Unique Products For A Sunless Tanned Summer

The only thing that's challenging my goal this year of an SPF-protected and 100% suntan-free summer is my immense hatred for smelly, streaky, orange self-tanners. But these new at-home tanning formulas are total game-changers in your struggle for a safe summer glow. This summer, I'm banishing the tanning oil from my beach bag and saying goodbye to my days of baking in the sun till I'm golden, as I'm finally committed to slathering myself with SPF each and every day and protecting my fair skin from wrinkles, sunspots, and, worst of all, skin cancer.

But that doesn't mean that I've squashed my desire for golden summer glow.

Most self-tanners in the past have gained a reputation for turning normal human beings into streaky, orange Oompa Loompas and put the obvious "fake" into the phrase "fake bake." But with a whole new slew of formulas on the market, and tons of application options, a safe, convincing gorgeous glow is possible!

After years of annoying trial and error with smelly spray tans and orange fingers, these new products seriously break the golden goddess mold. Check out all these totally out-of-the-ordinary bronzing babies below. It's time to get your glow on, y'all.

Xen-Tan Perfect Blend Self-Tanner

Xen-Tan's Perfect Blend Tanner, $30, Nordstrom

If you've ever found yourself standing in the drugstore beauty aisle, contemplating just which sunless tanning color is right ("Am I light or porcelain? Do I want to be bronzed or golden?), then this nifty little product is for you! Xen-Tan's Perfect Blend Self- Tanner has a dial on the bottle that allows you to adjust the darkness of the formula for customizable color.

St. Tropez's In-Shower Gradual Tan

St. Tropez's In Shower Gradual Tan, $25, Sephora

The beautifully tanned folks over at Allure tipped us off to this baby that actually works in the shower to eliminate any clothing or bathroom stains, sticky streaks, or gross smell. Simply apply St. Tropez's In-Shower Gradual Tan when you're in the shower, leave on for three minutes, and rinse. Viola!

Dr. Dennis Gross Glow Pad

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, $45, Sephora

Not only do I love these nifty little guys for the awesome application that's as easy as rubbing a Wet-One on your bod, but the Glow Pads also exfoliate and the capislow in the formula minimizes hair growth to reduce the need for shaving.

Tarte Brazilliance

Tarte Brazilliance Maracuja Self-Tanner, $39, Ulta

So you finally earned yourself a gorgeous, streak-free, sunless tan, but then you look down at your hands and notice your orange palms and Cheeto fingers. Gross. But those days are dead and gone with Tarte's Brazilliance. The super hydrating gel comes packed with maracuja and sunflower oil. But best of all, it includes a tanning mitt that means the end to streaky hands.

Sally Beauty Salon Bronze Airbrush Tanning System

Sally Beauty Airbrush Tanning System, $13, Sally Beauty

Looking for the seamless look of an expensive airbrush tan from a salon, but don't have the cash to throw down for one on the reg? Well then, this Airbrush Tanning System was basically made for you! Super easy application and the tanning salon treatment at home — what more could a golden gal want?

Xen-Tan Hard to Reach Applicator

Xen-Tan Hard To Reach Applicator, $18, Nordstrom

Another genius gadget from Xen-Tan! The Hard to Reach Applicator is exactly what it sounds like. Load it with any self-tan lotion, mousse or mist and use it to effortlessly apply your formula of choice to your back or any other difficult to reach areas of your bod.

Vita Liberata Untinted Self-Tan Gel

Vita Liberata Untinted Self-Tan Gel, $45, Vita Liberata

The biggest gross-out factor of sunless tanning? The tell-tale scent of most sprays and lotions that lets your entire office know that you're fake baking. The source of the smell is the ingredient DHA that's a mainstay in the tanning aisle. But what makes Vita Liberata Untinted a total standout is its DHA-free formula. Instead, it's packed with organic botanicals and a odor-free promise. Finally!

Images: Courtesy of Brands