18 Best Self-Tanners That Experts and Glamour Editors Say Really Work

_{Photo courtesy of Glamour's Andrea Navarro}

Experience a sun-kissed glow with the Dolce Glow Self-Tanning Mist by celeb tanning artist Isabel Alysa. This mist offers an easy, even application for a natural-looking tan without the streaks. It’s perfect for those who want a quick and hassle-free tanning experience, its lightweight formula dries quickly, and the formula leaves your skin with a beautiful, subtle glow.

Glamour commerce editor Andrea Navarro feels the same way. “As a total beginner, this was the first tanning mist I tried, and it was such a breeze to use with a tanning mitt,” she says.

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Colorless
• Format: Mist
• Development time: 4 hours

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_{Photo courtesy of Matt Woodcox}

After interviewing beauty lovers form all walks of life, it seems St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse is still the most popular self-tanner. “I’m naturally tan, but I love being a little darker and this is my tried-and-true product,” says Glamour commerce editor Andrea Navarro,

Even a self-proclaimed "former pageant girl” who knows her way around fake tan swears by the cult-favorite. "The classic St Tropez always slaps. It’s literally good for literally for everyone and every skin tone,” says Allyn Rose, a model, preventative healthcare advocate, and former Miss America and Miss USA, and Matt Woodcox, a.ka. @dirtyboysgetclean, a beauty influencer and skin care expert wholeheartedly agrees. “This is still the best self tanner ever for the most natural looking tan,” he says. “It has that gorgeous olive toned guide so it’s foolproof."

And for what it's worth, even dermatologists love it. "Formulated with moisturizing jojoba and anti-oxidant vitamin E, this lightweight, easy-to-apply mousse offers a tan that lasts up to ten days and fades evenly," says Dr. Camp.

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Brown
• Format: Mousse
• Development time: 4–8 hours

Save when you shop for the best self-tanners with these Sephora promo codes.

_{Photo courtesy of Glamour's Channing Smith}

If you have sensitive skin, Hi Beautiful You Inc.'s Be You Body Body Perfecting Bronzer is likely the self-tanner for you. Formulated with hyaluronic microspheres, citrus orange peel extract, aloe, ceramides, and shea butter, this hydrating, firming, and soothing smell-, chemical-, and steak-free body bronzer deepens skin pigment using iron oxides, which are natural mineral colorants that tan. And it really works, an doesn't have a funky odor, according to Glamour designer and writer Channing Smith (and hundreds of enthusiastic five star reviews).

“If you’re like me, and you have pale, sensitive skin and you’re new to self-tanner, this is the perfect product for beginners,” Smith says. "The one shade is surprisingly versatile, blending into my palest of pale skin without an orange hue. As with many self-tanners, there is some residue, but I found the rubbing off to be minimal. Just don’t apply and then directly put on your favorite white dress." Also of note? According to Smith, it starts working “immediately.”

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Brown
• Format: Lotion
• Development time: 1 hour

_{Photo courtesy of Glamour's Danielle Sinay}

This is the latest drop from Bondi Sands, but it’s the brand’s most innovative tanning product yet. There are four shades designed to match your skin’s unique undertone for a more customizable tan that sets it apart from other self-tanners. “I tried the one designed for olive undertones and it's easily the most natural-looking self-tanner I’ve used to date,” says Glamour’s Navarro.

The product's reviews sing its praises, too. “I love the undertone of the magenta tanner! The application is easy with the color guard,” one shopper wrote in their review. “The color is SO GOOD and it lasts me about a week before fading!”

“This sapphire foam is a game changer,” wrote another. “I was so surprised how beautifully natural my tan was! Its subtle and I can absolutely build the color with additional applications but I'm so pleased with the results. There was no streaking, splotchy spots or brown knees. So glad I found this and I'm going to stock up because there is no way im going back to ghostly white ever again.”

• Color range: Four shades
• Undertones: Olive, gold, brown, blue
• Format: Foam
• Development time: 1 hour

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_{Photo courtesy of Glamour's Jessica Radloff}

Glamour senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff cites St. Tropez's Gradual Tan Firming Lotion as her “favorite self-tanner," and it's not hard to see why. Formulated with blueberry and raspberry seed oils, red bell pepper, and dual molecular weight hyaluronic acid, this antioxidant-spiked and multitasking self-tanner hydrates, plumps, and firms skin while protecting it from blue light, environmental damage, and visible signs of aging.

Sephora shoppers say the same. “Love this self tanner. The color is nice and golden. The fade is very natural and not streaky,” one said in their review. “[It's] to apply, just wash your hands after. The scent is amazing, like coconuts. Makes your skin super soft.”

And much like Radloff, shoppers prefer putting it on before bed and waking up with a fresh glow. “I love this product. I put it on before bed and wake up looking sun kissed,” another reviewer wrote.

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Colorless
• Format: Lotion
• Development time: 6–8 hours

Save when you shop for the best self-tanners with these Sephora promo codes.

