We Tested 42 Self-Tanners, And These 13 Gave Us That Bronzed Goddess Glow
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Streaks? Never heard of her.
Shape / Brian Kopinski
Using a self-tanner is an easy way to get glowy, bronzed skin that looks like you just returned from a tropical vacation without going anywhere. Not to mention, self-tanners are a much safer option than a natural tan. "Unlike a real tan, there is no long-term damage to the skin, no damage to DNA, and no development of reactive oxygen species," explains Asmi Sanghvi, a board-certified dermatologist. "All these consequences of a real tan lead to damaged collagen and elastin, resulting in thin, damaged, wrinkly skin over time with a higher risk of premature aging, uneven tone and texture, and/or potential skin cancer."
But because there are so many self-tanning lotions out there, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which ones are worth buying. Instead of wasting money on options that will turn your skin orange, we found exactly which ones will give you the sun-kissed luminous quality.
We tested top-rated self-tanners and rated them based on ease of application, product longevity, consistency, and other key factors like whether or not the self-tan transferred to your clothes or how it smelled. Here are the top-rated self-tanners that passed our rigorous vibe check.
Best Self-Tanner Overall: Tan Luxe Hydra Mousse Tanning Mousse
Why We Like It: Easy to apply, quick to dry, and without noticeable transfer, this formula wins big across the board.
It's Worth Nothing: The applicator mitt is not included, but we think it's a must for easy, mess-free application.
This mousse formula from Tan Luxe is everything you could possibly want in a self-tanner. Thanks to the applicator mitt, it's easy to apply, smells great, and doesn't transfer onto sheets or clothing. We found the results to be streak-free and completely even. The solution is easily spreadable and feels completely dry to the touch within 20 minutes of applying. It washes off easily, and the dark tan lasts around five days when showering daily. We found the color to be on the darker side, but luckily this formula also comes in a lighter tone if you prefer a more subtle glow.
Price at the time of publish: $49
Formula Type: Mousse Application: Easy Dry Time: 20 Minutes Applicator Included: No Shades: 2
Shape / Brian Sanford
Best Under $20: L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Water Mist
Why We Like It: A quick-dry solution that's easy to apply at a wallet-friendly price.
It's Worth Noting: Applying this formula to the face requires an applicator and a little extra attention to detail.
This self-tanning water mist from L'Oreal gives an instant glow that develops into a natural-looking tan that lasts for around five days. The formula sprays on easily and evenly to the body, but we found it best to apply with a makeup pad to the face. We like that this formula is dermatologist tested and suitable for more sensitive skin. We found that it didn't transfer onto clothing and loved it as a same-day option for a summery glow in no time.
Price at the time of publish: $15
Formula Type: Mist Application: Easy Dry Time: Immediate Applicator Included: No Shades: 1
Shape / Adam Groffman
Best Self-Tanning Drops: Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops
Why We Like It: These convenient drops let you customize your tan using your go-to moisturizer.
It's Worth Noting: If you want the glow to last longer than a few days, you'll need to incorporate these drops into your skincare routine a few times per week.
If you don't want to disrupt your skincare routine with a self-tanner, these convenient bronzing drops work with your favorite moisturizer to deliver a bronze, even tan, that's customizable to your liking. The product comes with a handy guide on how many drops to add for the level of tan you're seeking. We loved the natural bronze glow these drops delivered and appreciated that there was no transfer onto sheets or clothing. This product does need to be applied more often than others on the list -- the color lasts about two days.
Price at the time of publish: $42
Formula Type: Drops Application: Easy Dry Time: 5 minutes Applicator Included: No Shades: 1
Shape / Sarah Felbin
Best Gradual: Isle of Paradise Medium Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops
Why We Like It: These self-tanner drops allow you to build your tan without uneven fading or pilling.
It's Worth Noting: Applicators are sold separately, but we found this formula easy to apply using just your hands.
These self-tanning drops from Isle of Paradise are best sellers for plenty of reasons. They can be mixed with any moisturizer or even foundation to deliver a gradual glow. The formula comes in a light and medium option, and the color can be customized depending on how many drops you add. We found this formula to be a solid streak-free option. The formula fades evenly, allowing you to build on the tan gradually.
