Shop the 11 Best Self-Tanners for a Sunkissed Summer Glow

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Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. After months of drab winter weather, we’re so excited to soak up the sun. However, ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer and wrinkles. Hard pass! Self-tanners are an excellent sunless option if you want a golden glow with no derm drawbacks.

Don’t be fooled by the allure of a natural glow. Harvard Health states that a sunburn is a sign of skin damage. “The American Academy of Dermatology recommends self-tanning products as an alternative to tanning in UV light from the sun or an indoor tanning bed.” As opposed to the harmful consequences of absorbing UV radiation, TimeReports indicate that tanning products are only effective for the outermost layer. “When used topically, I think it’s the only safe way to have a tan appearance,” Dr. Adam Friedman told TimeDirector of dermatologic Research. Safe sun-kissed? Sign Use up!

How we chose the best self-tanners

My life has been transformed by self-tanners. In the sun, my pale skin usually turns red instead of tan, so I’ve had to turn to artificial means for a golden glow. I have tried nearly every self-tanner, from my OG Jergens lotion to the new favorite b.tan gel. After a recent spray tan disaster, I’ve sworn off salon visits for good in favor of at-home treatments. Self-tanning is an easier and more cost-effective way to sunless.

In Legally Blonde, the first cardinal rule of perm maintenance is that you are forbidden to wet your hair for at least 24 hours after getting a perm. The first rule for maintaining a tanned look is: Exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner. After that, wash your hands! My sister learned this lesson the hard-way and ended up with orange palms. Orange, aren’t you glad we warned before you?

Here are our top 11 self-tanning products to give your skin a natural-looking color. Based on consumer reviews and firsthand experience, we selected self-tanners that were easy to use, efficient, and effective. You’ll be a bronzed babe in no time!

1. b.tan love at First Tan Self Tan Mousse

Gold Medal for Golden Skin

This b.tan mousse was just as romantic as the name. Once I discovered this sunless product during quarantine, I’ve never looked back. It’s almost impossible to mess up (trust me, my technique is far from perfect). This hue is available in many shades and has a violet base which eliminates orange tones. As another shopper declared, “Literally the best self-tanner I’ve ever used!”

Pros:

• Streak-free Application
• No orange tones
• It only needs to be on for 1 hour minimum

Cons:

You Must See It!

Available at: Walmart

2. Loving Tan 2-Hour Express Mousse

Cult-Favorite Color

 

Summer House’s Paige DeSorboAlways has the most radiant glow in the Hamptons. And now we know her beauty secret — it’s Loving Tan’s 2-Hour Express Mousse. On a recent Amazon Live, she revealed, “The holy grail of at-home spray tans is Loving Tan.” I just tried this product for myself, and I was very pleased with the speedy process and olive results.

Pros:

• Quick-dry
• Natural-looking

Cons:

See it!

 Available at

3. St. Tropez Classic Bronze Tanning Mouse

Tried and tested Tan

The St. Tropez Classic Bronze Tanning Moousse is one of the most famous self-tanners. Celebs Kim KardashianTo Ashley GrahamThis sunless brand is a trusted choice. Harper’s Bazaar reports, “It develops the most natural-looking color without streaks when applied with care (and a tanning mitt.)” This is one of my go-to self tanners — big fan.

Pros:

• Natural-looking color
• Streak-free

Cons:

You Must See It!

Available at: Nordstrom

4. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer

Lovely Lotion

Jergens Natural Glow lotion was the first self-tanner I tried back in the day. It’s a cult classic! As Allure said, “Although this drugstore-friendly formula has been around for a while, it still gives off a natural, hydrating glow. The creamy lotion simultaneously hydrates and imparts a believable bronze in a few days.” Don’t sleep on this oldie-but-goodie!

Pros:

• Tans and moisturizes can be done simultaneously
• Natural color over time

Cons:

• Color doesn’t get too dark

It’s there!

