As the warm weather begins to fade, so are everyone's natural tans.
While fake baking is always an option, there are other ways to achieve a faux-bronze aura without coming close to a UV lamp. Thanks to ever-evolving self-tan formulas and makeup products, everyone can enjoy a year-round glow without looking orange or streaky.
Pre-Application Scrub
Exfoliating allows for a smooth and even-looking tan application.
Splurge: ModelCo Exfoliate Body Wipes ($22 at Sephora) is a shower and mess-free alternative. Each double-sided wipe has a granulated side that exfoliates and a smooth side that buffs and refines. Rich in moisture and with a refreshing pink grapefruit scent, you'll be tan-ready after a quick wipe down.
Save: Neutrogena Pre-Sunless Scrub Exfoliating Tan-Prep ($4.39 at drugstores) has microbeads and Beta-Hydroxy to even out skin texture prior to application for a low price.
Gel Formulas
New formulas are streak-free, mess-free and hassle-free.
Splurge: Lancôme Flash Bronzer Glow 'N Wear Tinted Self Tanning Gel ($29.50 at Sephora and department stores) vows to tan your body and not your clothes with its ultra-fast drying abilities. Also, because the gel is tinted, you can see where you're applying, so there's no streaking or missed spots.
Save: Almay Sunless Tanning Gel for Body ($10.09 at drugstores) blends so evenly that it's basically mistake-proof. Also, it's light enough that you can apply more after a few hours if you want to try a few shades darker.
Spray-On Formulas
Don't want to risk turning your hands orange? A rub-free alternative is to find a spray-on tanner.
Splurge: Fusion Beauty GlowFusion Micro-Nutrient Face & Body Natural Protein Tan ($40 at Sephora) is everything and more that a girl could want from a sunless tanner. It's clear, fast drying and odor-free. It doesn't streak; it doesn't stain. Thanks to the micro-nutrient technology, Fusion's one-of-a-kind tanner brings out skin's natural glow from within and lasts up to two weeks.
Save: Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray ($12.09 at drugstores) dries super fast --fewer than five minutes -- and has got you covered for reaching all of those hard-to-reach places because it sprays at all angles.
Lotion Formulas
Why not kill two birds with one stone by moisturizing and adding a hint of color at the same time?
Splurge: Bare Escentuals Faux Tan Body Moisturizer ($18 at Sephora) is a daily, creamy moisturizer infused with Vitamin E and Shea butter that also contains gentle self-tanning ingredients.
Save: Dove Energy Glow Beauty Body Lotion with Subtle Self-Tanners ($8.79 at drugstores) is convenient because you can moisturize and build a tan with each daily application. Plus, it comes in fair-to-medium and medium-to-dark shades, so people with different skin tones can use it.
Bronzing Moisturizers
These bronzing moisturizers allow you to look instantly sun-kissed without any sunless tanner.
Splurge: Nars Body Glow ($59 at Sephora) contains Monoi de Tahiti oil and tiare flower that, when mixed together, create a subtle bronze shimmer that makes any medium-toned wearer appear tanned and gleaming.
Save: Fake Bake Bronzy Babe Tinted Full Body Glow ($14.50 at Ulta.com) is a tinted lotion that can be worn all over the body and even on the face for a subtle, bronze glow.
Matte Bronzer
Get glowing with these believable shades of bronzer. Remember to apply in a circular motion and preferably with a large bronzer brush to where the sun naturally hits the face.
Splurge: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder ($32 at department stores) comes in five different varieties to best match any skin color. The powder adds just enough color to look healthy and gently tanned.
Save: Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze ($4.99 at drugstores) is surprisingly natural-looking for its price, compared to other cheap bronzers that often end up looking orange. Just a swipe around the face will instantly brighten any girl's appearance.
Shimmer Bronzer
A hint of shimmer tops off any bronzed look.
Splurge: MAC Bronzing Powder in Refined Gold ($20 at maccosmetics.com and department stores) gives off just enough of a gold shimmer that is appropriate for day or night. Unlike some other bronzing powders, MAC's appears natural and accentuates skin tone shade.
Save: Jane Shimmering Powder Bronzer in Mojave ($5.99 at drugstores) is an oil-free bronzer with a hint of shimmer that creates a healthy glow with minimum cash spent.
