The 5 Best Self-Tanners That Will Never, Ever, Ever Streak

South Seas Skincare Tahitian Mist, $28

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Some spray-tans-in-a-can feel wet and uneven when you apply them, but this formula is fast-absorbing, lightweight, and leaves you with a completely even finish. It also dries down on contact, so you won't need to worry about leaving behind parts of your tan on your furniture. Just make sure to stand outside or in your shower when you spray it on—or you'll be left with gold walls and floors.

HOT TIP: The drier a self-tanner is, the more it clings to your skin—and, by nature, your dry patches—so make sure to slough away any flakes with a wash cloth the day you self-tan.

Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion in Deep Dark, $8

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Virtually all sunless tanners are made with lighter skin tones in mind, proving once again that the beauty world has a long way to go toward inclusivity. But Banana Boat has already made major strides with this hydrating, tinted formula that gives even the deepest of skin tones a rich, dark tan after about two or three applications.

HOT TIP: To keep yourself from getting blotchy creases in the crook of your arms and back of your knees (the places where lotion tends to settle before it fully dries), dust the areas with baby powder after you apply your tanner.

Whish Self Tanner Body Butter, $30

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A two-in-one lotion that leaves skin with a just-napped-on-the-beach glow and just-came-from-the-womb softness? Not a hard sell. Dry-skin haters can thank the formula's shea and mango butters for its creamy texture and moisturizing finish—a total rarity in self tanners—while faux-tan newbies can rest assured that the color payoff is truly even and subtle.

HOT TIP: Usually, sunless tanning works best if you first massage a tiny dab of moisturizer over your dry bits (i.e. knees, elbows, and ankles) to keep them from soaking up too much tanner, but this formula is so rich and creamy, you can go ahead and rub it right on.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk, $13

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Think of this little bottle of lightweight lotion as a gradual self-tanner on steroids. Like most gradual tanners, it’s diluted enough that it’s virtually impossible to mess up, but unlike most gradual tanners, you’ll actually be able to see a noticeable (and very realistic) glow after just one use.

HOT TIP: Use a sheer tanner like this three times a week to get a constant subtle bronze, or apply it as-needed to even out a fading spray tan that’s gone patchy.

Tan Towel Self-Tan Towelettes, $29

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I know the idea of rubbing a wipe soaked with self-tanner all over your body sounds like a recipe for a messy, streak-filled disaster, but these low-maintenance towels are shockingly good at their job. Not only do they gently buff away dry patches as you wipe them on (dry patches = the ultimate enemy of a smooth tan), but—added bonus—their tea tree oil–infused formula will fight breakouts each time you use them.

HOT TIP: The final "tan" errs on the lighter side, so if you're looking for a deeper finish, try Tan Towel's dark version, instead.