Reddit mentions: The best self-tanners & bronzers

I would recommend using the Garnier Ambre Solaire range. My skin is whiter than the Reddit background, and these three products make me look like AN ACTUAL REAL HUMAN.
First, I use this Ambre Solaire bronzing gel (I use it in the lightest shade). It's good because it's streak free, so when you put on the next products I suggest, it doesn't get all streaky like an instant tan would.
After this, to protect yourself in the sun, this sun cream is incredible. It has the colour of foundation, so you get a nice little golden shimmer when wearing it. Also, I love the texture. It's not sticky or anything like other sun creams I've used. During the summer, I don't even need to wear foundation, because of the tint of this sun cream.
Then, after you've been in the sun, this is their after sun lotion. It's really soothing and lovely. It contains a tiny amount of false tan, which means your (false) tan is strengthened gradually.

I love these three products together. I only got them by chance as they were all on sale at the same time. The three of them for keeping safe and pretty during a heat wave :)

St. Tropez foam in the black bottle with teal cap is awesome but may be a little pricey. It doesnt smell bad and isnt too terribly sticky. I use it once or twice a week.
My ALL TIME favorite is Fake Bake. I use it everyday, its smells so good like mocha or something, not even a little bit lkke self tanner. It is also not one but sticky! It comes with a microfiber mitt for application so there is never any streaks and its never orange. This is the best ive ever used and only around 14 bucks :) great reviews on amazon, too!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0046VGPHQ?pc_redir=1410862656&robot_redir=1

Fake Bake Flawless is amazing. I haven't tried anything else but have always heard great things about this. It's not streaky and leaves a total natural color. I used to be very tan when I was younger and spent a lot of time in the sun/by the pool, and it makes my pale self look like that color again.

I haven't used it regularly enough to speak about reapplication, but two nights in a row gave me a great color that lasted at least through 3 days at a hot music festival!

They have a face version, but I've never tried it for a few reasons (I'm nervous about it breaking me out, being streaky, interacting with other products, etc.)

Afaik that's the only effective ingredient. I think if it wasn't we'd see a lot more products using alternatives since DHA has that characteristic awful smell while it's developing, and everybody hates that.

Maybe try getting a very gradual lotion that doesn't have a lot of DHA in it? You can also put regular lotion on before you put tanning lotion (let it sink in for a little) so that not as much of the tanning stuff gets absorbed, or mix a dollop of tanning with regular lotion.

I don't use gels or anything so that's why all my advice is lotion-based. These may not help since I tolerate DHA just fine, but my favorites are Moist Hemp Bronzing Lotion from Sally Beauty (gradual lotion -- it is very moisturizing) and Banana Boat Summer Color in Deep Dark Color (stronger, but it fully develops in 3 hours and then can be layered. I use the Deep Dark kind even though I am ghostly white, it's not as dark as it sounds. I have heard it doesn't break out faces but it might be different with a DHA sensitivity).

The only other thing I can think of is the possibility that you are not sensitive to DHA, but maybe some of the ingredients/fragrances commonly used to mask it? You know better than I do though!

Edit: If it turns out you find something that you can handle on your body, but not your face (which wouldn't be too unusual), you may be able to just use makeup products for your face. Make sure to use things specially made for looking tan, not just a darker shade of foundation, or you'll look muddy. Ask the sephora person to help you! They're pretty good about this, especially if you're in a big city.

Light coconut scents seem to last longer than floral fragrances (for me) and are great for warmer months and everyday use. I like this coconut and sea salt scrub, and follow up with either Jergen's Wet Skin or Natural Glow lotion.

For cooler months and more special occasions, I agree with the person who said to get a nice perfume and the shower gel to go with it. I personally use Woman by Ralph Lauren. I use either the shower gel or lotion (using both just makes the scent overwhelming) and a spritz of perfume, and carry the roller ball in my bag if we go out.

Don't underestimate what you use, though, since we stop noticing our scent before others do. Sometimes a fragrance-free soap, good deodorant, and a nice shampoo go a long way!

