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Top 11 Best Self Tanners

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedAugust 12, 2024

Self-tanners are one of the many products that many people prefer when it comes to achieving the appearance of a tan without the harmful effects of UV rays. Since there is a wide selection to choose from, it is rather difficult to determine which self-tanner will suit you better. The best self-tanners should give one a natural tan with no streaks on the skin and should last for some time.

Having sifted through numerous self-tanner reviews and use trial, here are the best self-tanners that will give you an even and natural looking tan.

Top 3 Best Self Tanners

  1. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
  2. Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Mousse
  3. Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Drops.

Given the rather vast number of products that are available on the market, it can be so challenging to make a decision. That is why the list of the best self-tanners has been created for you to get a rich and saturated shade without residues of the orange color.


Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

Editor's Choice

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

Create your perfect flawlessly natural tan with Bondi Sands. Sleek, glide on formula, dries in seconds, aloe vera and coconut included. We recommend moisturising before the tan for the best result. Definitely recommendable for that realistic, no-nonsense sunbed effect that does not streak but one may be put off by the smell.

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If you want to achieve that beautiful bubble bump free and perfect-looking tan, the Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam is for you.

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam is easy to use, and it always looks natural. Non-acid based, its lightweight foam is easy to apply and distribute, and the salon quality formula includes aloe and coconut for a non-orange tan. In addition, it dries quickly, in a matter of seconds and one is immediately free to dress and continue with his/her activities.

Nonetheless, some of the users have stated that the product can make the skin become dry, hence, they major on moisturizing the skin frequently. Furthermore, it is important to know that if you want to get a deeper tan then it is recommended that you apply this lotion more than once. Last but not the least, there are some complaints with regard to the smell, which is rather intense and, therefore, it might not be appropriate for people with a delicate sense of smell.

In conclusion, Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam if applied correctly gives a natural looking, streak-free tan that will last for several days so obviously one can suggest giving it a try if you are in search for an easy to apply self tanner.

Pros

  • Applies easily and evenly
  • Dries quickly
  • Provides a natural-looking, bronzed glow

Cons

  • Can be drying to the skin
  • Scent may be overpowering for some

Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Mousse

Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Mousse

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For a natural looking dark tan, Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Mousse is the best product for you if you need that perfect look.

Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Mousse is the recommended self-tanning mousse for face and body. It is great if your thought process is “I want the darkest tan I can get” This is a hydration of a self-tanner that is luxurious and is a foam self-tanner that has great absorption and will bring out the bronzing of the skin in a few hours. It is American made, free from defiling agents, vegan, certified animal-friendly and does not contain synthetic dyes.

Need to be scrape carefully or cut to certain area because it is white color, so it is hard to see that it has been applied. It’s a little odd smelling after eight hours and to get a really dark color two coats are needed. However, the self-tanner is ideal for all those people who would like to get that natural looking dark tan without having to endanger their skin by going out in the sun.

Therefore, if you are in need of the best self tanner that will make you achieve the darkest tan of your life then Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Mousse should be your number one option. It is all natural, vegan, cruelty free conditioner, free from any chemical dyes and have obtained the leaping bunny certification. The foam is simple to use and gives a very natural and perfect bronze shade in 1-3 hours.

Pros

  • Gives and develops a beautifully natural bronze in as little as a few hours.
  • Cleansing ingredients, vegan, cruelty-free, and has no chemical dyes.
  • It offers many formats available.

Cons

  • The foam is white, so you can't see where you applied it.
  • SYou need to put two coats on for dark results.

Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Drops

Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Drops

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If you want to create your own face tanning lotion or body tanner lotion then Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Drops can prove to be quite useful.

These self-tan drops are perfect if you would like to create your own face tanning lotion or your own body tanner lotion. To achieve a darker shade, one ought to add more drops while for a lighter shade, fewer drops should be used. Begin with the smaller portions and then make the additions based on the requirements.

