Tanluxe The Gradual

Buy at Sephora

This is the easiest and most convenient self tanner, period.

If you don’t have hours to spend applying traditional self tanner, waiting for it to dry, avoiding water for multiple hours, potentially turning your sheets orange, and planning your schedule around your fake tanning routine, this is the product for you.

TanLuxe The Gradual is a lotion you apply after your shower (or whenever you like), just like you would any body lotion. Just wait a minute or two for it to dry, wash your hands, and go. Your tan will develop over the day and it won’t turn your clothes orange like a regular self tanner would.

You can reapply the next day for a darker look. Minimal effort, great results.

Tanluxe The Face

Buy at Sephora

Since you don’t want to use a product designed for body on your face, these self tanning drops will give your face all the color you want without breaking you out.

Just mix these drops with your moisturizer and apply all over your face and neck. A glow will appear in just a few hours. Reapply as needed from day to day to keep your face as bronzed as you want.

As a reminder, most dermatologists say no amount of natural tan is the healthiest amount. So, keep that as your guiding principle when trying to look tan.

And remember, if you want to avoid this problem altogether, get good at self-tanning or schedule yourself a spray tan. Just don’t Mississippi count. (Only the true Friends fans will get that joke.)

Have a great summer! Stay outside but stay protected.

What’s your best sun protection tip?

What activity will you be doing in the sun? What are you most excited for this summer? Let us know!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2010; it was completely updated and revamped in 2021 with new photos and information.