I’m all about being tan, but since I gave up tanning beds in 2006 (Six years ago, time flies!) I’ve spent some serious time finding the perfect self tanner. What is the perfect self tanner, you ask? To me, it’s one that does NOT make me look like I’ve spent my life next to a nuclear reactor, doesn’t make me smell like over processed bacon, and finally doesn’t come off while I shave my legs. Not so much to ask, right? You’d be surprised! Here, I share with you–the best self tanners that I’ve come across in my six year pilgrimage of tanning glory and the worst:

I always like to hear the bad news first. If you’re looking for a natural, healthy glow, you can cross these self tanners off your list.

Neutrogena’s Build-a-Tan was the first self tanner I ever tried and it’s still around today. I gave this one a go because it was gradual and I was petrified of looking orange and fake afterwards. When Neutrogena says “gradual” they should actually say “nonexistent.” I never got darker even after two weeks of using it regularly. The only benefit for me? I was super soft and smelled fresh and clean. Other than that, t’was a no go for me. Don’t waste your money.

Jergen’s Natural glow for face and body sounded like an instant hit for me, until my skin exploded. After about four days of using it my skin was darker, and had a decent glow, BUT my pores were crying. The smell was tolerable, but the pigment didn’t seem to stick. I literally shaved my tan off in the shower. As for the firming capabilities–I didn’t notice much of a difference. Sorry Jergens! I still love your Cherry Almond you’ve perfected!

Last up, L’oreal Sublime Bronze. I was dark as heck (and natural looking) but boy did I smell. Even Keith was horrified by my self tanner stench. Mind you, he works in a graveyard, so horrifying him with a smell is quite a feat. The smell was unbearable and even gave me a headache. When someone next to me asks me what smells like chemicals and pork cooking I knew it was time to give this self-tanner the heave ho.

While there were three self-tanners that had to be forced out of my bathroom ASAP, there are also three that have captured my heart. First off, Origins The Great Pretender and Origins Faux Glow for the face had me at hello. I was reluctant to spend the money at first, and at 19.50 a pop for each, I was dropping some serious cash. I had heard nothing but great things about Origins from my friends and online while I researched and took the risk. My wallet cried a little bit, but after three days of use I was looking fantastic. I had an amazing, even glow on my body and face and I didn’t break out once! The scent was pepperminty and cooling, especially since I used this in the late Spring to prep myself for shorts. No one knew I had self-tanner on, but everyone complimented my tan and asked if I went on vacation during Spring Break. A+ for me!

Another high priced beauty is Lancome’s Flash Bronzer. At $37.00 it was worth the money and it lasts which was my one gripe about Origins being in such a small tube. It dried quick (I wore a light grey tank top less than 5 minutes after applying and no streaks to be seen!) and it smells like honey and jasmine just like the website said it would. No smell, no streaks, and hot damn was I tan quick! What I liked the most was the gel consistency. It glided on and little massaging was required compared to when you use regular lotion. For me, this will be purchased when I have an event coming up. Otherwise, I stick to my recent new buddy…

Bath and Body Works Strike Gold Self-Tanner. It’s a friendly $15.00 and it lasts! I’ve been using it for over a month now and I have a healthy radiant glow. I also smell like a summer day on an island. It has hints of coconut and sandalwood which is earthy and clean. The tanner is easy to apply, and like Origins and Lancome is tinted so you can achieve an instant glow while keeping track of where you’ve applied. Hands down, this is one of the best self-tanners I’ve ever used and I think (dare I say it??) my search of six years has been completed!