For a good reason, Beauty by Earth possesses the highest position when it comes to the customers’ rating of self-tanner; their sunless tanner drops consist of natural & organic, skin-loving vegan ingredients such as aloe vera & coconut water. Get a stunning natural looking self-tan without the smell or the nasty orange color making this the best self-tanner for face and body.

You can incorporate the tanning face drops with any of the face moisturizers that is most preferred by you to have your own homemade face tanner lotion. Or pour the fake tan drops into your body lotion for a natural looking body bronzer.

To summarize, if you want a easy to apply, natural looking self-tanner which is free from any nasties and you can control the depth of the tan, then Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Drops is a perfect choice.

Pros

  • It can be rather changing color to fully fit skin tones.
  • Healthy components and free from the awful odor.
  • Create your personal self-tanning lotion using our portable clear plastic bottle.

Cons

  • May require trial and error to find the perfect shade
  • May not last as long as other self-tanners

B.TAN Darkest Self Tanner

B.TAN Darkest Self Tanner

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For the people who wants the darkest tanning possible, it is suggested to look at B. TAN Darkest Self Tanner.

I have tested so many products for self tanner and B.TAN Darkest Self Tanner is perhaps one of the best that I have used. If that came out in just 1 hour it is marvelous and I love it because it has no fake tan smell. Additionally, it being vegan and cruelty-free was a major advantage of the product in my case.

Nevertheless, I have the following minor complaints with this self-tanner. The colour surprisingly may have sort of an orangish hue to it, which is not good. Furthermore, since it dries clear, there is a problem of not knowing where you applied it especially when applying on limbs because one may end up applying on the wrong places creating streaks or the parts you wanted to apply on may not be covered at all.

Pros

  • Develops in just 1 hour
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • No fake tan smell

Cons

  • Might have an orangish tint
  • Color may not last long

b.tan Darker Self Tanner | Love At First Tan

b.tan Darker Self Tanner | Love At First Tan

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If you are in need of a self tanner that makes you achieve a medium to dark tan without orange hue, then b.tan Darker Self Tanner is the best for you.

b. tan Darker Self Tanner is a highly recommended for those who want to achieve a believable, gradual medium dark tan. Non-staining and water based, it can be applied and dried very fast hence does not leave stains on the clothes. Also, it is 100% vegan and does not contain any other undesirable ingredients, such as parabens.

Nevertheless, certain clients have pointed out that it can streak and is not always applied evenly; as such, it is crucial to follow the procedure indicated. Besides, the tan on the skin may be temporary, primarily lasting for a few days only and one needs to reapply it on the skin. Lastly, it does have that typical self tanner scent, which can be unappealing by some people.

Pros

  • Develops in 1 hour giving a rich warm dark tan that is long-lasting
  • 100% vegan as well as paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Some users complained of streaking and uneven results
  • Has a classic self-tanner smell

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle

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If you like the idea of a healthy tan, which will not have any streaks or that awful Orange color, then this Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle is a must try.

This light weight mousse is simple to use, it dries with in two hours and offers a lasting tan that will last for quite a while. It is also good for fighting cellulite and packed with natural fating agents such and figs, bananas, papayas as well as cocoa. The formula is free from cruelty, synthetic products, and includes only plant-based ingredients, so you can be organic with it.

Coco & Eve offers a Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle is suitable for all skin types. The formula is non-sticky and never melts in the cloth and therefore you have no to fear of staining your cloth. However, ensure that you take a shower with warm water after 2 hours and ensure you do not rub your skin after that.

All in all, if you want not only natural and gorgeous tan but also a healthy and chemical-free skin then the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle is one to try.

Pros

  • Makes the skin to have a natural looking golden tan
  • Rich and filled with virgin coconut oil, botanical, and amino acid that acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin
  • Has a tropical and sweet fruity smell of mango and guava which is nice.

Cons

  • May not be effective for individuals with very fair skin
  • May not last as long as some other self-tanners

St.Tropez Classic Self Tanner Bronzer Mousse Foam

St.Tropez Classic Self Tanner Bronzer Mousse Foam

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If you are looking for a natural-looking, non-streaky tan St. Tropez Classic Self Tanner Bronzer Mousse Foam makes an excellent choice with its mousse-foam like texture.

