If you’re on the hunt for a just-off-the-beach bronze before summer kicks into full gear, we have some good news. Getting a gorgeous, glowy, and—most importantly—even tan has never been easier thanks to the best self-tanners on the market. With everything from facial tanning drops to gradual lotions and tinted creams that come with buffing mitts for easy application, there are tons of streak-free formulas that’ll leave you looking like you just wandered back from the beach. When you're done, the only makeup you'll need is a great bronzer to finish the look.
"Using a self tanner is considered a better option than traditional tanning methods because it avoids exposing the skin to harmful UV radiation, eliminating the risk of skin cancer and premature aging associated with sunbathing or tanning beds," shares Dr. Divya Shokeen, founder of Ocean Skin and Vein Institute and Oathology. "This approach allows for a bronzed look without compromising skin health."
While a perfect tan is the end goal, anyone that’s tried their hand with self-tanner knows that streaks and patchiness can creep up. To help you avoid blotchy color or distinct lines around the wrists and ankles (the worst!), we've consulted tanning expert and celebrity makeup artist Tarryn Feldman for her tips and techniques on getting a summer-worthy glow from the comfort of your own home, not to mention making your tan last.
Ahead, we've put our favorite self-tanners to the test to bring you this ultimate list of the best products the market has to offer. When you're ready to transform your winter skin, grab one of these vetted formulas and get your glow on.
What to Look For in a Self Tanner
- Formula
Before you grab the first self-tanner you see and get to work, you'll want to make sure that you have the right formula to suit your needs. While a mousse-and-mitt combo may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of self-tanners, there are plenty of other options available, so consider the effect you're going for and your skin's needs before deciding on a product.
Need help choosing? Mousses and foams typically produce fast results, but it can be tricky to get a streak-free tan if you're inexperienced. If your skin is on the drier side or if you're afraid of dramatic color, self-tanning lotions may be your best bet, as they offer gradual results with the bonus of added moisture. Then there are tanning drops, which you typically mix in with your favorite moisturizer. The more drops you use, the more intense your tan will be.
- Color
This may sound obvious, but you absolutely need to pay attention to the shade of self-tanner you're using. I'll never forget when I opted for an ultra-dark shade in the dead of winter and ended up looking like I slept in the tanning bed for eight hours. If your skin is on the paler side, start off with a self-tanner that advertises as "light" or "medium" for the most natural-looking glow. Remember: you can always add more self-tanner to achieve a darker look, but if you go too dark it's tricky to go back. If you have a darker skin tone, opt for a "deep" shade for a more even, glowy look.
- Maintenance
Once you have your favorite self tanner figured out, the trick is keeping the glow up. To do this, you have to keep your skin's moisture level at its peak.
"I think once you nail your application, it’s all in the maintenance. I always say to treat your tan like a natural sun tan by keeping your skin hydrated between applications," shares Marc Elrick, founder of TAN-LUXE. "Hydration, hydration, hydration is the secret! This keeps your glow going for longer, and ensures an even, natural fade."
Dr. Shokeen also has some skincare tips for those interested in self tanners: exfoliate, moisturize, patch test, and use sun protection.
The Best Self Tanners
- The Best Overall Self Tanner: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
- The Best Self Tanner for Lighter Skin Tones: L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Water Mousse
- The Best Self Tanner for Darker Skin Tones: Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse Dark
- The Best Facial Self Tanner: Clarins Self Tanning Face Booster Drops
- The Best Gradual Self Tanner: +Lux Unfiltered N°32 Hydrating Self-Tanning Cream
The Best Overall Self Tanner
Counting Ashley Graham and Salma Hayek as fans, St. Tropez is easily one of the most well-known and trusted in the business. With their classic bronzing mousse, which won the Allure Best of Beauty award in 2020, you can alternate your glow to suit your mood: subtle for brunch, extra for the beach. The biggest plus? It’s tinted, so you know exactly what real estate you’ve already covered, for a consistent end result. Wash the product off after one hour for a subtle glow, or leave it on for three hours for a deep, dark tan.
Pros: Buildable color; Suitable for all skin tones; Works in as little as one hour; Tinted foam so you can see where you're applying; Vegan; Long-lasting.
Cons: Pump is prone to breaking; Over $40.
