Dull and Pale-looking skin is a big no-no to most of us. Some people think hydrating your skin is extremely important.
But does it always work? We don’t think so.
There are plenty of ways to work that golden glow. Go under the sun or the lamp and get yourself that beautiful tan.
But, who has the time for it, right?
Women on-the-go often prefers products that are quick and give quality results. Self-tanners are great at doing just that. The best part is that they come in the form of lotions and moisturizers.
A little dollop of the product can leave you with a beautiful bronze finish. Self-tanners are also easy to work with, making them super convenient.
We are going to give you the top 10 best self tanners in the market that will give you a stunning golden tan.
Before we dig further into reviews, here are our top picks
Table of Contents
Why buy a Self-Tanner?
As mentioned above, self-tanners are great to work with. They are a great alternative to the traditional sun tanning or the tanning beds.
Here is why you should consider getting hooked on to self-tanners:
- The UV rays of the sun can be really harmful to the skin. Using a sunless tanning procedure, you save yourself the risk of cancer.
- Want quick and efficient results? Self-tanners are super convenient to use.
- These sunless tanning lotions often give optimum coverage. You are less likely to be left looking orange and burnt.
- The color develops and deepens far quicker than a spray tan.
- Haven’t had the time to be under the sun? Just a little bit of the product can leave you glowing.
- Compared to the other procedures, this method is easy on the pocket.
- Most high-quality self-tanning products come with a hydrating formula. This helps nourish and moisturize your skin.
- Fortunately, there aren’t a gazillion instructions to follow. Use it as an ordinary lotion and you are good to go.
- Most importantly the fake tans have no risk of the skin burning.
- What we love most about these is that they last long enough. Most products can give you a glow for about a week.
- Wait, did we mention there isn’t much maintenance required?
Best Self Tanner Reviews
At-home tanners are effective in providing the same results as in-salon tanners. Their quick and natural-looking finish is what makes them a hot-favorite. Here is a list of our favorite self-tanning products.
Read on to find out what makes them the best:
1. Sun Labs Bronzing Cream
Our top self tanner- Sun Labs bronzing cream works well for light/medium toned skin. Since it dries off quickly, you save a lot of time with it.
Keep your skin healthy and glowing with the Sun Labs lotion.
Top-rated on our list is the Instant Ultra-Dark lotion by Sun Labs. The most important ingredient for a flawless tan is smooth skin. Whether it’s a spray tan or a self-tanner, smooth skin is a must.
Thankfully, Sun Labs takes care of that. The lotion helps nourish the skin, ensuring flawless appearance. Thus, giving 2-in-1 benefits in a single tanner.
It provides instant results, making it one of the best in the market.
Once on it, you will definitely be ordering plenty more of it. For its price and quantity, the product is definitely worth a try. The best way to use it is to leave it overnight.
Allowing the color to fully develop gives you a gorgeous finish.
It doesn’t come with an applicator and will require you to buy one. This is essential because the mitt helps you rub it properly. Without it, you may end up with a streaked appearance.
Before going all in, try it out to see how it sets. A patch test will help identify how well it works with your undertone.
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2. Fake Bake Liquid
Why to go for it? It is cheaper than the Sun Labs and Tan Physics tanners. It comes with a mitt that helps with the application.
The only thing they could possibly work on is to add a hydrating formula.
If you are extremely pale-skinned, this is a great option. The Fake Bake tanner promises a desirable olive finish. It is also paraben-free, making it a safer choice.
The best part about it is that the spray is tinted. The tint helps you identify spots that need more coverage. You can go about building on the color to your desired effect.
We also love how it has a beautiful tropical smell. Instead of smelling like an ordinary tanner, you’ll be smelling of coconuts.
It soaks in well, which means you won’t feel sticky and wet. The liquid is light-weight and glides in easily.
One common problem with fake tanners is they turn you orange. However, the natural ingredients of this tanner save you from that.
The product can be a little drying. However, using coconut oil or a moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated.
Lastly, this does not cause any transfer or staining. You will wake up on white sheets with no sign of transfer.
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3. Jergens Tanning Mousse
For a price this low, it could not get any better. The product may not be as great as the other high-end brands. However, the results it provides can be great for a last minute event.
