While using self-tanner may seem daunting (no one wants their bronze glow to turn orange) and a tad messy at first, mastering the process means you can have a sun-kissed glow any time of the year. Read on for our favorite self-tanning products as well as pre- and post-tan care, according to beauty experts.
How to apply self-tanner
Pre-application
When it comes to self-tanning, having the proper canvas is equally as important as choosing the right product. One day before the tan is applied, any waxing or hair removal should be completed in order to ensure that the tan applies evenly. Experts also recommend exfoliating the skin where the tan is going to be applied.
Applying a non-oil-based body lotion to areas like the backs of the heels, kneecaps, elbows and wrists will help to make the tan appear natural — these areas often develop darker than elsewhere on the body.
“I recommend a gentle, dry exfoliation. This should take place after showering or just prior to application,” says celebrity tan expert Jimmy Coco, who has tanned the likes of Heidi Klum, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian and more. “This ensures your skin is free of any soap, lotion or shave gel residue. These act as a barrier and can compromise the application process, resulting in streaks and/or even an unnatural, uneven result.”
For those unsure of what product is best suited for their skin type, our experts propose a swatch test prior to full-body application. “Select two or three products and apply a small amount of each to an inconspicuous area of your body,” Coco says. “Allow the areas to develop, then rinse, and the one that appears most natural to your skin is your best choice.”
Application
“You will need all your tanning essentials, including a non-oil-based moisturizer to use as a barrier and to dilute the self-tan,” St. Tropez skin-finishing expert and celebrity self-tanner Sophie Evans — who has worked with Ashley Graham and Halsey — says. “[Also] an applicator mitt to prevent your hands from staining and make application a breeze and cleansing wipes to remove self-tan from nails or palms.”
For a streak-free self-tan, Coco prefers using the soft side of his Buff N’ Glow mitt, which is a 3-in-1, double-sided exfoliation and application mitt. He recommends tanning the legs first and then working in sections, applying roughly two pumps of tanner per limb.
“When applying the product with the mitt, use long sweeping motions [and] avoid applying directly to your hands and feet,” Coco says. “Instead, use the residual product in your mitt — after applying to arms, legs and other areas — and buff gently onto your hands, feet and ankles. This will help to ensure a flawless finish.”
Post-application
When it comes to maintaining a self-tan, the pre-application steps — hair removal, exfoliation — will prove beneficial in the long run. Also, our experts recommend using a nourishing moisturizer daily to ensure that the tan remains even.
“Hydration is key, as the active ingredient in many self-tanners can dry out your skin, especially in cold climates,” Coco says. “Apply lotion daily [and] avoid lotions containing skin renewing properties like alpha-hydroxy acids, as they tend to break down your tan. I recommend the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion.”
How long does self-tanner last?
While it depends on what type of self-tanner you use, a sunless tan can typically last five to 10 days. Following the above best practices when it comes to pre- and post-application will help prolong your tan, along with wearing sunscreen to protect your skin and avoiding super-hot showers.
But keep in mind, our skin naturally sheds and the fake tan will go along with it. For an even transition, light exfoliation is recommended every few days until you’re back to your natural skin tone. It’s better to start from your natural state than continue to layer on self-tanners or else they may become splotchy and uneven.
If you notice that your fake tan fades from your face faster than your body — which is to be expected with twice-daily face washing and brightening skin care products that may contain exfoliating acids — you can use tanning drops mixed with your face moisturizer to subtly bring back the bronze.
Now that you know how to apply self-tanner like a pro, find the best editor-tested and expert-recommended products for achieving your sunless glow.
Editors’ favorite self-tanners
“This is a self-tanning staple and a longtime favorite of mine,” New York-based celebrity and editorial makeup artist Neil Scibelli says. “It works as both a body lotion and a gradual self-tanner. It is perfect for the body, arms and legs because you’re getting antioxidants, vitamin E and hydration while also building up to a natural-looking tan.”