Edit: If all of that is a little "too much" or more than you want to spend right now, the one product I'd recommend is the Jergen's Wet Skin lotion in any scent.

I purchased Fake Bake Flawless about a week ago off Amazon and just received it yesterday. I exfoliated and then put it on before bed last night. I woke up with a beautiful golden tan. The shade is a bit lighter than others that I have used but it looks SO much more natural! My boyfriend usually complains when I use self tanner because of the DHA smell and he thinks it looks unnatural. He actually commented this morning that he did not smell anything at all and that it looks super natural, like I just got back from vacation. If you want a really dark tan you can build it and use it a couple days in a row. But the shade of my skin right now looks so natural and the mitt it comes makes blending so easy and eliminates any streaking. I love it and am so happy I got this just before summer starts so I can look bronzed without risking the sun damage. Here's the link where I bought it, check out the reviews there too they are so helpful! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046VGPHQ/ref=pe_309540_26725410_item

I'm going to go ahead and respectfully disagree with /u/nkdeck07, who I think might actually just be trolling (you definitely will retain some water). Drinking water regularly will definitely help your skin and overall health, but if your goal is solely to look good for this photoshoot, then I highly suggest eating nothing and drinking very little after waking up until after the photoshoot... basically, go in dehydrated. You exhale quite a bit of water overnight while you're sleeping, and will look much less bloated if you abstain.

This is very common practice for models and fitness competitors. In fact, there was a big to-do about it recently when Adriana Lima talked about it. I suggest reading this article talks about the practice (and about what happened with Adriana's interview, which got totally blown out of proportion).

Of course, dehydrating yourself regularly just to look good is a terrible idea, but for this one day, I think it would be fine. And of course, just be yourself and have fun! :)

edit: Also, if you know of any foods that make you particularly bloated (like milk if you're a little lactose intolerant, or bread for some people), then obviously stay away from those for a couple days. And I second the advice to check out /r/MakeupAddiction for tutorials and ideas.

second edit: Also, if you're pale as a ghost like me, having a little tan will help give you a little more nice definition and even out flaws. If you're not in a sunny area, I suggest using Nivea gradual self-tanning lotion (obviously for whatever skin tone is right for you) which you can pick up at any grocery store. It's much less orange than other brands, in my experience. You could do a few applications over the next two days (like morning and night maybe?), or go to a spray-tan place. Don't go to a real tanning bed, they're horrible for you.

Not sure if anyone has recommended this yet, but I bought this on Amazon and it works awesome. It's totally safe and has given me a little extra light brown tan and I've only used it for a few days. You apply it like lotion and it doesn't streak, it's not patchy and it doesn't make you orange. You see the results immediately and it's pretty cheap.

Sally Hansen makes a leg makeup, sold at Walmart, Target, not sure where else. I'm impressed that the formulation is very skin-like in their shades. I'm the worst at applying self tanner, but this leg makeup is pretty foolproof. It doesn't rub off on clothes after it's dried (5 min typically for me) It won't come off when swimming, but comes off easily in the shower with soap.

https://www.amazon.com/Sally-Hansen-Airbrush-Light-0-75oz/dp/B014V7OL02/ref=pd_sim_194_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B014V7OL02&pd_rd_r=ZV76WVV7MFQQKC23Q0HT&pd_rd_w=YMjhs&pd_rd_wg=fqfr9&psc=1&refRID=ZV76WVV7MFQQKC23Q0HT

It's not a long term solution, but it's a good short term option

edit: grammar and here's a different link to the leg makeup I use and like https://www.amazon.com/Sally-Hansen-Airbrush-Lotion-Light/dp/B00CI5DE5S/ref=pd_sbs_194_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00CI5DE5S&pd_rd_r=7A7G1024N1HWT9BE5RCC&pd_rd_w=pBuIi&pd_rd_wg=Dt1mb&psc=1&refRID=7A7G1024N1HWT9BE5RCC

I gotchu! I have a couple new ones arriving tomorrow, so I'll try to follow up if they end up being good.

