Best Self-Tanners for a Natural, Sun-Kissed Glow Year-Round
How to Apply Self-Tanner for Best Results?Exfoliate beforehand to remove dead skin cells and ensure a smooth application.Moisturize dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent uneven absorption.
From St. Tropez and Bondi Sands to Jergens Natural Glow and L'Oréal Sublime Bronze, we review top pick! Whether you want an extra dark instant tan, a tinted formula, or a gradual daily moisturizer. Discover beauty department favorites like Clinique, Clarins, and St. Moriz, plus budget-friendly finds from Asda. Get that original summer color with visible glow effects, even in winter!
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Self-Tanners
Self-tanners are the perfect way to achieve a radiant, bronzed complexion without sun exposure. Here’s our curated selection of the best self-tanning products for a natural, streak-free glow.
How to Choose the Right Self-Tanner?
To find the best self-tanner for your skin, start by selecting the right texture that suits your application preference. Whether it’s a mousse, cream, gel, or mist, there are plenty of options to ensure an even tan.
If you’re unsure about the intensity of your tan, opt for a product that comes in multiple shades or features a gradual tanning effect. Checking the DHA (dihydroxyacetone) concentration can also help—higher DHA levels result in a deeper tan.
Use an applicator mitt for a streak-free, flawless finish.Wait before dressing to let the product fully absorb and develop.
How to Apply Self-Tanner for Best Results?
- Exfoliate beforehand to remove dead skin cells and ensure a smooth application.
- Moisturize dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent uneven absorption.
- Use an applicator mitt for a streak-free, flawless finish.
- Wait before dressing to let the product fully absorb and develop.
Top Self-Tanners for a Perfect Glow
1. Nuda Self Tanning Mousse – SHOP NOW ON Free People
A lightweight, velvety mousse enriched with coconut oil and mango extract for a natural-looking tan with a fresh scent.
Nuda Self Tanning Mousse – SHOP NOW ON Free People
User Reviews:
- "Probably one of the most natural tans I have seen. Great for winter. It goes on super smoothly, velvety. Easy to blend. Doesn't dry out my skin." – ★★★★★amazon.com
- "I have used many self tanners and this is the best by far. No smell, just a little sticky and the tan was beautiful." – ★★★★★lovelyskin.com
Nuda Self Tanning Water Mousse – SHOP NOW ON Free People
User Reviews:
- "This product goes on beautiful and stays on for about 5 days. I mix mine with body lotion and it blends in well. Doesn't stain sheets or other clothes." – ★★★★★amazon.com
- "I highly recommend this product for someone looking for a subtle and even tan – and who doesn't have a lot of time to apply a darker shade and get it right." – ★★★★☆
Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care – SHOP NOW ON Moda Operandi
User Reviews:
- "This cream nourishes and tans like nothing else I've tried in over 30 years of self-tanning. So easy to use for décolletage and arms, or for legs in a flash if you want to be bare-legged and softly bronzed in a skirt within just a couple of hours." – ★★★★★spacenk.com
- "The fresh, floral scent and rich and comfortable texture offer a very soft finish on the skin and allow for an even application without streaks on the body." – ★★★★★bluemercury.com
Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care – SHOP NOW ON Moda Operandi
- User Reviews:
- "I mix mine with body lotion and it blends in well. Doesn't stain sheets or other clothes." – ★★★★★amazon.com
- "It's very light and has a nice scent. It also feels moisturizing when I put it on, which helps me see where I put it (since it is clear)." ★★★★☆thebitterlemon.com
Luna Bronze Tanning Moisturizer – SHOP NOW ON Free People
User Reviews:
- "This is my go-to in the winter from now on. The smell is subtle and after a few applications keeps my skin a nice glow and I feel so much better about myself." – ★★★★★
- "Love it! This is a beautiful lotion to give your skin a lovely glow in the cold winter months. It applies easily without streaking and doesn’t have that fake tan smell." – ★★★★★
Luna Bronze Tanning Mitt – SHOP NOW ON Free People
User Reviews:
- "The thumb grip on the mitt ensures extra control for those hard-to-reach areas, and it's perfect for distributing your favorite Luna Bronze self-tanning product evenly for a flawless finish every time." – ★★★★★
- "Get a flawless and sunless tan with this easy-to-use tanning mitt from Luna Bronze." – ★★★★★
After Sun Hydration Gel – SHOP NOW ON Moda Operandi
- User Reviews:
- "The cooling formula makes you feel like you just walked into your favorite mai tai bar with blasting air conditioning." – ★★★★★tanningclub.com
- "Hydrate and quench sun-kissed skin with this antioxidant-rich formula that absorbs quickly and provides long-lasting hydration." – ★★★★★marmalade.com
Everyday Sunscreen SPF 30 – SHOP NOW ON Moda Operandi
Golden Glow SPF 15 – SHOP NOW ON Moda Operandi
- Provides SPF 15 protection while nourishing the skin with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Gives my skin a beautiful glow while protecting it from the sun. Perfect for everyday use!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Not greasy at all, and the subtle tint evens out my skin tone. Love it!"
