The Best Body Bronzers for a One-Night Glow

Apply a regular body oil to your legs post-shower on a summer morning and they'll still feel slick when you get to work. But a dry oil moisturizes your skin without any greasiness. You can mist it directly on your legs, but spray it into your hands first for more control around the arms and chest.

Philosophy Pure Grace Summer Shimmering Dry Body Oil, $30, philosophy.com.

For the most believable 12-hour tan, you want a matte formula. This gel version comes with a plush sponge—use it to buff the bronzer on in big circular motions.

Benefit Hoola Zero Tanlines Allover Body Bronzer, $30, sephora.com.

Don't let the blindingly bright gold color put you off: The fine shimmer goes on subtly and does to the shins of your legs what highlighter does to your cheekbones.

& Other Stories Samite Gold Shimmer Body Oil, $29, stories.com.

"Simply roll this down the front of legs, arms and the décolletage, and then blend with your fingers for universally flattering glow that smoothes over imperfections. I call it Gisele and summer in a jar!" says Tilbury.

Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body, $65, nordstrom.com.

A nice bonus in addition to the hydrating almond oil formula and radiance-boosting mica: the lingering scent of fresh-cut jasmine.

Wildcare Golden Hour Glowing Body Oil, $26, hellowildcare.com.

To avoid staining silks or light-colored clothing, tanning expert James Read recommends applying the product with a mitt to get a fine layer. "Wait a few minutes, then pat the skin with a [clean and dry] buffing mitt or tissue. Then get dressed."

Tarte Better Bod Bronze & Contour, $39, sephora.com.

Before applying a bronzer or dry body oil, Charlotte Tilbury recommends using "a light, natural-looking foundation to even out the skin tone on areas of your body."

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil, $98, nordstrom.com.

Use glistening oils as a guide for applying self-tanner evenly. We love how quickly this one dries and leaves our skin noticeably more bronze.

Moroccanoil Shimmering Body Oil, $48, bluemercury.com.

Perfect for the beach, or anywhere you'll be showing a lot of skin, this airbrush mist lets you easily cover hard-to-reach areas like the back of the legs. But plan ahead—it develops over three to five hours.

James Read Instant Bronzing Mist, $38, net-a-porter.com.

"Shimmering oils are perfect for adding depth to your skin," says Read. "This summer is all about off-the-shoulder dresses and tops, so a touch of shimmer will make your décolletage and shoulders look sun-kissed."

Aquarian Soul Sunstone & Citrine Radiance Oil, $40, aquariansouldesigns.com.