16 Best Self-Tanners to Get the Glow Without the Sun

1. Best Self-Tanner for Face:

TAN-LUXE The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Not everyone’s a fan of slathering thick tanning lotions on the face, so TAN-LUXE opted for a lightweight face option made from raspberry seed oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera. It acts like semi-permanent makeup to even out skin tone and mask dark spots for an even, radiant glow that appears in just a few hours. These drops make it easier than ever to match your face tan to the rest of your body, and it’s safe to say that these are a must-have in your self-tan routine.

2. Best Self-Tanner Shade Range:

B.TAN Too Tan to Give a Damn Mousse

The tanning mousses at B.TAN range from “Fake It Til You Make It” all the way up to four shades higher at “Too Tan To Give A Damn.” So if you’re unsure how bronze you want to glow, this is a great brand to turn to for options. Plus, each mousse in this line is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without added harsh chemicals. Remember, always make sure to follow the instructions of your product closely and don’t assume that leaving the product on longer than directed will yield the results you’re looking for. “Despite what you may think, [past eight hours] most self-tanners don't get darker the longer you leave them on, so there's no reason to keep it on your skin for over 24 hours in hopes of achieving a deeper shade,” explains Lee. “Instead, you'll end up with an unnatural result and may throw off the pH balance of your skin.”

3. Best Full-Body Self-Tanner Kit:

MINETAN Bronze Babe Home Spray Tan Kit

This kit includes one Bronze Babe Spray Tan Machine, one Coconut Water Pro Spray Mist, and one Bronze on Applicator Mitt, so it’s basically like bringing the salon to your home. If an at-home self-tan is part of your regular beauty routine, then you need this kit in your arsenal.

4. Best Self-Tanning Water:

ISLE OF PARADISE Self-Tanning Water

Tanning water sprays are made to hydrate and nourish skin while canceling out redness and uneven skin tones. Spritz this over your entire body, and you’ll see a richly developed glow in about four to six hours. This universally-flattering shade from ISLE OF PARADISE is also formulated with coconut, chia seed, and avocado oil, making it an organic, natural way to hydrate and nourish your skin.

5. Best Foam Self-Tanner:

COCO & EVE Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

This lightweight, non-sticky formula dries and develops quickly (your new bronze shade will be ready in just two hours!). Plus, since it’s silicone-, toxin-, and paraben-free, this foam is truly a healthier way to get a sun-kissed glow without ever setting foot outside.

6. Best Tan + Anti-Aging Self-Tanner:

COOLA Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum

If this already sounds like the product of your dreams, keep reading—because it gets better. This multitasking face serum simultaneously bronzes your face and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and chlorella vulgaris extract.

7. Best Shimmer Color:

SOL DE JANEIRO GlowMotion Glow Oils

If you want just a hint of color and a whole lot of shimmer, this oil formula is for you. Enriched with coconut oil and açai oil, this formula is safe to use both on your body and face, so you only need to pack one product when you’re planning for an on-the-go glow. Just apply it directly to your arms and legs, or mix in a tiny drop with foundation for a full-body glow.

8. Best Self-Tan Extender:

SOUTH SEAS Tahitian Tan Extender

This formula contains a 2% DHA level, which means it can help build a tan over time or extend your existing tan for a bronze that keeps on glowing. All you have to do is apply daily or every other day as you notice your natural or artificial tan fading.

9. Best Fast-Drying Self-Tanner:

HANALEI COMPANY Self-Tanning Mousse

This self-tanning mousse darkens over time and dries quickly with no transfer. Even better, it comes with an applicator mitt so you don’t have to worry about stained hands and can get back to business after a quick application. No splotchy self-tan hands here!

10. Best Unscented Self-Tanner:

SKIN AUTHORITY Sunless Tanner

This formula nourishes skin with vitamins C and E and helps support healthy vitamin D production over time with added vitamin D. While we love using this product year-round, it’s especially amazing to have in your winter product lineup, as it can help boost your vitamin D production at a time when many people don’t realize they’re experiencing a deficiency.

11. Best Luxury Self-Tanner:

DIOR Bronze Self-Tanning Jelly Gradual Glow for Face

When you’re putting a tanning product on your face, you want to make sure it’s one of the best—especially if you have sensitive skin. Enter: This gradual glow tanner from DIOR that creates an even, natural tan without clogging pores.

12. Best Self-Tanner Tanner + SPF Combo:

SUPERGOOP! Healthy Glow Sunless Tan SPF 40

SUPERGOOP! products are formulated without oxybenzone, which means every product is not only safe for you, but also safe for ocean reefs. You can build color with this spray and see a natural glow develop in as little as two hours.

13. Best Face & Body Self-Tanner:

DRUNK ELEPHANT D-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Sunshine Serum Drops

If you want a tanning serum that will blend seamlessly into your skincare routine, all of DRUNK ELEPHANT’s products are meant to work well together so you don’t have to be anxious about mixing products and triggering a poor skin reaction. These drops are formulated with vitamin F and black currant seed oils to replenish the skin’s barrier while boosting its defenses with antioxidants.

14. Best Towelette Self-Tanner:

DR. DENNIS GROSS Alpha Beta® Glow Pad™ Gradual Glow

Be ready for anything with these on-the-go glow towelettes that are perfect for traveling or keeping in your purse. You can create your perfect shade of buildable color all while exfoliating your skin and replenishing it with sodium hyaluronate.

15. Best Self-Tanner for Sensitive Skin:

CLARINS Self Tanning Instant Gel

This gel self-tanner is formulated with naturally sourced plant sugars that give skin a sun-kissed look without using harmful chemicals. Since it’s non-greasy and non-oily, it dries quickly on the skin and won’t clog pores. The addition of glycerin keeps skin moisturized throughout the day, making it perfect for sensitive skin.

16. Best Overnight Self-Tanner:

BONDI SANDS Pure Self Tanning Sleep Mask

Getting envy-worthy skincare results while you sleep? We’re here for it. This overnight mask is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C and E to brighten. The best part is that this mask is also suitable for sensitive skin. Once you get the desired effect you want after trying it for a few days, you can reapply every two days to maintain the look.

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