Raise your hand if your face never gets as tan as your body in the summer. I know how you feel, but I still apply my SPF 50 because a natural tan isn’t worth the sun damage. Instead, I rely on a good face tanner to maintain an even glow from head to toe. Whether you’re looking for a full-blown tan or a gradual glow, here are my absolute favorites. Just remember to exfoliate first!  

 

 

These single-use pads make self tanning quick, easy and mess-free. They’re made with built-in exfoliators for a natural-looking, streak-free glow and powerful peptides to combat lines and wrinkles. Bascially, it’s skincare with an added bonus. You’ll notice the color in just four hours – on your face, not your hands. 

 

 

Swap your boring daily moisturizer with this illuminating version from NYC derm Dr. Dennis Gross. It’s packed with vitamin D to enhance radiance while protecting skin against sun damage. The slight tint allows for an event application. I love the glow I get from this; it makes my skin look tanner without enhancing imperfections. 

 

If you have fair skin like me, try a gradual tanner to avoid looking like [insert name of overly tan Jersey Shore star here]. This one from bareMinerals uses tanning peptides to give your a subtle glow overtime, all while locking in moisture with plant-based emollients. Apply a single layer for a hint of tint, or keep reapplying until you have your desired color. 

 

When you smell and feel this luxe cream on your skin, you won’t believe that it’s a tanning product. The moisturizer is made with free tea extract and finer (for anti-oxidant protection), fruit extracts (to boost microcirculation) and rice bran oil and vitamin E (to nourish). Plus, it uses vegetan to give you a natural tan gradually. 

 

It’s an overnight mask that gives you a subtle tan as you sleep. This UK brand, now available at Net-A-Porter, has thought of it all. The cucumber and aloe vera-infused formula soothes and moisturizes skin. Get ready for a sun-kissed glow when you wake up, or leave it on for about two hours during the day and wash it off for a quick boost.