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In the quest for a natural-looking tan without the damaging effects of the sun, finding the best self tanner is key. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Luckily, we've compiled a list of the top self tanners that will give you a golden glow without the streaks or orange hue. From lotions to foams, we've got you covered with the best self tanners to achieve that stunning sun-kissed look all year round.

Vita Liberata Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion

Enriched with aloe and marula oil, Vita Liberata Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion surpasses the capabilities of our everyday moisturizer while simultaneously creating a radiant, sun-kissed glow without subjecting your skin to harmful UV rays. This product is undeniably exceptional, which is why it was honored with the prestigious 2020 Best of Beauty award.

  • St. Tropez Ultimate Glow Kit on white background

    Tropez Self-Tan Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse

    Thanks to supermodel Ashley Graham, St. Tropez's Ultimate Glow Kit emerged as the well-deserved recipient of the esteemed 2021 Best of Beauty Award. This glamorous duo offers unparalleled simplicity, catering to both self-tanning aficionados and novices with its heavenly, whipped texture. Unlike sprays, mousse products grant greater precision during application and blend effortlessly, especially when accompanied by the included application mitt.

  • Dole Glow Self-Tanning Mist

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    Spray tan artist to the stars and founder of Dolce Glow, Isabel Vita, highly recommends the Dolce Self-Tanning Mist for those venturing into the world of self-tanners. This customer-favorite brand introduces an innovative spray system that allows for upside-down application, ensuring that even the trickiest areas receive a seamless, streak-free tan. Moreover, the formulation, which has been dermatologist tested, contains a nourishing blend of oils that promote healthy and radiant skin.

    Purchase from $48 at Ulta

    Find it for $53 at Nordstrom

    Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan Tinted Mousse

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    Renowned New York-based makeup artist Neil Scibelli swears by the revolutionary Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan Tinted Mousse. This remarkable product employs instant color technology to deliver a flawlessly bronzed complexion within five minutes, offering medium to deep shades. Scibelli enthuses, "Sol by Jergens is one of my recent favorites in the realm of self-tanners. It's a transfer-proof formula that adapts to individual skin tones, and it's infused with hydrating coconut water for a smooth, streak-free, and natural tan.

    The Revolutionary Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel

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    "Selecting a self-tan requires considering the desired depth of shade," Evans advises. "The ideal formula should be tailored to suit your skin type and lifestyle."

    For those on the lookout for a user-friendly option, look no further than the Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel. This gel boasts a lightweight texture, dries rapidly, and is perfect for individuals yearning for a radiant and authentic sun-kissed look.

    Embark on a Journey with Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk

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    Apart from selecting a shade and product suitable for your skin type, experts suggest opting for self-tanning products that offer nourishing properties to avoid skin dryness. Bondi Sands' tanning milk features a dual-action formula that not only nourishes and moisturizes the skin with aloe and vitamin E but also ensures an effortless and controllable application for a natural tan.

    Find it on Amazon for $21

    Get it at Ulta for $19

    Experience the Magic of Tan Towel Full Body Classic

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    If you're looking for an alternative to traditional lotions and gels, the Tan Towel Full Body Classic is your go-to solution. These disposable towelettes are perfect for fair to medium skin tones, providing even coverage across the entire body. Our experts recommend starting with the arms and legs and gradually moving towards the face, wrists, and hands for a flawlessly gradual tan.

    Indulge in Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

    Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing FoamPros
    • ProThis remarkable foam includes a built-in bronzer, ensuring a foolproof and thorough application
    Cons
    • ConTesters have noticed that the initial green hue upon application can be a bit startling, but easily washes off
    So, you desire to achieve the appearance of someone who has just returned from a tropical getaway filled with abundant sunshine, correct? This means you require a bronzing foam capable of providing a rich tan without any undesirable orange undertones. Look no further than this exceptional bronzing foam from the eco-friendly brand Coco and Eve. The rapidly developing formula is available in three shades (medium, dark, and ultra-dark) and is enriched with antioxidants to offer rejuvenating and protective properties for your skin.
    • Key ingredients: DHA, antioxidants, cocoa seed extract, glycerin
    • Formula: Mousse
    • Does it apply clear? No, it has a color guide
    THE REVIEW: "I have been repeatedly asked whether I have gone on vacation or spent time in the sun," writes one tester. "The color it provides is the most natural I have ever witnessed, and it remains intact for approximately four to five days."

