The 25 Best Self-Tanners For The Face And Body – 2020
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
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Getting a fake tan without toasting yourself under the sun is no longer a dream – because you have self-tanners. These products can give you the sun-kissed golden sheen that you always wanted.
However, you have to be careful while spending your money on self-tanning products. Pick the wrong one, and you’ll end up resembling a grilled sandwich with brown streaks! That’s why we have rounded up the best self-tanners for the face and body with the best formulas. Take a peek!
The Top 25 Self-Tanners For Your Face And Body
1. Beauty By Earth Self Tanner
This self-tanner is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can be used by both adults and teens. It contains Japanese green tea extracts, organic shea butter, and coconut oil. It gives you a gradual sun-kissed tan without any streaks and blotches.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May feel greasy
2. Sally Hansen Air Brush Legs
This spray-on self-tanner claims to cover all imperfections and gives you flawless natural tan without any streaks. It contains Palmaria extracts and is a lightweight leg makeup to cover freckles and veins. All you need to do is shake it well and spray on your legs.
Pros
- Water-resistant (not waterproof)
- Quick dry
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Contains parabens
3. Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun
The Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun self-tanner has a mousse-like consistency. It is easy to apply and gives you an even tan. It develops gradually, and due to its Advanced Color complex, this lightweight mousse blends well with your natural skin tone.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Available in two shades
- Pump packaging
Cons
- Contains parabens
4. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
This self-tanning foam is enriched with aloe vera and is extremely lightweight. It dries quickly and gives you a natural-looking tan. This tanning foam is best suited for those with olive skin and those who want darker results.
Pros
- Quick-drying
- Pleasant coconut fragrance
Cons
- Might feel drying on the skin
5. Banana Boat Self-Tanning Lotion
This is a self-tanning lotion. Unlike other lotions, it will give you streak-free results. It has a self-adjusting color formula that lets you control the shade and get the perfect tan. It is available in three shades of light, medium, and deep dark colors and is suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Quick-drying
- Reef-safe
- No oxybenzone and octinoxate
Cons
- The new no-dye formula doesn’t give a good tint.
6. Golden Star Beauty
This is a self-tanning face serum that not just gives you a glowing tan but also cares for your skin. This serum contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 that keep your skin hydrated and rejuvenated. It claims to be a 100% streak-free tanner with anti-aging benefits.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dye-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May clog the skin pores.
7. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse
This is an ultra-lightweight self-tanning mousse that offers long-lasting tan. The formula is enriched with vitamin E and coconut water that ensures your skin stays hydrated, soft, and smooth. For a lasting tan, you need to apply this mousse at least three times over 12-24 hours. The color takes 4-8 hours to develop.
Pros
- Fresh coconut fragrance
- Quick-drying
Cons
- May feel a bit sticky.
8. NKD SKN Pre-Shower Gradual Tan Lotion
This pre-shower tanning lotion is convenient for those who want a quick tan. This easy-to-apply lotion contains all skin-loving ingredients, like aloe vera and marula oil, that keep your skin safe. It gradually builds the tan and can be used on the face and the body.
Pros
- 100% organic
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Zero transfer
- No self-tan smell
Con
s
- Takes time to dry (as per user reviews)
9. Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster Self Tanning Fluid
Add just three drops of this liquid to your daily moisturizer, mix, and apply to get a warm and sunkissed glow. This liquid formulation gives you a natural-looking and even tan without any hassles.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically tested
- Quick and lasting results
Cons
None
10. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad (Intense Glow)
These self-tanning pads are only for your face. If you want a healthy bronzed-tan and glow, try these pads. They are available in two varieties – for gradual glow and for an intense glow. This pad is for an intense glow that claims to develop a tan within 3-4 hours of application. These towelettes are mess-free and easy to apply.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
11. Kate Somerville Self Tanning Towelettes
These self-tanning towelettes have a moisturizing formula that gives you a healthy and effortless tan without drying out your skin. The advanced formula of these towelettes helps you develop a gradual tan after 2-4 hours of application. It doesn’t stain your clothes and sheets.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Contains botanical extracts
Cons
- Expensive
12. Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Body Oil
This tanning oil contains 100% pure argan oil. This has a fast-absorbing formula that provides intense hydration to your skin and a glowing tan. It contains DHA and claims to give you a natural tan and semi-matte finish. After application, you need to wait for 8 hours before showering.
