| How to apply self tanner | The best self-tanning products… | Self Tanner FAQs |
Self-tanner has an immediate mood-boosting effect. Not only will it make you look like you just returned home from a long vacation, but it will also make your abs stand out. And, of course, it offers a healthy way to achieve a sun-kissed glow while avoiding harsh UV rays.
As a pale girl and someone who attends events every week, I’ve probably tried just about every self-tanning product over the years. Here are a few of our favorite tools and the tools you need to get the best streak-free look at home. The best self-tanners today don’t leave an orange tint, at least when applied correctly. Don’t be afraid to skip a professional spray tan for an at-home look.
Best Self Tanners TL;DR
- Cheapest self-tanning products: Bali Body Sunless Self Tanner Mousse
- Best Self Tanning Jelly: Luna Bronze Self Tanning Jelly
- Best dark self tanners: Tanologist Dark Self Tan Mousse
- Best self tanner scents: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Self Tanner
- Best Express Self Tanners: Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse
- Best spray-tan adjacent self-tanners: Sugard + Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse
How do I apply self-tanner for best results?
All you need is a self-tanning mitt to keep your palms dye-free and a self-tan back applicator for those hard-to-reach areas.
1. Preparing your skin for self-tanning
To prepare for a tan at home, first do a body scrub in the shower to remove previous tanning agent and dead skin. Then shave your entire body. It is recommended that you avoid oil-based body washes before self-tanning. Because it can lead to a stained finish. After showering, I apply lotion to my hands, feet, knees, and elbows. This is the area where most tanners will stick, so you’ll want to create a barrier.
2. Apply self-tanner to hands and feet
Getting your hands and feet perfectly tanned is the trickiest part. I use an old, clean makeup brush to apply just a little bit of tanning agent to these areas. Orange hands are a sign of fake tan, so I usually wash my hands an hour after applying the tanning product to avoid getting too much in that area. Using the same makeup brush, smooth out the lines between your hands and arms so there isn’t too much contrast.
3. Process after applying self-tanner
Unless it’s a premium formula, I go to bed with fake tan on and wash it off in the shower the next morning. Afterwards, I apply lotion to make it last longer. Note: Self-tanner is best applied at night.
Below you’ll find some of my favorite self-tanning products from brands like Bali Body, Loving Tan, Tanologist, and more. We also have honorable mentions for our great reputation based on previous customer reviews and ratings! These self-tanners are available at Amazon, Walmart, and Ulta.
cheapest self tanning products
Bali Body Sunless Self Tanner Mousse
claim: Bali Body is now available at Walmart. Buying this amazing Australian self-tanner is easier than ever. The brand claims that this tanning product is safe even for sensitive skin and offers a customized tanning effect depending on how quickly you wash it off.
My opinion: As someone with sensitive skin, I can confirm that this self-tanner doesn’t cause any problems for me. It smells good and disappears naturally.
price: Available at Walmart for $17
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best self tanning jelly
Luna Bronze Self Tanning Jelly
claim: This unique hydrating jelly lotion is non-sticky and dries clear.
My opinion: I love that this tanner is less messy than mousse, can fly everywhere, and doesn’t have a color guard that transfers onto clothes and sheets. (Color guards are temporary colors in some self-tanners that help you know where you put them.) It’s less sticky than mousse and goes on like a body cream. Plus, it disappears really naturally.
price: Available at Ulta for $34
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best dark self tanner
Tanologist Dark Self Tan Mousse
claim: Tanologist claims that self-tanning results appear within up to four hours and are streak-free. It doesn’t leave an orange tone and is made with skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and aloe vera to hydrate and soothe.
My opinion: I’m naturally pale so I’m scared of dark self-tanners, but this looks really good. I can’t confirm or deny the 4-hour development claim because, like other self-tanners, I sleep in it.
price: Available on Amazon for $18
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best self tanner scent
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Self Tanner
claim: This tropical self-tanner has mango and guava scents. You can choose from Medium, Dark, and Ultra Dark colors and have a green-grey base offset by orange tones.
My opinion: This gorgeous tanner leaves you feeling luxurious and hydrating. It has a good tone that leaves no orange residue.
price: Available on Amazon for $38
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Best Express Self Tanner
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse
claim: Loving Tan says this is a professional-grade formula that continues to develop even after being washed off in just two hours. It is Lovingtan’s #1 bestseller.
My opinion: Sometimes you’re not that good at planning ahead, and that’s where you need an express self-tanner. I love that I can wash this tanning product off after just two hours without sacrificing effectiveness.
price: Available at Ulta for $60
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bonus: Best Spray-Tan Adjacent Self-Tanner
Sugard + Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse
claim: Sugared + Bronzed says this self-tanner is lightweight and dries quickly. You can customize the tone based on your development time.
My opinion: I personally have never tried this self-tanner, but I love the Sugared + Bronzed spray tan product. Reviewers on Amazon rate this tanner 4.5 stars, so expect it to give you a similar finish to an at-home spray tan.
price: Available on Amazon for $40
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Self Tanner FAQs
Will self-tanner clog my pores like heavy body oils?
Self-tanning products can clog pores. Through trial and error, you can find a formula that works for you. I tend to get acne on my shoulders and back, but I don’t have any major problems with the self-tanners above.
Can I still use shimmer oil if I use self-tanner?
Yes, you can develop a self-tanner and after you get out of the shower, you can use shimmer oil to highlight your collarbones, shoulders, etc. This is something I often do for special occasions.
Can I apply SPF on top of self-tanner?
Yes. Don’t skip the always important step of applying SPF just because you’ve applied self-tanner to your skin. For best results, apply SPF after self-tanner is fully applied and rinsed. For even application, it is recommended to use an SPF lotion rather than a spray.
When is the best time to apply self-tanner?
As mentioned above, self-tanner is best applied at night. That way, you can develop without interruption even while you sleep.
self tanner market
According to Intel Market Research, the global self-tanner market size is expected to be $1.75 billion in 2025, growing from $1.89 billion in 2026 to $3.12 billion in 2034! So there will be more self-tanning products to try in the near future… Stay tuned for the next update!
The post Tried Countless Self-Tanners — Which Products Are Worth Buying appeared first on RetailMeNot’s The Real Deal.
