Sunless tanning lotion?

The major difference I find is that a self tanner does not give you the reddish natural tint of a suntan. It gives you more of a coppery bronze color that you're referring to. Which self-tanner did you use? Some are pre-tinted with a bronzer for immediate color. I have always had luck with self-tanners from Clarins, but nothing can really duplicate the dark complexion you will get from UV rays.