Bronzed, just-returned-from-vacation skin has always been a favorite look. The twist? We stand by the safer method of sunless tanning. After testing countless formulas over the years, Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse remains unbeatable. Because it’s so good (hi, Best of Beauty Award!), we would never think to risk getting skin cancer by baking in the sun or stepping foot in a tanning bed. (We’re the gals at the beach parked under the umbrella, reapplying sunscreen like it’s our full-time job. I mean, technically it is, since we work for Allure.) Only looking sun-kissed—sans wrinkles, sunspots, or UV damage that comes with extended sun exposure—is the goal, especially with colder, shorter days looming ahead.
That’s where self-tanners have come in, offering the perfect bronzed look year-round—no sunburn required, just some serious testing. We’ve tried over 30 popular self-tanning products to determine the formulas that are truly worth the hype. During testing, each tanner was patch-tested on one arm and compared to the other, lesser-tan arm. The product was then left on to see how long it took to develop and, more importantly, how long it lasted.
After months of trial and error (trust, us editors have had our fair share of streaky mishaps), we’ve narrowed down the absolute best at-home self-tanners for every kind of glow you’re after.
Our Top Self-Tanner Picks
Lux Unfiltered N°36 Tanning Mousse
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Winner: Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse
Dolce Glow
Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse
Why it’s worth it: We’re not exaggerating when we say this is the best self-tanner we’ve ever tried. Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse is a lightweight, velvety formula that glides on effortlessly and blends like a dream (thanks to the mitt applicator), leaving no streaks or patches in sight. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera and hydrating oils (hey, Australian macadamia oil), so skin feels soft and nourished while we tan—plus, it’s the only one on this list that has a subtle, fresh scent instead of that typical self-tan smell. (Trakoshis’s husband can vouch that this formula has none of the “tan smell” everyone dreads.) The color payoff of this Best of Beauty-winning bronzing foam is also unreal: It has no weird orange vibes, but just a flawless, bronzy glow that makes us look like we spent a week in Capri.
- Type: mousse
- Key ingredients: aloe vera, jojoba oil, Australian macadamia oil, vitamin E, squalane
- Shades: 1
- Development time: 6 to 8 hours for full color
- Fragrance: fresh, light, and non-typical of self-tanners
- Lasts up to: 7 days
Best Self-Tanner for Pale Skin: St. Tropez Self-Tan Supreme Violet
St. Tropez
Self-Tan Supreme Violet
Why it’s worth it: If you’re scared of orange hues coming through, St. Tropez Self-Tan Supreme Violet steers clear. Having purple or violet tints in a self-tanner like this one neutralizes any yellow tones in the skin that really come out during winter paleness. This gives us the most realistic, olive-toned color we’ve ever had from a bottle. This self-tanning foam was made to mimic that deep, beach-bum glow without looking fake. The application is so smooth and easy: Use an application mitt to blend it, and the formula glides on like silk without streaks or patchiness. Plus, the tropical scent makes it enjoyable to apply. It starts developing in just a few hours, and by the time it’s fully set, it’ll last for up to 10 days and fade evenly, so you’re not stuck with any weird patches.
- Type: mousse
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, green tea extract
- Shades: 1
- Development time: 4 to 8 hours
- Fragrance: subtle, tropical scent
- Lasts up to: 10 days
Best Self-Tanner for Dry Skin: +Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse
Lux Unfiltered
N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse
Why it’s worth it: +Lux Unfiltered’s N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse is where skin care meets self-tanner. The ingredients are what truly elevate this product to be one of the best. Infused with shea butter, passionfruit oil, and vitamin C, this tanning mousse doesn’t just offer a great color—it also deeply hydrates our skin, leaving it feeling moisturized and soft. The shea butter works its magic by moisturizing, while the passionfruit oil provides antioxidants to keep skin looking smooth and radiant. It also contains one of our favorite brightening ingredients, vitamin C, making the resulting color look even more vibrant.
- Type: mousse
- Key ingredients: shea butter, passion fruit oil, vitamin C
- Shades: 1
- Development time: 4 to 6 hours
- Fragrance: fresh, beachy scent
- Lasts up to: 6 to 8 days
Best Express Self-Tanner: Loving Tan Platinum 2 HR Express Tanning Mousse
Loving Tan
Platinum 2 HR Express Tanning Mousse
Why it’s worth it: It’s no surprise that the Loving Tan Platinum 2 HR Express Tanning Mousse snagged an Allure 2024 Best of Beauty Award. This ultra-dark formula offers a rich, professional-looking tan in just two hours—yes, you read that right, only two hours—making it perfect for last-minute plans. The mousse is lightweight and has a generous dry-down time, so if you do mess up, there’s wiggle room to go back and buff out any harsh spots or streaks. The color is deep and buildable, so if you don’t want to be super dark, you can just do one coat for just a little color. Not to mention, there’s a dose of caffeine to help reduce puffiness.
