Want to Stay Out of the Sun? Here are 12 of the Best Self Tanners!

Hey there: My posts may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a dime more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep this place running. Lastly, I will NEVER recommend a product I have not used or would not use. Believe that!

Global warming has undoubtedly brought about many major changes throughout the world and our lives. One of the main issues with it is the increasingly damaging UV rays from the sun. Gone are the days when you could lay out in the sun all day and anticipate a new tan. These days, sun tanning is more harmful than it used to be.

However, don’t worry! This isn't the end of tanning as we know it. In fact, over the years, sun-tanning is being replaced with self-tanning, and self-tanners are taking over the market.

What exactly is a self-tanner?

Self-tanners come in various forms, such as lotions, creams, mists, and oils, among other things. The formula consists of several ingredients, such as dihydroxyacetone, which tints the skin and masking fragrances. It's much safer than sitting out in the sun all day!

As is the case with the product market, there are all sorts of self-tanners: good and bad. If you're not in the mood to experiment and decide on the perfect tanner for you, you may be wondering, where exactly can you find a good self-tanner? Here is a list of the best self-tanners on the market!

A Guide to the Best Self-Tanners

Best for Beginners

Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk

This tanning lotion is perfect if you're new to self-tanning and can't decide where to get started. Not only is it easy to apply, but you don't need to worry about consistency either. The lotion is fairly diluted, so you tan over time rather than all at once. Even though it takes time for the first glow to settle in, even single-use results in a noticeable difference!

Best Value

Express Tan Tinted Mousse

On the same note as beginners, if you don't want to splurge on something really expensive, you can settle for this Express Tan Tinted Mousse by Ulta. This tanner is revered by many customers, and it deserves every bit of the hype. It creates a uniform tan, so there are no leftover blotches or streaks.

Best Natural Glow

Brazilliance 2HR Express Deep Foaming Self-Tanner

Tarte's products are customer favorites, and their tanners are some of the best in the market. The Brazilliance 2HR Express Deep Foaming Self-Tanner leaves a natural glow that few tanners can replicate. It absorbs quickly as well, so there is no need to wait too long for it to settle in.

Best for Swimming

Beauty by Earth Self Tanner

Unfortunately, no self-tanner is completely waterproof, but Beauty by Earth comes in a close second! The key to finding a self-tanner for swimming is finding a long-lasting product, and Beauty by Earth self-tanner is perfect for that. It prevents orange undertones and is infused with ingredients that are designed to last long and leave you with refreshed and smooth skin. That is exactly why it's the top tanner on Amazon.

Best for Face and Body

Clarins Self Tanning Milky Lotion

Although somewhat on the pricey end of things, Clarins formulas are known for being lightweight and multipurpose. This self-tanner can be used on both your face and body. The light formula helps spread the lotion evenly across your skin with no unwanted streaking. The best part is the short drying period - you'll have a beautiful tan before you know it!

Best Lightweight Formula

Organic Sunless Tan Luminizing Body Serum

On the topic of lightweight formulas, Coola's body serum self-tanner is another fan favorite for that category. Unlike most self-tanners, this body serum doesn't leave you feeling too greasy. It's best for people who don't want too heavy a tan, so if you're looking for something similar, this is the product for you!

Best Color-Correcting Tanning Mist

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water

One of the reasons why this tanner is so popular is because of its application. Not only is the formula lightweight, but applying isn't a problem either. Rather than a thick lotion, this spray feels like a breeze. The formula is laced with ingredients to even out your skin tone.

Best for Darker Skin

Monoi Body Glow I

Self-tanners don't exist for light skin only - if you're looking for a darker tone, Sephora's Monoi Body Glow I has got you covered! This tanner gives a natural glow that's better than one you could achieve from actual sun-tanning. This one is a body oil, so you may need to wait a bit for it to absorb fully, but the results are definitely worth it!

Best Tanning Drops

Isle of Paradise Dark Self Tanning Drops

This is another tanner perfect for all sorts of skin. By adding just a couple of drops to your regular skincare products, you can give a completely new glow to your face and body. The range should be anywhere from three to twelve drops so that you can adjust it according to your skin tone.

Best Overall

The Gradual Illuminating Tan Lotion

Tan-Luxe is one of the few tanners that give off a nice scent rather than a bad one. On top of smelling great, this tanning lotion adds to the natural glow of your skin. Reviewers recommend applying it with a tanning mitt to make sure you achieve your desired consistency and spread. Working with a thin consistency can be tough for beginners, so this one is for regular tanners that have prior self-tanning experience!

Best Scented

Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Water Mousse

You can't talk about scented tanners without mentioning L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Water Mousse. The ingredients include coconut juice and castor oil which contribute to the incredible scent. It's the whole package:  you wouldn't have to worry about the smell with this, and you get an easy-to-use, mess-free formula, all in one!

Best for Stretch Marks

Baja Bae Bronze Tanning Lotion

The Baja Bae lotion is another tanner with a wonderful scent, but it's more well-known for being one of the best tanners for covering up stretch marks. Besides giving you a beautifully even skin tone, the natural oils infused in the ingredients help safeguard you from other marks as well!

I hope you enjoyed this list of some of the best self-tanning products. If you have any suggestions or comments, leave them below.

Sharing is caring!

The Ordinary Snob, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, Amazon, the Amazon Logo, AmazonSupply and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com,Inc. or its affiliates.