Batch Test: Tan Lines

A tan is one of the very few things it's better to fake. New self-tanning lotions work faster and last longer than they used to. But all have the same active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone, made from sugarcane. Are the pricey ones worth it?

1. Lancome Flash Bronzer Mousse $27. Nice, even tone; unnerving glittery sheen at first.

2. Neutrogena Sunless Tanning Foam $10. Our favorite. Realistic, subtle color; a cinch to apply.

3. Clarins Self Tanning Milk $25. A shade too subtle. But the cream is satisfyingly heavy and comes with a SPF 6 sunscreen.

4. Coppertone Endless Summer $12. The fastest, because it's two creams that you blend before applying. "Dark" tone is strictly for that Palm Beach divorce look.

5. Banana Boat Sunless Tanning Creme $10. An old-school favorite because the cream's color lets you see what you've done. But it left skin on our test leg a bit green.