If we could create what an island getaway would smell like, it would be this: Michael Kors Island Bermuda. This limited-edition scent is vibrant with the scents of freesia, hibiscus, tropical passion flowers, and complimented by soft scents of ceder and driftwood. It’s fresh, inviting, and oh-so office friendly. So while we may not venture to the islands this Summer, we can at least imagine what it would smell like. $62, sephora.com
Summer is the perfect time to give yourself a more tan, glowing complexion, but getting too much sun isn’t the healthiest. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best self-tanners for 2009 that will help you get the bronze look you desire without the risk of damaging your skin.
Best Overall Application
Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream- We love this cream because it’s easy to use and formulated with aloe vera to moisturize and cocoa beans to help prevent premature aging. Its golden color guarantees you don’t miss a spot, and because it comes in a tub rather than a spray can, you won’t be cleaning up spots all over your bathroom after applying. $42, nordstrom.com
Best for Face
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Facial Moisturizer- For an everyday glow and the protection of SPF 20, this oil-free moisturizing facial self-tanner delivers the perfect amount of natural-looking color. It absorbs quickly and wears well under makeup. $7.49, drugstore.com
Best For Travel
L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes are packaged in individual wrappers, making them perfect for travel. One towelette is enough to cover our entire body, and the result is a natural-looking tan— no orange in sight. We found it best to apply in a circular motion for a streak-free finish. The smell isn’t our favorite, but subsides after a day. $8.99 for 6, drugstore.com
Most Dependable
Neutrogena Sun Fresh Foam should be in your sunless tanning arsenal if it isn’t already. Cherished by its loyal users for years, this citrus-smelling foam goes on clear, develops a golden glow in a few hours and dries quickly once applied. $9.99, drugstore.com
Best Import
Lancaster Easy Bronze Milky Spray SPF 6- As the authority in the field of prestige sun-care products in Europe’s, we now have access to these best sellers. Easy Bronze Milky Spray can be applied at any angle, even upside-down, making it very user-friendly. The result is a streak-free golden glow that lasts for days. $27, spalook.com
Best For Customization
Aveeno Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion- The innovative, dual-chambered package has a dial design that allows the user to choose the depth of color to be applied and can be readjusted until the desired shade of bronze is met. $12.99, target.com
Best Fool-Proof Kit
Mystic Tan Perfect Tan Kit for Face ensures the perfect tan with its 3-step system. Gone are the days of over-application thanks to the uber-genius base that increases color depth and saturation in all the right places. $54, sephora.com
Best Multi-Purpose Formula
Hourglass Solar Tan Self-Tanning Primer is just what we gals-on-the-go love. A primer and self-tanner in one, this glow-giving product leaves skin moisturized and prepped for your foundation. Subtle color develops over five days for a more radiant, natural look. $60, sephora.com
Best Smelling Formula
Bliss A Tan For All Seasons- A user favorite, this antioxidant-rich formula provides a gradual, believable color without the typical “self tanner stink” thanks citrus-scented odor-repelling actives that mask the smell of DHA. $36, blissworld.com
Fastest Dark Tan
Bare Escentuals Faux Tan- This super-hydrating formula dries quickly and delivers instant color ensuring you won’t miss a spot. Maximum color develops in a few hours and lasts for up to a week. We recommend wearing gloves to apply this one, as the formula is highly tinted. $22, bareescentuals.com
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Creme Serum Overnight Repair Formula improves our tresses while we sleep, ensuring that our dry, damaged, or frizzy hair will transform into visibly smoother hair by the next morning. We love that it leaves our locks shiny and soft, but what’s even better is that it never leaves residue on our pillows (because who needs more laundry to do?) $8.99, drugstore.com
DuWop Revolotion Bronzing Body Moisturizer is what those of us who use self-tanner call a cult classic. From its silky and smooth finish, to its ability to give a streak-free finish (not to mention its improved non-transfer formula), getting that summer glow is beyond easy with this stuff.
Bonus: Revolotion contains SPF 15 to go along with the kiss of bronzing pigment and subtle shimmer. $28, beauty.com
With the weather heating up, we feel it’s essential to have the best protection possible. There is nothing worse than catching a whiff of your own underarm umm…odor, and having to worry throughout the day whether or not others smell it, too (so embarrassing!).
The following is a list of products we have tried and tested for you, and trust us, they really work.
Mitchum for Women Clear Gel Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant is certainly the best of the best. We were most impressed with how effective it is. The alcohol-free formula won’t sting your underarms, the clear finish ensures you won’t leave any trace on your clothes and of course, you can be confident all day. $4.99, drugstore.com
Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant comes in a lotion form, but never left us feeling sticky. This isn’t irritating, leaves our skin feeling smooth, and keeps us dry and smelling fresh all day long. Our biggest tip is to be sure to let it dry completely before getting dressed, and once it does, it stays put. $11.50, nordstrom.com
Degree Woman Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant is applied at night to give the best odor and wetness fighting protection. We love this, especially when we have early morning workouts planned— no need for our groggy selves to remember to do anything but get dressed. $6.99, drugstore.com
Secret Flawless Invisible Solid provides us with a feminine scent that that goes on light and softens our skin, thanks to Olay conditioners, but works to keep the wetness at bay. We love that this too goes on clear, and leaves us feeling confident enough to brave the hottest weather. $5.49, drugstore.com
Adidas Women Cotton Tech Aluminium Free Deodorant is amazing if you are desiring an aluminum-free anti-perspirant/deodorant that actually works. We found this product kept us dry and odor free all day, has a fresh, clean scent and appealed to our health-conscious side. $3.75, amazon.com
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