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    The Finest Face Self-Tanner for Fair Skin

    Royal Tanning Balm by the Tanning Club

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    Tanning Club presents the Royal Tanning Balm, meticulously crafted with UV-absorbing botanicals, making it the ultimate choice for individuals with fair and sensitive skin. This balm is completely devoid of harmful mineral oils and parabens, and it effectively nourishes and shields the skin while imparting a subtle and authentically natural-looking radiance.

    Clear Self-Tanning Mousse from Bali Body

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    Introducing Bali Body's revolutionary mousse infused with color guide technology, an ideal solution for attaining the perfect tan regardless of one's skin type. This lightweight mousse is remarkably easy to apply, although our experts highly recommend the usage of a tanning mitt or glove when applying mousse, foams, or lotions.

    Self-Tanner Face Serum for Anti-Aging by Coola Sunless Tan

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    Coola brings you a remarkable face serum that not only provides a flawless self-tan but also contains the enriching properties of hyaluronic acid and argan oil, which offer exceptional moisturizing and healing benefits to the skin.

    "Coola offers a wide range of exquisite self-tanners designed for both the face and body," explains Scibelli. "Personally, I am a huge advocate for their sunless tan anti-aging serum. Its composition is 70% organic and acts as a highly nourishing and age-defying face serum derived from plant stem cells, in addition to hyaluronic acid."

    Purchase it from Amazon for $54

    Get it for $54 from Sephora

    Firming Body Drops for Self-Tanning by Isle of Paradise

    Self-Tanning Firming Body DropsPros
    • ProContains caffeine to temporarily tighten the skin
    Cons
    • ConMay require experimentation to determine the ideal number of drops
    Why I adore Isle of Paradise: (1) The founder and esteemed spray tanner Jules Von Hep emphasizes body positivity and promotes self-tanning for everyone, and (2) they are the pioneers of tanning drops, providing an unparalleled experience. Bursting with antioxidants that safeguard the skin, a plethora of nourishing oils, hydrating glycerin, and caffeine for a temporary skin-firming effect, these drops will bless you with the healthiest-looking and most radiant bronzed glow ever. Simply add a few drops to your preferred body moisturizer, apply it all over your skin, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.
    • Key ingredients: DHA, vitamin C, vitamin E, avocado oil, glycerin, aloe vera, caffeine
    • Formula: Serum
    • Clear application? Yes
    THE REVIEW: "I absolutely adore this product," enthuses a reviewer with fair skin and red hair. "It bestows upon me a stunning luminous tan—I blend it with the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, and once you find the right ratio of lotion to tan, you're good to go!"

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    Outstanding Gradual Self-Tanner for Fair Skin

    Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Lotion

    Natural Glow Revitalizing Lotion4

    Top Gradual Self-Tanner for Fair Complexions

    Lux Unfiltered Blurring Body Glow

    Blurring Body GlowPros
    • ProScentless formula, perfect for delicate skin
    Cons
    • ConAlthough it looks tanned, it provides a subtle illumination and is better suited for a radiant, softening impact
    Believe me when I say that this body glow is absolutely essential. Not only does it give your skin a flawless, airbrushed appearance from head to toe, but it is also infused with shea butter and sunflower seed oil (for moisturization), squalane (for hydration), and vitamin C (for brightening). Just like makeup for your skin, it imparts a subtle bronzed hue and a luminizing effect.
    • Key ingredients: Shea butter, sunflower seed oil, squalane, vitamin C
    • Formula: Lotion
    • Clear application? No* (*tinted)
    THE REVIEW: "I wore this to a pool soiree and received immense compliments on my appearance," one review discloses. "I spent the whole day by the pool, and it didn't fade! I had to remove it using soap and water."Pros
    • ProEffortless application and produces the appearance of a professionally done spray tan when blended
    Cons
    • ConDuring application, it has a tendency to drip onto your feet, and if not blended, it might appear patchy, according to reviewers
    Why spend a fortune on a salon spray tan when you can achieve the same results at home? Allow me to present you my preferred self-tanning spray, which guarantees an even, airbrushed tan that you can achieve by yourself. I start with clean, dry skin, spraying the self-tanner on one area of my body at a time, and then using broad circular motions, blending it in using a tanning mitt. Thanks to the presence of aloe vera and glycerin, my skin immediately appears nourished, and after two to four hours, I acquire a natural-looking tan.
    • Key ingredients: DHA, glycerin, aloe vera, raspberry seed oil, vitamins B, C, and E
    • Formula: Liquid
    • Clear application? Yes
    THE REVIEW: "Throughout the years, I have experimented with various self-tanning products," one reviewer points out. "Among lotions and foams, this spray is unquestionably my all-time favorite. It smoothly blends and develops a stunning result."

