Two brave, young souls took on the grueling task of becoming tan goddesses. Here’s what they learned.

Instant self tan:

Instant self tan is a beauty but also a BEAST. Do you want to look orange… but instantly? This is the product for you.

• Cheap
• Instant color
• Has a bad smell
• Streaky
• Looks orange
• Fades uneven

We recommend trying JERGENS® Natural Glow® Instant Sun™ which retails for $12.99 at Ulta. https://www.ulta.com/natural-glow-instant-sun-mousse?productId=xlsImpprod12041641

Gradual self tan:

Gradual self tan has by far been the most successful tanning technique we’ve tried. It has the most natural look.

• Cheap
• Not streaky
• Not stressful – you can’t mess up
• Not as obvious of a change as instant tan
• You have to reapply every day to achieve a strong color
• Fades gradually without leaving patches
• Moisturizes your skin

We recommend trying Boost Color Building Tan Extending Lotion, which retails for $32.00 at Suntan City. https://www.norvelltanning.com/product/boost-color-building-tan-extender/

Spray tan:

Spray tanning was successful, but the results are much less natural than other options.

• Expensive
• Not streaky
• Looks bad at first until your first shower
• Smells bad
• You have to leave the house and go to a tanning salon
• Can buy primer and extender for better results
• More color options
• Looks spotty when it fades
• Hands and feet can look really bad if you don’t apply enough barrier cream

Tanning bed:

The tanning bed is the most natural of the fake tanning methods, but also the most dangerous.

• Risk of cancer
• Real tan
• Looks natural
• Lasts longer than other options
• You have to go multiple times to build a tan
• You can get sunburned
• You get cool glasses, but they leave untanned eye circles
• You don’t get tan in the places where you sweat
• Makes you itchy
• Causes freckles
• You have to lay in other people’s germs and sweat