Beauty: Sunless tanners for a healthier summer glow

We’ve heard time and time again that any sort of sun can (literally) be the death of us. But with the summer pool season looming in the not–so–far–off future, no one relishes the idea of being the pasty guy hiding under the umbrella while Tone–and–Tanned Tony flaunts his golden glow around the pool deck. Thanks to the latest innovations in self–tanners, you don’t have to subject your skin to the dangers of UV rays to compete with that douche.

Whether you’re light–skinned and want color that’s otherwise hard to bring out, or your skin is already an enviable brown and you’d like to deepen your hue, sunless tanners get you there without the risk of damage. From odorless to streak free, these sunless products can help you avoid future skin damage, while still landing you that cutie under the cabana today.

Clinique Non-Streak Bronzer For Men ($19, Nordstrom): 

For those wanting a subtle glow without a permanent fix, this gel bronzer is perfect for a one–night–only glow. With virtually no order, this non-streaking formula provides a temporary tan that washes off with soap and water. For an everyday natural tan, mix this gel with your daily moisturizer or (for skin care goody points), a SPF face cream.

Jergens Natural Glow and Protect Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 ($10.99, Walgreens):

For those that don’t want to give the jig away by leaving work ghostly white one day and coming back full-forced tan the next morning, this gradual self-tanner adds color progressively with each use. Bonus: The SPF 20 helps keep your skin healthy long after that tan fades.

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion ($42, Ulta):

Need color in an instant? This lotion is the next best thing to salon spray-on tans. Providing a deep but realistic color just hours after use, it lasts for days without washing off. Just make sure to exfoliate skin before applying to avoid streaks.

Xen-Tan Perfect Blend Self-Tanner ($45, Nordstrom): 

With an adjustable dial that lets you customize the color of your faux-glow, this lotion is perfect for the self-tanning newbie. Its refreshing cucumber-melon scent is a nice alternative to the normal chemical smell of some other bronzers.

Lorac Self Tantalizer Body Bronzing Gradual Self Tanner ($34, Sephora):

Thanks to the application mitt included with this tanner, tanning streaks reminiscent of gold and white zebras will be a thing of the past. As an added bonus, anti-aging ingredients like Camu Camu and Maracuja help keep skin smooth and healthy.

Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel ($35, Sephora):

Applying tanning lotion to the face can be nerve-wracking, but this non-oily and lightweight gel doesn’t clog pores and dries in minutes, making it ideal for your visage. The gradual build of color this product provides allows for daily use, without turning yourself into a bad George Hamilton impersonation.

Nature’s Gate Glow Lotion ($12.99, drugstore.com):

For those that strayed away from self-tanners in the past because of their chemical-y tendencies, this natural lotion gradually enhances skin tone while still being free of unnatural parabens. With seven moisturizers like shea butter and vitamin E, it also leaves skin soft and moisturized – just in time for swimsuit season.