The Good, the Bad, and the Orange
Like many others, I enjoy having tan skin. A tan can make your hair look lighter and your smile brighter, and it can even boost your confidence! The problem is, we weren’t all genetically blessed with naturally bronzed skin. But you know what they say... Fake it till you make it!
Here is my guide to achieving that enviable golden tan without breaking the bank or risking a painful sunburn. I can say with confidence that I’ve tried it all: mousses, sprays, lotions, in-shower lotions, the works. That includes the good AND the bad products. (Yes—I’ve had my fair share of very, very orange hands and tragic streaks.)
I’ve compiled a list of the best sunless self-tanners guaranteed to keep you bronzed and glowing all year long without taking a trip to the tanning bed. In most cases, the lower priced drugstore products worked just as well and sometimes even better than the luxury tanners. So if you’re balling on a budget like most of us broke college students, here are some great affordable products!
Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan in Deep Intensity ($8.25)
This spray is EVERYTHING! It’s light, easy to use, and virtually streak-proof due to its airbrush spray design. What I like most about this product is the color and how easily buildable the shade is. You can spray it on your face and run out the door without worrying about the product sweating off or getting smudged throughout the day. Also, you can apply as much or as little as you want and it still won’t look orange! It is sulfate-free, oil-free, aluminum-free and costs about $8 at your local drugstore.
St. Moriz Tanning Mousse in Dark ($12.99)
This mousse is SURE to get you a dark tan. After you shower, exfoliate, shave, and then apply this tanner with a foam mitt. Be careful around dry patches such as elbows and ankles. Apply one to two layers, leave on overnight, and rinse off in the morning. You will be left with a dark tan that lasts for days and looks very natural. It makes you look and feel like you’re using a $50 self-tanner. Be careful when applying this mousse—the formula dries quickly, which often leads to an uneven tan. You can get this for $13 at your nearest Ulta.
Jergens Instant Sun Mousse in Deep Bronze ($11.99)
This tanner is one of the most affordable on the market but will definitely give your skin a dependable and natural looking tint. Applying this mousse with a mitt is a MUST—it guarantees an even, non-streaky look. This mousse is beloved by many of my friends and is an all-around trustworthy product that doesn’t have that chemical-like smell that many tanners do. If you’re new to self-tanning, I recommend trying the medium color first to gradually build your tan. This is a great product and can be purchased at nearly any drugstore.
Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer ($9.99)
Ahhh, yes. The iconic Jergens Natural Glow—the staple in many women’s bathrooms for decades because of its easy application and natural looking results. If you want a DEEP tan, this is not the product for you. But if you would like a gradual, natural-looking tan over time, give this lotion a try. Just switch your normal body lotion out for this one, and you’ll see a difference in color within a couple of days. It is loved by many, and it will definitely give you a bit of color for the summer. This is also a great product to extend your tan in between mousse applications or spray tans. It’ll prolong the life of your tan and prevent you from looking patchy after showers. It may not be the best on the market, but it’s a staple product avid tanners because it’s so easy to use.
Loving Tan 2HR Express Dark Self Tanning Mousse ($39.99)
If you’re willing to dish out a little more cash for your tan, my personal suggestion (and my all-time favorite tanner) is by Loving Tan. This Australian brand is loved by nearly every beauty Youtube influencer. Once you try the 2hr Express, you’ll never want to go back to any other tanner. The mousse doesn’t have any funky DHA odors, and it truly gives you that perfect glow. You can achieve a similar look with a cheaper mousse, but this product is reliable for when you want that natural, dark color.
