Sunless Tanning

Reviews say the most convenient way to get a sunless tan is at a salon. There are a number of options, which all last about the same four to five days as at-home products; the one you choose depends on how much you're willing to spend. The least expensive is booth spray tanning, like Mystic Tan (*est. $25 at Hollywood Tans and other tanning salons), in which you stand in a booth and are blasted with tanning solution on front and back from shower jets. A disposable shower cap protects your hair, and you're advised to hold your breath and close your eyes during spraying. It sounds like this procedure would result in uneven color, but reviewers say wiping excess solution off with a towel immediately after spraying and using the provided barrier cream to keep certain areas (like elbows, knees, and soles of feet) from getting too dark leaves you with an even, natural-looking tan. Since all areas are covered with the spray tanning solution, you don't have to worry about hard-to-reach spots.

Some salons will also do airbrush tanning (*est. $75 to $100), in which a technician uses a hand-held sprayer to apply a fine mist of sunless tanner, varying the amount of tanning agent to match what you'd get from laying in the sun. We've even seen technicians enhance the appearance of muscles and abs with airbrush tanning. Or, if you're doubtful about your ability to apply a sunless tanner evenly at home, some salons will do it for you, usually after an exfoliation treatment (*total est. $75 to $125). One reviewer recommends choosing a salon that uses the Flawless Sunless Tan System, which uses a special light to illuminate the tanner so the technician avoids mistakes.

If you have a steady hand, you can even do airbrush tanning at home. The Nuress Home Spray Tanning System (*est. $150, including tanning solution) consists of a motor unit, hose and spray gun that can be used in your own shower. It applies tanning solution under low pressure, theoretically providing a streak-free, all-over tan. Nuress is mentioned as a home alternative by several magazines, including Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire and Soap Opera Digest, but in one comparison test, Nuress was hard to apply and left testers too orange.

Salon sunless tanning may be convenient, but it doesn't last any longer than home-applied products. Since the tan needs reapplication every four to seven days, the cost of maintenance may be more than some people are willing to pay. At-home preparations are much less expensive. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel (*est. $30 for 4.4 ounces) is high on many reviewers' lists. It comes in just one shade, but reviewers of all skin tones were very pleased with the resulting tan color. Most users say that the gel is easy to apply and virtually streak-free. The only consistent complaint in user reviews is the steep price, but a couple of users point out that "a little goes a long way."

Clinique Self-Sun Quick Bronze Self Tanner (*est. $18 for 4.2 ounces) was also a top pick in comparison reviews, but users at MakeupAlley.com had mixed opinions. Most like that it’s tinted, which makes for an even application and imparts an immediate natural bronze appearance. Ultimately, we did not choose to include the Clinique self tanner in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers picks because of complaints we read about clogged pores. Only the mousse version of Clinique Self-Sun Quick Bronze Self Tanner is oil-free, but it’s not designed for the face. People with acne-prone skin might consider Clinique’s Radiant Bronze instead, as it is oil-free and designed for both face and body.

In general, we found the most complaints from fair-skinned people, who seem to have the greatest hit-or-miss luck with self-tanners. Even with Jergen's Natural Glow, which comes in three different shades, we found mixed results from fair-skinned men and women. Some said that the fair formula did nothing at all or that it was too orange, while others said they got good results. Especially for fair-skinned people, it may take some experimentation to find the right product for your particular skin.

Another common complaint about sunless tanners is that they take a long time to dry and can rub off on clothing if you get dressed too soon. Some reviews say foam formulas are the quickest drying and easiest to apply without streaks. In fact, some reviewers say the Neutrogena Instant Bronze Sunless Tanner and Bronzer in One (*est. $11 for 4 ounces) is "goof proof," because not only does it dry fast, but it is tinted with bronzer so that you can see where you have applied it and where you have not. The downside about foam tanners, however, is that they can actually dry too quickly -- so quickly that you don’t have enough time to spread the foam evenly.

Many other sunless tanning products are also tinted for ease of application. St. Tropez Tinted Self Tanning Lotion (*est. $37.50 for 8 ounces) is recommended by articles at InStyle and Elle magazines, with kudos that it gives the deepest bronze tan. St. Tropez is also aloe vera based for a non-greasy, quick drying feel. However, St. Tropez self tanning lotion is expensive, and we didn't see it tested in the most rigorous reviews at Consumer Reports, Prevention or Washingtonian magazines.

Sunless tanning misters tend to fall in between foams and lotions, drying more quickly than a lotion, but not as fast as foam. Most mists dry in five minutes or less. Reviewers recommend Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray (*est. $12 for 5.3 ounces) . Most say it provides a golden, even tan and dries quickly. In the comparison review at Prevention magazine, one tester said that Neutrogena MicroMist was very easy to use and that because it’s colorless it didn’t stain her bathroom like most sprays. The directions say that it has an easy, no-rub application, but a reviewer at The Washington Post felt that rubbing it in would have given her a more even tan. Most reviewers did complain about the strong smell and suggested that you keep windows open when using it.

Fusion Beauty also makes a sunless tanning spray, Fusion Beauty GlowFusion Micro-Nutrient Natural Protein Tan (*est. $58 for 5 ounces) . This product has been marketed as the best-smelling self tanner, but we found that a lot of reviewers did not agree. Users also reported uneven, blotchy tans with a lot of streaking. One user said that when she added lotion and rubbed it in, though, it resulted in the "perfect tan."

