Glo tested: self-tanners

Why it's unique: The active ingredient in most self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the outer layer of the skin to create a bronzed tone. The brand-new Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan incorporates a vegetable-derived DHA as well as a host of other botanicals, including chamomile and echinacea. Tester's take: This self-tanner gave a gorgeous, natural-looking glow that you could amp up with additional applications. Another bonus? It is super moisturizing and smells like a garden.SHOP NOW: Kerstin Florian Sunless Tan, $50

Why it's unique: This tanner is fortified with vitamin D (the nutrient your body creates when it's exposed to the sun) and can be sprayed on from any angle, making those tricky, behind-the knees spots easier to reach.Tester's take: It smelled divine and didn't have that odd 'spray-tan smell'—people actually asked me what perfume I was wearing. The color was really pretty once it developed, a nice shade of brown with just a hint of red—like a real tan—and not orangey at all.SHOP NOW: VersaSpa SunlessPro Tanning Bronzer 360º Spray, $37

Why it's unique: A combo of a potent botanical moisturizing ingredients like sweet almond oil and green-tea extracts hydrate the skin, while the gentle tanning ingredients—the concentration of active ingredients is so low that it can be used daily—deliver an ongoing glow between airbrush treatments.Tester's take: It has a great smell—it could almost replace a body spray. And it seemed to do the trick of preserving a tan.SHOP NOW: Evolv Daily Glo Moisturizer, $28

Why it's unique: The magic of this product is in the application: After a shower or bath, simply smooth it on and rinse off immediately. There's no waiting or worry about staining clothes. The lotion is tinted, so you can see exactly where your tan will develop.Tester's take: I didn't believe that self-tanning didn't have to involve wandering around the house naked, waiting for a product to dry, but this one defied all logic. It delivered a great-looking tan in minutes. SHOP NOW: Toni Brattin Tan Secret, $30

Why it's unique: St. Tropez is one of the most beloved brands in the self-tanning business. Their new mousse formulation helps ease application—a lot less streaking and no more dripping. It also dries in just 60 seconds.Tester's take: I like the color it gives—very natural and has more brown tones versus the orange hues I associate with self-tanners. It's very easy to apply, and I love that it's buildable color that lasted about five days.SHOP NOW: St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, $30

Why it's unique: This oil-free formula is perfect for the face (no blocked pores), and it also contains amino acids that help soften the appearance of fine lines. The color is very subtle, and you can build your tan gradually—no Oompa-Loompa fears here.Tester's take: I'm already a little dark, but it made my face more even-toned. I don't know if I would use this product every day, but I would use it at night or for going out.SHOP NOW: Philosophy Here Comes the Sun Age-Defense Gradual Glow Self-Tanner for Face, from $26

Why it's unique: This tanner does double duty: It contains a bronzer that gives the skin an instant glow and then develops into a sun-kissed hue.Tester's take: I liked the light scent of this cream—it has a hint of vanilla—nothing like your usual self-tanner. The color developed gradually, but it was very natural-looking.SHOP NOW: Lorac selfTANtalizer Body Bronzing Gradual Self-Tanner, $34

Why it's unique: These handy little wipes are super portable, great for getaways. They are unscented and can be used all over the body—including the face.Tester's take: The product was wiped onto the body in a circular motion using the towelettes. It went on smoothly, and the color looked very natural and lasted for a week. I recommend this product to everyone who needs a little dash of color!SHOP NOW: Sonia Kashuk Sunless Tan Face & Body Tanning Towelettes in Golden, from $11