The best self-tanners: Bronzers are better than ever. We tested the ones that give you the most natural glow - and found - Beauty Inaction

Shape, May, 2002 by Beth Janes

No matter how hard we try, we can't forget the self-tanning fiascoes of past. These carrot-colored memories still prevent many from trying self-tanners (or worse yet, are the reason many head to tanning salons for what they consider to be a better, and faster, way to get a pre-bikini glow). But before you expose yourself to the wrinkle-causing UV rays of a tanning bed, read on.

We (21 testers) decided it was our duty to be guinea pigs to find you the best summer-skin-in-a-bottle. We tested more than 60 self-tanners, evaluating each -- on not only the final color result, but also on how smoothly and easily it applied, the fragrance and how quickly it absorbed into the skin (walking around naked waiting for your skin to "dry" is fun for only so long). We whittled down the possibilities to the following list of favorites. Now, there's no reason not to try one!

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Estee Lauder Sunless SuperTan Spray ($25; estee lauder.com) "It sprays on easily, absorbs quickly and results in a believable bikini tan. What more could a woman want?"

face

Elizabeth Arden Daily Bronzer Self-Tanning Boost for the Face ($18.50; at department stores) "I like everything about this product, the creamy consistency, the ease of application and the nonstreaking color. It's ideal for those once afraid (like me) of self-tanning."

Best for Sensitive Skin L'Oreal Ombrelle Sunless Tanning Cream for Faces SPF 15 ($9; at drugstores) "The creamy formula smoothed on like a moisturizer, and the oil-free, fragrance-free and non-pore-clogging formula didn't irritate my skin."

Most Natural Aveda Sun Source ($16.50; aveda.com) "Packed with moisturizing botanicals like aloe, avocado and jojoba oil, this tanner gave me a sun-kissed color -- with zero chemicals."

Best for Fair Skin Clinique Self-Sun Body Quick Bronze Self-Tanner ($15.50; clinique.com) "There's nothing worse (or more obvious) than a St-Tropez tan on superfair skin -- why I'm voting for this one. The honey tint that results is just enough to give me a dose of healthy radiance."

Best Bargain Tan Banana Boat Sunless Tanning Creme With Color Indicator ($7; at drugstores) "The light coconut scent reminded me of the beach -- and at $7, it's a definite beauty steal!"

Best Spray Clarins Oil-Free Self-Tanning Instant Spray ($26.50; gloss.com) "This fine mist is idiot-proof -- I just sprayed, and it lightly coated every area before I gently rubbed it in. The best part: you can get dressed within 10 minutes without smudging the color."

Offers Most Protection Murad Age Proof Self Tanner SPF 15 for Face & Body ($25; murad.com) "This product is chock-full of free-radical-fighting antioxidants as well as an SPF 15 -- and love the fact that I can use it on my face and body."

Best for Beginners Lancome Soleil Flash Bronzer for Legs ($25; lancome.com) "The tint looked so real, the next day people asked me if I had been to the beach!"

Best Tinted Tanner Neutrogena Instant Bronze Sunless Tanner & Bronzer in One ($10; at drugstores) "It's simple to apply (the pump dispenser makes it incredibly convenient), and I got an instant glow from the tinted foam, which helped guide my application."

best of the bronzers

While self-tanners can give your skin a sun-kissed look, bronzers offer an instant alternative with no long-term commitment, says Julie Hewett, a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist. Here are the best of the best (with expert tips on how to use them).

Gel or creamy solid Use these as an accent, not all over, Hewett suggests. Squeeze a small amount on to your fingertips and lightly smooth on to flush the cheeks.

Our favorites: Prescriptives Sunsheen Bronzing Gel ($25; gloss.com) is oil-free and gives subtle highlights; and L'Oreal Touch-On Color in Dusky Glow ($10; at drugstores) offers sheer, natural-looking color.

Stick Dab the stick directly on your cheekbones, nose or forehead, and then blend with your fingertips.

Our favorites: Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminators Stick SPF 10 in Bronze Light ($14; at drugstores) feels cool to the touch, thanks to its water base; and Urban Decay Cool Shimmer Stick in Biker ($16; urbandecay.com) leaves sexy shimmering highlights perfect for summer nights.

Powder Apply with a big fluffy brush (like Trish McEvoy Big Powder Brush, $63; 800-431-4306) by quickly dusting your face, neck and decolletage.

Our favorites: Clarins Summer Face Powder ($35; gloss.com) comes with two bronze shades and a light shimmer in one compact; and Chanel Sunlit Powder ($45; gloss.com) feels light, and the pale golden undertones brighten and warm almost all skin tones.

Self-tanning 101

Here are seven tips on getting a natural-looking tan from Jaime Trompeter, spa manager at Oasis On Park Day Spa in New York city.

* Rub yourself smooth. While you're in the shower, exfoliate (pay special attention to areas with rough skin like elbows, knees, ankles and heels). Then dry off well (water can prevent the tanner from absorbing evenly).

* Don't tan in a steamy bathroom. Apply self-tanner in a room that's not extra-humid. Otherwise you'll end up streaking the color.