St. Tropez Classic Self Tanner Bronzer Mousse Foam is a tanning mousse that is light in texture and applies smoothly to the skin and adjusts to your skin tone. This kit offers 24 hours of wear and has a formula that dries fast and is not sticky which is ideal particularly for the working ladies. But it’s not as great for very very light skinned ladies as I found it streaky on me and it is very hard to blend without the St. Tropez tan applicator mitt.

Third of all, it may also need multiple applications if the intended outcomes are to be achieved. In conclusion, if you are searching for a good self-tanner that will create natural look, St. Tropez Classic Self Tanner Bronzer Mousse Foam is the product you need.

Pros

  • Promises to hydrate the skin for 24 hours, is not greasy or sticky, and dries quickly
  • Easy-to-apply, foolproof, and adapts to your skin tone
  • Long-lasting, lightweight, and 100% clean fake tan

Cons

  • May not be effective on extremely fair skin.
  • May require multiple applications for desired results.

B.TAN Besties Bundle Self Tanner Kit

B.TAN Besties Bundle Self Tanner Kit

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If you need to self tanner that provides for a rich and long-lasting tan, then this B. TAN Besties Bundle Self Tanner Kit will suit you.

This self tanner is completely natural since it does not contain parabens and other harsh chemicals; it is also vegan friendly. The formula is quite simple and the tan which one gets is of an extremely dark nature and lasts for days too.

Specially, the B. TAN Besties Bundle Self Tanner Kit comes with a mitt for easy application of the tanner on the skin. The mitt is very useful as it spreads the formula evenly and there are no streaks or blotchy spots on the texture.

Nevertheless, this formula does set in one hour and it is advised to wash off the product within that time because, if left on, your hair will be darker. This implies that it would be necessary to make some adjustments and probably make some preparations if you intend to have a certain level of darkness.

Pros

  • It is accompanied by a best-selling mitt for convenient application.
  • It forms within an hour and the darker type is after 4 hours or more.
  • Provides the darkest, longest-lasting tan possible.

Cons

  • May not be recommended to individuals looking for a more natural-looking tan
  • May leave streaks or uneven patches if not applied carefully

B.TAN Darkest Possible Self Tanner

B.TAN Darkest Possible Self Tanner

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If you want a fast, dark tan without any fake tan smell, B.TAN Darkest Possible Self Tanner is a great choice.

I was able to achieve a quite dark tan after only an hour of waiting for this self tanner to dry. Also, there was no funk of the fake baking smell that always accompanies these products, bonus. I also like that it’s very new, unisex, soy-based, free from parabens, and sulfate-free and 100% vegan, 100% cruelty-free.

However, it is necessary to use at least two layers of the product, sometimes even three ones but the result varies and might be uneven. In the same regard, the color was not as long working as with some other self tanners that I have used. All things considered I’m inclined to say that B. TAN Darkest Possible Self Tanner is a fairly good choice if you need to go dark and go quickly and all the while avoiding the nasty.

Pros

  • 100% vegan and cruelty-free
  • Develops in just 1 hour
  • No fake tan smell

Cons

  • Requires at least 2 coats for best results
  • Can be difficult to apply evenly

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Mini Kit

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Mini Kit

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If you're searching for a natural-looking tan without the harmful UV rays, count on the St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Mini Kit.

This self-tanning is easy to apply and you will not find streaks on your skin, thus having that natural look. The Aerin clear self-tanner mousse is citrus scented, non-staining and streak-free and does not have to be washed off. The face mist gives a general luminosity to the skin and the whole kit is vegan.

As for the spray bottle some users mentioned that they had a problem with it and sometimes more than one application is needed in order to achieve the desired color result. Moreover, this new appearance may not be easily noticeable by individuals with very fair skin complexion.

