There’s really nothing quite like the anxiety you get every time you try out a new self-tanner. A million questions come to mind. Will it come out streaky? Or maybe look orange? Will it smell funny? Is it going to get all over my clothes? Did I miss a patch or patches on my back? The scenarios are truly maddening. But you go ahead and try to find the best self-tanner for you because you’re determined to be tan, damn it.
As if you weren’t already riding on the struggle bus, between the self-tanning mists, sunless lotions, spray tans, frothy foams and tanning gels there’s an overabundance of products. We’re not exaggerating even a little. And they all promise to transform you into the beautiful bronzed goddess you’ve always dreamed of being, of course. But where’s a girl to start exactly?
Well, that’s where we come in. As experts in the beauty biz, we went ahead and hunted down the latest and greatest self-tanners to hit the market. Heck, we’re a shade darker just thinking about them.
Are you on the hunt for a sunless tanner that will trick people into thinking you’re frequenting tropical destinations this season? Then keep reading to find your best self-tanner.
TB TK Best Self-Tanners
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TB TK Best Self-Tanners #1
Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion, $33 at Sephora
If you prefer to go bronze gradually, meet your new BFF. The oil/lotion hybrid tans skin slowly while nourishing it with naturally derived raspberry seed oil, vitamin E and aloe vera. It’ll even help firm skin thanks to its Cellutone Complex.
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TB TK Best Self-Tanners #2
COOLA Suncare Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion, $46 at Nordstrom
Get a tan no matter the season and tone your body with this lotion. It boasts a unique sugar beet-derived DHA and an exotic blend of green caffeine, alaria esculenta seaweed and pea extract. Simply dispense a quarter-size amount into the palm of your hand and spread evenly across your body. Massage in circular motions and let dry.
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TB TK Best Self-Tanners #3
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner, $31.99 at Amazon
An all-natural vegan self-tanner that delivers a golden glow? Yes, please. This best self-tanner boasts organic shea butter, organic coconut oil and nutritive Japanese green tea so it’s actually good for your skin. And if you’re on the sensitive side, this pick is perfect since it’ll give you a sun-kissed glow minus the irritation.
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TB TK Best Self-Tanners #4
Fake Bake Double Shot Espresso, $27.50 at Fake Bake
If you're looking for a self-tanner that will provide instant color, this product won't leave you disappointed. While any brave soul is free to give it a whirl, this sunless tanner was designed for veteran users as it provides intense and dark color using the brand's maximum strength triple-tanning concentration (but don't worry newbies, it's completely streak-free). We like to think of it as our self-tanner on steroids or, in this case, a double shot of espresso.
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TB TK Best Self-Tanners #5
St.Tropez Gradual Tan in Shower, $25 at St.Tropez
If you're searching for a foolproof self-tanner, then this product might just be your match made in (bronzed) heaven. And if you can't try a new product without worrying you'll come out streaky or orange, allow us to put those fears to rest. Apply this gradual sunless tanner right after stepping into the shower and wait three minutes (do a little shower karaoke while you're at it). As soon as you wash it off, your tan will start to set and you'll have a nice subtle glow that won't rub off on clothes. Convenient? Yes. Easy? Yes. Amazing? Hell yes.
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TB TK Best Self-Tanners #6
Isle of Paradise Glow Clear, Color Correcting Self-Tanning Mousse, $29 at Sephora
This lightweight, clear, water-to-foam formula relies on color-correcting actives for a natural-looking glow. The mousse absorbs in a flash and contains avocado oil to condition skin. Not to mention chia seeds to support your skin barrier.
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TB TK Best Self-Tanners #7
Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish, $31.19 at Amazon
What's one of the greatest benefits of using a self-tanner? It helps to hide imperfections while giving you color. Playing on this strength, Vita Liberata released its Body Blur tanner as a way to conceal body imperfections. The best self-tanner is made up of micronized particles that reflect light, making this perfect for anyone who wants to look flawless in front of a camera (or IRL).
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TB TK Best Self-Tanners #8
Spray di Solé Sun Gelee Self Tan, $45 at Spray di Solé
What's one of the most annoying trademarks of self-tanner? Its ability to leave your hands looking like you just got done downing an entire bag of Cheetos (especially if you space and forget to wash your hands right away). That's where the Spray di Sole Sun Gelee Self Tan comes in. Invented by Kate Hudson's tanning artist, not only does the self-tanner contain skin-health ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, but it comes with a kabuki body brush so you're guaranteed even coverage without getting your hands dirty. The brush also gently exfoliates skin during application, making your skin soft and tan. How's that for a double win?
