The Best Self Tanners for a Sunless Summer Glow, Tested by Us (2024)

Our Top Picks

The St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzer Mousse is our favorite tanner, thanks to its simple pump-style dispenser, streak-free formula, and longevity. While it is one of the higher-priced formulas on our list, it’s worth it—the product went on easily even though we didn’t have the brand’s signature mitt on, and we really liked the natural-looking, not-at-all-orange color it gave us. That said, we would definitely recommend using the mitt, because it’s a pretty quick-drying formula and without one, there’s more of a risk for an uneven coat.

When blending the formula on the skin, we could tell where we had yet to apply it, making it a great option for beginner and novice tanners. We like the immediate bronzing effect and the fact that it was comfortable to wear throughout the day so we weren’t limited in what we could do while waiting for it to develop. It wasn’t sticky, and it didn’t transfer to any of our clothes or bedding (just wait 60 seconds before getting dressed). There was no off-putting “self-tanner” smell, either. In all, it’s an awesome fake tan that takes four to eight hours to develop and can last up to 10 days.

Type: Mousse | Shades: Classic | Development Time: 4–8 Hours | Size: 1.7, 4, or 8 ounces

Considering how lightweight and thin this gradual tanning lotion is, you wouldn't expect the Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk to layer on itself so beautifully as you build up the color. We found that it took us a few daily applications to build up a natural-looking tan, and switching to two days per week resulted in an even appearance to our skin.

As we rubbed the formula into our skin, we noticed right away how quickly it dried down. This means you have to work quickly and in small areas during application to prevent any streaking, but the good thing about a quick dry down is that you can apply it morning or night and feel comfortable wearing any outfit (even one that's all white). Just be careful when applying, as Bondi Sands suggests washing your hands immediately after use to avoid any unwanted tan lines on your hands.

Type: Lotion | Shades: 1 | Development Time: 24 hours | Size: 3.4 and 12.6 ounces

An inexpensive drugstore option that offers a natural radiance is the best way to describe the Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Self Tanner. In testing, the formula was very forgiving, particularly for those of us who have never used a tanning product before. As long as you take the time to rub it into the skin—it’s not as quick drying as other options, so you can apply it just as you would your daily moisturizer—there’s no need for a mitt or any other application method other than your own hands. It gives a natural-looking tan and moisturizes your skin in the process.

This formula has a tropical scent that masks the traditional staleness many individuals notice with self-tanning products, and the option of two hues allows different skin tones to experience the subtle glow. We did experience some patchiness around the ankles, but we didn’t think it was that noticeable. Since this is a gradual tanner, you’ll start to notice subtle results in about 24 hours and slightly deeper color by day two. We wouldn’t recommend this to anyone looking for major color before a big event, but if you want to incorporate a little bit of warmth piece by piece every day, this is for you.

Type: Lotion | Shades: Light/medium and medium/deep | Development Time: Gradual | Size: 7.5 Ounces

Applying a traditional self tanner to your face is risky, but a formula you can add to your favorite skincare? Game changing. For a naturally glowing complexion, we suggest the Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops.

We read the directions before testing and they say to add two to 12 drops to your favorite moisturizer, mix the two, and gently blend into your skin. Since we weren't sure how pigmented the tanner would make us, we went with four to be safe. Fortunately, there was no streaking or patchiness the next day, and the resulting tan left us feeling sunkissed. It took several days before the color started to fade, but maintenance isn't an issue since the drops are so convenient.

Note that the overall formula of the drops is slightly oily. It didn't change the consistency of our moisturizer, but it is something to consider if you have an oily skin type.

Type: Serum | Shades: Light/Medium or Medium/Dark | Development Time: 6–8 hours | Size: 0.3 & 1.0 ounces

The Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse is the ideal choice for anyone running low on time and needing an instant glow. Within one and a half hours of applying, we had a well-developed tan that didn't transfer onto our clothes or leave us feeling sticky. If you wanted to keep the tan on longer for a deeper tint, you could—but who has the time?

During testing, the brown foam turned into a milky, sudsy consistency that made blending effortless, ensuring we didn't miss any areas of the skin. There was some slight patchiness on places like our elbows and knees, but it is nothing that proper skin prep couldn't fix. We definitely suggest using a tanning mitt with this mousse to avoid streaking. The product doesn't come with one, so you have to purchase it separately.

Type: Mousse | Shades: Dark or Ultra Dark | Development Time: 1–4 hours | Size: 6.7 ounces

Individuals with sensitive skin can experience a range of reactions from redness to itchiness when it comes to body products. The Tanning Foam from SaltyFace, on the other hand, is free of irritants including sulfates, parabens, and phthalates and relies on soothing botanical agents such as aloe leaf extract and chamomile flower extract to create a subtle golden glow. The vegan and cruelty-free formula is also safe for those with acne-prone skin, thanks to oil-balancing camellia sinensis leaf, so you won't necessarily need to purchase a separate tanner for your face and body. No matter where you're applying the tanner, the brand suggests using its body brush to ensure an even application.

