As someone who loves a sun-kissed look [1], I can't begin to describe the happiness the "how are you so tan?" question brings me. Growing up, I always loved how confident a radiant glow made me feel, and after a killer (and costly) spray tan for my high school prom, I decided my bronze colour looked so good, I had to keep it indefinitely.

The journey to getting a perfect self-tan [2] since hasn't been easy. Spray tans quickly ran my bank account dry, and we all know how bad tanning beds are for you; it was clear self-tanner was my only option. After seven years and dozens of products, I can honestly say I've finally (fingers crossed) figured it out.

The St. Moriz Instant Self-Tanning Mousse in Dark [3] (£5). changed my life. Yes, that sounds dramatic, but if you love looking tan as much as I do, you understand. Not only is it affordable, but its application is also flawless. No streaks, no orange tint, just a true "tan." I apply it once or twice a week after the shower with a mitt, and it dries fast, isn't sticky, and turns you a shade darker right on the spot. I actually like its guide colour so much, I don't even shower it off. Similar to the St. Tropez tanning mousse, this self-tanner has a greenish undertone that lends a more natural look. I've recommended this product, both the light and dark shades, to friends with a range of skin types and undertones, and the results are amazing.

With nearly 500 five-star reviews on Ulta's website, this mousse is clearly doing the job for other self-tan-seekers, too. If you're on the hunt for the perfect tan, start with St. Moriz. See all of the steps I follow to make this product look professional ahead.

St. Moriz Self-Tanning Mousse With Gaiyah Mitt

I always start with the St. Moriz mousse in dark and apply it with my favourite mitt from the brand Gaiyah (sold separately). Any tanning mitt will do, but don't try this with your hands. The mitt ensures the results are streak-free.

Before St. Moriz Self-Tanning Mousse

This is me with a relatively faded self-tan, which is slightly darker than my natural skin tone because I've been using this mousse once or twice a week for the past month. I know I already have a good base colour, but my goal is to maintain it.

St. Moriz Self-Tanning Mousse Application

I use one pump of the St. Moriz mousse on my arm and rub it in using circular motions with my mitt. The scent is very light and smells both clean and soapy.

St. Moriz Self-Tanning Mousse Application

As you can see midway through application, my skin is already a shade darker where the mousse is applied.

After Using the St. Moriz Self-Tanning Mousse

This is the mousse completely rubbed in. No streaks, and totally natural looking.

One Day After Using St. Moriz Self-Tanning Mousse

By the next day, my arm is visibly darker than it was the day before.

Gaiyah Self-Tanning Mitt Applicator

The Gaiyah Self-Tanning Mitt Applicator [4] (£5) is my go-to. It is super cheap, works like a charm, and has great reviews on Amazon.

St. Moriz Professional Tanning Mousse Dark

If you're looking for a deeper tan, I recommend the St. Moriz Instant Self-Tanning Mousse in Dark [5] (£5).

St. Moriz Professional Tanning Mousse Medium

The St. Moriz Instant Self-Tanning Mousse in Medium [6] (£5). is a better fit for those with more fair skin. The tanner won't apply too dark right off the bat.