The Innovative Option

There are two things we hate about self tanner: the distinctive smell and the stained sheets. St Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Waters aims to fix these problems with a new clear formula that won't mark your sheets or clothes with the guide colour, and a tropical scent to mask the DHA smell. It comes in a mousse formula for the body and a mist for the face.  

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse ($54) and Mist ($39)

The Real Quick Fix

This is the self-tanner everyone has the time for. Apply it to your body pre-shower and it will develop in one minute—literally. After 60 seconds, you can get in the shower and rinse—making this the most convenient way to get the sun-kissed look. 

St Tropez Gradual Tan One Minute Pre-Shower Tanning Mousse ($28)

The Luxe-But-Lazy-Option

Self-tanning La Mer style involves a supremely hydrating formula complete with their patented Miracle Broth complex. You can use this lotion from head to toe, and the gradual colour deposit means you don't have to be so precious about how you apply. 

La Mer The Face and Body Gradual Tan ($125) 

The Celebrity Favourite

British spray tan artist James Read works with celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Cara Delevingne, both of whom aren't known for looking overly tanned—just glowing. Hence the reason we trust (and adore) his products to provide a natural-looking finish. The body mist contains hyaluronic acid and coconut water, and develops over two hours. The water-based self-tanning drops can be adding to your moisturizer for a custom colour. 

James Read H20 Tan Drops For Face ($44) 

The Editor's Pick 

Our beauty editor has been using this product on her fair skin all summer, and has been consistently impressed with the results. Tip: It dries quickly, so use a glove and a small amount of product (you can always go back and apply more) to ensure streak-free application. 

Vita Liberata Invisi Foaming Tan Water ($49)