Type: Foam | Shades: Light/medium and medium/deep | Development Time: 1–24 Hours | Size: 6.8 Ounces

The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam is ideal for those who want a straightforward application with a tan that practically won't budge once it develops. It’s easy to apply thanks to its simple instructions. Testing proved that the modest packaging and ergonomic pump allowed for ease of travel and more precise application. If we needed more product, we used two pumps for an area instead of one. As the tan developed, there was a subtle, more natural tan to the skin as opposed to the dark tone promised on the packaging. Still, unlike other formulas, this foam applied and developed evenly, even without an application mit.

The tanner is seemingly impossible to remove, a factor that could make or break using it for some. After application, we found the product to still be visible on our skin a week later. We recommend proper skin prep before applying self-tanner—it’s crucial to getting a flawless tan.

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With the product's recent package upgrade to a micro-mister, the Bali Body Face Tan Mist is a natural-looking facial spray that won't cause breakouts. We tested the original product where the application technique is similar to how you’d apply a toner. A bit of product applied to a cotton pad and swept across the cheeks left us with a noticeably glowing complexion without signs of breakouts or irritation. After the four-hour mark, we had noticeably deeper skin that received endless compliments.

The formula feels weightless yet moisturizing, and we couldn’t help but love the streak-free and even application. With effortless application in a completely vegan and cruelty-free formula, you're hard-pressed to find a more user-friendly tanning spray.

Type: Spray | Shades: Dark and ultra dark | Development Time: 4–6 Hours | Size: 3.38 ounces

Another lightweight lotion that leaves behind a subtle glow is the Tanologist Brightening Gradual Tan Lotion. It’s quick drying, coconut scented, and doesn't leave behind a tacky film on the skin once it sinks in.

During testing, we opted to apply the formula with a tanning mitt to avoid any staining on our hands. The brand doesn't offer or suggest using one, but it is a personal preference that could save you if you're running out the door. That said, the formula developed nicely overnight and built on itself throughout the week without being uneven or collecting in places like our elbows.

We appreciate that the brand offers two shades when many gradual tanners have one. It makes the product feel more universal and customizable, especially since the price point is affordable compared to those same brands.

Type: Lotion | Shades: Fair/Medium or Medium/Dark | Development Time: 24 hours | Size: 8.45 ounces

The traditional development time of six to eight hours is well worth the wait, considering the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam evenly tans the skin for a week before fading.

We had to work fast when applying the foam, but the inherent dark hue meant we could see exactly where we needed more product, keeping the tan even. We did notice a bit of patchiness on our wrists, but it was undetectable and most likely because of the glove. As we tested the product, we loved a mitt application, but the one provided with the formula was difficult. The thumb slot made it hard to switch back and forth between our hands, a small detail worth noting.

If you go to bed with the tanner on, try waiting until it fully dries before putting on clothes. We found that if we got dressed too quickly, there was minor product transfer on our garments.

Type: Foam | Shades: Medium, Dark, Ultra Dark | Development Time: 2–8 hours | Size: 6.7 ounces

Of the organic formulas we tried, the COOLA Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion was the most natural and perfect for novice and pro tanners. The lotion itself has a thicker consistency, which meant we had to work harder to blend it into the skin, but the hydration and color left behind didn't disappoint. We found that there is a sweet spot with how much you use. Applying too much resulted in a bit of streaking, not ideal as the product doesn't fade from the skin quickly.

We started to notice the tan developing around the two-hour mark post application, but a full glow wasn't achieved until the typical four- to six-hour window passed. This is an ideal lotion for an overnight tan, particularly because of the swift dry downtime and lack of transfer onto clothes and sheets. If you do choose to use it during the day, the delicious coconut scent masks the odor that self tanner is known for

Type: Lotion | Shades: Universal | Development Time: 6–8 hours | Size: 6 ounces

What's great about the Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tan Lotion is that the thinner consistency made the application a breeze during the testing process. We found it dried quickly but didn't skimp on hydration, thanks to moisturizing ingredients like aloe and raspberry seed oil, but had some minor signs of streaking if not blended into the skin well. Even so, the tan that developed was quite natural and lasted for a solid five days with several showers.

The clear bottle packaging makes it easy to dispense the formula and allows you to see just how much product you have left before you need to restock. To our surprise, after two applications, we picked up on just how much of the lotion you need to get substantial results. Given you have a lot of control over how much product you apply, there is a way to stretch out the given amount in each bottle.

Type: Lotion | Shades: Universal | Development Time: 8–12 hours | Size: 8.45 ounces