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Best Self-Tanning Lotions

What is a Self-Tanning Lotion?

Self-tanning lotions (a.k.a. sunless tanners) are a safe and effective way of adding sun-kissed color to your skin, without using harsh tanning beds or harmful sun exposure.

You apply these indoor tanning lotions at home and they give you a sunless tan instantly or in a few hours, depending on the kind you choose.

They come in a few different solutions such as mousses, creams, sprays, and oils.

Why Use a Self-Tanning Lotion?

Getting a sun-kissed look can make skin look glowy and healthy. But with the dangers of UV overexposure, baking your skin by the pool or in a tanning bed for hours is no longer a wise choice.

If you still want that post-vacation glow, self-tanners are an effective and safe way to achieve your tanning dreams. Just make sure to avoid any self-tanners that make your skin look unnatural and orange. I’ve selected my favorites in my self-tanner reviews.

How to Use Self-Tanner?

Exfoliation

For most self-tanning lotions, exfoliation is key in preventing an uneven application. The night before, make sure to give your skin a good scrub with a loofah brush or a sugar scrub. A little bit of lotion applied to any dry areas is also a good idea.

Shaving

If you shave the area you will be tanning, wait a few hours before applying the tanning lotion. Otherwise, your pores will absorb the self-tanner, giving you small dots where your hair used to be.

Tanning Mitt

Using a mitt (a special tanning glove) also makes self-tanner apply more evenly and avoids the palm of your hand from getting overly colored.

Order of Application (for body)

Using circular motions, first apply self-tanner everywhere except your hands, feet, elbows, knees, and face. Saving these areas until last, means that you’ll less likely overapply self-tanner to these areas. Using what remains from your tanning mitt, apply any excess tanning lotion to these tricky areas.

If you’ve made a mistake along the way, just rub the area with your tanning mitt or rub a little lemon on it.

How Long do Sunless Tanners last?

Sunless tanner comes in 3 common formulas:

1.  Instant, but washable

The color appears on your skin instantly, just like makeup. This is the quickest version, but it also washes away when you shower. It’s great if you need a tan ASAP for an event or special occasion.

2.  Gradual Tan

The most subtle and easy way of applying self-tanner, gradual tanners are great if you’re scared of getting too tan or want a no-frills, slap-it-on-and-go approach. They’ve been diluted in lotion, for use on either your face or body and add a subtle tan to your skin. They last for about 2-3 days, but can be reapplied easily for a continuous tan. Further applications will also give you a deeper tan.

3.  Long Lasting

After applying, the self-tanner slowly gets darker and reaches its final potential in a few hours. This requires a bit of patience, but means the color will set, be waterproof, and last for up to a week.

Time to review my favorite sunless tanning lotions!

Instant Self-Tanner, but Washable

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

No products found.

Is it for face or body?

Body, but specifically legs and feet

Why it’s good?

This lightweight spray is similar to spray-on makeup, evening out skin discoloration (ie. varicose veins, stretch marks) while adding a sun-kissed glow. Importantly, it is transfer and water resistant. It comes in many shades, to suit many tanning preferences.

How many days will the tan last?

It lasts until you shower.

How long does it take the tan to develop?

It develops instantly

How do I use it?

After shaking well, spray into your hand and apply it to your legs and feet. Blend it well with circular motions and then wash your hands. It sets in 1-2 minutes.

Bondi Sands Summer Bronze Instant Tan Dark

No products found.

Is it for face or body?

Body

Why it’s good?

It’s a wash-off formula that gives you a natural looking dark tan instantly. There’s no need to wait hours for it to develop. I’d compare it to airbrush makeup. They also do other shades as well.

It’s also great for last minute occasions when you don’t have time to prep the night before or wait hours for the tan to develop.

How many days will the tan last?

Until you take a shower. It is transfer resistant.

How long does it take the tan to develop?

Since it’s a wash off formula, the color appears instantly as you apply it. It’s like putting a lightweight foundation on your face. You see the color, but at the end of the day you can wash it off.

How do I use it?

The instructions say to spray it onto your body, but I found applying it this way harder. You also have to make sure that nothing around you gets sprayed.

Personally, I recommend spraying some into your hand and then rubbing it directly onto your body in circular motions.  Then wash your hands, so you avoid your palms from turning tan. The self-tanner takes about 5 minutes to set.

Gradual Self-Tanner

Nivea Sun-Kissed Radiance (Fair to Medium)

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Is it for face or body?

Body

Why it’s good?

This gradual tanner is great if you want a hint of color, but don’t want anything too dark. It’s also a subtle way of achieving a tan without worrying about exfoliating, a tanning mitt, or going too dark.

It’s one of the best self-tanners for fair skin, because it is subtle. This can even be used after a shower when your skin is still damp.

How many days will the tan last?

About 3 days

How long does it take the tan to develop?

About 12 hours for a very subtle tan.  Used once a day, it slowly deepens in color without the streaks.

How do I use it?

Apply liberally over your skin, like if you were applying body lotion. You can be pretty casual about it and there is no risk of streaks or overapplying to knees and elbows.  Wait a few minutes before wearing clothes, for it to fully absorb.

