Terracotta Sunless Smoothing Self-Tanning Emulsion ($50): A dream of a cream that imparts a bronze glow and a lot of moisture. Enriched with 100% natural Moroccan Argan Oil, this lotiony balm feels more like a body cream than a dehydrating, scale-producing self-tanner. Most are so drying and require an ample application of thick body butter to knees, heels, and elbows first. Not this one. One application yields a gorge, light copper shade that you can build upon by reapplying daily, or maintain a natural glow with less frequent use. It dries fairly quickly, there’s low DHA smell, and NO streaks. A tan will develop in about three hours.

If you’re interested in immediate results, I adore Guerlain’s Tinted Self-Tanning Gel, my absolute FAVE self-tanner.

Photo credit: sephora.com