_{Photo courtesy of Glamour's Danielle Sinay}

If you want to go really dark with your fake tan, Rose recommends St. Tropez dark bronzing mousse. However, she has one caveat: “It has a bit of a green base that can be yellow on some people.” If such is the case for you, you're in luck: According to Rose, they now make a purple (technically, magenta) version that she says is "awesome!”

Sophie Evans, a St. Tropez skin finishing expert, also cites the innovative new product as one of her must-haves. “If you are after the deepest tan of your life that will look 100% natural with zero orange hues, you will LOVE my NEW favorite tan St Tropez’s Supreme Violet Mousse,” she says. “It contains serious tan technology that will ensure you have the most deepest olive richest tan of your life that will also last for ten days or more.”

What's more, Evans says, is that it works on every skin tone and color. “Even if you are as fair as a ghost you can use the deepest formula, your deepest tan tone will be lighter than an individual with a naturally dark skin tone,” she clarifies. “One color suits all, just ask yourself what color do you wish to be and choose your formula based on the look you desire.”

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Purple
• Format: Mousse
• Development time: 3–6 hours

Save when you shop for the best self-tanners with these Sephora promo codes.

_{Photo courtesy of Glamour's Danielle Sinay}

These tanning drops have caught the attention of TikTokers thanks to their bronzing powers. “I’ve used self-tanning products for years, but this one lets me mix the formula with my own moisturizer,” says Glamour’s Radloff. L’Oréal’s Tanning Drops recognize that the secret to a more even, natural bronze glow is to blend the tanner with a cream for a tailor-made mistake-proof glow. The dropper gives you just the right amount to mix into your moisturizer, so you don’t have to worry about any product going to waste.

Target shoppers can't stop raving about it, either. “This was the perfect face tanner. I always worry about it being too orange but this was pure bronze, I almost like it better than my [skin care brand] drops because it lasts a few days,” one said in their review. “Such a user friendly product that makes tanning the face super easy,” said another. “This product is perfect. You can apply it daily to reach your desired glow and color. It’s not streaky, blotchy, and does not cause issues when sweating at the gym. Love it! 100/10 recommend!”

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Colorless
• Format: Drops
• Development time: 1–4 hours

_{Photo courtesy of Glamour's Danielle Sinay}

In a hurry and need something to give you some color ASAP? Reach for this formula from Jergens. “I love that this formula has an instant tint—that way I can get the color right away and I can see what I’m doing without streaks,” says Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore. “It looks great instantly and gradually deepens into the perfect ‘I just got back from Miami’ shade.”

Target shoppers are equally devoted. I" love this product!! I’m so pale I’m practically see-through. This gives me a nice subtle glow that builds the more I use it. It’s not sticky or too thick and it's moisturizing," wrote one reviewer.

“I have been using this product for years! It has a rich consistency (not watery feeling) and does not leave your skin feeling dry like some mousse products I have tried,” said another. “You do have to use it daily to see noticeable color but this has been my consistent go-to above all others.”

• Color range: Two shades
• Undertones: Green/neutral
• Format: Lotion
• Development time: 4 hours

_{Photo courtesy of Jessica Siskin}

Our editors are fans of Dr. Dennis Gross products like the Alpha Beta peel pads for exfoliation, and the self-tanning pads are just as special. “Yes, they leave a subtle tint that makes me look more bronzed and ready for summer makeup looks, but they somehow make my skin look healthier overall too,” says Cacciatore. You still get the exfoliating benefits of the OG formula, so you’re adding a glowy complexion to boot.

They're pale skin and freckle-friendly, too. “I was searching for a self tanner that would not make the freckles and she spots on my face get darker with the tan and these little pads did the trick,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I could not live without these glow pads. They are a must-have staple in my weekly skincare routine,” wrote another. “I use them about two times per week after my toner. They give the skin such a pretty radiant glow for a beautiful, tanned look. They even out my skin tone and make my pores appear less visible.”

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Colorless
• Format: Wipes
• Development time: 1 hour

_{Photo courtesy of Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco}

What if a light mist after a shower is all you need? That’s exactly what you get with this clear formula. “I love that this mist is super buildable and gives you an easy way to get a healthy glow without the full commitment of a more intense self-tanner,” says celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan. “Most formulas have that weird self-tan smell, but this one has a nice light scent and is packed with vitamin C and D for extra skin benefits without any sun damage.” Another plus? You can reapply a few times a week to intensify the shade.

This is also a great choice for anyone worried about stains, says Evans. "This applies completely clear and as it has no guide color there is nothing that would transfer onto clothing or furniture"," she says. “Your tan will develop after about 4-8 hours. No gym or swimming is allowed during this development time, but there is also no need to shower as there is no guide color to remove.”

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Colorless
• Format: Mist
• Development time: 4–8 hours

Save when you shop for the best self-tanners with these Ulta promo codes.

If you’re looking for a mess-free option, this Coola formula gets the job done seamlessly. “This super-sheer self-tanner is so easy to use—it never streaks or causes dark patches,” says NYC-based celeb makeup artist Gita Bass. “It has a gorgeous, natural finish that’s easily buildable, with a subtle shimmer that gives you a glow,” Bass says.