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster

No products found.

Is it for face or body?

Face

Why it’s good?

This is the best self-tanner for face. These glow-boosting drops can be added to your regular day or night cream, allowing you to create a custom level of self-tan. It’s great if you like a light tan in Winter and a heavier tan in Summer.

Since it can be mixed with your own face cream, it makes it friendly to use for all skin types, even acne-prone.

How many days will the tan last?

Because it gives a subtle tan, you should reapply every 2 or 3 days.

How long does it take the tan to develop?

About 3-4 hours

How do I use it?

Add one to three drops to your face cream and mix well. Then apply to your face, neck and décolleté for an even tanned look. Wash your hands unless you want tan palms.

Long Lasting Self-Tanner

Clinique Self Sun Face Tinted Lotion

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Is it for face or body?

Face

Why it’s good?

Created by Clinique, a well-respected skincare and makeup brand, they know a thing or two about pigments. Their self-tanner is easy to use, oil-free, fragrance-free, non-acnegenic and looks very natural.

As soon as you apply it, you get a subtle tint, which makes it easy to know where you’re applying it. A few hours later, the tan develops into a natural sun-kissed glow. It’s definitely one of the best self-tanners for fair skin.

How many days will the tan last?

3 days

How long does it take the tan to develop?

It takes about 4 hours

How do I use it?

For best results, exfoliate and shave your face (if you shave your face, of course) before applying the self-tanner. Put your hair up and then apply a thin layer over your face, making sure to avoid your eye area, eyebrows, and hairline.

Wash your hands immediately after, to prevent them from tanning.

Wait 15 minutes for it to set before any contact with your clothes or hair. And then wait at least 4 hours before swimming, showering, or applying creams or makeup.

Beauty by Earth Organic Self Tanner

No products found.

Is it for face or body?

Can be used for both. However, if you are acne-prone I’d be careful using it on the face, because of the shea butter.

Why it’s good?

It’s great for pale skin and is buildable. It’s also natural and organic.

Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Green Tea and Witch Hazel work to moisturize your skin while DHA works its tanning magic.

How many days will the tan last?

4-5 days

How long does it take the tan to develop?

About 6 hours. You can apply a second layer after that, but ideally, you should apply it 24 hours later.

How do I use it?

Like most self-tanners, exfoliate the day before and make sure you moisturize any dry areas. Then apply to your body, using any excess self-tan on your hands, feet, elbows, and knees, for a lighter application.

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse – Classic

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Is it for face or body?

For face and body

Why it’s good?

Given awards by Elle beauty and Allure magazine, this self-tanner gives a beautiful sun-kissed color. The DHA (the natural tanning agent) in this is eco-certified DHA. It works on olive-toned skin as well.

How many days will the tan last?

The packaging says up to 10 days, but it was more like 4-5 days in my experience.

How long does it take the tan to develop?

Develops in 4-8 hours and is buildable.

How do I use it?

Firstly, buy a mitt. You are bound to have tanned palms after using this if you don’t use a mitt.

Start from your ankles and work your way up, lightly rubbing in long strokes. Avoid hands, feet, elbows, knees and your face until the end. Then use any excess left on the mitt on these areas for a subtle application.

The self-tanner sets in about 20 mins, so don’t get dressed until afterward. Also, don’t do anything sweaty or get wet for at least 4-8 hours.

Fake Bake Flawless

No products found.

Is it for face or body?

For face and body

Why it’s good?

Fake Bake comes with a free mitt, which makes the application even and keeps your palms from turning tan. This can be used by very pale to olive-tone skin types.

The formula is paraben and DMDM Hydantoin free.

How many days will the tan last?

4-5 days

How long does it take the tan to develop?

About 4-6 hours

How do I use it?

Ideally, use this product at night and then shower in the morning. A little will run off, but you will be left with a beautiful natural tan color.

After prepping your skin properly the day before, spray the self-tanner onto the velvet side of the mitt and apply to clean skin.

To build the color, wait 24 hours between applications.

Fake Bake Flawless Darker

No products found.

Is it for face or body?

Because it comes out quite dark, this should be used on the body.

Why it’s good?

Fake Bake is a non-sticky formula that dries quickly. There is a slight tropical scent, which is nice. As usual, Fake Bake comes with a free mitt and latex gloves to protect your palms from turning dark.

The color itself is natural and not orange, even though it gives you a deeper tan than the regular Fake Bake Flawless.

It’s also paraben and DMDM Hydantoin free.

How many days will the tan last?

4-5 days

How long does it take the tan to develop?

4-6 hours.

How do I use it?

Ideally, use this product at night and then shower in the morning. A little will run off, but you will be left with a beautiful natural tan color.

After prepping your skin properly the day before, spray the self-tanner onto the velvet side of the Mitt and apply to clean skin

To build the color, wait 24 hours between applications.

Summary

Finding a natural-looking sunless tanning lotion is possible these days. Stick to the well-known brands and avoid looking like a fluorescent orange Oompa Loompa. Once you find what’s right for you, just make sure to prep your skin properly and use a mitt for an even application. Sun-kissed skin was never so easy and healthy!

Love, Katie xx