It’s hot outside and your summer wardrobe has made its grand debut. Shorts, tank tops and swimsuits have come out of hiding and taken center stage in your closet and drawers, and you can finally show a little skin when you step outdoors. But before you start strutting your seasonal attire, it might be nice to update your appearance—with a healthy summer glow.
It’s no secret that the sun’s harsh rays can cause skin damage ranging from premature aging to cancer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve that sun-kissed look you long for this summer. There are many products available to help you get your glow on without sacrificing your health and youth-like appearance.
In the not-so-distant past, horror stories abounded about fake-n-bake and tan-in-a-can fixes that left users an unnatural shade of orange. But self-tanners have come a long way in a short time, and now there are many products that will take you from pale to a very realistic golden in just a few easy applications.
Following are five sunless tanners that provide that just-back-from-my-tropical-vacay effect:
Alba Botanica™ Very Emollient Sunless Golden Tanning Natural Formula
Like its name implies, this self-tanner is indeed “very emollient.” Plus, the “easy to use, non-streaking formula absorbs quickly for a natural-looking sunless tan in less than 3 hours.” Quick and super easy!
Life-Flo 5K1N™ Sunless Tanner Plus 1000 IU of Vitamin D3
Have your tan and your vitamins, too! Formulated for fair to medium skin tones, this natural, foaming sunless tanner allows you to sport a summer tan “with the added bonus of Vitamin D3, the sunshine vitamin, without exposing your skin to the sun's UV rays, dangerous tanning beds or toxic chemicals from other sunless tanners.” Need we say more?!
True Natural Self Tanning Lotion Medium
Made with green tea and soothing lavender, this quick drying, vegan self-tanner provides long lasting color in just three to four hours. Plus, the streak-free formula is non-toxic and completely biodegradable (a win for the environment!). Use it on your face and body.
Banana Boat Summer Color® Self-Tanning Lotion Deep Dark Color
Ideal for all skin tones, this self-tanning lotion is perfect for those looking to rock a deep, dark tan this summer. The oil-free formula is “enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E to nourish you skin” and its “Self Adjusting Color®” darkens with each application so you can determine exactly how far you want to take your tan.
Nature's Gate Sunless Tanner Self Tanning Lotion Fresh Citrus
This sunless tanner will win you over with its gentle, hydrating formula (a blend of aloe and olive oil) and light citrus scent. Allow one day for a natural-looking tan to set in and wow friends and family with your just-back-from-the-beach-like result. You can also take comfort in the fact that this product is free of parabens, phthalates and oxybenzone.
Please keep in mind that sunless tanners are not a substitute for sunscreen and therefore do not prevent sunburn and sun damage. To ensure maximum results, follow package instructions carefully.