This tanner can come in super handy when looking for instant results. This may sound too good to be true, but trust us on this! If you have a last minute event, Jergens is the way to go.
The Jergens mousse comes in a tinted formula. This helps to identify the areas that need more of the product. You can keep building in, controlling the intensity according to your preference.
Priced for less than $15, it is one of the most affordable self tanners. Do not want to spend bucks at spray tanning? A single bottle of this will last you long enough.
Since the product gives quick results, it has an instant drying formula. While drying off fast, it may stain your fingernails. Moreover, the dried up product leaves you feeling super sticky.
Make sure to wear gloves or tanning mitts when using this product. This will help save you from getting ugly and brown fingernails.
While it does get sticky, the product shows no streaking when wet. Which means once showering, the product won’t come off.
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4. Tan Physics Tanner
Get this product if you are all for natural ingredients. We would recommend a patch test, however. This is particularly important to see how the product works for you.
We have not heard of a tanner with better skincare qualities. Tan Physics is one-of-its-kind, providing an anti-ager in a single bottle. Save money of buying two separate products and get the results in one.
For its multiple uses, we would see why it is priced over $25. It has a blend of natural ingredients, protecting your skin from chemicals. This also helps replenish and nourish your skin.
With a healthy-looking skin, you will ensure a streak-free and smooth finish.
The product may stain you an orange shade. This is why it is extremely important to do a patch test. This will help you identify the kind of undertones it works with.
Make sure to use a mitt before use. Or, exfoliate your hands once done to prevent staining.
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5. St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse
Give this product a try and you sure won’t regret it. Though pricey, it gives multiple uses which justifies it. With its skincare benefits, we totally recommend the product.
It is our favorite and will surely become yours too.
One most-talked about Tanner is the St. Tropez mousse. The light-weight applicator delivers great even results. Wherever you go, you will definitely be asked about that glow.
A remarkable feature of this product is how fast it develops. Depending on the desired color, it can take 3-8 hours to develop.
This much-raved about product gives an air-brushed finish. For a wedding or any important event, we would recommend using this one.
The product promises to dry off as soon as 60 seconds. This prevents any kind of transfer or staining. Fortunately, you won’t feel sticky afterward.
To use this product, use a glove or a Mitt to ensure smooth results. The mitt is best at giving an even distribution of the product.
The St. Tropez mousse is the most expensive in the market. However, it is also the best one yet. Most people get natural results with this mousse.
It has a sun-kissed look to it. Most people would not realize it is fake.
Keep in mind, the green tint may not work well with neutral tones. It is best for pink undertones as the green helps to cancel it.
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6. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze
It has all the functions that any drugstore brand should. It is easy, quick and natural-looking. Since it doesn’t hydrate the skin, make sure to use a moisturizer.
These towelettes will provide results that’ll exceed your expectations of a bronze tan.
As a drugstore brand, the bronzer is priced close to ten bucks. The pack comes with 6 wipes to give you an effortless look. The end result looks like a natural medium tan.
The brand has a wide variety of tanners. You can find the tanner as a mousse, serum or lotion. The wipes, however, are super convenient to use.
For a newbie, following a lot of instructions gets difficult. This, on the other hand, is easy to follow. It does not have too many requirements.
The product is a one-time use applicator that gives a streak-free finish. Like the Jergens instant tanner, this also gives quick results.
To re-use, pack it in an air-tight container to keep it fresh. However, it is intended to be a one-time applicator only.
It takes about 2-4 hours for the color to develop. Great use for one-time events and parties.
It is made with Vitamin E to ensure a smooth finish. The product applies easily glides onto the skin, leaving a natural-looking glow. Sunless tanning was never this easy before!
It has a non-tinted formula. So, you won’t be able to see if your skin has received enough.
However, the color is buildable. This means you can apply it daily to achieve the desired results. Just make sure to wait out and see the results.
The small size of it makes it travel-friendly. You can carry it to all your travels to get flawless tan results.
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7. Jergens Natural Glow
The results of this product have been exceptional. For a product that costs under $10, this is remarkable.
If you use tanners excessively, this shall be a great alternative. It will help moisturize and hydrate your skin with every application.
Jergens making to this list with two of its products definitely says something. A bit cheaper than the mousse, this moisturizer takes time to develop.
