How to Avoid the Biggest Self-Tanner Mistakes

Updated February 26, 2021
Credit: Lisa Shin
Self-tanner can come with side effects, but new formulas aim to get you glowing without a single gripe.
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Tan gone wrong

Credit: Getty Images

Streaky spots, awful smell—self-tanner comes with some not-so-pretty side effects. But new-and-improved formulas aim to get you glowing without a single gripe.

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Pumpkin hands

Credit: Lisa Shin

Gripe:

What's up with my orange hands?

Fix it: Those dark palms and brown spots between your fingers tell the world you’ve been self-tanning. But Spray di Sole Sun Gelee kit ($50; spraydisole .com) is hands-free: Simply apply the gel-based formula with the enclosed brush—no latex gloves or endless hand washing.

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Blotchy skin

Credit: Lisa Shin

Gripe:

The color turns blotchy and uneven!

Fix it: Dry patches on skin absorb more color, leading to streaks. Brazilian True Tan Dual-Action self-tanner ($39; brazilianpeel.com) uses glycolic acid, which sloughs away dead skin cells as you apply. Translation: You can skip the pre-tan scrub and still end up with even color.

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Pee-yew!

Credit: Lisa Shin

Gripe:

I can't stand the smell!

Fix it: That odor occurs when the active ingredient in self-tanners, DHA(dihydroxyacetone),cinteracts with skin. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Foaming moisturizer ($9; at mass retailers) contains odorabsorbing compounds that not only mask the stench, but also block the olfactory receptors in the nose that would typically detect it.

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