Finally, reviewers say Estee Lauder's Go Tan Sunless Towelettes (*est. $23 for 10 towelettes) are good for touch-ups or covering tan lines. Just glide one of these sunless tanning wipes over your skin, and it will darken within an hour. The tanning wipes are available for both body and face. Some reviewers say it can be hard to control the amount of solution coming out of a towelette, making these a better choice for small areas rather than your entire body.

Important Features: Sunless tanning

Experts say the following about sunless tanners:

• All sunless tanners use DHA (dihydroxyacetone) to temporarily color skin. DHA is a safe ingredient for skin. Sunless tanners do not protect from the sun's UV rays, and additional sunscreen should be used. Also, beware of SPF claims by sunless tanners. If they don’t list the ingredients of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Helioplex or avobenzone (or Mexoryl SX or Tinosorb outside the U.S.), they don't protect against UVA rays, which are the most damaging to skin.

• All sunless tanners fade like a suntan and need to be reapplied every three to five days. Reviews advise showering and shaving before applying sunless tanners; doing so afterward will remove the colored skin cells, lightening your tan.

• Reviews say smooth skin provides the best base for an attractive tan. Exfoliate before applying sunless tanners, and only apply them to bare skin. Applying them over moisturizer or sunscreen can cause uneven coloring. Also, go easy on areas around joints, like elbows and knees, which often have rough skin and can attract darker color.

• All sunless tanners can stain clothing. Give the tanner ample time to dry before dressing, or use foam or spray formulas, which dry faster than lotion. Wash your hands after application to avoid dark palms. You can also wear gloves or use an applicator to keep hands clean -- just don't forget to apply tanner to the backs of your hands after removing the gloves.

• If you're pregnant or nursing, experts recommend checking with your physician before applying sunless tanners, especially salon sprays. According to the American Pregnancy Association, DHA is considered safe for pregnant women. However, editors also say, "The only concern is whether the active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is able to penetrate the skin. Studies do not confirm that it can, but some healthcare providers encourage women to wait until after the first trimester, just to play it safe."

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
5	Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (*est. $8 for 7.5 ounces)	details
3	Clinique Quick Bronze Tinted Self Tanne (*est. $18 for 4.2 ounces)	details
3	Estee Lauder Go Tan Sunless Towelettes (*est. $23 for 10 towelettes)	details
3	Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel (*est. $30 for 4.4 ounces)	details
2	Anthony Logistics for Men Self-Tanner with Anti-Aging Complex (*est. $28 for 2.5 ounces)	details
2	Banana Boat EveryDay Glow SunDial (*est. $12 for 6.7 ounces)	details
2	Bobbi Brown Sunless Tanning Gel for Face & Body (*est. $30 for 4.2 ounces)	details
2	Chanel Perfect Colour Body Self-Tanner (*est. $45 for 5 ounces)	details
2	Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer (*est. $7.50 for 7.5 ounces)	details
2	L’Oreal Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer (*est. $10 for 8 ounces)	details
2	Neutrogena Instant Bronze, Sunless Tanner and Bronzer In One (*est. $11 for 4 ounces)	details
2	Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray (*est. $12 for 5.3 ounces)	details
1 each	Aveeno Active Naturals: Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion , Banana Boat EveryDay Glow Daily Moisturizing Lotion , Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Mist , Banana Boat Summer Color Sunless Tinted Lotion , Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint , Comodynes Sunless Tanning Towelettes, Coppertone Endless Summer , Coppertone Endless Summer Sunless Tanning Gradual Tan Moisturizing Lotion , Coppertone MoistureMist Tan Continuous spray, Estee Lauder Go Bronze Tinted Self-Tanner for Body , Fake Bake Self-Tanning Mousse , Fusion Beauty Glow Fusion , Hawaiian Tropic Island Glow Daily Moisturizer , Lancome Flash Bronzer Glow 'n Wear , Lancome Flash Bronzer Glow 'n Wear Gel , Lancôme Sôleil Flash Bronzer Airbrush, Model Co. Tan Airbrush In A Can , Mystic Tan Booth Tanning, Neutrogena Build-A-Tan for Body , Neutrogena Instant Bronze Sunless Tanner for face , Nuress Home Tanning Salon , Orlane Paris Anti-Wrinkle Self-Tanner, Salon airbrushing, St Tropez Aero Bronze Instant Self-Tanning Air Spray , St. Tropez Tinted Self TanningLotion , TanTowel

In the most recent comparative testing, Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel wins the most acclaim from reviewers. Although we also read good reviews for a similar Clinique sunless tanner, we did read comments about clogged pores. Salon and booth tanning is frequently recommended as a convenient sunless tanning option, although it can be more expensive to maintain than products you apply at home. Estee Lauder's Go Tan Sunless Towelettes are a novel alternative for touch-ups, and Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray wins some of the best reviews from users among at-home, spray-on misting tanners.

Of the daily sunless tanning moisturizers, we found numerous recommendations for Jergens Natural Glow. We also found that most users are pleased with Jergens’ new Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer, even though they don’t notice much firming effect.

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