Self-tanner is my instant mood boost. It makes me not only look like I’ve just come home from a long vacation, but also makes my abs pop. And, of course, it provides a healthy way to get a sun-kissed glow while avoiding harsh UV rays.
As a pale girlie and someone who goes to events weekly, I’ve probably tried every self-tanner out there over the years. I have some favorites, as well as the tools you need to get the best streak-free look at home. Today’s best self-tanners won’t leave you orange, at least if applied correctly. Don’t be afraid to skip the professional spray tan for an at-home application.
Best Self Tanners TL;DR
- Most Affordable Self-Tanner: Bali Body Sunless Self Tanner Mousse
- Best Self-Tanning Jelly: Luna Bronze Self-Tanning Jelly
- Best Dark Self-Tanner: Tanologist Dark Self Tan Mousse
- Best Self-Tanner Scent: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Self Tanner
- Best Express Self-Tanner: Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self-Tanning Mousse
- Best Spray-Tan Adjacent Self-Tanner: Sugared + Bronzed Sunless Tanning Mousse
How Do I Apply Self-Tanner for Best Results?
All you’ll need is a self-tan mitt, so your palms don’t get dyed, and a self-tanner back applicator for those hard-to-reach places.
1. Preparing your skin for self-tanner
To prepare for an at-home tan, I first do a body scrub in the shower to get rid of any previous tanner and dead skin. Then, I shave my whole body. You want to make sure to avoid any oil-based body washes before self-tanning, because they can lead to a streaky finish. When I’m out of the shower, I add lotion to my hands, feet, knees and elbows. These are the areas that the most tanner clings to, so you want to create a barrier.
2. Applying self-tanner to hands and feet
Getting the perfect tan on your hands and feet is the trickiest part. I take an old, clean makeup brush to buff just a little bit of tanner into these areas. Orange hands are a dead giveaway that you’ve fake tanned, so I usually wash my hands an hour after applying my tanner, so that it doesn’t develop as much in that area. I buff out the line between my hands and arm with the same makeup brush, so that there isn’t a harsh contrast.
3. Post-Application process for self-tanner
I sleep in my fake tan, unless it’s an express formula, and wash it off in the shower the next morning. After that, I apply lotion to my body to help it last. Note: It is best to apply self-tanner at night.
Below you will find a selection of my favorite self-tanners, from brands like Bali Body, Loving Tan, Tanologist, and more. As well as one honorable mention that, based on previous customer reviews and ratings, has built up a great reputation! These self-tanners are available at Amazon, Walmart, and Ulta.
Most Affordable Self-Tanner
Bali Body Sunless Self Tanner Mousse
The claim: Bali Body is now available at Walmart, making it easier than ever to get your hands on this amazing Australian self-tanner. The brand claims this tanner is safe for sensitive skin and offers a customizable tan, depending on how quickly you wash it off.
My opinion: As someone with sensitive skin, I can confirm that this self-tanner causes me no issues. It also smells great and fades naturally.
Price: Available for $17 at Walmart
Best Self-Tanning Jelly
Luna Bronze Self-Tanning Jelly
The claim: This unique hydrating jelly lotion is non-sticky and dries clear.
My opinion: I like that this tanner is less messy than mousse, which can fly everywhere, and doesn’t have a color guard that transfers on my clothes and sheets. (A color guard is the temporary color in some self-tanners that helps you know where you’ve placed it.) It feels less sticky than mousses and soaks in like a body cream would. Plus, it fades really naturally.
Price: Available for $34 at Ulta
Best Dark Self-Tanner
Tanologist Dark Self Tan Mousse
The claim: Tanologist claims its self-tanner develops in up to four hours and is streak-free. It won’t leave an orange tone and is made with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and aloe vera to hydrate and soothe.
My opinion: I’m usually scared of dark self-tanners since I’m naturally pale, but this one looks great. I sleep in it just like any other self-tanner, so I can’t confirm or deny its four-hour development claim.
Price: Available for $18 at Amazon
Best Self-Tanner Scent
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Self Tanner
The claim: This tropical self-tanner has a mango and guava scent. You can choose from medium, dark and ultra-dark shades, and it has a green-gray base that counteracts orange tones.
My opinion: This splurge-worthy tanner feels luxe and hydrating. It has such a nice tone that didn’t leave me orange.
Price: Available for $38 at Amazon
Best Express Self-Tanner
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self-Tanning Mousse
The claim: Loving Tan says this is a professional-grade formula that continues developing even after you wash it off after just two hours. It’s Loving Tan’s No. 1 bestseller.
My opinion: Sometimes I’m just not good at planning ahead, and that’s where express self-tanners come in. I love that you can wash this one off after only two hours without sacrificing impact.
Price: Available for $60 at Ulta
BONUS: Best Spray-Tan Adjacent Self-Tanner
Sugared + Bronzed Sunless Tanning Mousse
The claim: Sugared + Bronzed says this self-tanner is lightweight and quick-drying. You can customize its tone depending on how long you let it develop.
My opinion: While I haven’t personally tried this self-tanner, I love Sugared + Bronzed spray tans. Reviewers on Amazon rate this tanner 4.5 stars, so I’d expect it to offer a similar finish to the spray tans, but at home.
Price: Available for $40 at Amazon
Self Tanner FAQs
Will a self-tanner clog my pores the way heavy body oils do?
Self-tanners can clog pores. Through trial and error, you can find a formula that works for you. While my shoulders and back are acne-prone, I don’t have any major issues with the self-tanners above.
Can I still use a shimmer oil if I use self-tanner?
Yes, once your self-tanner is developed and showered off, you can use shimmer oil to highlight your collar bones, shoulders, and more. This is something I often do for special events.
Can I put SPF on top of self-tanner?
Yes, don’t skip the always-important step of wearing SPF just because you’ve applied self-tanner to your skin. For best results, apply your SPF after your self-tanner is fully developed and rinsed off. SPF lotions are preferable to sprays for even application.
When is the best time of day to apply self-tanner?
As noted above, it is preferable to apply self-tanner at night, so that it has a chance to develop uninterrupted while you sleep.
Self-Tanner Market
According to Intel Market research, the global self-tanners market was valued at USD 1.75 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 1.89 billion in 2026 to USD 3.12 billion by 2034! So clearly we are going to have more self-tanners to try in the near future…stay tuned for the next update!
The post I’ve Tried Countless Self-Tanners — These Are The Ones Worth Buying appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
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