Even with the help of stylists and professional makeup artists, many celebrities are sporting orange tans that look about as authentic as Kenny Rogers's eyelift. Here, we weigh in on whose tan looks real, and who looks as orange as Ernie from "Sesame Street." The celebrities fall into one of five categories, from best to worst: St. Tropez bronze; sun-kissed or sprayed on?; we're not buying it; Velveeta cheesy; and orange as Ernie.

— Christopher Muther, Globe Staff