It gives a natural-looking tan, with a streak-free appearance. The best part is, it moisturizes and hydrates your skin. The product also includes elastin and collagen that reduce cellulite.
It is available in two shades: Fair-Medium and Medium-Dark tan. This is particularly important as the tan should always match your skin tone. A fake tan should never appear fake to others.
It helps give the skin a subtle warmth and a bronze glow.
A lot of the tanners come with skincare benefits. However, none have been able to match the outcomes of this one.
While using chemicals, it is important to protect the skin against damage. This moisturizer helps enhance the skin’s glow, giving it a smooth appearance. The natural ingredients keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
One reason to absolutely love this product is it stays for a week. With a buildable formula, lasting 7 days is pretty good. However, the fading may not be even by the last few days.
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8. Beauty by Earth Tanning Kit
For its safety and incredible results, we would not mind the price. It has a price lower than the St. Tropez tanner and comes as a kit. Try it once and you will be hooked for a lifetime.
Most people use this as a dupe to the St. Tropez tanner. There have been reports of awesome results and great coverage.
The face applicator is great because it helps cover blemishes and spots. While the body lotion covers all veins and pale spots. It also lasts up to 4-7 days which is great.
Though a bit pricey, this tanner comes as a kit. It includes a face applicator, reusable bag, and mitts and exfoliator glove. With the mitt, you get an even product coverage, saving yourself stained fingers.
Beauty by Earth is the only cruelty-free brand we have come across. It has all-natural ingredients and is vegan. The natural ingredients prove to be effective to the skin.
The drawback to that is it needs to set on a base lotion. Else, the skin ends up feeling dry and scaly. Use a moisturizer or essential oil to hydrate the skin.
Moreover, the product starts off smelling like coconut but eventually turns smelly. After a couple of days, you will smell like a regular tanner.
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9. St Moriz Instant Tanning Mousse
The product is a great alternative to the St. Tropez tanner. It is available for more than half the price. There are a few areas of concern that can be worked on.
Nevertheless, the product is one of the best and is worth a try.
This tanning mousse is one of the most-loved ones. People across the globe rave about the results of it.
The product comes in two shades and gives a beautiful, natural appearance. This fake tanner does not look fake at all.
It lasts up to a week and fortunately, fades evenly. You will not spot any splotches or tan marks. This saves you from the embarrassment of having a half tanned look.
The product is priced under $10 and comes with a mitt. Now, it is extremely important to use this with a mitt. The dark color may leave you stained.
Using a glove or an applicator helps spread the product evenly. Thankfully, the shade is tinted, showing you exactly how much is going in.
One important concern is how the product transfers onto clothing. When you apply it, make sure to wear loose and dark clothes. This prevents visibility of the stains.
Our favorite part is how the mousse is mess-free. With its consistency, you can control where the product goes. While, with sprays you are likely to spray extra product, creating a mess.
Lastly, it needs to be used with a moisturizer to hydrate the skin. Otherwise, the skin will appear dry and flaky.
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10. VITA LIBERATA Organic Gradual Tan Lotion
For its price and quantity, it seems like a great deal. The tube has quantity enough for multiple applications. The added skincare benefits create a win-win situation.
If you don’t mind the price and want a safe-to-use product, this is it.
A fuss-free application and healthy skin are two goals of any tanning newbie.
Fortunately, Organic Tan Lotion provides just that. The formula is made of some organic botanicals. Along with that, it also includes Aloe Vera and Shea Butter.
The nourishing properties make it safe for dry and combination skins.
Together this makes for a very safe and natural lotion. Both Aloe Vera and Shea Butter are known to have moisturizing properties. They will give your skin a smooth and glowing finish.
A unique property of this product is that it is smell-free. The odor-remove technology frees it from any kind of smell. This makes it great for individuals with allergies or those sensitive to smell.
The product promises zero transfer after it has dried out. This is true to the claims. However, it does take a lot of time to dry out completely. Leave it overnight, sleeping on dark sheets to resolve this issue.
While it is a bit pricey, it provides just what it claims. Many of the drug store brands provide good results but include chemicals. This, on the other hand, is chemical-free.
Its long life and awesome results make up for the cost. You can use it multiple times, making it a great investment.
