The 12 Best Self-Tanning Lotions for a Vacation-Worthy Glow

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Though few things are more relaxing than sunbathing, informed beauty lovers know achieving a sun-kissed glow without exposure to harmful UV rays is optimal for skin health. If you’re looking for a beachfront-level tan that won’t increase your risk for photoaging or even skin cancer, using one of the best self-tanning lotions is a tried-and-true seasonal secret weapon.

“Sunless tanners are made up of an FDA-approved molecule called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA,” board-certified dermatologist Omer Ibrahim tells Bazaar. “When DHA is applied, it reacts with proteins, such as amino acids and peptides, on the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. This chemical reaction leads to pigment production and a nice darkening of the skin, at the outermost level.”

For those new to the art of at-home tanning, there has arguably never been a better time to try your hand at face and body bronzing with culty bestsellers from St. Tropez, Jergens, and many more brands. Thanks to industry innovation, self-tanners are easier than ever to apply without leaving you looking streaky or orange.

After collecting expert input, closely studying customer reviews, and doing our own product testing, we’ve rounded up some of the best self-tanning lotions, mists, mousses, and drops to prep your skin early for warmer months to come. Read on to shop a few of our go-to products that shoppers and editors alike are raving about.

Self-Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

If you don’t want to wait hours and hours for your tan to develop before showering, Sophie Evans, a self-tanning pro and St. Tropez skin finishing expert, recommends the brand’s SelfTan Express Bronzing Mousse. Waiting just one hour before hopping in the shower yields a light, natural-looking glow, so it’s a good option for anyone short on time. This writer can confirm that it’s extremely easy to blend and creates the smoothest streak-free finish.

One satisfied customer writes: “Great tan that develops quickly. The ‘fake tan’ scent is present (it’s basically unavoidable) but not too strong, especially after the first rinse. It lasts well, layers well, and fades well.” —hshaul

Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer

Treat your skin to a natural-looking glow by swapping out your regular body lotion with this self-tanning drugstore classic. The lotion’s color gradually develops, aiming to deliver sun-kissed results after about a week of daily application. It contains ingredients like coconut water, collagen, and elastin, which help skin appear smoother and firmer. It’s offered in two shades: one for fair to medium skin tones, and one for medium to deep skin tones.

One satisfied customer writes: “Over the past 10 or so years, I’ve tried about every self-tanning lotion out there; in the shower, out of the shower, expensive and less expensive. I always come back to Jergens. This product goes on smoothly, doesn’t streak and gives a nice color.” —Carol

N°32 Hydrating Self-Tanning Cream

For those with dry skin looking to avoid a splotchy tan at all costs, opt for a self-tanning lotion with plenty of hydration benefits. This gradually developing formula from +Lux Unfiltered delivers skin-softening moisture using a blend of shea and cocoa butter, along with passionfruit oil.

One satisfied customer writes: “This product smells amazing! I’m super picky with tanning products, and this does the job well. It is on the lighter side, so next time I’ll purchase the darker version, but overall love the product.” —Jackie

The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion

Here’s an oil-lotion hybrid perfect for beginners who don’t need their bronze to quickly appear upon initial application. Tan-Luxe’s Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion is a buildable, milky formula that allows you to customize the glow you want with every application. Its vitamin E, aloe vera, and raspberry seed oil blend provides nongreasy, long-lasting moisture that gives skin a light-from-within radiance.

One satisfied customer writes: “This lotion is easy to apply and provides me with an even application every single time! The bottle is easy to hold with one hand and squeeze it out during the application process. It does not have a harsh smell and was great for my sensitive skin! I highly recommend.” —Sariea

Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion

L’Oréal Paris’s Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion is proof you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a bronzy glow. Within four hours of application, the unscented formula develops into a medium tan with a subtle shimmer. It also contains an AHA and vitamin E blend that smooths and softens skin. To maintain your tan, experts recommend applying the lotion once or twice a week.

One satisfied customer writes: “Smells great, easy to apply, no streaks, and doesn’t have that after-tan smell. I love the shimmer in it as well.” —fcookie

Self-Tanner Tanning Lotion

With over 14,000 five-star ratings alone on Amazon, this vegan self-lotion is clearly a go-to among tanning enthusiasts in the know. Its transfer-resistant formula uses a mix of shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut oil to keep skin moisturized, and develops within eight hours after application. It’s also available in two shades—fair to medium, and medium to dark—depending on your preference.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have been using this for years. It has the best color and lasts for a few days. It’s not sticky or stinky. Highly recommend!” —Adam H.

Mini Face + Body Self-Tan Drops

With these innovative, dermatologist-tested drops, you can turn your favorite facial moisturizer or body cream into a self-tanning product. They’re offered in light, medium, and dark, and each shade is suitable for sensitive skin and is noncomedogenic. The best part? The drops offer a highly customizable self-tanning experience. The more you mix into your skin products, the deeper the glow you’ll get.

One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve never used self-tanner before, so I wanted to ease my way into it. These drops were great! I started small with two drops, then increased to 4-5 drops. I have olive skin, but I went with the ‘light’ color to see how I liked it. Applies easily and is non-staining.” —Kari

Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

Along with a bronzy tan, you’ll also get plenty of skincare benefits with Coco & Eve’s popular Bali Bronzing Foam. It uses antioxidants, amino acids, and botanicals to keep skin firm and hydrated, and is available in three color options. The foam also has a nonsticky formula that develops within two hours.

