Summer is almost here, and that means its time to rock those sundresses, shorts, and tanks that show off your lovely skin. Sounds easy enough, but if you're anything like me (emerging from a coccoon of blankets, Netflix, and Haagen-Daz), chances are you are PALE.

I'm SO PALE, y'all. Like, if the sun were to shine directly on my bare skin, you would need UV protection for your eyes because the glare alone would burn a hole in your retinas. Your girl is 100 when it comes to skin care, so I tend to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun (because it causes wrinkles and can cause cancer). I wear SPF RIDICULOUS every day, which is great on the preventive care front--but I basically look like a vampire year-round.

So what's a pale gal to do? Fake & Bake! If you want instant results, I say get a spray tan. It's suuuuuuper easy and pretty much foolproof.

Not up for a spray tan? It's taken a lot of trial and error, but I've found the products that work best for me. Check out my picks below, and comment with your faves!

  • Ulta
    Ulta
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    Tan Towel

    This is, without a doubt, THE BEST self-tanner I have ever used. Tan Towel will give you the perfect tan with zero hassle. You simply rub the towel over your skin, and BAM: you have a gorgeous, natural glow. Tan Towel is the bee's knees---oh, and you don't get any streaks or weird orange patches, either. It's a perfect tan for hardly any effort; as a lazy person who also happens to be a perfectionist, I fully endorse this product. Meg <3 Tan Towel 4Eva.

  • L'Oreal
    L'Oreal
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    L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes

    Yes--another towelette. This L'Oreal product is kind of like a dupe for the Tan Towel. I think the results aren't quite as flawless as a Tan Towel, but it still looks pretty dang good. If you take your time applying, you should be able to avoid getting orange spots like I did. All in all, a solid option for a Fake & Bake.

  • Sephora
    Sephora
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    St Tropez Tanning Essentials Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

    St Tropez is hardcore. This mousse, if applied correctly, will have you looking like you just got back from a Carribean vacay. It's a bit messy to apply, but it dries in a minute--seriously. It's dry in 60 seconds, which is incredible. You can use the mousse all over, but it is a little hard getting it evenly applied on your back--unless you can rotate your head 180 degrees (in which case: cool, but maybe call an exorcist?) you're going to need some help applying it all over. The tan St Tropez delivers looks SO GOOD, so I def recommend it if you're looking for a hardcore tan.

  • Sephora
    Sephora
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    Vita Liberata Self Tanning Night Moisture Mask

    I received a sample of Vita Liberata's self tanning night mask at Sephora and was like, what is this sorcery? The thing I hate about tanning lotion is that, if I am applying at night, I can't really use the anti-aging creams that are part of my regular routine. I always had to choose between tanning or working on my wrinkles--but not anymore! This sleeping mask is straight-up MAGIC. You put in on, go to sleep, and you wake up looking as if you just ventured to Hawaii in some Ambien-induced sleep walking marathon. This mask WORKS... AND it delivers anti-aging ingredients, too. It's like the best of both worlds. Cannot live without this one, y'all.

  • Sjolie
    Sjolie
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    Sjolie Tan Extending Lotion

    I buy a couple bottles of this when I get a spray tan, mainly because it is fantastic. Sjolie's extender lotion doesn't require a spray tan base to work; for all intents and purposes, it's a tanning lotion. It smells good, it delivers an even, natural tan. I can always depend on this one--but I will say that you need to SCRUB your palms after you apply to prevent them from turning orange. Unless, of course, you want to look like you just made out with an Oompa Loompa--I don't judge. You do you!

  • Sephora
    Sephora
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    NARS Bronzing Powder

    You can't have a list of the best self-tanning products without NARS Laguna. I think it's written in a Beauty Blogger bylaw or something... I've tried an obscene amount of bronzers, and nothing (NOTHING) comes close to NARS Laguna. It's just the right shade for faking a sun-kissed glow, and the powder packs a pigmented punch that creates serious staying power. Laguna also has a hint of shimmer, too; it's seriously The Greatest Bronzer of All Time. Quit reading this and go buy one already!

  • Sephora
    Sephora
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    Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer

    Josie Maran's Argan Illuminzer won't make you look tan--but it will take your tan to the next level. Use the self-tanner of your choice and once you look like a bronze babe, start using this liquid illuminizer. This stuff makes me feel like a goddess or something. You can wear it on your face: use it as a highlighter or mix in a drop with your liquid foundation for an instant radiance. I also like mixing it with my regular lotion--you will glow all over. People will ask for your autograph--you're gonna look THAT good!

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