The Best Self Tanner for Lighter Skin Tones
There have been plenty of times I've suddenly felt self-conscious before a big event and had to run to the drugstore for a quick fix. But this budget pick did not disappoint. This lightweight formula spreads easily (a little goes a long way) and gives a nice, streak-free glow. I left it on for about 5 hours and was able to achieve a natural-looking tan, but the best part is that this doesn't have that awful tan smell. Plus, it's not tinted so it won't stain your clothes or bedding.
Pros: Under $20; Feels lightweight; Scent is subtle; Provides natural-looking color; Easy to apply; Doesn't transfer; Buildable color.
Cons: Takes long to dry completely.
The Best Self Tanner for Darker Skin Tones
Sure, this one may be on the pricier side, but it delivers a professional-grade tan right at home. This formula will have you bronzed and glowy for a full 10 days. While you can leave this easy-to-apply mousse on for two hours for maximum color, having it on for just one will still do the trick. Its olive undertones are best suited for medium to darker skin tones, so anyone on the paler side might want to look into other options. (We also have a guide to the best bronzers for pale skin, FYI.)
Pros: Provides natural-looking color; Works quickly; Long-lasting; A little goes a long way; Tinted foam so you can see where you're applying; Dries quickly; Scent is subtle.
Cons: Over $40; Best suited for darker or olive-toned skin.
The Best Facial Self Tanner
"No matter how magical the self tanner, I'm just not very good at applying it. Streaks, stained clothes, patchy spots—it's not the self tanner, it's me," says MC's Director of Content Strategy, Jenny Hollander. "Enter these Clarins self tanning facial drops, which you just mix with a few drops of moisturizer as the last step of your skincare routine. It's foolproof, proven by the fact I've been using it for years and am yet to see a single streak on my face. The beauty equivalent of working smarter, not harder." (PSA: There's also a body version.)
Pros: Buildable color; Suitable for all skin tones; Provides natural-looking color; Long-lasting; Hydrating formula; Easy to apply; A little goes a long way.
Cons: More product may be needed for darker skin tones.
The Best Gradual Self Tanner
If you’ve accepted that self tanner wasn’t made for you, this gradual lotion is about to seriously shake up your status quo. The bronze build is *actually* gradual, so you can customize the intensity of the color over the course of a few days. Infused with shea butter, cocoa butter, squalane, and hydrating oils, it doubles as a moisturizer too, making it a one-stop-shop for your post-shower routine. Reviewers especially love this pick for its mess-free application.
Pros: Buildable color; Doubles as moisturizer; Mess-free application; Easy to apply; Scent is subtle; Provides natural-looking color.
Cons: Takes long to dry completely.
Also Recommended
The Best New Self Tanner
Is innovation still possible in the world of self tanning? Yes! Elrick notes that four key questions were asked (and answered!) when formulating The Future alongside the Paris Hilton: “How do I tan less?" “How do we create a product with a super-natural color?” "How do I achieve this tan myself?" and "How can we create it with a beautiful fragrance?” The Future contains TAN-LUXE's new Triple Tan+ Technology, which is formulated with a powerhouse blend of glycerin, naturally derived DHA, and erythulose, then supercharged with melanin-enhancing red algae extract and penetration enhancers. "This delivers the deepest, longest-lasting, most natural-looking tan yet that works with your own unique skin tone to deliver a tailored end-result," adds the founder. Seriously: it's clinically proven to last a minimum of ten days.
Pros: Long-lasting; Smells lovely; Comes with a mitt for even application; Lightweight; Works quickly.
Cons: None found.
The Best-Smelling Self Tanner
If the smell of self tanner is your main pain point with the whole process, allow us to introduce you to Miami Gorgeous. Not only does the entire product line deserve a chef’s kiss for its sweet scent, but the fast-absorbing formula makes for the easiest application. Even though it’s a mousse, don’t be afraid to apply the product directly with your hands—just make sure to wash them after the fact. A few pumps are all you need; expect to get around 10 to 12 uses from one bottle.
Pros: Scent is subtle; Dries quickly; Tinted foam so you can see where you're applying; Provides natural-looking color.
Cons: Pump is prone to breaking.
