REMEMBER SUNLESS-TANNING lotions? Seems like most twenty- and thirtysomethings have an I-turned-orange-right-before-the-prom story. But many manufacturers now say they’ve mended their ways. Can the new breed of bronzers really satisfy the pasty masses, or will legs à l’orange peek out from our cuffed capris?

Three intrepid guinea pigs — er, testers — tried 12 self-tanning lotions, sprays, and foams. Only four met our standard (that the tester would use the product again); the judging criteria were color, evenness, and longevity.

Lancôme Flash Bronzer self-tanning gel for the face ($24/1.7 ounces), available at most department stores including Filene’s, topped the charts with a natural, even color that was still going strong as of this writing, four days after it was applied. Though it’s more expensive than drugstore brands, it’s worth the price if you wish to avoid looking like a blotchy calico cat.

Ombrelle Medium Sunless Tanning Spray ($8.49/four ounces), available at Walgreens, trailed by a hair. Its color was also natural, though it looked a little dull. The tester said it resembled a real summer suntan in September or October, after it’s faded a bit. It certainly didn’t look fake, and it came out even — especially impressive for a spray. Non-aerosol tanners can be tricky since it’s hard to tell exactly where the drops have landed.

Neutrogena Instant Bronze Tinted Sunless Tanner for the Face ($9.99/four ounces), sold at CVS, also made the grade. Its color wasn’t very dark upon first application — a good thing if you want to go for the gradual-tan look. It came out even and didn’t streak. Slipping down a few notches, Neutrogena Sunless Tanning Foam ($9.99/four ounces), also at CVS, got a tentative thumbs up. More natural than many of the others, its color was still a tad more orange than what you’d expect after a day at the beach.

As for the worst of the worst, Ombrelle Tinted Sunless Tanning Cream for the Face came out very orangey and faded unevenly. Said the tester: " I would never put that stuff anywhere near my face again. " Hawaiian Tropic Medium Dark Self Tanning Lotion also produced an orange color — despite the fact that the information on the back of the bottle specifically said it wouldn’t.

For best results with any self-tanner, certain tricks of the trade can help. Angela Perito, a Lancôme-counter manager at Filene’s, suggests the following precautions:

+ Exfoliate your skin before using a self-tanner. Because the color adheres to the outermost layer, it’s best to slough off the old skin first.

+ Put Vaseline around your hairline so the cream doesn’t get onto your locks.

+ Wash your hands immediately afterward to avoid dark fingers.

+ If you have fake nails, wear gloves while applying.

+ Apply a little before bedtime so the color has time to set before you take a shower.

Where to get it:

• CVS, various locations, www.cvs.com.

• Filene’s, various locations, www.filenes.com.

• Walgreens, various locations, www.walgreens.com.