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Top Self Tanner Splurges and Deals

From , former About.com Guide

Spring time is here and it is officially time to get rid of the winter blahs. It’s time to think about fun in the sun and getting ready to squeeze into your new bikini. But first, you need to think of preparing you skin for the show. Let’s face it, after a long dreary winter your skin can look pretty lifeless. So what can you do? Let’s play it safe and grab a bottle of self tanner, then you can get ready to shop for that new hot bathing suit.

1. DuWop Clear Revolotion Shimmering Self-Tanner - Splurge

DuWop Clear Revolotion Shimmering Self-TannerImage Provided by: DuWop

If you want a self tanner that does it all, looks completely natural, has a natural sunscreen, and actually smells good then look no further!  I honestly can't say enough about this self tanner.  The end color is perfect, the scent is fresh and light, and you can use this cool blue gel over and over until you reach your desired level of tan without worrying about looking fake.

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2. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer - Deal

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This is a great product for those that need to either slowly make their way into a self tanner, or those that need a little pick-me-up in between regular self tanning applications. Jergens did well with this one, since it is also a moisturizer as well and the self tanning aspect is very minimal, so you don’t end up super tan or orange. This is available in a variety of shades, as well as multiple formulations to fit your needs.
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3. St. Tropez Everyday Perfect Legs - Splurge

St. Tropez Everyday Perfect LegsPricegrabber

If you plan to go to the beach or spend any time outside during the summer while on vacation then you will want to make sure that your skin is ready to be seen.  I have tried many different gradual self tanners, but St. Tropez Everyday Legs is one of my new found favorites.  The product comes with a double pump, one black and one white, on a single container.  This offers a really natural looking self tanner as well as a great instant bronzer.  The smell isn't too bad and it actually goes away fairly quickly, leaving you with a gorgeous sun-kissed look to your previously pale legs.  The dual-bottle is perfect to take with you along the way for continued tanning and bronzing touch-ups.

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4. Australian Gold Self Tanning Lotion - Deal

Australian Gold Self Tanning LotionImage Provided by: Australian Gold

If you 're looking for a really natural-looking self tanner on a small budget, then reach for Australian Gold's Self Tanning Lotion.  The gel-lotion blend feels like silk on your skin, while also working to prevent streaking so you get a beautifully even coverage.  Their "Advanced Elimiscent" technology works hard at eliminating the normal self-tanner smell, so instead you get a light and refreshing scent. The bonus is the instant glow to your skin, while you patiently wait for the self tan to surface.  So now you can tan in a flash, get a nice healthy glow immediately, and never smell like it's a fake bake.

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5. Fake Bake Self Tanning Lotion - Splurge

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This is a great product to use if you are looking for a more medium to dark tan. If you are really pale, then I would recommend using this as upkeep on your self tanning, or try diluting it with a little regular body lotion. The outcome of this tan gives you the appearance of being at the beach for a week. The downside: it takes about an hour to dry. The upside: the color looks very natural and toasty brown, so your co-workers will think you jetted off to the Virgin Islands for the weekend.
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6. L'Oreal Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer - Deal

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Another product that is similar to Jergens Natural Glow, but a little better in some areas. The fragrance is a little better than Jergens and over all it gives a little better color. The product dries quickly, leaves your skin feeling nice, and the color lasts for about a week. The price point is a little more than Jergens and you only get to choose fair or medium shades.
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7. Beautisol Self Tanning Lotion - Splurge

Beautisol Self Tanning LotionPricegrabber

Beautisol self tanning lotion, for face and body, has been featured on various TV shows such as Kathie Lee and Hoda and Good Morning America. It's easy to see why Beautisol is a must-have "splurge" self tanner, and it's not only because of the natural fake tan the products give your skin.  The Beautisol products work as a double-duty beauty aid, by packing you skin with antioxidants  and various anti-aging ingredients.  So what you get is an 80% odor free, natural-looking, anti-aging fortefied fake tan.  Who could ask for more?

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