The Best Misting Self Tanner
This user-friendly spray pump, which is available in three shades, makes application feel like a breeze. Expect a glowy tan to appear four to six hours post-application. You can even spritz this tanning water on your face for extra glow. Even better? This organic blend is formulated with color-correcting actives that are clinically proven to even your skin tone and brighten your complexion. (Editor’s note: This product works best when exfoliation takes place a full 24 hours ahead of time.)
Pros: Comes in three shades; Dries quickly; Evens your skin tone and brightens over time; Scent is subtle; Suitable for both body and face; Vegan.
Cons: May wear off patchy.
The Best Naturally-Derived Self Tanner
It's French and it's fabulous. Crafted with 10 percent DHA and carob pulp extract, this Typology self tanner serum was made with 99 percent naturally derived ingredients to be used on the face and body. According to the brand, it's "particularly suitable for those with dull or pale skin types who would like get a natural tanned complexion quickly and without UV rays." Use it alone or mix it with your moisturizer for an easy glow.
Pros: Naturally derived ingredients; Tan is customizable; Easy to use.
Cons: Over $40; Often sold out
The Best Self Tanning Mousse
Another person I fully trust with self tanner recs? Alix Earle. She (and Miley Cyrus!) are all about Dolce Glow. Mousse application can be tricky, so make sure your skin is exfoliated and hydrated before you lather it on. After that, it's pretty foolproof. Use circular motions and let it dry before you get dressed, and you'll be in good shape. This is also a great option for anyone with skin that needs a little TLC—it's enriched with squalane, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.
Pros: Buildable; Helps skin retain moisture; Dries quickly; Dermatologist tested.
Cons: Over $50.
The Best Lightweight Self Tanner
Streaks are a dead giveaway that you've self tanned, so pick up a mousse to make application that much easier. You’ll want to use a mitt to spread the product from your ankles to your chest. Just pat any excess on the tops of your hands and feet. The lightweight formula dries fairly quickly, so you won't be staining your couch or favorite sweatpants. This one has a little bit of a greenish tint to it, but don't be alarmed! The slight green shade means your tan won't come out dreadfully orange.
Pros: Comes in two shades; Feel lightweight; Dries quickly; Scent is subtle; Works in as little as one hour; Tinted foam so you can see where you're applying.
Cons: Can feel sticky after drying.
The Best Self Tanner for Beginners
If you're short on time, getting a great facial tan literally couldn’t be easier or faster with these all-in-one pads. One swipe truly does it all in two seconds flat. The glycolic acid-packed formula takes care of the exfoliating skin prep, while gradual pigment simultaneously kicks into gear. The wipe doubles as a foolproof applicator too, so you can get your ears, décolletage and chest bronzed to perfection. Reviewers say these wipes provide a dark tan fast and smooth skin over time. It's a win-win!
Pros: All-in-one product; Works quickly; Includes glycolic and salicylic acid to improve skin tone and reduce pore size.
Cons: Can appear patchy on very dry skin; Color isn't buildable.
The Best Buildable Self Tanner
Please, we beg you: don’t go wiping your body self tanner all over your face—that's a hard no. Instead, you’ll want facial tanning drops that are specifically formulated for your face and won’t clog pores. With golden ingredients like hyaluronic acid (hydration!) and niacinamide (redness reduction!), two to six drops of this St. Tropez formula will have you ditching your bronzer altogether. While you can totally apply the product directly onto freshly washed skin, we’re big fans of mixing this in with a serum or moisturizer.
Pros: Formulated with skincare ingredients; Buildable color; Suitable for all skin tones; Dermatologically-approved; Scent is subtle; Provides natural-looking color.
Cons: Over $40.
The Best Self Tanner Set
If you don't want to buy a mitt and a brush separately for your self tanner, this set from Il Makiage has it all in one handy bundle. The small, dense kabuki brush makes hard-to-reach places (like elbows and ankles) and buffing a breeze, plus the foam mitt is a must-have for applying foams like this one. As for the formula? It’s packed with good-for-you ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to keep skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Pros: Great value; Hydrating formula; Formulated with skincare ingredients; Includes buffing brush and mitt; Dries quickly; Easy to apply; Feels lightweight.
Cons: Only available online.
