The Best Self Tanners For Face That’ll Give You Glowing Skin Starting at Just $11
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Self-tanning is a tricky beast, and we’re totally down to experiment when it comes to bronzing our body. But when it comes to our money-makers, we’re not messing around. We want the best self-tanner for our faces without a trial-and-error process.
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Even if you’re a self-tanner pro, getting a natural glow on your face can get a little iffy. If you have dry skin, a face self-tanner can stick to parched patches in the most unfortunate way. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, some self-tanners might clog pores and cause breakouts. And if you have sensitive skin, the chemicals and fragrances in some self-tanners might cause an inflamed flare-up. And that’s not even mentioning the hazards of ending up with an orange or streaky face!
That’s why we humbly suggest considering investing in a self-tanner solely for your face. After all, you’re keeping out of the sun and slathering on that SPF 30 every day (right?) no matter the season. From mix-in drops to refreshing mists and traditional lotions, here are the best options for face self-tanners that’ll give you a safe, sun-kissed glow year-round.
Luna Bronze Good Night Face Bronzing Serum
Alongside the Illume Face Tanning Mist, the Good Night Face Bronzing Serum is one of Luna Bronze’s most popular offerings. You can apply them directly onto the skin or mix them in with your favorite face cream to achieve a sun-kissed glow on the face overnight.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
Drunk Elephant’s Sunshine Drops work for all types of skin. It is a serum that immediately replenishes the delicate balance that supports a healthy barrier function of the skin. The sunshine bronzy color it delivers is without damage.
Beauty by Earth Face Self Tanner
This vegan tanning lotion is a bestseller on Amazon, thanks to its ability to tan the face without leaving behind orange streaks and a no-fuss, easy-to-read ingredients list.
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Facial Drops
For those looking for more affordable facial tanning drops, this Amazon favorite from L’Oreal is a trusty option. The brand’s first fragrance-free self-tanning product, it can be mixed into serums and creams for easy, streak-free application.
St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops
These tanning drops are full of 100 percent natural tanning actives and skincare ingredients, such as niacinamide, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. An anti-aging serum and face tanner in one? Yes please.
Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops
If there’s anything skincare or beauty-related we’re searching for, CVS is our go-to. So, it’s no surprise that the drugstore has one of the best face tanning drops around: the brand-new Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops. They’re so easy to use—all you have to do is add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer and apply it to your face and neck per usual (bonus: you can use these on your body too!). Plus, the buildable drops create an incredibly even and natural-looking tan. There’s no caking or creasing involved. In addition to tanning your skin, these drops have nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid that will coat your skin with hydration to boost its glow even more.
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Already have a favorite moisturizer, serum or face oil? Don’t ditch it; instead, add a few drops, and it’ll transform into a self-tan sans streaks and smells. So easy! Not to mention, Kelly Ripa is a fan.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
These vegan-friendly and cruelty-free drops are available in three color-correcting options which should be mixed with moisturizer to achieve a natural, streak-free glow.
St. Moriz Radiant Glow Self-Tanning Face Mist
Packed with calming aloe vera and vitamin E, this mist is a must-do before bed. The scentless spray imparts a gorgeous color with no telltale lines (even on your neck!) and doesn’t stain your pillowcase. Bonus: you can still apply your regular skincare routine (just do this step after cleanser and toner, and before serum/moisturizer).
St. Tropez Bronzing Water Face Mist
This brand is in the upper echelon of tanning products and the face mist is a must-try. Simply use alone or as a setting spray over makeup and watch your complexion get gradually glowy-er.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads
Exfoliation and bronzing in one? We’ll take two boxes, please! This multitasker contains alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids for sloughing away dead skin cells, as well as encapsulated DHA for time-released color and soy protein to give it a more natural hue.
Coola Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum
If you have particularly uneven and/or dry skin or are looking for something that’ll help tighten up your skin, look no further than this product. COOLA’s sunless tan serum is also an anti-aging serum, thanks to its antioxidant-rich blend of argan oil, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and plant stem cell cultures.
Jergens Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer
If you’re looking to switch to a daily moisturizer for your face that will give you a nice glow for the summer, look no further. Use this every day to hydrate your skin while adding a natural tint of color. It even has SPF 20 to help protect your face from the sun.
Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster
Clarins is kind of the old-school standard when it comes to self-tanning, and their Radiance-Plus is pretty awesome. Just add a couple drops to your daily moisturizer to add a subtle warmth to your complexion.
James Read Gradual Tan Sleep Mask Tan Face
Build your tan while you sleep. Your face will look lightly bronzed in just six to eight hours of beauty rest. The colorless formula is full of hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and algae extract, so you’ll wake up with moisturized and tanner skin.
Tan Towel Face Tan Towelette
If you’re not into the mess and fuss of tanning lotions, you’ll love the ease of these tanning towels. They’re also perfect for traveling. You can use one quick-drying towel a few times a week for a gradual tan or use several in quick succession for a deeper, faster tan. Not only do these towels deliver a natural tan, but they also hydrate and exfoliate the skin for a truly healthy glow.
Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Body Oil
This body and face glow oil will give you a shimmery glow with its buildable formula. Made with coconut oil, açaí oil and cupuaçu butter, the oil locks into your skin easily—without getting on your clothes.
A version of this article was originally published in December 2018.
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