I’d consider myself a reformed sun worshiper. Around the time I turned thirty, I finally woke up to the fact that the destructive qualities of getting a “real” tan are not cool. Late to the party, I know, but I was in denial for many years. But the fact that I wear my SPF religiously doesn’t mean that I’m quite ready to embrace a pale complexion in the summer months. (I know, it can be super sophisticated! Pale is in!! Just not for me.) Anyway, I’ve thankfully embraced applying an at-home sunless tan, and ladies: these are not the streaky, smelly formulas of our youth. From sprays to foams to serum drops, keep scrolling for the sunless tanners our Beauty Council of experts can’t survive swimsuit season without.
image: seville travel guide from a pair & a spare
St. Tropez In Shower Gradual Tan
I love being pale, but in the summertime my legs definitely benefit from a little color. This one takes three minutes in the shower, the results are subtle yet really pretty, and it’s never streaky.
-Dawn Spinner Davis, Beauty Director at Total Beauty
Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Tinted Lotion
I am obsessed with this lotion at home, but also sneak in an organic spray tan in LA from time to time!
–@jennikayne, Designer
Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster
This formula from Clarins is a savior in achieving the elusive golden complexion on your face — since no one wants to apply a potentially pore-clogging sunless tanning lotion above the neck. I add a few drops to my facial moisturizer in the morning, blend well into the hairline and around my eyes and nose, then watch as the subtlest streak-free glow develops over the next few hours.
-Camille
James Read Self Tan Liquid Bronzer
I love this entire line, it never looks fake.
–@katiejanehughes, Makeup Artist
Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow Moisturizer
I tan very easily on my arms, but not at all on my legs. I’ll use this as my daily moisturizers mixed with Kiehl’s lotion every day during the summer.
– @laneycrowell, Founder of Crowell Lane Creative
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
All the way!
-Jen Pinkston, The Effortless Chic
Elemental Herbology Sun Kiss Body Hydrator with Self Tan
This gradual tanner is made with natural DHA derived from sugar beets—and the color and scent couldn’t be better.
–@tararasmus, Beauty Editor & Author of Camille Styles Decoder Series
