Sunless Gel Tanners

• Sunless gel tanners are lightweight, non-oily, smooth to apply and normally come tinted. Several positive reviews from Allure and Elle point to Clarins Gelee Auto Bronzante Express self-tanning gel as the best. Priced around $30 as of March 2011, this gel gives an instant bronze appearance. Unlike other gels and lotions, Clarins does not give off a strong odor, streak or turn skin orange. Other top contenders include Lancôme Flash Bronzer and L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Gel; both give a soft shimmer appearance and instant tan.
  
  

Sunless Lotion Tanners

• Lotion tanners are gradual tanners that must be applied daily, sometimes twice a day, to achieve the intended bronze skin. Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer, priced around $8 as of March 2011, received high marks from Glamour and Allure as a top contender for the best sunless tanner. The lotion offers low odor, no streaking and a promised gradual tan. Nivea Sun-Kissed Bronzing Lotion received compliments form Glamour because of the extreme hydration that Nivea offers to the body.
  
  

Sunless Tanning Towelettes

• Towelettes are a slightly different approach to self tanning. Manufacturers apply the tanner to towels and package them in a moisture-bearing container. Customers rub the towels on areas they want to tan and the tanner transfers to the skin. There are not as many towelette options as gels, lotions and sprays; however, they are becoming more abundant. Tan Towel Set-Tan Towelettes, priced at $24 for 10 as of March 2011, is recommended by Allure magazine as one of the best self-tanners available. Tan Towels create a smooth appearance, natural coloring and low odor. Another option is L'Oreal Sublime Towelettes, which use the same formula as the gel. L'Oreal towelettes leave a shimmer appearance and no streaking.
  
  

Sunless Spray-On Tanners

• Guerlain Self-Tanning Spray, priced at $59 as of March 2011, is the number one spray on Glamour and Allure's top self-tanner lists. The easy spray application allows the person applying the spray to apply an even coat over the entire body. The spray does not need to be rubbed in once applied nor does it have an odor. The second most talked about spray is Mystic Tan UV-Free Spray on Tanner. The tanner also gives a streak-free application and has minimal odor.