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How to Buy Best Self Tanning Lotion in 2019
That was all about our top picks when it comes to the best sunless tanner.
A good article will never stop without giving the reader an extensive buying guide on the topic. So, here we are with an in-depth overview of how to buy good fake tans for at home use.
Here are things to keep in mind when finding the best rated at home spray or fake tan lotion for you:
Product Transfer
We bet you don’t want your sheets getting tinted brown. This is one of the major concerns that people have with self tanners. Staining clothes and sheets is a nightmare all tanning newbies face.
Luckily, brands acknowledge and work to accommodate their customers. The new-age brands are coming up with quick-drying products. This prevents the color from passing on and saves you the hassle.
Drying Time
Most of the products listed have a quick drying formula. This is particularly important for people on-the-go looking for quick results. L’Oreal is one great option as it dries off quickly.
The Jergens tanner is also best known for this. They guarantee the product drying off within 60 seconds. The only drawback may be that it is a little sticky.
Price
One of the most important parameters to look into is the Price. Finding ample amount of product for the right price can be difficult. Typically, the price of good self tanners range between $20-40, that offers multiple applications.
Self-tanners priced over $20 with less quantity may not be the best choice. The L’Oreal tanner towelettes, for example, priced at $10.99, give a single application. While the St. Tropez mousse can last a couple of applications.
Skincare
Using tanners excessively can rid your skin of its natural moisture. Moreover, the chemicals are known to dry out the skin. To overcome this problem, most products come in with an added moisturizer.
The Tan Physics tanner is infused with natural ingredients. Not only does it work as a tanner but also as an anti-ager.
The fact that skins of men and women differ so much has paved way to separate self tanners for men. You can find them here: https://tanninggirl.com/best-tanning-lotion-for-men/
Longevity
How long the tan lasts is a great determinant of the best self-tanner. Both spray and self-tanners tend to fade away within a week. Both Sun Labs and L’Oreal tanners are known to have a great life.
However, many of these last up to 3-5 days only. This means you will require repeated applications to make it last longer. This ruins the purpose of using self-tanners.
If you do not mind the short life, Tan Physics is a great option.
Smell
The next important aspect is the smell. The lotions and mousses often smell bad owing to the chemicals involved.
Nobody wants to wake up the next day reeking of a chemical. The Organic Gradual lotion is smell-free and a great alternative to others.
Shade Range
Hmm, this is a tough one. A common misperception is that tanning is limited to blondes. In reality, that bronze glow is wanted by all.
Do the products cater to all skin shades then? Maybe not.
Most products list Fair to Medium as their skin type. This means the product may not work as well for darker shades. Of course, a single bottle cannot cater to all. However, the brands can come up with different product lines.
The Jergens Instant Tanning Mousse is available for light and deep bronze tones.
Instant Results
The only product guaranteeing instant results is the Jergens Tanning Mousse. It’s important to note that it does live up to its claims. Customers have noticed an instant tint as soon as it reaches the skin.
The other products, however, require to be left overnight.
Another similar product is the St. Tropez mousse. The product has shown the desired effects within 3 hours for many.
Extra Features
I don’t have to tell you good self tanners stand out from the rest for their distinct features; just like our top picks. The Beauty by Earth Kit is priced at $34.19 with a bundle offer. Within this price, it offers a mitt, an exfoliator glove and, the lotion.
Furthermore, the brand is chemical-free with all natural ingredients. As if that was not enough, it is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure becomes very important. UV rays can be highly dangerous. A great way, then, to look flawless is to choose faux tanners.
However, there are so many specifications to look into when choosing one. For example, does it provide great skincare benefits? Is it affordable? How does one decide?
Did You Find the Best Sunless Tanners for You?
A self tanner shouldn’t only provide a great glow but should also be hassle-free.
Choose a product that is easy to use and enhances your skin’s health. I will always recommend going for natural ingredients to keep your skin safe against any damage.
So, if you have gotten your product, here is our self tanning tips to start applying the lotion for achieving that confidence-boosting tan.
Depending upon your requirement, you can choose one from our list. I hope the graph can be your guide.
With so much information, we bet finding a good self tanner will become easier. From this list, choose the product that best suits your preferences and needs.