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    7

    Deepest Self-Tanner for Fair Skin

    Australian Glow Facial Bronzing Mist

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    Best Facial Self-Tanner for Fair Complexions

    Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops

    D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing DropsPros
    • ProWeightless, removable tint that achieves a sun-kissed radiance in seconds
    Cons
    • ConFunctions like makeup, resulting in a temporary tan
    Occasionally, time is scarce, and we simply don't have enough of it to go through an entire self-tanning process. Fortunately, products like the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops exist and have achieved a loyal following. Forgotten to tan? No worries, just apply this to your face after your skincare routine/before your makeup or mix it with your foundation, facial moisturizer, or tinted moisturizer for a subtle and natural radiant tan in a flash.
    • Key ingredients: Vitamin E, green tea extract, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin
    • Formula: Serum
    • Clear application? No* (*bronzer)
    THE REVIEW: "This product is exceptional as it imparts a vibrant, radiant look to your skin," states one reviewer, adding, "I adore it as an alternative to self-tanners, which require too much commitment for my taste—I have very fair skin, and find this one buildable without overwhelming my complexion."

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    10

    Finest Self-Tanning Oil for Fair Complexions

    Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Body Oil

    Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Body Oil10

    Top-ranked Self-Tanning Oil for People with Fair Complexions

    Coppertone Glow Protect and Tan Sunscreen Lotion with Gradual Self Tanner SPF 45

    Glow Protect and Tan Sunscreen Lotion with Gradual Self Tanner SPF 4511

    Outstanding Self-Tanner for Individuals with Fair Skin Equipped with Sun Protection

    Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Intense Glow Pad Self-Tanner for Face

    Alpha Beta Intense Glow Pad Self-Tanner for FacePremium Self-Tanning Pads

    Tower 28 Beauty Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer

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    Premiere Bronzer for Individuals with Fair Skin that Imitates Self-Tanner

    Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Face & Body Kabuki Brush 160

    Pros
    • ProSoft bristles that facilitate seamless blending of your fake tan
    Cons
    • ConCleaning the makeup brush after each application is necessary to maintain its hygiene
    Face tanning can be used for contouring, which involves using self-tanner to sculpt the face. Similar to regular contouring techniques, apply the self-tanner using a kabuki brush. (For a bolder look, apply the self-tanner around the lips to create a semi-permanent lip liner.) This makeup trick is sure to revolutionize the way you enhance your facial features.

    THE REVIEW: "This kabuki brush is amazing for both body and face," says one reviewer, noting that "its rounded shape provides comfort while holding it, and it's large enough for spreading shimmery body oil or self-tanner."

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    Sol by Jergens Sunless Tanning Deep Water Mousse

    Best Self-Tanning Mousse

    L'Oréal Paris Self-Tanning Water Mousse

    Most Moisturizing Tanner

    Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle

    TOP SELF-TANNING PACKAGE

    Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Oil Mist

    Premium Self-Tanning Spray for the Body

    Bioderma Photoderm Self-Tanner

    Top Self-Tanner for Delicate Skin

    Bondi Sands Pure Self Tan Foaming Water

    Outstanding Unscented Self-Tanner

    Kora Organics Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion

    Exceptional Tanner Preferred by Celebrities

    Beauty by Earth Self Tanner

    LEADING NATURAL SELF-TANNER

    In a sea of self-tanning options, these top-notch products are here to give you that sun-kissed glow without the damaging effects of UV rays. From gradual lotions to foaming waters and everything in between, there's a perfect match for every skin type and tanning preference. So why not ditch the sun, protect your skin, and achieve a beautiful bronzed look all year round? With these tried-and-true self-tanners, your golden dreams are just a few applications away. Say hello to a radiant and natural-looking tan that will have everyone asking, "Where did you go on vacation?