If you’re on the hunt for a just-off-the-beach bronze before summer kicks into full gear, we have some good news. Thanks to the best self tanners on the market, getting a gorgeous, glowy, and—most importantly—even tan has never been easier. 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.
"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 Divya Shokeen, M.D., 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 goal, anyone who’s tried self tanner knows that streaks and patchiness can creep up. To help you avoid blotchy color or distinct lines around the wrists and ankles, we've consulted tanning experts and a celebrity makeup artist for tips and techniques. Plus, we've put our favorite self tanners to the test and included Alix Earle and Miley Cyrus' must-have.
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 ensure you have the right formula for 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.
Mousses and foams typically produce fast results, but are difficult to apply 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. There are also tanning drops, which you typically mix with your favorite moisturizer. The more drops you use, the more intense your tan will be.
- Color
Pay attention to the shade of self-tanner you're using for an optimal tan color. I'll never forget when I opted for an ultra-dark shade in the dead of winter and looked like I slept in the tanning bed for eight hours. If your skin is on the paler side, start 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 difficult to go back. If you have a darker skin tone, opt for a "deep" shade for a more even, glowy look.
- Maintenance
Once you decided on your favorite self tanner, the trick is keeping the glow up. To do this, you must 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."
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
Counting Ashley Graham and Salma Hayek as fans, St. Tropez is easily one of the most well-known and trusted in beauty. With their classic bronzing mousse, you can alternate the intensity of your glow: 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 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.
This budget pick will not disappoint. The lightweight formula spreads easily (a little goes a long way) and gives a nice, streak-free glow. I left it on for about five hours and was able to achieve a natural-looking tan. The best part is that this doesn't have that awful fake tan smell and 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.
This one may be pricier, 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.
"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 Marie Claire's Digitial Director Jenny Hollander. "Enter these Clarins self tanning facial drops, which you 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 have 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.
Self tanner novices will agree: this gradual lotion is foolproof. The bronze build is actually gradual, so you can customize the intensity of the color over the course of a few days. It is infused with shea butter, cocoa butter, squalane, and hydrating oils, so 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
Is innovation still possible in the world of self tanning? Yes—and as it turns out, Paris Hilton is to thank. The Future, a collaboration with the 11:11 Media founder, contains Tan-Luxe's new Triple Tan+ Technology: a powerhouse blend of glycerin, naturally derived DHA, and erythulose supercharged with melanin-enhancing red algae extract and penetration enhancers. It's clinically proven to last a minimum of 10 days.
Pros: Long-lasting; Smells lovely; Comes with a mitt for even application; Lightweight; Works quickly.
Cons: None found.
If the smell of self tanner is your main pain point, let us 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 most effortless application. Even though it’s a mousse, don’t be afraid to apply the product directly with your hands—make sure to wash them. 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.
This user-friendly spray pump, which is available in three shades, makes the application seamless. Expect a glowy tan to appear four to six hours after the fact. 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.
Crafted with 10 percent DHA and carob pulp extract, this Typology self tanner serum is made with 99 percent naturally derived ingredients for use on the face and body. According to the brand, it's "particularly suitable for those with dull or pale skin types who would like to get a naturally 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
I fully trust Alix Earle and Miley Cyrus with tanning recommendations—and both are all about Dolce Glow. Mousse application can be tricky, so make sure your skin is exfoliated and hydrated before you lather it on. Use circular motions and let it dry before you get dressed, and you'll be in good shape. This is also an excellent option for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin—it's enriched with squalane, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.
Pros: Buildable; Helps skin retain moisture; Dries quickly; Dermatologist tested.
Cons: Over $50.
Avoid streakiness with this lightweight formula. 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 airy formula dries fairly quickly, so you won't be staining your couch or favorite sweatpants. It has a greenish tint to it, but don't be alarmed; it 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.
If you're short on time, getting a great facial tan 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.
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.
You want facial tanning drops that 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 not only make your complexion look clear, but it'll also make you ditch your bronzer altogether. You can apply the product directly onto freshly washed skin, but I prefer mixing it 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.
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 buffing hard-to-reach places (like elbows and ankles) easy. Plus, the 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.
A subtle daily-use cream will build the perfect base tan for summer. This little jar is the ultimate multitasker for those on the go. The sugar beet-derived DHA helps build and maintain that glow, while ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, aloe vera, and green tea extract hydrate and soften skin.
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.
This luxurious lotion 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 extra caution around your eyebrows.
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.
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 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.
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 treats the skin while it absorbs. You’ll notice that this foam has a gray-ish hue too. Don't panic, it's what helps counteract an orange finish.
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.
Don't be deterred by this treatment's price tag. 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.
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, and cocoa seed extract protects the skin from pollution. All of those skin-loving ingredients, along with the perfect amount of DHA, ccomprise this 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.
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 want 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.
In a blind panic the day before vacation, 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 two hours. No streaks, smell, 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.
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 putting a layer all over. Then, wait 30 minutes and do it all again. In around six hours, your skin will be a darker shade. Because of the hyaluronic acid and vitamin-C-infused formula, you're skin will look bright and hydrated, too.
Pros: Buildable; Hydrating; Made of recyclable material.
Cons: Too dark for some.
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 is 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."
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. Use a physical scrub in the shower to remove all dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas for self tanner.
Paris Hilton's new Tan-Luxe The Future campaign imagines her 40 years in the future. If you're wondering why she looks the same, it's because she's been self tanning—no sun damage here.
How to Apply Self Tanner
While some easier-to-use formulas (read: gradual tanning lotions or facial drops) are self-explanatory, there are a few tips and tricks for getting a flawless finish with trickier textures like mousses or foams.
Applying the product haphazardly is a 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,” says makeup artist, Tarryn Feldman.
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.
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