One satisfied customer writes: “Smelled so good!! Wore it overnight and woke up with the most natural tan ever. Looked like I just came back from a vacation at the beach! Made me feel confident! Not orange. Applies amazingly. Not sticky and it only took maybe 15 minutes to completely dry.” —Ashlynn

Self-Tanning Foam

If you prefer a self-tanner with a whipped or foaming consistency over a standard lotion, allow us to introduce Bondi Sands’ Self-Tanning Foam. The coconut-scented staple develops instantly and can be left on for up to six hours for a darker tan. It even comes with an application mitt to provide an even distribution of foam.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have used several self-tanners. This one is by far my favorite! No odd odor to it, very easy application. I have purchased much more expensive lines and this is a 10!!” —Dawn B.

Luce Self-Tanning Mist

The design of this bronzing favorite makes tanning hard-to-reach areas like the back of your knees and under your arms a little easier. It uses a bag-on-valve system that allows users to spray its formula in any direction, including while upside down. It’s also infused with hydrating and plumping ingredients like jojoba seed oil, hyaluronic acid, and Bulgarian rose oil.

One satisfied customer writes: “This is by far my favorite self- tanner! It’s easy to use, and I never miss a spot! I love the color! I use it in the morning, and I am tan by the evening!” —Maddie

Self-Tanning Drops

Offered in three shades (light, medium, and dark), these self-tanning drops can easily be added to your daily moisturizer for a customized glow that lasts up to five days. They work their self-tanning magic in four to six hours and offer longer-term skin benefits, too. Since they’re infused with vitamin C and avocado, the face drops also help even skin tone and fade existing dark spots.

One satisfied customer writes: “This product actually works and looks like a natural tan if used as directed. My friend recommended it to me after I asked her if she had just been away on vacation. I was surprised when she said no and it was just from these drops!” —PamC22

Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion

If you like piña coladas and getting a streak-free, sun-kissed glow, reach for this gradual self-tanning lotion by Coola. Scented like a tropical drink and almost made completely with natural ingredients, it nicely provides buildable color while moisturizing skin deeply. And as a bonus, its formula also contains firming benefits, thanks to ingredients like caffeine and pea extract.

One satisfied customer writes: “I was hesitant about using sunless tanner. I used to go to the tanning salon every two weeks for a spray tan. This lotion is magic!! It looks better than a spray tan from the salon. I will forever be buying this product. I also use it on my face. Doesn’t make me break out either.” —Kilee R.

Meet the Experts

• Sophie Evans is a self-tanning expert and the skin finishing expert for St. Tropez.

• Gita Bass is a celebrity makeup artist.

• Omer Ibrahim is a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago.

• Rachel Lozina is a New York state licensed esthetician, laser technician, oncology esthetician, and founder of Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay, New York.

What are the benefits of using self-tanning lotions?

Many of the best self-tanning lotions provide a sun-kissed glow without the side effects and increased health risks associated with overexposure to UV rays.

No matter what type of self-tanner you choose, remember that self-tanners do not serve as a substitute for sun protection. To properly shield your skin from damaging UV rays, experts advise using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. You’ll also want to avoid laying out in the sun and stay far away from tanning beds. “Sunless tanners are a great replacement for tanning beds and tanning in the sun,” Ibrahim notes. “They should not be viewed as adjuncts. In addition to ensuring a healthy glow to your skin, ensure that your skin is protected from possible skin cancer by using sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.”

Rachel Lozina, esthetician and founder of Blue Water Spa, agrees. “Using a self-tanner can give you the sun-kissed glow without that risk,” she says. Self-tanners also offer a level of convenience, as they allow you to bronze and glow whenever you want. Plus, buildable and gradually developing self-tanners provide easy customization that makes it a breeze to achieve the tan level you want. These essentials may even help shave off a few minutes from your makeup routine.

“If applied properly and well blended, self-tanning lotions can provide some coverage and a gorgeous warm glow, which means less makeup is needed, and you might be able to get away with just concealer,” celebrity makeup artist Gita Bass adds. “If more coverage is needed, make sure to use a transparent foundation or tinted moisturizer over the top to perfect the skin for a more natural finish.”

How should you apply one of the best self-tanning lotions?

Your application technique can make or break your self-tan. Here, Evans shares her top tips for achieving a streak-free glow at home.

1. Schedule your shower: For the most dramatic results, Evans recommends showering and exfoliating the day before you plan on applying your self-tanner, or in the morning if you’re planning on applying it at night. “Showering and washing affects the pH level of your skin,” says Evans. “As soon as you shower and cleanse, your skin’s pH will lower. A low skin pH can make a self-tan not develop as deep as one would like.” The skin’s “sweet spot” for self-tanner is when a little natural oil is present and when it has a neutral pH.

2. Use moisturizer strategically: Before self-tanning, Evans suggests applying a non-oil-based moisturizer to the elbows, knees, feet, back of heels, hands, back of wrists, and any areas with dry skin. “These areas develop a lot darker than the rest of the body,” says Evans. Moisturizing these areas will help you create an even, natural-looking tan by preventing the self-tanner from developing too dark or orange or appearing splotchy.

3. Apply self-tanner liberally: “You can never over-apply a self-tan when applying your first initial application,” confirms Evans. “The skin can only absorb a certain amount of tanning agents, so applying the same product more in one area will not create an uneven result.” In fact, she says, applying self-tanner liberally will actually help prevent streaks and patches. “Over rubbing the self-tan into the skin, along with stretching and pulling product, will take the self-tan on and off and create an uneven development.”

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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