Coppertone Moisturizing Self Tanner allows you to achieve a very dark tan, but only with repeat applications. Make sure to apply in thin layers and wait 3-4 hours between applications. The color is natural looking and is browner than some other self tanners. Make sure you exfoliate or it will streak on you.

Coppertone Spray-on Self Tanner is another version of the self tanner rated above. It is easy to use and apply and you can even spray it upside down for reaching those difficult spots like your back. It spreads nicely and the color is natural looking too. Make sure and read the directions though. Many spray on tanners want you to still rub them in for an even tan.

Banana Boat Sunless Tanning Crème is an excellent choice at a lower price point. It provides pretty good coverage and the color comes up quickly. The more color you want, the darker the color you want, the more you need to apply. While this one costs less, to get the really dark bronze color that you want, you need several applications.

Recently several companies have begun marketing products that let you build up to the darkness that you desire. These are my favorite products. Neutrogena products are wonderful, as well as Jergens Natural Glow (my all time favorite and current self tanner). These products virtually eliminate the problems with streaking. It takes about a week to build up a good tan, but for me, the extra time is totally worth it.

If you're planning on applying tanner to your face, use only a product that says it recommended for that area. Neutrogena Instant Bronze for the face is the best and only product that I currently use for my face. It's tinted, so you can see where you've applied it. Makeup can be applied after only a short time (as soon as it dries) and you can reapply daily or every other day to maintain or darken your tan.

New and better products are being developed every year. If you're a little scared to take the leap yourself, then there are some excellent options available today. Spray booths have sprung up all over the country. These are an economical option to the "do it yourself" method if you're new to the game or need an absolutely perfect self tan. Just remember, a fake tan is safer and healthier than a natural one. Regardless of which self tanning option you choose, your skin will be grateful that it's not the damaging, cancer causing kind.