Question:

I'm looking for a good sunless tanning lotion that won't turn my skin orange or rub off on my clothing. Any suggestions?
Laura Davis

Answer:

If you are old enough to remember the days of the world's first self-tanner "QT," then you certainly know how far they have come since the 70s. Today, self-tanners include the ingredient DHA, which works naturally with the melanin in your skin to produce a gradual tan. Most companies have several versions of self-tanners with varying degrees of DHA, so it's easy to choose one that has the right amount of DHA for your skin tone.

If you are turning orange, you are probably using one made for complexions a lot darker than your own, or just slathering on too much product. A good solution is to use one of the new breed of moisturizing self-tanners. These have a very small amount of DHA so that the tan appears over several days instead of overnight. Some RS picks: Olay Complete Touch of Sun Daily UV Facial Moisturizer, Dove Energy Glow Moisturizer with Subtle Self-Tanners, and Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (all available on drugstore.com).

As for stains, be sure the product has dried thoroughly before you get dressed (this can take up to 20 minutes) and steer clear of tinted self-tanners because they contain dyes that will stain anything immediately.

Bayly Ledes
Beauty Director