I tried Mystic Tan and it was pretty good (easier than the do-it-yourself, but expensive i thought). I did it for a wedding and did it on level 2. I didn't feel like it lasted as long as when i applied the lotion self tanner myself but it was really quick and easy and i didn't have to wait around naked trying to dry or do that awkward dance of trying to reach my back like i do when i apply it myself. hehe.
But, IMHO, no matter what self tanner is ALWAYA better than the real thing, especially if you're pale and freckly like me. I always joke that i am basically "skin cancer waiting to happen". My only hope of a good tan is if one day all my freckles just merge together into a nice shade of tan. And it's really not fair because most of my family has the Italian, olive skin, never burns kind of skin. I turn fuchsia after 10 minutes of sun and then i peel!
Self tanner is the way to go!