What distinguishes a $50 self-tanner from a $16 one? I tried both simultaneously to discover the difference.

      Consider it my birthright as a girl with primarily Italian heritage, but I have an innate urge to pursue a tan throughout the year. While I don't take it to Jersey Shore extremes (iconic as that may be), I constantly seek that perfect bronzed look that doesn't turn orange. Fortunately for me, as a beauty editor, I receive a plethora of self-tanners, bronzing drops, and tanning waters delivered to my doorstep each week, which means I've tested nearly everything for you. Among these deliveries was a box filled with elegantly packaged tan products from "Dolce Glow" and another with baby blue and yellow vials labeled "Sunnee Bae." On the surface, these brands seemed to belong to different categories, but as I laid their products side by side, I noticed a trend. Despite their different aesthetics—one exuding chic, old money vibes from Calabasas and the other radiating a beachy, cute Florida feel—the product names, packaging, and goals were remarkably similar. This prompted me to pull out my laptop and dig deeper.

      Isabel Alysa is a celebrity tanning artist and the creator of Dolce Glow, a luxurious self-tanning beauty brand that offers products for both consumers and professionals. I was already familiar with the brand—Dolce Glow has been a favorite among trendy individuals for years, with fans including Sabrina Carpenter, Selena Gomez, and Olivia Culpo (who even chose the brand for her wedding tan). Alysa herself is a powerhouse in the industry, with clients like Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus seeking her expertise for their red carpet looks. I had become so accustomed to her well-known chic, neutral style that I hardly realized that Sunnee Bae was also an offshoot of Alysa’s work—so naturally, I went straight to the source.

      A Quick Overview of the Best Dolce Glow and Sunnee Bae Products

      Best Contour Wand: Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow

      Best Mousse: Sunnee BaeSide Self-Tanning Sea Mousse

      Best Serum: It's a tie!

      What's the difference between your lines, Dolce Glow and Sunnee Bae?

      Alysa: I’ve realized that everyone is at different stages in their skincare and self-tanning journey. That inspired me to create both lines to provide a beautiful, natural-looking tan while offering different experiences based on individual skin needs.

      Dolce Glow is my first endeavor. I infused my knowledge from working as a spray tan artist into creating self-tanners that feel like a luxurious skincare experience. It contains ingredients I believe in—various forms of hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, macadamia oil, green tea extract, and vitamin A—known for their anti-aging benefits, collagen-boosting properties, and skin balance restoration. From the formulation to the packaging, every detail reflects that elevated experience.

      Price Range: $5-$140 | Benefits: Professional quality, skincare-based formulas, elevated packaging.

      Alysa: Meanwhile, Sunnee BAEskin comes from another part of my heart. I wanted to create something equally effective but more relaxed and accessible. There was a time when I couldn't afford good skincare, let alone a high-end self-tanner, and I promised that if I had the chance, I’d create something for that girl—who deserves to feel confident and beautiful, even during hard times. That’s why this brand is so meaningful to me.

      Sunnee BAE is designed for those who want great skin and a stunning glow without extra steps. These formulas are rich in ultra-hydrating, marine-based ingredients like blue-green algae, sea kelp, wakame extract, and moringa seed oil—everything your skin craves when it's dry or dull. The packaging is sleek and modern, without an outer box, for an effortless yet elevated feel.

      Price Range: $9-$45, not including merchandise | Benefits: More affordable, based on marine ingredients.

      The Testing Process

      To see how the prices compare (can a $16 tanner really be as effective as a $50 option?), I dedicated a few days to testing both lines—using Dolce Glow products on the right side of my face and body and Sunnee Bae on the left. Despite my worries about looking unbalanced, I began testing.

      **Contour Wands**

      Shaped like a well-known contour wand, these products do more than just define the cheekbones. Their bronzy formulas include dihydroxyacetone (DHA)—the sugar-based tanning agent found in most self-tanners—that gradually bronze the skin wherever applied.

      I used the Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow on the right side of my face, soaking in its golden, shimmery benefits before switching to the left, where I applied the Sunnee BaeSide Sea Sculpt Contour with its matching applicator. These products did not require a specific development time; they simply deepen gradually. I decided to wear them for a full