- Type: mousse
- Key ingredients: aloe vera, caffeine, antioxidant blend
- Shades: 1
- Development time: 2 hours
- Fragrance: fresh and light
- Lasts up to: 7 to 10 days
More self-tanners we love:
Best Drugstore Self-Tanner: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Jergens
Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Why it’s worth it: The Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is one of our favorite tanning lotions, ever—and it has oodles of accolades (including multiple Allure Readers’ Choice Awards) to prove it. Though this drugstore formula has been around since the dawn of self-tanner time, this easy-to-blend cream still delivers one of the most natural, hydrating glows on the market—and it costs less than half of many competitors. The creamy lotion imparts a believable bronze in a few days and keeps skin moisturized, thanks to glycerin and vitamin E. In fact, you can go ahead and skip your usual body moisturizer on self-tanning days.
- Type: gradual lotion
- Key ingredients: vitamin E, elastin, hydrating complex
- Shades: 2
- Development time: gradual build with daily use
- Fragrance: light floral scent
- Lasts up to: use daily for continuous results
Best Self-Tanner Drops: Isle of Paradise Body Self-Tanning Drops
Isle of Paradise
Body Self-Tanning Drops
Why it’s worth it: The coolest feature of Isle of Paradise’s Body Self-Tanning Drops is how customizable they are. (We use shade Medium, which contains green undertones to help balance out any redness she has.) We simply mix a few drops into our regular body lotion or oil (you can adjust the number of drops depending on how deep you want your color), and then massage it into our skin like we would with any moisturizer. The formula is lightweight and blends in effortlessly without any streaks or patches—no mitt required, although you should wash your hands after applying it. We love that the drops don’t leave a greasy or sticky feeling behind, so we can get dressed right after application without any discomfort. The tan develops gradually, usually within a few hours, giving us a natural glow without any orange undertones.
- Type: customizable drops to mix with lotion
- Key ingredients: avocado oil, chia seed oil, coconut oil
- Shades: 3
- Development time: 4 to 6 hours
- Fragrance: eucalyptus and peppermint
- Lasts up to: 5 to 7 days
Best Gradual Self-Tanner: Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk
Bondi Sands
Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk
Why it’s worth it: We’ve been using the Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk for as long as we can remember. Why, you ask? It’s just so easy to use, and practically foolproof: Just rub it in like you would your regular lotion and, within a few days, you’ve got a gorgeous, golden color. It’s a moisturizer and gradual tanner in one, so it’s perfect for building color slowly without worrying about streaks or overdoing it. That makes it ideal for maintaining color after a big self-tan session or adding a soft glow from scratch. We use it on damp skin when we’re fresh out of the shower, so those hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E can really penetrate into the skin. After application, make sure to wash your hands so you don’t get any discolored palms.
- Type: lotion
- Key ingredients: aloe vera, vitamin E, cocoa butter
- Shades: 2
- Development time: builds gradually with daily use
- Fragrance: sweet, coconut scent
- Lasts up to: use daily for continuous results
The best self-tanner stats at a glance
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best self-tanning tips?
Before you start self-tanning, get everything else out of the way, if you need to get a wax or a manicure, touch up your hair color, or shave your legs, do it before applying any self-tanner. “All of those treatments can remove self-tanner,” says spray tanner Anna Stankiewicz of Louise O’Connor Salon in New York City. Once that’s done, it’s time to prep. Self-tanner sinks into dry skin, leaving dark patches that look unnatural. Slough away any flakes with a scrub—focusing on rough spots like the knees, elbows, ankles, and heels—or a cleanser with glycolic or salicylic acids to remove dead, dull skin, Stankiewicz says.
Now, choose your product and start your application. “It’s always easier to start with the legs and work your way up, and finish with your hands,” says self-tanning expert and St. Tropez brand ambassador Sophie Evans, who recommends tanning the lower leg first, from the ankle up, skimming over the knee. Then she recommends targeting the feet with any excess product from that initial application.
