This $11 self-tanning lotion from L'Oréal is my secret to a sunkissed glow year-round — it can be diluted with plain lotion for a gentle glow that won't streak or transfer

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• This $11 L'Oréal self-tanning lotion keeps my skin bronze year-round.
• The buildable formula can be applied directly or diluted with more lotion so you can better control the amount of color you want.

After years of going through great lengths to maintain a glowy complexion year-round, I have finally learned that a good tan does not need to cost me my health.

I was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease, when I was in college. This gave me a serious wake-up call that I needed to change my tanning routine, which included overexposing myself to the sun and using tanning beds. Since one of the symptoms of lupus is sun sensitivity, I could no longer spend countless hours laying out. My tanning habits were doing more harm than good, and the damage left me wondering how I could create a sunkissed glow without any of the risk.

That's when the L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk came into play. It's a buildable self-tanning lotion that helps me to achieve the tan I'm after without sacrificing my health in the process. Below I'll walk you through everything you need to know about using it, plus some FAQs about self-tanners.

Table of Contents

How self-tanners work

The active ingredient in sunless tanners is the color additive dihydroxyacetone, most commonly known as 'DHA.' When applied directly to the skin, DHA reacts with dead cells in the skin's surface layer to temporarily darken the skin, and in turn, stimulate a tan.

Keep in mind that this gradual glow isn't instant and will take a few hours to develop, and the shade is contingent on how much (or little) product is used, so you have control over how intense your tan will be when using the lotion at home.

Are self-tanners safe?

DHA is largely considered safe for external use, but, according to Harvard Health Publishing, there haven't been many studies on its long-term effects. The concern that some doctors point to is that people who use self-tanners may be less likely to prioritize skin protection. They (and we) recommend wearing sunscreen every time you go outside, whether or not you use self-tanners.

Why this $11 Amazon find is my favorite

I've tested dozens of sunless tanners out in hopes of mimicking my usual summer tan, and this one from L'Oréal takes the gold. It rings in at just $11 and proves you don't have to break the bank for an extremely effective formula.

This sheer lotion is lightweight and airy; it feels refreshingly cool when applied directly to the skin. I love how diluted it is, too, making the process of layering on a gradual tan pretty impossible to mess up. It's also a medium shade that's easily buildable with more applications.

Perhaps most importantly, this formula is extremely quick-drying and transfer-resistant (which anyone who has gotten a spray tan knows can be quite an issue). I never have to worry about staining my clothes or ruining my bedsheets when using it.

There's even some vitamin E in the formula to hydrate and nourish skin, which is helpful in avoiding splotchy streaks due to dry patches.

If you've tried any self-tanners in the past, you're probably familiar with the potent, chemical-like smell, but this one has a tropical scent and is so light that no one will be able to smell that fake-tan scent on you.

How to use the L'Oréal self-tanner

The first rule of thumb when using self-tanners is to start by exfoliating. It's crucial to rid yourself of any dead skin or potential flakes that could otherwise create splotchy patches. To get the job done, I personally turn to Dr. Brandy Micdrodermabrasion Skin Exfoliate, which easily buffs away dry, dead skin. And just a little extra TLC with this dry brush ensures I've gotten every last bit of my body properly exfoliated.

Once my skin is all smooth and dry, I start by dispensing two drops of this formula into my hands and mixing it with my everyday lotion. I've found this to be the trick that makes all the difference. While you can use a tanning mitt here, I prefer my bare hands as I can take my time and evenly distribute the lotion to each area.

There are a few specific spots that I like to dial in on, the first being the crooks of my arms and back of my knees. Both areas are susceptible to formulas settling into cracks and crevices. To alleviate any chances, I sprinkle baby powder beforehand. The second area is my elbows, front of knees, and ankles. Those areas absorb products faster, so to maintain consistency throughout, I'll leave them for last.

When it comes to my face, instead of opting to use the same body lotion mix I've concocted, I'll swap in an oil-free moisturizer to prevent any breakouts and avoid clogging pores.

If I'm going for a deep glow, I'll sometimes go over everything a second time. But, if not, I immediately wash my hands to avoid any staining or streaking.

My final results

I haven't gotten much sun in the past seven or eight months, so my normally olive skin was extremely pale in the picture above. But after applying the self-tanner, I look much more like my usual self.

I love how the medium shade is dark enough to enhance my olive complexion but light enough to add a gradual glow. It provides just the right amount of tan without going overboard or looking streaky, blotchy, or worse: orange.

Most importantly, in my opinion, is how versatile the lotion is, particularly because it can be blended with any other lotion or moisturizer for a faint glow year-round. It is ideal for building a base tan in the winter or enhancing my gently sun-kissed skin in the summer. It can blend harsh bikini lines, and when I want to add some definition to my legs, I can easily pair it under Sally Hansen's Airbrush Leg Spray to take things up a notch.

This lotion is the instant compliment-magnet that shows dramatic results in as little as one use. It looked as if I spent hours obtaining it, but it truly only took me a few minutes of time in my bathroom.

The bottom line

I swear by this sunless tanner from L'Oréal for a safe glow. It's buildable, easy to use, and never makes me look orange.

What's more, self-tanners are a positive result of the increased education around harmful UV exposure. "We are more exposed to skin education and taking care of our skin at an earlier and earlier age," explains European Wax Center Education Manager, Gina Petak. "The technology of self-tanning products [has] improved. We are able to achieve a natural look from [tanners more] than ever before."

Instead of trying to reverse the hands of time 20 years in the future, many of us are learning to take preventative measures early on and utilize products like self-tanners instead of exposing ourselves to harmful UV rays.