The best fake tan for imperfectionists.

After my first self tanner experience went horribly awry, I abandoned it for nearly a decade. But in college I got desperate and hit the bottle again, with somewhat better results.

This was the 80s, when fake tans were still considered taboo; you wouldn’t dare risk telltale stained palms at a sorority rush. It’s only recently (thanks to Hollywood? doctors?) that the whole self tanner thing has become de rigueur.

Or perhaps I just care less now about what people think.

Regardless, while I realize it may not be cool to use self-tanning products, it’s much less cool to have skin cancer. And in case I forget, I have a squamous cell carcinoma scar that’s always happy to remind me.

Of course there’s nothing wrong with pale skin — if I had the creamy complexion of a Scarlett Johansson, I’d gladly embrace it. But I don’t, so I’m resigned to using self tanner from time to time when I need a little boost for a big event.

Or cheerleading tryouts.

Luckily, it just so happens that the cheapest self tanner I’ve tried is also the one I like the best: Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion in Deep Dark.

Why I like it:

1. It’s inexpensive, easy to find and quick to apply
2. It’s tinted. This is good not only for seeing where you might have missed, but also for giving you a little hint of color until the DHA starts to work its magic.
3. It’s a light, creamy lotion. I have fairly dry skin, so I prefer creams and lotions to gels and foams. Plus, I think they absorb better.

FAQs

Here are some of the questions I’m often asked about self tanners. Unless otherwise noted, answers apply specifically to Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion.

1. Does it stink?

No — out of the tube; yes — once it’s developed. But not as bad as some, and the scent goes away after a shower. I’m sure there are some brands that contain more perfume than others and thus are better at masking the smell initially, but over the years I’ve tried so many — Clarins, Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, Au Courant, Clinique Self Tan, Lancome Flash Bronzer, Neutrogena Instant Bronze, L’Oreal Sublime Bronze and Jergens Natural Glow — and they all stink once they start to develop, thanks to DHA.

I’ve also had four salon spray tans. They also stink.

2. Does it turn you orange?

That depends on your definition of orange. I have fair skin with yellow undertones, and when I used to get tan by the sun, it was more orange-y than brown. So to me, this is probably about as natural a tan as I’m going to get when using something to replicate the sun. (I initially tried the ‘Light to Medium’ color, but it actually turned me more orange than the Deep Dark. Go figure.)

3. Does it come off in the pool? The ocean?

Yes. And yes. But less so if it’s been applied a few times and allowed to develop for several days before hitting the water (see below*). Even expensive, professional salon tans eventually come off in the pool, thanks to the chlorine which essentially bleaches everything. And the salt in the ocean has a similar effect, because it’s essentially an exfoliant.

*Once I’m in maintenance mode with the self tanner (two consecutive days of application allowed to dry and develop), as long as I shower and shave my legs before swimming to remove any bronzer that might rub off on my beach towel, a reasonable amount of color remains even through the pool and/or ocean.

4. How do you use it?

Here’s an overview for getting a decently realistic fake tan in limited time and on a budget. (Note: Although writing out these steps makes it look time-consuming, the whole self-tanning process should only take about five minutes once you get the hang of it.)

Preparation.

Start with clean, dry, freshly shaved legs. I never use any kind of special exfoliating anything – a regular washcloth works fine, if needed, on rough heels and elbows.

Apply a couple drops of light body lotion (I like Lubriderm) to feet, ankles, kneecaps and elbows. Rub in well.

Application.

1. Face: Apply a little (dime-sized amount) self tanner to your face, neck and chest, being careful to blend carefully at hairline and jawline. (Although Banana Boat Summer Color isn’t specifically made for faces, I’ve been using it on my face for years with no problems whatsoever.)

2. Legs: Squirt a glob of self tanner into your hand and — starting slightly above your ankle (this point is critical) apply to your left leg. Go as far up the leg as the glob allows, rubbing in thoroughly to make sure no spots are missed. If needed, apply more self tanner to the top of your leg, stopping wherever a bathing suit would start.

2. Feet: Make sure there’s no self tanner visible on your hands; if so, wipe it off on a paper towel — you only want a hint of residue remaining. Add a few drops of body lotion to your hands and apply it to the top of your left foot, extending slightly past your ankle (where you started) and avoiding the heel at all costs. I promise that this is enough tanner for your feet. It is far better to have white feet than oddly striped feet.

Wash hands with soap and dry. This helps reduce stained palms and prevents buildup of tanner/lotion.

Repeat the entire process on the right leg.

3. Arms: I don’t often use self tanner on my arms, but when I do, my only “trick” is to rub my elbows and the insides of my wrists with a wet washcloth after I’m done to avoid dark patches.

4. Clean-up: When I’m finished, I scrub my hands with soap – twice – and rinse – twice. Then I put soap on a washcloth and scrub my palms again, rinse the washcloth and my hands, and scrub again with water.

Note: I never wear gloves to apply self tanner. As a result, my palms are sometimes slightly stained. This doesn’t bother me that much, or last that long, but if you think it will bother you, you might want to try gloves. Or a little Soft Scrub with Bleach.

5. Hands: Since washing your hands removes the self tanner, if you’ve tanned your arms you may need to add a bit of product to the backs of your hands (unless you’re going for a perpetual ‘white glove’ look). I use a foam makeup sponge to mix a few drops of tanner with a few drops of lotion and apply sparingly. Works like a charm.

6. Drying: This is really the most painful part of self tanning. I don’t wait an hour, but I do let it absorb pretty well (at least 20 minutes) before getting dressed.

7. Maintenance: I find that for my skin tone, two applications (applied a day apart) is enough to give me the color I want for at least five days.

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If you’ve found something better (really doesn’t stink? lasts through chlorine? even cheaper?) or have a different technique, I’d love to hear about it. Let me know and I’ll include in the post.