Coola's serum has unsurprisingly racked up its fair share of five star reviews as well. “This is my favorite sunless tan face serum! It makes my face look tan and sun kissed without having to sit in the sun! I’ve gotten so many compliments when I use this product; they think it’s a real tan and don’t believe me when I tell them it’s just from a really cool little bottle,” one Sephora shopper wrote in their review. “I just purchased my third bottle and I’ll keep using it as long as Coola keeps making it!”

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Brown
• Format: Serum
• Development time: 3–4 hours

Even fake-tan skeptics are fans of this drugstore mousse, which is great for beginners. “I’m not a fake-tan person at all—it’s a lot of work for something I really don’t care that much about,” says Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslin. “But this is so quick and foolproof to use that it hardly feels like an extra step.” Unlike a lot of mousses, this one pumps out clear so you don’t have to worry about staining clothes or transferring onto furniture. “The bottle says you can layer it on three times over 12 to 24 hours if you want a deep, buildable tan, but just once is enough for me,” says Moeslin.

Another bonus It's sensitive skin and beginner-friendly, according to target reviews. “[It's] beginner friendly! I love the glow it gives without shimmer very natural and not orange,” one wrote in their review. “I’m fair skinned and it’s perfect without it being too dark or orange. I also have sensitive skin. Just use a mitt, put lotion on crevices and bony parts, and wash your hands after and it will look perfect!”

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Brown
• Format: Mousse
• Development time: 2 hours

Tanning while you sleep? Sign us up. “I’ve been blessed with naturally tan skin, but on special occasions when I need that extra-bronzy glow, I’ll pick up this magical mist from Isle of Paradise,” says Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco. Apply a few spritzes on your face before bed, and you’ll wake up with a beach-ready color. “It looks naturally sun-kissed and never artificial,” she says.

Several Sephora reviews say the same. “[This is] the best self-tanner I have ever used. It isn’t a mist as much as a spray dye to the oils in it. I wake up every morning I use it looking naturally tan,” a former Sephora cast member wrote in their review.

“[This is the] perfect product if you are looking for a natural tan glow,” wrote another. “This is one of the first tanning products I have found that tans more brown than orange. As a person with acne prone skin, this did not break me out. [It's] super easy to use, and not too uncomfortable on the skin.” Sounds like a winner!

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Colorless
• Format: Mist
• Development time: 8 hours

Save when you shop for the best self-tanners with these Sephora promo codes.

_{Original photo by Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley}

As bronzing drops continue to make waves, this Tan-Luxe product has become one of the most popular non-sticky options. “This is my favorite sunless tanner for my body. It’s completely customizable, just blend it with your own lotion,” says Glamour contributor Kristi Kellogg. Add a few drops to your daily moisturizer and apply it as usual. “The combo consistently gives me an even glow, and whenever I want to go darker, I simply add more drops,” she says.

It's no surprise Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops have racked up thousands of five star reviews online too. “I am a very pale girlie and have tried so many tanner’s that claim to ‘not be orange or leave streaks.’ This one actually holds up on that promise,” one Sephora shopper wrote in their review. “Buildable color and you can mix it in to your favorite lotions so you smell how you want and not like fake tan! Will be repurchasing!”

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Colorless
• Format: Drops
• Development time: 6–8 hours

Save when you shop for the best self-tanners with these Sephora promo codes.

For a subtle, buildable glow, this tanning body lotion is your new solution. Lux Unfiltered’s hydrating formula is perfect for daily use, because it gradually enhances your skin’s natural color. “I’m a control freak, and I like that I’m pretty much in charge of my tan’s progression with this lotion,” says Glamour’s Navarro. “It’ll leave you streak-free, and you’ll have moisturized skin too.”

Amazon reviews assert that it's “definitely worht the hype,” too. “This is seriously the best self tanning lotion out there,” one user wrote. “Most tanning lotions have a really funky smell once they start to develop on your skin, but this one has a really light scent and I don’t hate the smell like I do most self tanner lotions. It smells amazing! The best part is to give you a really natural looking tan and it’s not orange at all. I’ve gotten compliments on my tan the last few weeks and it’s all because of this product."

• Color range: Two shades
• Undertones: Colorless
• Format: Cream
• Development time: 2 hours

This luxe mousse offers a clear, no-transfer solution for a flawless tan. Because it applies transparently, it’s mess-free, easy to use, and perfect for beginners. If you’re the type to easily stain your clothes, this makes tanning a little less worrisome. “To be honest, I can’t really be trusted with light-colored clothing in general, but the damage from self-tanners sounded terrifying…until I found this guy,” says Glamour tester Ally Simmons. “The results are a beautiful, even bronze that develops over time without making a complete mess.”

Shoppers and reviewers feel the same way. “I have to admit I was skeptical about this as I have never used a clear tanning mousse but I was pleasantly surprised,” one wrote. “This is easily the most beautiful color tan I have ever come across and I have used many of them over the years.”

Another praised its easy application and the fact that it doesn't make a mess. “It’s the best self tanner I’ve used,” they wrote/ “I love that it has no smell, I can apply morning or night and it doesn’t stain clothing or sheets.”

• Color range: One shade
• Undertones: Yellow
• Format: Mousse
• Development time: 24 hours