The Best Self Tanning Moisturizer
Okay, you hit the beach, and you've got a *flawless* base tan. To achieve the same radiance on your face, a subtle daily-use cream is the ideal solution. This little jar is the ultimate multitasker for those on the go. The sugar beet-derived DHA helps gradually build and maintain that glow while ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, aloe vera, and green tea extract hydrate and soften skin. We bet this is the only moisturizer you'll need in the summertime for that extra glowy look.
Pros: Multi-tasking; Formulated with skincare ingredients; Provides natural-looking color; Buildable color; Scent is subtle; Feels lightweight.
Cons: Tricky to apply evenly; Over $40.
The Best Luxury Self Tanner
If you hate the tropical scent most self tanners have, opt for this luxurious lotion. This citrus-scented product treats skin while giving it a gradual glow. Plum almond oil improves elasticity while apple pectin makes skin more supple. A little goes a long way with this product, so a pea-sized amount should be all you need for full-face application. Just use a little extra caution around your eyebrows! Most reviewers love this lotion for the face, but it works equally as well across the body, too.
Pros: Suitable for both body and face; Hydrating formula; Provides natural-looking color; Scent is subtle; A little goes a long way; Easy to apply.
Cons: Over $40.
Best Gradual Self Tanner for Face
If you, like me, are absolutely terrified of turning oompa loompa orange with face self tanner, allow me to recommend this Dior favorite. It's subtle in the best way possible and completely customizable. One layer of product will give you a little radiance, two layers a sunkissed glow, three layers a definite tint, so on and so forth. It goes on silky smooth and there's no risk of streakiness—it gets my full stamp of approval.
Pros: Easy to use; Gradual; Customizable; Good-for-your-skin ingredients.
Cons: Some report breakouts.
The Best Viral Self Tanner
TikTok has had a field day with this tanning foam, making it nearly impossible to score a bottle. Luckily, it's still in stock at Amazon, so grab it quickly. This weightless, easy-to-spread formula actually treats the skin while it absorbs. It helps hydrate and plump the skin so your bikini looks that much cuter. You’ll notice that this foam has a gray-ish hue (as opposed to orange), so rest assured you’ll look au naturale with your fake tan.
Pros: Comes in three shades; Hydrating formula; Easy to apply; Feels lightweight; Provides natural-looking color; Scent is subtle; Works quickly; Buildable color; A little goes a long way.
Cons: May appear too orange on some skin tones.
The Best Nourishing Self Tanner
Don't be deterred by this treatment's price tag—reviewers say it's everything you could want in a self tanner and then some. This supremely hydrating body treatment imparts a sun-kissed color that makes it look like you spent an afternoon lying by the pool (with appropriate sunblock). Because it’s so nourishing, it can also soothe your parched skin after you’ve actually been at the beach. You won't have to worry about smelling like a tanning bed or staining your sheets, either.
Pros: Doubles as moisturizer; Provides natural-looking color; Doesn't transfer; Scent is subtle; Easy to apply; Buildable color; Dries quickly.
Cons: Over $100.
The Best Self Tanner Serum
This self tanning serum does for your body what skincare does for your face. Hyaluronic acid traps moisture so you don't get any of those dry, patchy tanned areas. Caffeine in this serum helps firm your skin, so you can leave your house feeling toned and tan, plus cocoa seed extract protects skin from pollution. All of those skin-loving ingredients along with the perfect amount of DHA combines into a lightweight, ultra-hydrating body treatment.
Pros: Feels lightweight; Formulated with skincare ingredients; Hydrating formula; Buildable color; Dries quickly; Scent is subtle; Vegan.
Cons: Over $40; Light color payoff.
The Best Budget-Friendly Self Tanner
On the days I have a big event, I like to use this self tanner in the morning to look my best by the evening. With a mitt, this foam applies smoothly for a streak-free glow and no stickiness. Since I'm so pale, I can leave this on practically all day and still end up with a natural looking tan. If you're wanting a darker color, simply apply a second coat after the first dries.
Pros: Under $20; Natural-looking color; Comes in two shades; Works quickly; Scent is subtle; Buildable color; Long-lasting; Tinted foam so you can see where you're applying; Hydrating formula.
Cons: May wear off patchy.