Associate beauty editor Sophie Shaw has reached for this self-tanner for years too. “For the most natural-looking tan, I prefer applying this every other day until my desired color, and then I’ll wait five or so days for another application,” she says.
According to associate editor Jillian Tracy, St. Tropez’s whole line is top-notch, but she especially loves the Express Bronzing Mousse. Because the foam is colored, she says it’s really easy to see if you miss any spots. The quick results mean that you can even apply it as part of your bedtime routine and do a quick rinse before you get under the covers so you don’t have to worry about staining your sheets.
Evans also recommends this product, noting that you can customize the color by letting it develop longer. “Tan and shower off after one hour to achieve your light tan, two hours for a medium tan or leave for three hours to achieve your darkest tan,” Evans says.
Senior digital content strategist Hannah Lauson loves these tanning drops because it’s the only self-tanning product that hasn’t caused a breakout for her acne-prone skin.
It’s also expert-approved. “These self-tanning drops are super easy to infuse into your skin care serums or moisturizers with just a few drops,” Scibelli says. “I like to apply these with my nighttime moisturizer so that I wake up with a tan in the morning. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using.”
Vita Liberata’s Gradual Tanning Lotion is a great choice for pale skin, as its slow-building formula allows the user to control the type of tan they want. Associate editor Lindsey Smith says she starts to see results within a few days, and she likes that the formula is nongreasy. The lotion is also packed with ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin that will nourish the skin and help restore elasticity.
Self-tanners for beginners
For those starting out, St. Tropez’s bronzing mousse is a foolproof product that adjusts to each user’s skin tone and will last up to 10 days with an even and natural fade.
“A good self-tan will turn the color that suits your skin and pigmentation and [will] work off your own personal body chemistry,” Evans says. “For someone with very fair skin, this is a good first-time tanner. It dries instantly and feels super lightweight.”
This new product from Jergens makes its cult-favorite Natural Glow line even more customizable. The noncomedogenic, oil-free tanning serum can be added to your face moisturizer or body lotion, turning your favorite products into self-tanner. Beginners can start low and slow, adding five drops for light color and working up to 12 drops for deeper tan.
“For self-tanning beginners, I always recommend the Dolce Self-Tanning Mist. It’s a fan favorite!” says celebrity spray-tan artist and founder of Dolce Glow Isabel Vita. The brand’s innovative spray system allows you to spray upside down and to “get into all those hard-to-reach places for a seamless, streak-free tan,” she says. Plus, the formula is “infused with a blend of skin-loving oils and is dermatologist tested, [leaving] your skin healthy and glowing like never before,” Vita adds.
Scibelli swears by this innovative option from Jergens. It features an instant color technology that tans the skin in minutes with medium to deep options.
“This is a transfer-proof tanner that develops in just five minutes, and the shade adjusts to each individual skin tone,” Scibelli says. “The formula is also infused with coconut water for hydration and offers a smooth, streak-free, natural tan.”
“A self-tan should be chosen based on the depth of tone you want,” Evans says. “The formula should be chosen to suit your skin type and lifestyle.”
Those seeking a beginner-friendly product should check out Clarins’ Self-Tanning Instant Gel. The gel is nongreasy and quick-drying, and it’s ideal for those wanting a sun-kissed, natural glow.
In addition to choosing the proper shade and product for your skin type, experts suggest self-tanning products with nourishing properties that won’t dry out the skin. Bondi Sands’ tanning milk boasts a dual-action formula that will both nourish and hydrate the skin with aloe and vitamin E while providing a natural tan that is easy to apply and control.
This drugstore option from L’Oréal is perfect for those just getting into self-tanning. The mousse, which is clear to avoid streaks and transfer, develops in around two hours and can be built up gradually.
Those wanting an alternative option to the regular lotions and gels should consider the Tan Towel Full-Body Classic. The disposable wipes are ideal for fair to medium skin tones, and one towel provides an even application throughout the body. Our experts recommend targeting areas like the arms and legs first and then working toward the face, wrists and hands at the end of the process to achieve the ideal gradual tan.