Royal Tanning Balm – SHOP NOW ON Moda Operandi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Keeps my skin hydrated and extends my tan beautifully. Smells amazing too!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "The perfect product for glowing, bronzed skin. It’s so nourishing and makes my tan last longer."
The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion – SHOP NOW ON Bluemercury
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Super easy to apply, and the color builds gradually—no weird orange tones!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Gives me a natural glow without drying out my skin. Perfect for a subtle tan!"
Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care – SHOP NOW ON Bluemercury
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I use this instead of makeup some days! It gives my face a healthy, fresh glow."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Lightweight, hydrating, and gives me the most natural tan. My skin looks so smooth!"
Luxe Cashmere Tanning Sweater Vest – SHOP NOW ON Aritzia
BABATON Luxe Cashmere Tanning Sweater Vest – SHOP NOW ON Aritzia
A luxurious cashmere sweater vest designed for effortless layering. The soft, lightweight fabric provides warmth and style, perfect for any season.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Super soft and versatile! I love how I can dress it up or down."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Feels like a dream—worth every penny. The fit is perfect!"
The Glowgetter Edit – SHOP NOW ON Bluemercury
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Perfect travel set! Everything you need for a flawless tan in one kit."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I love how natural and streak-free my tan looks. The drops are a game-changer!"
The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion – SHOP NOW ON Moda Operandi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "So easy to use! The tan develops gradually and looks so natural."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "No streaks, no weird smell, just a perfect glow!"
The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion – SHOP NOW ON Violet Grey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I love how I can control the intensity of my tan. It looks so natural!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "My skin feels soft and glowy, never dry or patchy.
The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops – SHOP NOW ON Violet Grey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Obsessed! Just a few drops in my lotion, and I wake up with the perfect tan."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "No streaks, no mess—just an easy, natural glow."
The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops – SHOP NOW ON Violet Grey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Gives me the perfect sun-kissed look without any patchiness!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Love how easy it is to adjust the color. No clogged pores, just a beautiful glow!"
Saltyface Tanning Foam – SHOP NOW ON Goop
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "So easy to apply, and the color develops beautifully. No orange tones!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Love how natural this looks—plus, it doesn't dry out my skin!"
Saltyface Tanning Water – SHOP NOW ON Goop
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Super lightweight and easy to apply. Gives me a glow that looks like I just came back from vacation!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "No sticky feeling, no streaks, and the color lasts for days!"
Everybody Loves The Sunshine Golden Tanning Oil – SHOP NOW ON The Detox Market
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "My skin feels so soft, and the glow is absolutely gorgeous!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Love that it’s all-natural and gives me such a healthy, golden tan."
Absolute Dark Tanning Cream – SHOP NOW ON Beauty Heroes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Gives me the perfect deep tan without looking fake or streaky!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "The hydration is amazing! My skin stays soft, and the color lasts for days."
Enhance Light Tanning Cream – SHOP NOW ON Beauty Heroes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Such a beautiful, natural-looking tan! No orange tones, just a healthy glow."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Super moisturizing and easy to apply. The color builds gradually and looks flawless!"
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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a deep bronzed look or a subtle glow, these self-tanners offer something for every preference and skin type. With the right application, you can enjoy a natural, sun-kissed glow all year long—without the sun damage!