Top 5 Best Self Tanners

I admit I am a self tanner junkie and I have tried it all. I know which ones make you orange and which ones smell too bad to stand. I also know which ones dry the fastest, give you the best results, and have the least smells. Here are my top 5 that are always in my house.

Tan Towel
Maybe the best self tanner out there. It is a towel that you unfold and wipe all over your body. Basically you wash yourself with the provided "towel" whose consistency is like a baby wipe. It dries fast and somehow works with your natural chemicals in your body to create the perfect, natural, believable tan for you. It has no smell, no streaks, and color develops usually within 3 hours. I find it is best to apply after a shower before bed so the product can really absorb into your skin. The only problem is that you cannot see where you are applying it but as long as you go over and over the areas that usually isn't a problem. You cannot apply too much so that is also another added bonus. You can buy them in bulk or individually. They run about 3$ for an individual packet. I get mine at my local Ricky's in NYC but http://www.tantowel.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=94 can show you where you can get them by you.

Sephora Sun Tinted Bronzing Mist Spray Tan
This is a great inexpensive spray tan that works amazingly well. It can only be found in local Sephora stores and runs for $12.00. It lasts for about 2 months depending how often you need to touch up. It dries quickly, has a pleasant but not strong smell, and leaves a tint on your skin when first applied. It is so easy to apply to the hard to reach spots like your back, or back of legs. Also, if you happen to go overboard with coverage it seems to come off easily with a washcloth and soap yet doesn't fade that quickly without scrubbing.

Sunbrushed Tanning Solution
This one is hard to find but you can order it at http://www.sunbrushed.com/Products.asp. Similar to tan towels but a little messier. It is a deep chocolate formula that comes with gloves, and a microfiber towel that you dip into the formula and then wash onto your body. I like this because it is easy to see where it goes when applied, and application with the towel exfoliates while you apply. It is really easy to apply and it smells nice. It also dries quickly and the next day after you shower excess comes off and you are left with a great looking tan. It runs about $20.00 for a 2 application kit.

Clinique Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion
This is new to the market but I am a fan already. It smells good going on and dries quickly. It does over time get that self tanner smell but not as strongly as most self tanners out there. It is tinted so you can see where you are applying and it comes in both light and medium to match your skin tone. I like that it immediately shows some color and it is very natural looking. You can find it at most department stores and it runs about $20.00

Fake Bake Instant Air Brush Self Tan Spray
This is very similar to the Sephora Spray tan but bigger and slightly better. It doesn't clog the pores with "tan" color which can make the skin look like it's dirty. it dries fast, and it lasts long. It doesn't smell, a little goes a long way, and it looks very natural. I really like this product for touch ups and when I want a bronze natural looking tan. The only problem is the price, it retails for $30.00.

With all the harmful things that can happen to you from tanning in a booth, or sitting in the sun, it is nice to see that there are some great self tanners out there that work really well. These 5 are the best I have tried so far and work really well to create a natural tan that fades away naturally, and can be kept up easily.