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The summer solstice is my Super Bowl. I was born in the summer and my name literally means \u2018The Sun.\u2019 When the weather gets warmer, I defrost. I relish al fresco dining<\/a>, summer outfits<\/a>, and the smell of coconuts and vanilla (my signature summer scents<\/a>). As a Black woman, I grew up inundated with beauty standards that valorized lighter skin and told me to get out of the sun. But for years, I would bare my skin to the sun in pursuit of my summer shade. I\u2019ve always felt most myself after a sun-drenched day.<\/p>\n Cut to a decade later and I\u2019m paying for my devotion with endless bottles of sunscreen<\/a> and piles of protective clothing. While I still enjoy a healthy amount of sun exposure\u2014my serotonin depends on it\u2014I make sure to apply and reapply sunscreen<\/a> fanatically. And you\u2019ll never see me out without a hat.<\/p>\n Featured image from our interview with Remi Ishizuka<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n Finding the best self-tanner has proved to be my sun-obsessed solution. Luckily, the past few years have transformed the self-tanner industry into a certified skincare category. From skin-first formulas to BIPOC-led brands for darker skin tones, sunless tanner is no longer a guaranteed way to look orange on vacation. Instead, it\u2019s our secret to glowing skin year-round. Which is why we\u2019ve dug deep to discover the best self-tanners.<\/p>\n Raise your hand if you\u2019ve ever been burned\u2014maybe literally\u2014by self-tanners. Thankfully these days, gems abound. To find the best of the best self-tanners, we went to the experts. Ahead, Sabrina Johnson<\/a>, spray-tan stylist and founder of Everything Made For You<\/a>, and N<\/a>ichelle Temple<\/a>, a celebrity esthetician and founder of Inderma Studio<\/a>, dish on everything to know about shopping for and applying the best self-tanners. Let\u2019s get glowing.<\/p>\n Self-tanners combine the best of both worlds: glowy, natural color without compromising your skin health. On your body, a self-tanner can hide keratosis pilaris<\/a> and hyperpigmentation<\/a> like nothing else. <\/p>\n \u201cSelf-tanner and spray tans are not only a great solution to replace sitting in the sun, but they are also safer,\u201d says Johnson.\u00a0\u201cYou can achieve a natural glow without the risk of sun damage caused by UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is the best solution if you like the look of a bronzed sun-kissed glow,\u201d adds Temple, who notes formulas\u2019 significant improvements and innovations over the past few years. \u201cLuckily, self-tanners have come a long way in terms of application, scent, and longevity.\u201d<\/p>\n Any color is a sign of skin damage\u2014disheartening, I know. Especially if you forgo sunscreen or use a lower SPF to deepen your shade. Temple warns against it, even in service of a tan. She encourages staying mindful of the following top summer skincare mistakes:<\/p>\n Some people also apply self-tanner, then forget additional sun protection. Don\u2019t make that mistake. \u201cSelf-tanner will not provide any sun protection, so it is still important to protect the skin with sunscreen even if it looks like you have a \u2018base tan.’\u201d<\/p>\n As a spray tan stylist, Johnson is an expert at giving clients the perfect glow in the salon. However, she notes that you can achieve a similar look at home.<\/p>\n \u201cSelf-tanners are considered a DIY application. You can apply them at home using various products like lotions, mousse, and serums. Self-tanners are generally less expensive, but results can vary based on product, and application may require trial and error for beginners.\u201d<\/p>\n To get the salon-like glow at home, be sure to choose the right tanner for your skin type, skin color, and desired shade.<\/p>\n According to Temple, look for naturally derived dihydroxyacetone first. \u201cThis is the most popular ingredient. Some bonus ingredients would be a formula that is botanical-based and hydrating with aloe vera, glycerin, or jojoba to keep the skin moisturized.\u201d<\/p>\n Johnson agrees. Get a self-tanner that can both hydrate and make your skin glow. Johnson also recommends antioxidants to give your skin a natural glow, too. <\/p>\n Look for these ingredients in your self-tanner:<\/strong><\/p>\n To keep your glow going, avoid anything that will dry out your skin and undo your skin prep. Johnson advises: \u201cAvoid self-tanners with harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.