Deep-frying yourself in the summer sun is no way to achieve a golden glow (wrinkles and melanoma are anything but sexy). And while there are lots of self-tanners on the market, there’s usually a caveat of some kind—streaks, orange tones, you know the drill. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that not all self-tanners are created equal. Although they all call upon the same active skin-darkening ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), concentrations and secondary ingredients vary wildly, meaning the difference between sun-kissed diva and Sunny Delight.

Olay’s Complete Touch of Sun Daily UV Facial Moisturizer ($12; drugstore.com), formulated with SPF 15 and “a touch of sunless tanner,” promises to yield “beautifully even-toned skin” cumulatively over the course of a week (so by day one you’re Nicole Kidman, by day seven you’re J.Lo—and don’t worry, George Hamilton’s not on the guest list). When I slathered the moisturizer on my face, I was immediately impressed with the dewy hydration it delivered. Even more surprising, I actually liked the aroma, which, unlike that of most chemically scented tanners, smells subtly sweet and pleasant.

There were no blotches or orange after day one, but I can’t say I noticed much of a faux glow either. Fortunately, by day three, I was well on my way, and after a week, I looked well-baked (or as baked as a girl who’s naturally pasty wants to look anyway). All the while, I was protecting my skin with the built-in sunscreen. The Touch of Sun line also includes the new Radiance Reviver Body Lotion, available in two versions (Normal and Dry Skin), which has a slightly thinner consistency and an agreeable smell but, sadly, no SPF. Still, after a week of testing, it yielded the same outstanding results—top-notch hydration and a believable glow. —Tara Mattarazzo

Related Links:
Feature: Get Glowing
Must Haves: Here We Glow
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