Results for Sunless Tanners

Skip the sun and get a glowing tan with sunless methods.

Sunless tanners come in many varieties. Each will give you a different type of tanning bang for your buck. From drugstore varietals to professional applications, sunless tanners impart that desirable, deeper glow while skipping the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.

Lotions, Creams and Gels

For ease of use and cost-effectiveness, bottled sunless tanners give effective results. The most affordable of these are usually found in the sun care aisle of the drugstore. Application is fairly simple -- spread the sunless tanner evenly over your skin in deliberate, circular motions. Wash hands immediately after using a sunless tanner to eschew oddly hued palms. Tinted tanners allow you to see the lotion as you apply it, which is a helpful way to avoid obvious streaks. For best results, exfoliate and moisturize before applying any kind of self-tanner.

Towelettes

The key here is less mess. Towelettes deliver just the right amount of sunless tanner in an applicator that's just like a wet wipe. In this form, self-tanner is much easier to use on-the-go, and individually wrapped towelettes fit easily into a travel carrier, purse or gym bag. Don't expect dramatic darkening from this type of sunless tanner. Towelettes afford a subtle, natural boost in color that's ideal for fairer skin tones. Some high-end varieties tout extra benefits and designer names, but be prepared for a price tag that's equally enhanced.

Spray Tanning

Eliminate human error with an even, all-over tan from a spray booth like Mystic Tan or VersaSpa. There's a slight learning curve for newbie booth tanners, and the experience of being misted with a cold, strange-smelling liquid can be unusual at first. Some users prefer to hold their breath in the booth, but the mist isn't harmful if you do inhale. Slather on protective lotion, usually provided by the salon, to block the tan from developing on your palms and the bottoms of feet. Spray tans are available at different levels, with higher levels delivering deeper results. Besides salon spray-tan booths, there are also at-home spray formulas. "Vogue" staffers who tried the SheerTan system at home gave it positive reviews, with the caveat that practice makes perfect.

Professional Airbrushing

For the right price, you can entrust your tan to the artistry of an airbrushing professional. This type of sunless tanner application gives the best results. A single professional airbrushing session starts around $50 and goes up from there. The artist will tailor the results to your skin type and contour the faux tan specifically for your body. Airbrushing is not for the modest, as the sunless tanner is usually applied in the nude.

Ultimate Results

Regardless of the application method, all these sunless tanners will help you achieve that tanned, summery glow that is synonymous with youth --- or at least gives the illusion of a recent tropical getaway. Choose the sunless tanner variety that best suits your budget and schedule, and rest assured that your tan did not come at the expense of your skin's future health.

References

• Mayo Clinic; Sunless Tanning: A Safe Alternative to Sunbathing; February 2010
• "Real Simple"; Streakless Self-Tanning Tips; Sarah Smith
• "Vogue"; The Verdict Is In: The At-Home Spray Tan; Ana Dragovic; April 2011
• "Allure"; Our Favorite Self Tanners; Daisy Shaw; April 2010