\u201d Alcohol, which is found in many quick-drying formulas, can also be harmful, but it can exacerbate dryness and dehydration. <\/p>\n \u201cTo get the most long-lasting and natural-looking tan, make sure you have exfoliated and moisturized the body before application,\u201d advises Temple, explaining that you should prioritize areas like the elbows and knees.<\/p>\n Johnson also recommends a full skin-prep and self-tanner routine:<\/p>\n \u201cThe biggest mistake you can make when using self-tan is not prepping the skin. Skipping exfoliation can lead to uneven application and patchiness. Avoid chemical exfoliants like AHA, BHA, and retinol before and after tanning as they will make your tan fade faster.\u201d<\/p>\n Remember: when it comes to applying product, less is more. As Johnson notes, you can always add another layer but you can\u2019t stop the process once it\u2019s applied. \u201cDuring your first shower, only use lukewarm water, no soap, and make sure to get all the bronzer off, otherwise you might develop streaks.\u201d<\/p>\n Lastly, hydration is key. Drink water and moisturize daily to maintain an even tan for as long as possible.<\/p>\n These days, you can find the right self-tanner for you without having to risk turning orange. \u201cEach product offers different benefits, so consider your skin type, desired outcome, and any skin sensitivities when choosing a self-tanner,\u201d says Johnson.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re standing in the self-tanner aisle or toggling between product types, consider this your definitive guide to the best self-tanners. <\/p>\n Smells great and applies entirely streak-free. This is the first anti-aging, anti-cellulite self-tanner. The list of benefits is lengthy\u2014there are over 6,000 reviews to prove it.<\/p>\n With 20 facial tanning pads, you\u2019re well-equipped to get your perfect glow. We love that these pads not only give you the color you\u2019re after, but they deliver a skin-supporting dose of Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids to deeply exfoliate the skin and slough away dead skin cells. <\/p>\n Proof that you don\u2019t need to splurge for the tan you want. A quick Target run and you\u2019ll have the lightweight, natural bronze your summer needs. This self-tanner dries quickly and has a nice tropical scent you\u2019ll love.<\/p>\n This nourishing formula is great for beginners, building a gradual glow that\u2019s sun-kissed but still subtle. We love the blend of nourishing, hydrating ingredients like Vitamin E and Shea Butter to deliver a glow from the inside out.<\/p>\n For when you\u2019re minutes from stepping out the door and need a little something to finish your look, Isle of Paradise has you covered. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin C deeply hydrate the skin for up to 24 hours.<\/p>\n We all want a healthy, luminous glow, but sometimes, self-tanners are simply too much. Saltyface delivers the exact radiance you want, with a natural-looking appeal and light, water-like wear.<\/p>\n These daily bronzing drops enrich your tan with an instant color boost. Apply directly to your face or mix with your body cream to deepen and preserve your bronze. Great for keeping your self-tanner glowing while on vacation.<\/p>\n![\"Stella](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/stella-simona-best-self-tanners-865x1536.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nEverything You\u2019ve Ever Wanted to Know About Self-Tanner<\/h2>\n
How to Choose the Best Self-Tanner<\/h2>\n
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/woman-wearing-zebra-print-dress-865x1298.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBenefits of Using Self-Tanner<\/h2>\n
The Myth of \u2018Safe Tanning\u2019<\/h2>\n
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![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/woman-shaking-beach-towel-865x1297.jpeg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSelf Tanner vs. Salon Tanning<\/h2>\n
Unpacking Self-Tanner Ingredients<\/h2>\n
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![\"Sanne](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/sanne-vloet-reading-865x1296.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow to Make Your Self-Tanner Last Longer<\/h2>\n
![\"Beauty](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/beauty-products-bathroom-counter-865x1081.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Best Self Tanners, Tested and Reviewed<\/h2>\n
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Best Self-Tanner for Darker Skin Tones: Bondi Sands Pure Self Tan Foaming Water Dark<\/h2>\n
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