Price at the time of publish: $32
Formula Type: Drops Application: Easy Dry Time: 10 minutes Applicator Included: No Shades: 2
Shape / Sophia DeVito
Best Self-Tanning Mousse: St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
Why We Like It: This weightless mousse glides on easily and smells great.
It's Worth Noting: This formula takes a bit longer to dry fully than others on the list.
This self-tanning mousse from St. Tropez earns high marks across the board for easy application and even natural color. “I’m a total beginner to self-tanning, and I was shook at how easy this was,” says Kristen Geil, Shape senior commerce editor. “I was especially impressed at how well it blended, thanks to the mousse formula. There were no harsh lines or clearly missed spots, even in the middle of my upper back where I couldn’t fully reach. I got so many compliments the next few days.”
What really stood out to us was the scent of this formula. It's clean and slightly floral without being too overpowering. We strongly recommend purchasing a mitt applicator for the best application. It's also worth noting that this tan took around 12 hours to develop fully. This formula is also well-suited for uneven skin texture. Since the color won't transfer onto your sheets, it may be best to apply before bedtime and wake up to your new tan. A bonus: It's vegan and cruelty-free.
Price at the time of publish: $34
Formula Type: Mousse Application: Dry Time: 20 minutes Applicator Included: No Shades: 1
Shape / Kristen Geil
Best Quick Dry: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
Why We Like It: This quick-drying formula feels like you're not even wearing a self-tanner.
It's Worth Noting: When applying, the formula's light color may be difficult to see.
If you love to be tan but hate tacky formulas that feel heavy on the skin, this self-tanner from Coco & Eve will likely make you pretty happy. We couldn't believe how quickly the formula dried after applying and how weightless it felt post-application. The color develops in around two hours but reaches its full potential after a full 24 hours. This formula also helps blur pigmentation to make skin tone appear more even, which is an added plus. You can purchase the product solo or with the mitt body applicator and kabuki brush for the face in a bundle for a discount—which we highly recommend for the best application!
Price at the time of publish: $35 ($52 for the bundle with applicators!)
Formula Type: Mousse Application: Easy Dry Time: 5 minutes Applicator Included: No Shades: 3
Shape / Ashley Schaubroeck
Best for Face: St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist
Why We Like It: A quick and easy way to give your face an added glow.
It's Worth Noting: This tan is a more subtle color than others on the list.
The application instructions on this St. Tropez self-tanning face mist seem too good to be true at first glance. Can you really spray a clear mist onto your face and get even results? To our surprise and delight, the answer is yes. Though the results of this product aren't as dramatic as others on the list, we liked the subtle glow this product gave us, especially since the stakes are higher when self-tanning your face (though we didn't notice any unevenness or blotches after applying!). This mist is infused with beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, hibiscus extract, and green Mandarin water to keep skin healthy and hydrated.
Price at the time of publish: $33
Formula Type: Mist Application: Easy Dry Time: 5 minutes Applicator Included: No Shades: 1
Shape / Elizabeth Rhodes
Longest Lasting Tan: Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse
Why We Like It: This quick-developing formula gives a glow that lasts up to a week and a half.
It's Worth Noting: This formula feels stickier than others on the list.
Even the most seamless self-tanner takes some time to apply, so it makes sense to want your self-tan to last as long as possible for your efforts. This self-tanning mousse from Loving Tan lasted longer than any other self-tanner on the list, up to a week and a half, even with frequent showering. However, we did notice that this formula wasn't as quick-drying as others and felt slightly tacky, though we didn't notice any transfer onto sheets or clothes during testing. We appreciate that this mousse has three color options: Medium, Dark, and Ultra Dark. This product is available as a bundle with a mitt and back applicator, though we found the back applicator more difficult to use than the mitt.
Price at the time of publish: $60
Formula Type: Mousse Application: Easy Dry Time: 1-hour Applicator Included: No Shades: 3
Shape / Hilary Braaksma
Best Express Tan: Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan Tinted Mousse
Why We Like It: This product delivers an instant glow that lasts.
