Best Self Tanners That Don't Smell Offensive

The latest news and research published on July 28th from the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) placed UV tanning beds in its highest cancer-risk category ( "carcinogenic to humans", whereas before they were considered "probably carcinogenic"). Now more than ever, we have learned the harmful side effects of tanning beds and tanning in the sun but how can we achieve that glorious bronze body that most of us desire?

The American Cancer Society advises people to try bronzing and sunless tanning products. There are many bronzers, self-tanners and spray tan vendors on the market but most of them leave you streaked and orange instead of bronze as well as smell so bad that some users said their products nearly brought them to tears. The reviews are in and the top two picks for self tanners are Model Co Tan Airbrush in A Can and Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel.

ModelCo Tan Airbrush In A Can $42.00 4 out of 5 stars.

Rave reviews for the cocoa butter scent and even, bronze color. Infused with specks of shimmer, this tinted mist is as goof-proof as it is flattering. Contains hydrating aloe vera with a fine mist application which sprays on evenly however, make sure that you stand in the shower or cover the area where you are applying as the mist does travel and will cover the ground. At first the color appears a blackish/green but as it dries it turns into a beautiful bronze. Great for same day/night events. Does not stain clothes or sheets and dries quickly. Didn’t cause breakouts so was an excellent choice for face as well as body. In Style Best Beauty Buy for Best Spray Self Tanner 2008.

Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel $32  4 out of 5 stars

This is a lightweight, non-oily gel. Users state that it glides on easily but is sticky at first and has an “acetone-like” smell. Both of these seem to dissipate quickly. There is no color in this product so you need to pay very close attention and make sure application is even. You can achieve a golden color by building applications over a couple of days which may be more favorable to lighter skinned individuals. Some users remarked that as this product faded it had a tendency to look orange. However, Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel is always at the top of the beauty awards lists and has the following accolades already under its belt: Awards Winner 2007: 'Allure' Beauty Awards, 'Glamour' Glammy Beauty Awards ; 2006: 'Allure' Beauty Awards, 'Sephora' Beauty Award ; 2005: 'Allure' Reader's Choice Beauty Award, 'In Style' Best Beauty Buy

Preparation for Applying Self Tanner

Bath, Exfoliate and Shave

The most even and longest lasting tan can be achieved if you take a bath (not a shower) and have a high quality body oil or massage oil in your bath water while you exfoliate and shave. Make sure that the oil does not contain mineral oil as this will only clog your pores and the self tanner will not penetrate into your skin.

Use your favorite body scrub to exfoliate your entire body paying special attention to knees, elbows and heels which are normally dry and tend to absorb more of the tanning products. (Recommendation, Naturopathica Bamboo Lemongrass Body Scrub)

Shave while still in warm bath with oil. Naturopathica makes a nice French Lavender Body Oil that isn’t too greasy that doubles as a great shave oil for an extra close shave. This also leaves your legs super smooth and silky.

Apply self tanner within 30 minutes of bathing and wait at least 15 minutes before getting dressed.