The Best Express Self Tanner
Have you ever spent the day before a vacation running errands like crazy only to realize you're as pale as a ghost? I'm sad to admit I've done that a few too many times. In a blind panic, I raced to Walmart for a solution and saw this express tan mousse—and let me tell you I was pleasantly surprised. Since I was heading to the beach, I applied two coats and got a next-level tan in about 2 hours. No streaks, smelliness, or stickiness in sight. This is definitely the self tanner I reach for to fake that vacation tan.
Pros: Under $20; Works in as little as an hour; Buildable color; Feels lightweight; Tinted foam so you can see where you're applying.
Cons: Takes a while to dry completely.
The Best Custom Self Tanner
If you want the deepest tan you can possible get, this Bondi Sands tanning water is for you. Make sure you skin is exfoliated and prepped before put a layer allllll over, wait 30 minutes, and then do all again. In around six hours, your skin will be a different shade—we promise. Because of the hyaluronic acid and vitamin-C infused formula, you'll be left with a deep shade that has a gorgeous glow.
Pros: Buildable; Hydrating; Made of recyclable material.
Cons: Too dark for some.
How to Prep Your Skin for Self Tanner
The secret to a faux tan that looks real as can be? The right preparation. “Shaving and exfoliating is the key to an even tan as it flattens and evens the skin’s surface,” Feldman explains.
While any physical exfoliant will get the job done, Feldman is a big fan of the St. Moriz Pro Exfoliating Skin Primer, which is specifically formulated for tanning prep. Plus, it's “gentle for sensitive skin users, and won’t cause breakouts prior to application.”
How to Apply Self Tanner
While some of the easier-to-use formulas (read: gradual tanning lotions or facial drops) are pretty self-explanatory, there are a few tips and tricks for getting a flawless finish with trickier textures like mousses or foams. Haphazardly applying the product is a huge no-go—you’ll be covered in streaks. Instead, build up the self tanner with long, sweeping motions. Feldman recommends patting the formula dry with a tanning mitt, buffing out the product with a big powder brush, and allowing the formula to dry completely (!!) before putting on clothes.
As for the tricky areas like the knees and elbows? “Do a layer normally and let it dry. Then, do a layer [with the joint] bent,” Feldman advises.
How Does Self Tanner Work?
I love a mystery every once in a while, but the science behind self tanner is too interesting to ignore. Most utilize a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to build that magical bronze.
When you apply a self-tanner to your skin, the DHA reacts with the amino acids in your dead skin cells, forming what are known as melanoidins, explains Alessandro Mendes, Chief Innovation Officer at Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. "These melanoidins create a brown color
on the surface of your skin, mimicking the appearance of a natural tan."
"Self-tanners affect our skin by temporarily darkening the surface without altering skin structure or causing direct damage like UV rays," adds Dr. Shokeen. "The DHA in self-tanners lasts several days and fades as dead skin cells naturally slough off."
Meet the Experts
Dr. Shokeen went to the University of California, Los Angeles, as an undergraduate and graduated with a major in psychobiology with an interest in biochemistry. She received her medical education on the east coast at the prestigious Drexel University College of Medicine, in Philadelphia, PA. Due to her leadership and scholarly excellence throughout medical school, she was awarded a research opportunity as a dermatology pre-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania during her first and second year of medical school.
With over 20 years of experience in the Cosmetic industry, Alessandro Mendes has developed and deployed new concepts and innovation formulation for companies like Beiersdorf, P&G, and Natura.
Holding a Master degree in Business Administration from FGV, Brazil, he has a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering from both the Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg, Germany and from the Escola Politécnica, USP, Brazil.
Tarryn Feldman is a Nashville-based celebrity makeup artist and specializes in tanning. Her work includes red carpet hair and makeup, music video hair and makeup, and editorial hair and makeup. She has over 15 years of experience, with clientele including Kelsea Ballerini, Chelsea Handler, Reese Witherspoon, and Kaitlyn Bristow.
Tan-Luxe Founder and CEO Marc Elrick identified that clients in his hair salon had great hair, great make-up, but a less than great self tan. So, Marc began researching ways to deliver a natural looking, sunkissed self tan, putting you in total control of your glow.
After five years of research, development, focus groups and 1000’s of submissions to our in-house lab, TAN-LUXE was born.
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Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and keeps up with the latest trends in the beauty space. She has previously written for Us Weekly, Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Follow her on Instagram @samholender.
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