The best self-tanners of 2011

Sun protection is of the utmost importance. And if you really want to keep your skin looking and feeling its best, you should forego the tanning and invest in a self-tanner or two! Below, our favorites.

Best scent: LORAC SelfTANtalizer Body Bronzing Gradual
A rich vanilla scent keeps this from smelling like most other self-tanners on the market—in other words, bad. The lotion also creates a gradual, natural-looking glow.
$34 at sephora.com

Best luxury self-tanner: Dior Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Natural Glow Face
Want to look radiant and sun-kissed in just one hour? Then this gel-cream, formulated with Dior’s “ph Bronze Perfect,” is definitely the one for you.
$31 at sephora.com

Best organic: Josie Maran Argan Self Tanning Cream
Caffeine molecules, sugar beets and sugar cane combine with Josie’s often-used argan oil to produce a self tanner that, along with Vitamin E, is super fantastic for the body.
$32 at sephora.com

Best self tanner towelettes
Okay, we have a confession to make. We couldn’t pick just one in this category! Both the Kate Somerville Somerville360 Tanning Towelettes ($48 at cusp.com) and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad ($32 at blissworld.com) give just enough color to make you look totally sunkissed and gorgeous.

Best technology and innovation: TEMPTU AIR Pod Face Tan
The innovative, fast-drying and long-lasting TEMPTU system delivers gorgeous buildable color.
$45 at sephora.com

Best name & packaging: Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube
While we don’t promote tanning beds in real life, we are in love with the name of this product! And don’t you just want to be the silhouetted lovely lady on the front of the tube?
$25 at ulta.com

Best for legs: Lancome FLASH BRONZER Tinted Self-Tanning Leg Gel
This vitamin-fortified self-tanner tints and bronzes while contouring, hydrating and smoothing your legs. What more could you ask for?
$34.50 at lordandtaylor.com