It's Worth Noting: You can build on this tan with more applications for darker results.
If you're short on time but want to look glowy, this no-wait tan by Jergens delivers instant results. A little bit goes a long way with this tinted mousse, which is easy to apply using an applicator mitt. It's infused with coconut water and delivers a fresh, tropical scent of passion fruit essence when applied.
Though it took around 30 minutes to dry fully, the results were instant. Even though the formula remained tacky after application, we found no transfer on clothing, so you really can apply this and head out for the night looking instantly bronzed!
Price at the time of publish: $28
Formula Type: Mousse Application: Easy Dry Time: 30 minutes Applicator Included: No Shades: 2
Shape / Chelsea Dinterman
Best Non-Sticky: Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
Why We Like It: This formula applies like a lotion and feels great on your skin.
It's Worth Noting: Precision is key for applying this formula—we did notice some splotching the first time using this product.
This gel formula from Clarins glides on and absorbs like a lotion, with the added benefit of a natural-looking tan that develops throughout the day to a warm, bronze glow. We like this formula for its non-sticky finish and easy application.
However, it's important to apply it evenly, as we did notice some inconsistencies during the application. This formula suits combination, dry, normal, and oily skin types. Though the product didn't transfer onto sheets or clothing, we did notice that it transferred onto towels after showering, so be sure to pat dry rather than rub when using this formula.
Price at the time of publish: $43
Formula Type: Gel Application: Easy Dry Time: 3-5 minutes Applicator Included: No Shades: 1
Shape / Alyssa Brady
Best for Beginners: Tan Towel Body Tan Towelettes
Why We Like It: A foolproof way to apply an even tan every time.
It's Worth Noting: Multiple applications may be necessary for a darker color.
If you've never tried self-tanner, we recommend starting with these tan towelettes. The formula is premeasured into each moist towel, so all you need to do is glide it evenly over your body for an even tan. We noticed this color was much lighter than others on the list, so you may need to apply it a few times to build the color to your liking. The towels come in two sizes, a full-body size for head-to-toe applications and a half-body size for touch-ups. The formula is clear, so you'll have to rely on how covered your body feels to ensure you don't miss a spot.
Price at the time of publish: $30
Formula Type: Wipes Application: Easy Dry Time: 3-5 minutes Applicator Included: No Shades: 3
Best with Skincare Benefits: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow for Face
Why We Like It: These self-tanning facial wipes have antiaging and exfoliating benefits.
It's Worth Noting: The wipe may feel rough on sensitive skin.
Want to take care of your skin and look nicely bronzed? These wipes from Dr. Dennis Gross check all the boxes. Packed with ingredients like hydrating lactic acid and AHA/BHAs that gently exfoliate away dead skin cells, this wipe works hard to make your skin look and feel great and glowy. For such a luxurious product, we were a little surprised at the rough texture of the wipe but pleased with the ease of application, how quickly it dried, and the subtle results the next morning. Like others on this list, you may need to apply more than once every few days to be tanned to your preference.
Price at the time of publish: $29
Formula Type: Wipes Application: Easy Dry Time: 1-minute Applicator Included: No Shades: 1
How We Tested
Dipping your toe (and the rest of your body) into the wide world of self-tanner is undoubtedly better for your skin than a real tan. But with so many options on the market, like mousses, oils, sprays, gradual, express, and overnight tanners, it can take a lot of work to know where to start and what to look for.
To find a list of the best self-tanners in a wide variety of formulas that would suit different skin tones, needs, and preferences, we first tapped an expert, Sophie Evans, St. Tropez Skin Finishing Expert & Celebrity Self Tanner, and got her tips on what to look for in a self-tanning lotion and understand how the product works. Using these parameters, we selected a variety of different tanning formulas that stood up to these standards and had our group of diverse testers ranging from self-tanning newbies to experts, test each product out for two weeks.
We asked each tester to cleanse and exfoliate their skin, then apply the product once completely dry. Testers followed the product instructions, noting how long the product took to feel dry to the touch, if it transferred onto clothing or sheets, how difficult it was to apply, how long the tan took to develop, how long it lasted for, the color it yielded, whether or not it streaked and how it smelled.
