As any dermatological expert or doctor will tell you, there’s no safe way to tan. Any exposure to ultraviolet light increases the risk of skin cancer and ages skin prematurely. Self-tanners are the only way to get a nice glow without paying for it later. Of course, a lot of us have been scared away from self-tanners because of their unreliability or unnatural results. But these drops have become a go-to for me after someone who’s way more handsome told me that this little bottle was his secret to skin that always looks warm and refreshed. Especially emerging from winter, it’s nice to give your face a little color.

It’s not cheap, but I’m happy to pay for quality—especially when they’re this effective. Just a few drops, mixed into my regular facial moisturizer will provide a subtle golden glow that’s natural and even. Not only are the drops customizable—the more you use, the deeper the color will develop—but they’re also forgiving. Just spread it around your face and the resulting “tan” is never orange and never splotchy. What’s more, since you literally use just two or three drops at a time, I’ve found that one bottle can easily last me around six months. Oh, and I’ve even used it on other parts of my body, like my arms and chest, on vacation so it comes in handy there, too. Just make sure to wash your hands immediately after applying so there’s no staining. That’s a lesson I only had to learn once./p>

Illuminating self-tan drops,
from $25 by Tan-Luxe