This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UNH chapter.

Not going anywhere for spring break but you want to look like you spent a week in the Bahamas? Going somewhere warm but you don’t want to harm your skin by not wearing sunscreen?

Well, look no further! I have done all the research on self-tanning products, so you don’t have to! Although I do love spending the whole day at the beach just to achieve the perfect tan, I do know it is absolutely horrible for my skin. This winter, I got pretty big into self-tanning and I’ve decided to continue doing it in the summer to protect myself from those harmful UV rays and using sunscreen! Below I’ll give you some tips and tricks as well as my favorite products for getting the best glow you can get!

Steps leading up to your future glow:

1.) Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate.

The most important part before self-tanning is to exfoliate your skin in the shower! Whatever you like to use, either a loofa with shower gel or body wash with exfoliating beads, scrub all of that dead skin off! Your tan will look better and last longer.

2.) Shave your gorgeous legs!

I will say, wait a few hours after shaving to put on any tanner or else it may cause some irritation.

3.) Moisturize!

Same with shaving, do this a few hours before tanning. It won’t stay if your skin is too dry!

Now for my favorite tanning products! Most of these are drugstore, but I will include a few higher-end ones!

1.) Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Mousse in Deep Bronze- $11.99 at Target

My favorite tanning mousse! The best and the cheapest. I personally love the darkest one since the lighter one doesn’t show up as well on my skin. Pro tip: Use an old fuzzy sock to apply!

https://www.target.com/p/jergens-natural-glow-instant-sun-moisturizing-lotion-light-bronze-6-oz/-/A-16588865?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000061379485&CPNG=PLA_DVM%2B0060H00000pGiGWQA0-Jergens-Google+Search-Jan-2019-Flight&adgroup=PLA_Jergens&LID=700000001393753pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9002446&gclid=CjwKCAjwmKLzBRBeEiwACCVihqqEPjW5582QDA3Rllbpl0DKm-FeW35OihReGyxHLkR4LDaV5K4orRoC9dIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

2.) Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer in Medium to Tan- $8.69 at Target

I love this to use daily and extend my tan for as long as possible!

https://www.target.com/p/jergens-natural-glow-daily-moisturizer-medium-to-tan-skintone-7-5-fl-oz/-/A-11187076?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000061379485&CPNG=PLA_DVM%2B0060H00000pGiGWQA0-Jergens-Google+Search-Jan-2019-Flight&adgroup=PLA_Jergens&LID=700000001393753pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9002446&gclid=CjwKCAjwmKLzBRBeEiwACCVihnfvzIGPANTx9YOD4_35nXxlP9h1bcAZBYb-fHSVaoAEoyyK12dWSRoC8TUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

3.) Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer in Medium to Tan- $8.69 at Target

This stuff is great for your face! I have sensitive skin so I can’t use the other products on my face but this stuff works wonders!

https://www.target.com/p/jergens-natural-glow-face-moisturizer-2-oz-medium-tan-160/-/A-11186711

High-End Picks!

1.) St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse- $42 at Ulta

https://www.ulta.com/self-tan-classic-bronzing-mousse?productId=xlsImpprod13781259&sku=2301294&cmpid=PS_Non!google!Product_Listing_Ads&cagpspn=pla&CATCI=pla-722416927085&CAAGID=68470492523&CAWELAID=330000200000490115&CATARGETID=330000200001771316&CADevice=c&gclid=CjwKCAjwmKLzBRBeEiwACCVihpC4or0-kz26JsnLQsJ2kzzkADyuEs72hW4_CPrDK58zi-d-NagzTRoCFrgQAvD_BwE

2.) Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse Medium- $39.95 at Ulta

https://www.ulta.com/2-hr-express-self-tanning-mousse-medium?productId=pimprod2000717