My current favorites:

For winter, I'm all about gradual tanners. They look super natural, you can choose how tan you want to be, and they keep your skin really moisturized. I use this one, from Skinny Tan. Doesn't smell like self-tanner at all, and has a nice subtle coconut scent. It also dries down quickly, so you can apply in the morning before you go to work.

For the summer, when I want to be like, truly tan, it's all about the St. Moriz mousse. Use a mitt with this! It's very thin, and hard to spread with hands.

When I went to Thailand, I did a base coat with the St. Moriz mousse before I left, packed the Skinny tan gradual tanner, and just used the gradual tanner like lotion. Seemed to fool everyone!

I've got a ridiculous, meticulous self tanning routine that involves a lot of this.

I use these Korean Italy Towels to exfoliate, making sure to focus on all of my problem areas (elbows, knees, ankles, knuckles, wrists, toes, right under my boobs, neck) that seem to hoard dead skin. I also shave beforehand.

Then I put a light layer of lotion (one that doesn't contain any oil) on the bottom of my feet, toes, ankles, knees, belly button, elbows, crease of arm pit, wrists, and any scratches I have.

THEN I use this blending balm and put a light layer on my knees, elbows, wrists, and ankles.

THEN I put on some latex gloves and use a nice tanning mitt like this one. Not all tanning mitts are created equal.

I start from the bottom half of my legs and work my way up with the actual tanning. Working from the bottom up ensures you aren't splotching your tan by bending over and hitting your chest to your legs. I use the mitt with whatever type of tan product I'm using -- spray, mousse, lotion, whatever. I spread in a circular motion, making sure there aren't any streaks or splotches. I make sure I bend my knees and wipe them while they're bent so that the product gets into my knee wrinkles.

Once I'm done applying, I take one latex glove off and wipe that hand. then I take the other off and wipe the other hand. Then I use the blending balm and put a little more on my toes, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers and rub those areas in with one of the latex gloves so that my fingers don't get orange. Then I carefully wash my palms with a little bit of water and then put some lotion on my palms and carefully rub them together.

It's a PROCESS, but I never look weird and I've never splotched or looked orange. Also, for reference, I'm as white as white can be.

My favorite tanners so far are Fake Bake Flawless, St Tropez, Sun Laboratories dark lotion (smells the nicest), and this random self tanner mousse from Sally's Beauty Supply from the brand Tanwise.

I really like this one! I've used dozens of different self tanners and recommend this one to friends all the time because it's easy to apply, smells good, and looks really natural.

I used to do competitive international Latin and had the whole tanning thing down. The best tanning product that I've found that is also the best value is st. Moriz that you can buy on Amazon. It is a knock off the San tropez foam but works amazingly, it gets you brown rather than orange. Do 2-3 layers for competition, even though after one you'll see a difference. It washes off easily too and leaves a natural looking tan. I'd recommend you do 2 layers that you shower off after some time that it soaks in and the morning of your competition apply another layer that you won't wash off until after the competition.

https://www.amazon.com/St-Moriz-Instant-Tanning-Mousse/dp/B002QA1VDW/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484333198&sr=8-5&keywords=Self+tanner+foam

Same boat as you, I get horrible rashes from waxing/epilating. The only thing I can do is make sure they at least look okay by exfoliating and using gentle lotions.

Recently I have been looking in to using a self tanner like this, not because I hate being pale, but because I think it might make them look healthier I guess? I'm hoping that that will help hid the imperfections better.

I don't have much self tanner experience myself but my sister swears by St Tropez and she never looks orange! We are also Irish/English/Canadian so we're starting at a very white base too :)

Either way, good luck in your competition!

I have super pale legs and I use hempz touch of summer lotion. Smells great and doesn't really change the color of my legs, just makes them look.. nicer.