Pros

  • Give your skin a sunless tan in 4-8 hours with our clear self tanner mousse, non, rinse, and non-transfer.
  • Vegan-friendly with tropical scent
  • Includes a face mist that gives the skin a healthy sheen all over the face.

Cons

  • Some users reported issues with the spray bottle
  • Not suitable for those with very fair skin

Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan

Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan

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Get an instant tropical tan with Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan that develops in within 5 minutes from a simple application of the water-based self tanner mousse. That self-tanner has a non-BCuong tanning active from natural sugars and is enriched with coconut water for moisturizing. Moreover, it is hypoallergenic or good for sensitive skin and offers m and d shades for the complexion.

Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan is suitable for those who want the tropical look in a hurry but do not wish to endanger their skin by baking in the sun. It has a fresh tropical smell of passion fruit essence that makes this fake tan one to wear. From the name you can deduce that the product is washable and it blends with your skin tone to enhance sun-inspired color that will last for days.

There is even a color guide provided that enables the user to easily achieve the best color suitable to the individual by applying the self-tanner. However, it maybe a few tries to get the desired shade you want and perhaps, use of tanning mitt to ensure even distribution. Also, if not permitted to dry properly, it will rub off on the garments that are worn.

In general, Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan can be recommended to a wide range of consumers who wish to get a ready tropical tan with no influence of the sun’s harm.

Pros

  • Instant color with medium and deep shade options
  • Intense colorful effect inspired by the sun that Washes off for Days
  • The smell of a new Egyptian cotton towel with splashes of passion fruit scent.

Cons

  • May require a tanning mitt for even application
  • May transfer onto clothing if not allowed to fully dry

Buying Guide

Type of Self-Tanner

There are different types of self-tanners available in the market, including lotions, sprays, mousses, and gels self tanners for sale. Both categories differ in the way they are applied and the time it takes for them to dry. Select out of the identified products a particular product that is easy to use and fits your skin type.

Skin Tone

When you are selecting the right self-tanner you should contemplate on the skin tone of the skin. There are products specifically created for lighter complexion and products that are more suitable for the darker skin tone. Select the type of product that complements the natural color of your skin for that natural look of a tanned skin.

Ingredients

Ensure that there is a warning on the self-tanner bottle or on the packet that came with the self-tanner that it contains tyrosine. Do not forget to avoid such meals that may cause your skin to irritate as well as those that may lead to an allergic reaction. Substances like DHA, erythrulose and dihydroxyacetone are used in self-tanners and they are not harmful to health for most consumers.

Application

Consider the ease of application when choosing a self-tanner. Depending on the type of product, the effort used in applying may be much than in applying other products. Thus, look for an ideal product that does not leave streaks or patches on your skin and which you don’t have to spend so much time putting on.

Drying Time

Another factor that need to be taken into consideration is the drying time of a self-tanner since you may be busy. The time taken for a product to dry varies differently, that is, for some products, they may only take a short time to dry while for others it may take a longer period of time. Select a product that would not take long to dry when washed and would not leave any sticky stains on the clothes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some of the top-rated self-tanners for pale skin?

The best self tanners for pale skin are St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse, and Bondi Sands Aero Aerated Self Tanning Foam

2. Which self-tanners are best for dry skin?

Self-tanners that are best for dry skin include Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops, Milky-Lotion, and The Butter Illuminating Tanning Butter.

3. What are some of the best drugstore self-tanners?

Some of the best drugstore self-tanners are L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Serum, Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse and Banana Boat Summer Color Self Tanner Lotion.

4. What are some of the best self-tanners for travel?

The best self-tanners for travelling are St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse, Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops, and Tarte Brazilliance PLUS+ Self-Tanner.

5. What are some of the best self-tanners for mature skin?

When it comes to some of the best self tanners for mature skin, Vita Liberata Phenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse, Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, and Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum are highly recommended.

6. What are some of the most popular self-tanners recommended by Reddit users?

Some of the most popular self-tanners recommended by Reddit users include Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam, St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops.

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