These findings were compiled into a score out of five for ease of application, the product's consistency, and the tan's longevity. Only the self-tanners with the highest scores made the final cut. Our review process considered different application preferences and common issues when applying self-tanner. Ultimately, 13 winners made the final cut for our rigorous testing criteria.
What to Know About Self-Tanners
Shade
The self-tanning market does have some work to do to ensure that there are formulas for a wider range of skin tones, which is something to consider when shopping for your perfect match. Many of the products on our list are sold in one to two shades, with some standouts sold in three or four. If you're fair and only want a tint, look for options designed for your skin tone or that you can customize to your liking, like Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Body Drops. If you have darker skin and struggle to find a formula with enough intensity, consider Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self-Tanning Mousse in Ultra Dark.
Texture
Like any lotion, the texture and your experience with the product matter. Whether you decide to opt for a mousse, lotion, drops, or spray formula is largely a matter of preference, as well as what's most important to you in a self-tanner. For example, if you want your skin to feel hydrated after applying, using a gel-like the Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel, or mixing tanning drops into a moisturizer you already love are great options. If you want to feel dry instantly, a quick-drying spray formula like the St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist may work best for you. While we did find mousse formulas to take longer to dry and more precision to apply, they tend to develop in darker shades than other self-tanning products on the list, so a mousse-like the Tan Luxe Express Tanning Mousse might be the texture for your needs.
Amount of Time
Traditional self-tanners need to be left on the skin to develop for 8 hours, which is great if you plan to tan before bedtime, says Evans. “If you are a busy person who loves exercising or even swimming, a faster-developing self-tanner may work better for you. Faster developing self-tanners allow you to apply and rinse off in as little as one hour,” she explains.
Longevity
A traditional self-tan typically lasts four to five days. You can extend that wear time by adding a gradual self-tan lotion over the top every day. For a tan that lasts longer, Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self-Tanning Lotion squeaks out a few more days to get a full week and a half of color. For a quick last-minute glow, try St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does self tanning lotion work?
All self-tanners function the same. The percentage of tanning agents, extra additives, and colorings differentiate self-tanners. "All self-tanning lotions use Dihydroxyacetone ( DHA) as the main ingredient to tan your skin," Evans says. "DHAs come from sugarcane, it is the bark of the sugar cane that is heated up, that turns to a clear sticky liquid." When DHA comes into contact with your skin, it has a natural chemical reaction with the amino acids on the skin's surface, which makes it start to turn brown. "The easiest way to describe it is if you were eating an apple, take a bite and leave it on the side, you will notice the apple starting to turn brown. This is the same natural chemical reaction with the oxygen hitting the exposed apple core and then turning brown," explains Evans. Express self-tans use a penetration enhancer, so you don't have to wait, and it allows you to shower quicker.
How do I remove self-tanning lotion?
A self-tan will start to fade naturally after about five days. If you went too dark or don't like the result and want your self-tan off as soon as it develops, there are a few things you can do. "Hair removal cream is a good way: leave the cream on your skin for half the recommended time, and you will see your tan lighten. If you want it completely off, leave for the full-time," Evans says. Exfoliation, hot baths/showers, chlorine swimming pools, and waxing will also get the self-tan off, she explains.
Can I put lotion on after self-tanner?
Absolutely yes! If it is an express development tan, you will be advised to rinse only when taking your first shower and to not use lotion until the second day, recommends Evans. "But after using a traditional self-tan and every day after showering/bathing we want you to moisturize. Hydrated skin will hold a tan for the longest amount of time."
Make sure you use a moisturizer that is not a true oil. Oils make the skin more susceptible to exfoliation and can help the tan come off faster. You can also apply a gradual self-tanner mid-week to optimize your results.
Why Trust Shape
Danielle Page has spent the past 12 years writing about beauty, health, and products to help you look and feel your best. She hails from Long Island, NY, where people love to look tan no matter the time of year. After a painful but necessary split with tanning beds in her teenage years, she spent the last few decades dating around with self-tanners and now swears by St. Tropez.
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