I've also heard about airbrush legs from sally hansen. I haven't used it, so I'm not sure about the difference it makes. These seem like they are different products - light glow, shimmer, nude glow.

Buy a bottle of spray tan liquid from Amazon (like this) and a little spray bottle to apply it with. SO DARK and the best bang for your buck :)
Editing to add that I've tried Loving Tan, St. Tropez, Tanwise, and Mine Tan foams and this method is darker and lasts longer.

I use a self tanning booster serum added to my moisturizer. I use one by Body Drench but there are many similar products out there -- one to two drops each night or as needed mixed in to your favorite moisturizer. I like the color and the gradual build, and I think being able to use it regularly helps with the color despite the use of tret.

I've been using Fake Bake Flawless for 2 years and love it. The coloring is right for my skin tone and it applies easily with little mess and usually quick enough results, if needed. My routine is to apply twice a week (usually just exposed parts: arms, chest and knees down) after showering and the color enhances by morning. I've not experienced any streaking and minimal "rub off" to pajamas and sheets. For the price I haven't found anything better for myself for the value. I order on Amazon, usually once every 2 or so months: Fake Bake Flawless, 6 fl.oz

Edited: link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gradual-James-Read-Face-Medium/dp/B0091T7PPE

Around £25 but I got it for £10 in TK Maxx. Lovely texture, not much of a fragrance/smell and a gentle glow indeeed.

This is my favorite of all time. Unfortunately, it only comes in one color (that I’ve found)-so it might not be the best for very fair skin tones. It works really well though, and smells really good. Be sure to shake it well!


Body Drench Quicktan

1. [Pens 2.78] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004U9TEEA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1OUQ8B0KGTG86&coliid=I19H22AN4GNZDT)
   
2. [Row Counter 3.49] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007LHJXS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1OUQ8B0KGTG86&coliid=I14936QDCI9PVF)
   
3. [Peeler 4.48] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041BV0B2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1OUQ8B0KGTG86&coliid=I1ODM1MEFABTZ7)
   
4. [Coffin Box 5.30] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017R7DQO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1OUQ8B0KGTG86&coliid=I1P5F2ZEZ412A8)
   
5. [Lotion 6.22] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UTK76C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3SBJB5RE7GN4X&coliid=I18C5UFNH5ZAL2)
   
6. [Eye Shadow Base 6.03] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030O9LYY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1OUQ8B0KGTG86&coliid=I3GJQPN6EDDVTD)
   
   Meets the 25 minimum requirement Codename Duchess
   
   Thanks for the contest! Feel free to sub other add-ons from my list if you see fit.

The one I use says it has " The Natural DHA, a vegetable substrate, found in Beach Colours works with your melanin providing a natural looking, golden hue, without exposure to the sun," - so I have no idea if that makes a difference to your sensitivity, but I really like it.

It is Caribbean Solutions Beach Colours Self Tanner and you'll see in the reviews that a lot of people complain about the smell. It's pretty powerful but not awful, personally. I've had sunscreen smell way worse.

Ok first have you thought about taking a vitamin D supplement? I take one in the fall winter time and it really helps my mood and overall feeling wellbeing that I get naturally in the summer time or when I’m outdoors a lot.

Second I’m absolutely in love with this organic tanner I found. Self Tanner with Organic &... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2PB3BW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

My skin reacts really badly to fake tanners and my lymphatic system just can’t handle them, but this stuff is amazing. I don’t think it looks orangey on me (I’m just a white ass blonde girl with very little natural pigment so natural tans don’t even stay for more than 4 days on me. It’s a very hydrating lotion so I just reapply about every 3-4 days and it maintains. I’ve only ever put it on my face once and that was a smidge of it mixed with my cerave moisturizer and it came out well but I mostly just use bronzers so I don’t care about my face as much. Maybe try this one. Def wear gloves to apply tho.

if you are looking for a DIY solution, I just got some of that Jergens self tanner. ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UTK76C but not in firming) It works pretty well. 2 applications and I was decidedly less day-glo than I was before.

