Looking for the best self-tanners to give you a natural glow? We’ve got inexpensive self-tanners in this post that will leave you sun-kissed and streak-free. Still, have reservations? How do you apply self-tanning lotion? Read on and you’ll thank me later.
What you Should Know About Self-Tanners
Sunless tanning, also known as UV-filled tanning, self-tanning, spray tanning, or fake tanning, is getting a tan without exposure to the sun.
Sunless tanning entails the application of creams, lotions, and sprays to the skin.
Since the 1960s, when health authorities proved linkages between UV exposure and the prevalence of skin cancer, sunless tanning has grown in popularity.
From 2019 to 2025, the global market for self-tanning products is expected to grow by 5.9%. The ease of use and excellent results continue to drive product demand and interest.
Top 35 Best Self-Tanners You Should Know
Self-tanners have considerably improved over the years because of innovations in product formulation that address difficulties such as the dreaded orange cast.
They have also worked on improving unpleasant aroma and streaking (better formulation bases such as self-tanning drops, lotions, creams, mousses, wipes, and mists that apply and spread more easily).
Are you ready to uncover your go-to look for this summer and the months and years ahead? Check out our picks for the top 30!
1. St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
This clear, streak-free mist can be used under or over makeup for a natural glow that may last for days.
Thanks to its antioxidant properties and ingredients like fresh green mandarin water, it might just become a key part of your skincare routine too. And hey, none of that chemical smell you can’t stand!
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2. Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
This tanning concentrate may look small, but it’s mighty. Simply add a few drops to your serum, moisturizer, or face oil for a glorious tan. So easy.
We’re talking Triple Tan Technology here for nourished, natural radiance. Reviewers say they “couldn’t recommend this more” and that they now have a “perfect bronzed glow”!
3. Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish
If you’ve ever been stuck wearing pants in 90-degree weather because of a terrible tan you couldn’t remove, this is the body bronzer for you.
It rinses off, so that fear of commitment is gone, making it great for beginners especially. The hydration will stick around though — this best self-tanner has moisture-locking technology that lasts up to 72 hours!
4. Fake Bake Flawless Coconut Tanning Serum
If you’re a beginner, a single product for the face and body might be more up your alley.
Many beauty lovers out there swear that coconut oil was the one ingredient that changed their skin for the better, and that’s the power ingredient in this anti-aging face and body tanner!
Don’t forget about the hyaluronic acid too. Because this tanner is naturally derived, it claims to not turn skin orange, leave an unpleasant odor or stain your clothes!
5. COOLA Organic Gradual Sunless Tan Sculpting Mousse
You can’t go wrong with COOLA. This is the best, and this product confirms my opinion. This gradual tanner is perfect for confidently tanning pale skin.
Interestingly, it’s already unique, but it gets even better from there when you realize it has ingredients like green coffee extracts to contour and firm up the skin.
It’s made with 70% + certified organic ingredients too!
6. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
You’ll want to try out this instant tanner from Clarins. This non-oily gel tanner has aloe vera and shea butter to keep skin soothed and smooth in the sun, and it dries fast so you can get dressed just a few minutes after application!
7. Suntegrity Staycation–Botanical Bronzing Shimmer Serum
This luminous bronzing serum is made for all skin types, including sensitive and blemish/acne-prone.
It even has a gorgeous shimmer to it so you can truly sparkle in the sun without needing to cover up any dots or spots you would rather not show off.
We know they can be more visible on pale skin, so this could be a big help!
8. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foamto
Bondi Sands is easily a favorite among influencers, and we can see why. Getting an even tan is so easy with this professional-grade tanning foam, and it comes in a light/medium shade for those of us with fairer, very pale skin.
It’s made to give you “the ultimate Australian tan in minutes,” and we have no complaints about that!
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9. Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
These cruelty-free tanning drops are vegan, organic, and hypoallergenic, free of toxins, gluten, mineral oils, and more. Amazingly, they are also a total fan favorite with over 1,300 reviews.
Wake up with a soft glow after using them and that they are a “must-have for an even all-over tan”!
10. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousseto
They made this natural DHA tanning mousse with the brand’s Cellushape technology.
It’s infused with raw virgin coconuts, botanicals, amino acids, fruit extracts, and cocoa to potentially hydrate skin, blur pigmentation and stretch marks, and provide anti-aging, anti-cellulite benefits!
11. Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner Lotion
For just $10, we’d recommend this clean tanning lotion to just about anyone.
It has plenty of fans and a beautiful ingredient list featuring shea butter, sweet almond oil, and safflower oil — and no gluten, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances!
12. Curb Appeal Beauty THE Tan Stick
It almost looks like a stick of deodorant, but this tanning stick is actually a dye-free, mess-free way to a sunless yet sun-kissed glow.
Such a great pick for beginners. It goes on clear, and claims to exfoliate the skin as you apply using both microdermabrasion and glycolic acid!
13. Moroccanoil Shimmering Body Oil
Whether you already have a little of a tan going on or just want a little of natural-looking radiance to make your pale skin more like porcelain, this pearlescent body oil is our pick.
It’s not exactly a tanner, but it can still give you that even-toned, glowy effect. Impossible to overdo it!
14. Sisley-Paris Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care
Want every self-tanning session to feel like a trip to the spa? The fancy moisturizing cream is the perfect pick for adding to your facial skincare routine.
Emphatically, this skincare contains stunning ingredients like hibiscus flower extract and alpine rose extract!
15. Tan-Luxe Wonder Oil
If you have dry skin, you don’t want to risk your best self-tanner clinging to dry patches. That’s why we suggest an oil like this one, which may hydrate for up to 48 hours at a time.
We love the cooling rollerball applicator too!
16. Tarte Brazilliance PLUS Self Tanner
If you try to stick strictly to clean beauty to avoid any negative reactions, this best self-tanner may be the one for you. It’s hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and sulfate-free!
17. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
If you don’t want to commit to a face tan — especially if you’re not sure how it’ll turn out — try something like this bronzing cream instead of that you can just wash off and reapply as needed.
It’s non-comedogenic and has a lovely, velvety finish!
18. Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse
Reviewers — over 3,000 of them — love this self-tanner for its natural color and bearable scent. The nonsticky, non-orange mousse works in two hours, as promised, giving skin a relatively quick bronzy glow sans sun.
For best results, reviewers note that skin prep is key (exfoliating and moisturizing), and a mitt for application is a must for non-streaky color.
The formula was also quick-drying and non-greasy. “It did not streak, spot, or have any orange tan hue to it,” one user reported. Note that some users wished the color produced was deeper.
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Self-tanning can be difficult, so you’ll want to be prepared with the best supplies and tools.
Surprisingly, the best self-tanners are an excellent substitute for sunbathing.
However, understanding how best self-tanners work, the active components in each self-tanning product, and how to apply them correctly is critical for safe and successful tanning.
They are, without a question, cost-effective and protect you from harmful sun rays that could hurt your skin.
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