Available at Target

5. Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water

Sunless Spray

Use this self-tanning spray to add some color! I was shocked to hear that. Caelynn Miller-Keyes While filming, I used this Isle of Paradise tannin spray The BachelorI was immediately intrigued by it and decided to give it a try. My favorite part about this self tanner is the fact that I don’t have to shower it off afterwards and never stain my sheets. Score!

Pros:

• Amazing glow
• Don’t need to shower it off

Cons:

• Spray invisible can be messy to apply

You should see it!

Available at

6. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

Glow on the go

Do you want glowing skin? The Sally Hansen Airbrush self-tanner is basically body makeup that won’t mess up your clothes. “What was once a well-kept red carpet and photoshoot secret is now a bathroom staple for beauty buffs who wish they could slap a filter on their legs,” Allure wrote. My friend Kathryn DennisI was told about this product by a friend. I now use it whenever I need extra color for a special occasion.

Pros:

• Quick fix instant color
• Won’t stain your clothing

Cons:

• Only lasts for a very short time

See it!

Available at SkinStore

7. Tan-Luxe the Face Illuminating Self Tan Drops

Golden Glow-Up

Tanning your face can be a difficult task. It’s a good idea to moisturize your skin at the same moment. Tan-Luxe facial self tanning drops are a must have for any beauty guru. In fact, Kelly RipaTan-Luxe drops are responsible for her glowing skin.: “This product is kind of remarkable. It stains nothing It’s literally like applying moisturizer, but you really have to be mindful.”

Pros:

• Facial self-tan solution
• Mix with moisturizer

Cons:

• Application isn’t always even

See it!

Available at: Nordstrom

8. Supergoop Healthy Glove Sunless Tan

Sunkissed Sun Protection

Choose a self-tanner that has an added sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. We love all of the products from fan-favorite sunless brand Supergoop (Glow Screen and Unseen Sunscreen are two of our faves) — but this self-tanner is next level with its streak-free formula and SPF 40. As Harper’s Bazaar said, “It is logical that the brand behind the GOAT sunscreens also makes a great sunless tanner, if you stop to think about it. The streak- and transfer-free formula can be used on both the face and body.”

Pros:

• SPF 40
• Natural-looking glow

Cons:

• Customers are not satisfied with efficacy

You should see it!

Available at: Nordstrom 

9. Via Liberata Beauty Blur

 Smoother Self-Tan

According to a beauty expert Allure, this Via Liberata body makeup is a “dream if you wish to diminish the appearance of cellulite, spider veins, and age spots and you’re in need of a temporary wash-off solution. Lindsay Katsuk, a New York City-based editorial and commercial makeup artist, says that this formula can also be used to even out skin tone if your legs appear paler than the rest. It even won a Best of Beauty Award two years in a row — yep, it’s That good.” If you need a temporary tan fix, look no further!

Pros:

• Blurs imperfections and evens skin tone
• Wash-off solution

Cons:

You should see it!

Available at: Nordstrom

10. Bondi Sands Pure Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion

Transfer-Proof Tan

An Allure2021 Best of Beauty Award Winner, this Bondi Sands self tanning lotion develops over a period of one to three applications. One of the biggest perks of this product is that the lotion dries quickly and won’t stain your sheets. The powerful ingredients in this self-tanner include vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

Pros:

• Quick-drying
• Transfer-proof

Cons:

• It takes time to develop color

You should see it!

Available at: Ulta

11. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self-Tanner Mousse

Natural Glow

Last but not least, this Coco & Eve self-tanning mousse has earned a spot on many editor-approved lists. Harper’s Bazaar wrote, “This mousse uses an all-natural DHA to develop a tan, plus it’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like fruit-derived antioxidants and amino acids.” Not only does this self-tanner develop in just two hours, it also provides anti-aging benefits. One Amazon shopper proclaimed, “THIS STUFF IS AMAZING!!!!! It deserves 10 stars! It is simple to use and it really works!”

Pros:

• Anti-aging properties
• Natural DHA tan
• Pleasant aroma

Cons:

• Some reviewers stated that their hands turned orange.

You should see it!

Available at

Other self-tanners we love:

Are you looking for ways to enhance your beauty routine? You can find more ideas below.