Self-tanners for pale skin
Coco & Eve’s natural ingredients and clean formulas make it a favorite amongst self-tanners. Its bronzing foam is infused with coconuts, botanicals and amino acids that blur pigmentation and stretch marks.
“This is an amazing self-tanning mousse that contains clean ingredients, comes in three shades and gives a beach-worthy-looking self-tan without the odd scent or sticky feeling,” Scibelli says. “I really love this one if you’re looking to get that deeper self-tan. Their face tanning drops are also fantastic.”
Tanning Club’s Royal Tanning Balm is crafted with UV-absorbing botanicals, making it the ideal choice for those with pale and sensitive skin. The balm is free of harmful mineral oils and parabens and helps nourish and protect the skin while providing a subtle and natural-looking glow.
Bali Body’s buildable mousse is formulated with color guide technology that helps achieve the perfect tan for every skin type. The mousse is lightweight and easy to apply, though our experts recommend using a tanning mitt or glove to apply mousse, foams or lotions.
While Drunk Elephant is known for its serums and moisturizers, the brand’s self-tanning drops combine the skin care benefits of its cult-favorite products with a buildable tan. This product is also great for those with sensitive skin as it has the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D and defends against environmental stressors.
A favorite of Miley Cyrus (an investor in Dolce Glow), this gradual tanning lotion provides a light to medium tan, perfect for easing into a deeper glow. According to Vita, it’s a “perfect match for those with fair skin and those with skin sensitivities,” since the formula is hydrating and dermatologist tested.
A self-tanner with built-in SPF 30 protection, this browning lotion from Vacation is a multitasking product perfect for building a tan or maintaining an existing one. It features mineral pigments that instantly give a sheer bronze tint, with the added bonus of a touch of self-tanner so your natural glow can develop simultaneously.
Self-tanners for the face
While tanning the face at home may be daunting, these drops from Isle of Paradise are the perfect solution. The product has over 4,000 5-star ratings and is available in three shades: light, medium and dark. The drops can be mixed with a daily moisturizer and are safe to use all over the body.
St. Tropez’s face mist takes all the stress out of tanning the face. The facial mist is vegan and cruelty-free and features a lightweight, tropical scent.
“A face self-tanner that you cannot go wrong [with] is the Bronzing Water Face Mist,” Evans says. “Simply pull the hair back, apply lotion if the skin is dry and mist the clear bronzing water over your face — spritzing downward, covering the front and each side profile and then letting the mist hit every area for a super-natural, hydrating face glow.”
Jergens’ face moisturizer is formulated with SPF 20 and UVA and UVB protection to ensure that the skin is protected while getting a sunless glow. The moisturizer has over 12,000 5-star ratings and provides a natural tan for all skin tones and types.
This option from Coola does double duty — not only a self-tanner, it also has hyaluronic acid and argan oil, which both provide moisture and healing benefits to the skin.
“Coola makes an amazing range of self-tanners for the face and body,” Scibelli says. “I personally am a big fan of their sunless tan anti-aging serum. It’s 70% organic and acts as both a hydrating and anti-aging face serum derived from plant stem cells as well as hyaluronic acid.”
Though the easiest way to apply tanners to the face is a mist, experts also suggest using the hands or a foundation brush on the face. Clarins’ Golden Glow Booster can be mixed with any moisturizer to achieve an even tan — just be sure to wash your hands afterward to avoid streaks.
Vita says these “serum drops are a perfect addition to your daily skin care regimen. Formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients, this buildable formula was developed to boost your favorite moisturizers, serums, oils and lotions with self-tanning and hydrating abilities. Just add a few drops to your favorite facial moisturizer.” Or, for another easy option, Vita recommends the Dolce Glow Acqua Hydrating Mist Self-Tanning Water, which can even be spritzed over makeup.
Another cost-effective option is L’Oréal’s self-tan drops. The fragrance-free product is crafted specifically for the neck and face and can be combined with any moisturizer or serum. The drops are customizable — adding more drops will result in a darker and longer-lasting tan, while using less will offer a lightly sun-kissed appearance.