It has been about seven summers since Iâ€™ve braved the notorious â€œtan-in-a-can.â€ Just considering it, I had gory flashbacks of rust orange kneecaps, streaked thighs and a blotchy back. What is it about Americans so touting the bronze of the beach, even when they are fair and freckled? I think we all just covet the illusion of slimming, health and verve. I donâ€™t see anything wrong with that, as long as we are smart enough to find the tan in a bottle and not in a sunbed!

So, with summer travel season upon us again, and facing the prospect of revealing my near translucent white legs to the outside world, Iâ€™ve delved back into the search for the perfect bottle of bronze. I was shocked to discover that formulas have come a long way! Sales associates from Macyâ€™s, Sephora and Ulta promised me (with a capital P) that these new products are streak proof, Oompa-oompa proof (canâ€™t write about tanning without at least one mention of the wee orange fellows!) and pretty much idiot-proof. So I bit the bullet and gave it a tryâ€”letâ€™s just say that with my new tan Iâ€™ll probably be repeatedly mistaken for Gisele Bunchden, Jennifer Aniston and/or Megan Fox whilst strutting the beach in front of my luxury hotel in Miami!

Best if You are Pale

St. Tropez Every Day Gradual Tan Mousse is a miracle product for those starting with literally a white canvas. The color that builds is subtle and gradual so that youâ€™re never stuck with drastic or scary results. Applied every couple of days it is a great option for â€œbeginnersâ€ and works wonderfully to enhance your glow between the more heavy duty tans you will inevitably graduate to. St. Tropez products are great because they have found a way to cancel out the â€œfake tan smellâ€ by 70%, but Bare Escentuals Faux Tan Body Moisturizer is a similar product in lotion form for about half the price.

Best if You are Impatient

Bliss A Tan for All Seasons spray is the perfect fix for those who desire instant gratification. This citrusy smelling aerosol has a handy purple tinge to it, so you can see exactly where the product has missed, and it gives you an instant bronze. Aloe and apple extracts nurture your skin yet youâ€™re dry in 5 minutes and able to move on to more important things in your life. Note: The spray formula is ideal if youâ€™re forced to do your own back.

Best if You are Patient

Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel I know it says â€˜instantâ€™ but that may be a glitch in the Parisian translation. This is a traditional self tanner that you smooth on after the shower at night, and then wait for morning to see your results. The formula is smooth (almost serum-like) and silky, packed with plant-derived nutrients and vitamins. As long as you are thorough with your pre-application exfoliation and blending, youâ€™ll wake up with a gentle, streak-free physique!

Best if You have an Occasion

Sometimes we just need to look amazing for one night (wedding, 10 year class reunion, anniversary etc) and the commitment of a full on fake tan is too daunting (or just unnecessary). Lorac Tantalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer is just the trick for such events; it is a quick drying lotion that gives an instantaneous bronze glow, but then washes off in the shower. Youâ€™ll be downright incandescent wearing this product- it smells great, dries in just a few minutes and is moisturizing for your skin!

Best if You are Traveling

Tan Towel Classic Self Tan Towelettes are ideal for your journey. Their sealed, individually wrapped packages are spill proof, they give you quick, fool-proof application and they were designed by an Australian, so of course they are the best! Effective for face and body, all you do is wipe yourself down with the towelette, air dry for a minute or two, and within a couple of hours you are bronzed and beautiful! Perfect for mid-vacation touch ups, your carry on should never be without.

Best if You are Outdoors Anyway

This product inclusion is in no way condoning sunbathing! Avid sun-worshippers, while graced with lovely copper skin today, are going to look like old catchersâ€™ mitts in a few yearsâ€”not to mention the skin cancer risk they are posing to themselves! We all go to the beach, though, and some of us are lucky enough to have jobs that allow us to catch rays all day. In this case, Maui Babe Sun Protectant Lotion SPF 30 is the perfect solution. But wait, thereâ€™s more! Adding a thin layer of Maui Babe Browning Lotion (a local secret) will encourage an incredible tan! Formulated with loads of aloe, nurturing kukui nut and macadamia nut oils and Kona coffee extract, this luxe balm will make the most of your time spent in the sun. Donâ€™t get overzealous with this product and donâ€™t you dare try it without the sunblock first, or the wrinkles and inevitable sun damage will come find you.

About the writer:

Noella Schink is a travel and beauty writer from Portland, Maine. She canâ€™t wait to take off this spring to show off her new tan at her luxury hotel in Miami! She recommends Excellent Hotels for all your hotel booking needs from the US to Europe and beyond!