Over the years, self-tanners have improved vastly thanks to advances in product formulation that address self-tanning issues like unnatural orangey casts (by using cooler tones and DHA), unpleasant scents (helped by superior odour-neutralising and masking fragrances), and streaking (better formulation bases such as lotions, creams, mousses, wipes, and mists that apply and spread seamlessly).
With choice comes confusion, though, and with so many sunless tanners on the market it can be tricky to make a selection. So, from gradual and rapid tanners to blurring, perfecting formulas, we’ve created this list of the 14 best self-tanning products available right now. Read on to find your new favourite sunless-tanner – and discover your glow!
Some of the best self tanners include:
- Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
- St Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
- L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk
- Tarte Cosmetics Brazilliance 2HR Express Deep Foaming Self-Tanner
- Tan Luxe Super Glow Body Serum
- James Read Tan Click & Glow
- Marc Jacobs Glow Away Bronzing Coconut Body Stick
How did we curate this list of the best tanning products?
In selecting these 14 best self-tanners, we considered online reviews, active ingredients, and price point. All products listed are highly rated by people who have purchased them. We also made sure that most of the self tanners that made the list contained natural ingredients.
1. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
Price: $47
Topping our list of best self tanners is the Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam. Biased? Maybe. But the 5-star customer reviews don’t lie! Blurring pigmentation and perfecting the skin, our hydrating, no-nasties formula has zero telltale fake tan smell – in fact, it smells unBalieavably good. It’s also lightweight, non-sticky and fast-drying, with 3 gorgeous shades and a handy guide colour for an even, streak-free finish – every single time.
2. St Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
Price: $44
St. Tropez is super well known as one of the best self-tanning brands in the industry, and it got its glowing rep for good reason. With a formula that allows you to control the depth of your colour, you can go from a subtle glow to a deep all-over tan in just a few hours. Like Sunny Honey, this self tanning mousse is tinted, which helps you see exactly where you’ve applied it. And which pasty parts need more attention.
3. L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk
Price: $13
We all love a beauty multi-tasker, and L’Oreal’s Sublime Bronze Hydrating Tanning Milk delivers an even, bronzed glow while also softening and nourishing the skin. Use alone as a gradual self-tanner, or apply in between tanning applications to maintain your glow.
4. Tarte Cosmetics Brazilliance 2HR Express Deep Foaming Self-Tanner
Price: $39
In a rush? Tarte's Limited Edition Brazilliance self-tanner is a fast-acting mousse that develops a natural-looking dark tan in just 2 hours. Vegan, hypoallergenic and alcohol-free, this product is a quick and easy way to achieve a streak-free bronzed look.
5. Tan Luxe Super Glow Body Serum
Price: $49
If subtle is the way you roll, Tan-Luxe’s Super Glow Body Serum gradually deposits colour for a sun-kissed glow, rather than a deep bronzed look. Packed with nourishing hyaluronic acids and powerful superfoods, this sunless tanner simultaneously promotes a soft and firm complexion. What’s not to love?
6. James Read Tan Click & Glow
Price: $33
7. Marc Jacobs Glow Away Bronzing Coconut Body Stick
Price: $39
8. Trish McEvoy Instant Solutions Tanning Drops
Price: $48
9. VITA LIBERATA Fabulous Self Tanning Tinted Lotion
Price: $20
10. Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster
Price: $46
11. Tom Ford Bronzing Gel
Price: $57
12. Coola Sunless Tan Luminizing Body Serum
Price: $48
13. South Seas Skincare Tahitian Tan Mist
Price: $28
Missed out when the natural tans were being handed out? No problem. The South Seas Tahitian Tan Mist creates a natural-looking tan in no time at all. Formulated to be streak-free and grease-free, the gentle mist will bronze your skin without any unsightly residue. Result!
14. SOL by Jergens Sunless Tanning Deep Water Mousse
Price: $17
Sometimes perfection can’t be rushed, and this Sunless Tanning Deep Water Mousse is a gradual self tanning mousse that suits all skin types and tones. Long-lasting and dry-free, the formula works with your skin to imitate an authentic suntan without the need to leave the comfort of your couch.
How to apply a self-tanner?
How Long Does A Self Tanner Last?
When you apply self-tan, you’re naturally going to want it to last as long as possible. Generally self-tanning products last for around 7-10 days, but there ARE ways you can keep that glow going… and going! Check out our blog, How Do I Prolong My Sunny Honey Fake Tan? to learn more.
Are there different tanners for different body parts?
While most self-tanners can be applied to both the face and the body, some products are specifically formulated to be used only on the face. The skin on your face is much more delicate than the skin on your body, so facial tanning products, like our Bronzing Face Drops, are specially designed to be gentle on the skin while helping to build beautiful, believable, long-lasting colour.
Happy tanning, beauties!
Check out more tan guides & tips here!
Edited By: Pip Jarvis & Vidhya
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