Two tips:

1.) Moroccan oil is your best friend. Apply to damp hair, and/or to the your tips when dry if you have naturally dry hair.
2.) SALT WATER. I have the same style half-assed wavy hair, but I recently discovered (living on a beach) that salt water makes it extra-specially awesome-ly curly. Imitate the look with this stuff or go running on the beach every morning like me!!

Given: My gym's owner is Hawai'ian and he was some awesome tattoos. I am very white with no tattoos.

Shopping list: http://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-Point-Permanent-Markers-30162PP/dp/B000QYLCWK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1380656463&sr=8-3&keywords=sharpie

Friend who is willing and able to draw photorealistic tattoos on your body.

http://www.amazon.com/Sun-Tanning-Lotion-Ultra-Instant/dp/B0009V8N5E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1380656519&sr=8-4&keywords=tanner

Viola! Kick-ass box-stume.

http://i.imgur.com/wjANVCD.jpg

I recommend Banana Boat tanning lotion. It's cheap and you can get it anywhere and it actually looks good and doesn't streak! Just apply with a tanning mitt. My husband and sister have commented on it looking actually really good even though it's fake. Here is an Amazon link so you know what to look for:

https://www.amazon.com/Banana-Boat-Self-Tanning-Lotion-Summer/dp/B001G7PPNI/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493241375&sr=8-1&keywords=banana+boat+tanner

Sunlabs. The formula is olive tinted instead of orange. You can find it on Amazon. It's not that expensive. I am fair neutral leaning cool and i mix the extra dark one half and half with my moisturizer every other day. It keeps the tan and doesn't flake off that way.

This is the one I buy

When getting out of the shower, I like to use Shea Moisture Oil because it smells so good! I also use Jergen's Natural Glow during the winter time.

I am very pale and I use Fake Bake Flawless and I'm really happy with how it turns out after two applications (usually 3 days apart). Be sure to cut the straw to the length of the bottle to prevent it leaking.

I've been using Fake Bake for over a year and never notice any streaking really. But I also usually only put it on the skin that will show when wearing my workout clothes unless I plan on wearing a bathing suit somewhere. I get compliments on my "tan" all the time and it smells good too. It's like $14. https://www.amazon.com/Fake-Bake-FBF-12-Flawless-6-Ounce/dp/B0046VGPHQ?th=1

Carribean Solutions. They are rated on EWG and I can speak from experience it's a quailty product. It's not going to make you DARK but if you're like me and rather pale, it will "take the edge off" and give you some color after about 2 days use. Hoep this helps!

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0046VGPHQ/ref=oh_details_o09_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the Fake Bake ive used and have nothing bad to say about it. I think im going to try the next suggestion down and do the jergen natural glow lotion. Its sounds easier to apply than spraying and rubbing in

Yes, it is. Not only does every tanning bed exposure increase your risk for skin cancer linearly, but tanning beds will also wrinkle your skin and make it splotchy. If you want an even, youthful tan to your skin, order a fake tanner. My favorite is Fake Bake

THIS

It's just as good as St. Tropez Tanner but half the cost. One of the only tanners that doesn't streak or look orange.

I got it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046VGPHQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My hair does the same thing too. No luck with the Surf Spray, though. I do like Sunsilk's Waves of Envy spray. It's much less expensive and the result was quite a bit less crunchy. But that may just be my weird hair.

Fake Bake Flawless, 6 fl.oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046VGPHQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gL-CzbPAX7RXZ

http://www.skinacea.com/sunscreen/wear-sunscreen-right.html

http://www.amazon.com/Fake-Bake-FBF-12-Flawless-6-Ounce/dp/B0046VGPHQ

i'm in the same boat as far as nasty pale legs and a dislike for tanning salons. i've read in a few places that st moriz tanning mousse is comparable to st tropez, and way cheaper: http://www.amazon.com/St-Moriz-Instant-Tanning-Mousse/dp/B002QA1VDW/ref=pd_ybh_6