Pros
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No synthetic fragrance
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Subtle and buildable tan
Cons
None
13. James Read Sleep Mask Tan Face
This sleeping mask treats and tans your face while you sleep. It imparts light to medium tan. The mask contains hydrating and skin-nourishing ingredients along with anti-aging benefits. It keeps your skin soft and smooth and gives visible results.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Quick-drying
Cons
- May cause breakouts (as per user reviews)
14. Clarins Self-Tanning Milky Lotion
The Clarins Self-Tanning Milky Lotion contains fig extracts and provides 24 hours hydration to your skin. It has a milky consistency, which is easy to spread on the skin and gives streak-free results.
Pros
- No staining
- Pleasant fragrance
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Contains PEG
15. Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
These self-tan drops contain skin health-boosting ingredients, such as aloe vera, vitamin E, and raspberry seed oil, that transform your skin and help make it flawless and glowing. This self-tanning formula also doubles as a moisturizer and serum.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
None
16. COOLA Sunless Tan Dry Oil Mist
This is a dry oil that also gives you a natural tanned look after application. This product comes in a spray bottle and is perfect for those who prefer a quick bronzy-touch up for their skin. It contains DHA derived from sugar beet and has a buildable color that claims to last for at least three days. It is lightweight and has a refreshing natural pina colada fragrance.
Pros
- Streak-free
- Transfer-resistant
- Reef-friendly
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
17. Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tan
This gradual tanning lotion helps you develop a buildable tan. The formula is lightweight and gives you sheer color. It dries quickly, and the color develops in about 2-4 hours and lasts for several days.
Pros
- Streak-free
- Clinically proven formula
- Lightly scented
Cons
None
18. St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
This face mist gives you light to medium tan. If you love the sunkissed glow, this facial mist is ideal for you. It is infused with hyaluronic acid, tanning actives, and other skin-loving ingredients that keep your skin plump and glowing. This is a no-transfer and no-rinse formula, so it won’t mess your clothes up.
Pros
- No streaks
- Vegan-friendly
- No smell
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- 100% naturally derived ingredients
Cons
None
19. VITA LIBERATA Advanced Organics Self-Tanning Night Moisture Mask
This is an overnight tanning treatment that works as a moisture mask for your skin. It delivers an overnight sunkissed glow to your skin, rejuvenates it, and keeps it hydrated. It contains DHA and is developed with odor remove technology. So you won’t get that tan-smell you usually get after applying any other tanning lotion or cream.
Pros
- Certified organic ingredients
- 72 hours hydration
- Sebum control
- No harmful chemicals
Cons
None
20. Clinique Self Sun Face Tinted Lotion
This is an instant bronzing face lotion. After application, it takes only a few hours to develop the tint. This has an oil-free formula and is suitable for all skin types. It is easy to apply and gives an even look without streaks.
Pros
Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Contains PEG
- Contains alcohol
21. Sol By Jergens Sunless Tanning Water Mousse
This transparent water-like mousse contains tanning actives derived from natural sugars. It works along with your natural skin tone to give you a sunkissed bronze glow. The color develops gradually, which means you can build it up and control its intensity. Also, it lasts for several days.
Pros
- No dyes
- Contains natural extracts
Cons
- Contains parabens
22. James Read Instant Bronzing Mist
This is an instant face and body tanning mist. It has a lightweight formula and comes in a spray bottle. You can spray it on your skin to get an instant tanned look. You can build up the color by further layering the product until you get the desired tan shade. It contains aloe vera and vitamin E that keep your skin moisturized.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lasts for 5 days
Cons
- Spray nozzle gets clogged.
23. Tarte Brazilliance Plus+ Self Tanner With Mitt
The self-tanner by Tarte is boosted with natural exfoliators and moisturizers that give you a deep-toned and natural tan in just a few hours of application. The PUREshield technology ensures that the product doesn’t leave any unpleasant smell but only a lasting and even tan.
Pros
- Vegan
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
None
24. La Mer The Face And Body Gradual Tan Lotion
This self-tanning lotion contains antioxidants and is rich in a mineral broth that keeps your skin revitalized. It gives your skin a soft, natural-looking tanned glow without leaving any streaks.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Quick-absorbing
Cons
No SPF
25. Tan In A Mitt
This is a one-time-use mitt infused with a tanning formula that gives you a streak-free, natural glow. The mitt makes it easy to apply the tanning formula on your skin without staining your clothes and hands. The color starts to develop in 2-4 hours.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Contains PEG
You no longer have to spend hours under the sun and damage your skin to get a bronze tan. These self-tanning products are a safer way to get a tan within hours. Moreover, you can choose the desired shade by building the tan in layers with a gradual tanner. Go ahead and get that sunkissed look with these products.
Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions
Can you use a self-tanner on your face?
Yes, self-tanners can be used on the face.
Does a self-tanner work on pale skin?
Yes, it works best on pale skin.
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Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