Is self-tanner bad for you?
It’s complicated. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in most self-tanners is considered safe for topical use. However, according to a study done by ABC News, there are concerns if you inhale or ingest DHA during spray sessions or through using spray products, as DHA was approved by the FDA for external use only. A more recent review of the current research published in 2024 concluded that DHA is unlikely to be harmful in current quantities found in these products, although it might be irritating to folks with sensitive skin.
Overall, self-tanners are a much safer alternative to UV tanning. If you want to play it safe, just take extra precautions, especially with spray applications—namely, spray it on a mitt before applying, and you’re good to go.
What should you look for in the best self-tanners?
One of the most popular ingredients featured in fake tan products is dihydroxyacetone, a sugar-based compound most commonly known as DHA. DHA reacts with the amino acids on the top layer of the skin to provide a gradual color. The problem? It can be challenging to stabilize, hence the dreaded tangerine tint, cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller previously told Allure.
Luckily, self-tanners have come a long way, and many of today’s options impart natural-looking tans that are almost indistinguishable from the real deal—and a much healthier habit in the short and long term. Common ingredients found in mousse, lotions, and spray tans are erythrulose, another sugar that stabilizes DHA, moisturizing emollients for a smooth and streak-free glide, and different forms of encapsulation technology to enhance the product’s finish and neutralize DHA’s usually-pungent smell.
How long does self-tanner last?
Here’s the thing: every self-tanner’s longevity depends on its formula and pigment intensity. A subtle, faux glow can wash down the drain in a matter of days, while a dramatic bronze may last for up to two weeks. Evans previously told Allure that faux tan products typically last between five to 10 days. “Your skin will naturally shed over five to 10 days, and no self-tan will last longer than ten days,” she said.
Beauty treatments like waxing and manicures can impact your self-tan, so make sure you take care of those before your session. “All of those treatments can remove self-tanner,” Stankiewicz of Louise O’Connor Salon in New York City told Allure. Other things to note while using a self-tanner are to wash with a gentle cleanser, make sure your skin is always moisturized, and avoid intense actives like retinol and acne treatments, which can dissolve the color on your face or body.
How do you achieve a streak-free tan with self-tanners?
One of the golden rules of self-tanning starts with your skin-care routine, so exfoliate beforehand. Stankiewicz suggests sloughing dead skin with an oil-free cleanser laced with glycolic or salicylic acid. Just be sure to remove any residue before proceeding, so you can start with a clean, dry, and product-free slate that’ll maximize your results. This is a crucial step because oils “could interfere with the binding of DHA to the stratum corneum,” according to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, and lead to uneven development. While your skin should be mostly dry, spot-moisturize as needed for areas like around nostrils, knees, elbows, and ankles to keep them from turning dark or orange, Stankiewicz previously recommended.
If you’re new to applying self-tanner, experts suggest testing a lighter-toned formula first to minimize the look of potential mistakes, patches, and streaks. “Once you get used to a classic shade and wish to go darker, you will have the confidence to use the darkest formula,” Evans told Allure.
Post-application, err on the safe side when it comes to drying time. “If the directions say five minutes, wait 10,” Stankiewicz said. For extra protection, you can also brush a talc-free powder all over, which “stops the tanner from transferring to your clothes,” she adds. Finally, avoid showering or sweating for six to eight hours.
Can you put self-tanner on your face?
In short: No. While self-tanners for your body and self-tanners for your face have overlapping ingredients, David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, suggests separate products for separate parts of your body. “I would not use body self-tanner on the face,” he previously told Allure. “It’s much more comedogenic and oily and can often break you out.”
How do you remove self-tanner?
If you’ve made an error mid-application or are ready to remove the tanner before it fades on its own, there are a few things you can do. “After the color has fully developed and your first shower has taken place, mistakes can be removed and fixed in lots of ways depending on the severity of the mistake,” Evans explained. She advises using an exfoliating mitt on wet skin to lift unwanted color when dealing with patches and streaks. You can also use a baby wipe to dab away excess or misplaced product as you’re self-tanning.
How do you get self-tanner off hands?
You can remove product from your hands the same way you would remove it from other parts of your body. Still, the best way to prevent temporary staining is to wash your hands immediately after using them to apply the product.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but self-tanners are another story. While some can be used across different skin tones, textures, and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing self-tanning products, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new formula may provide the perfect bronzed glow, but if there’s a streaky learning curve for self-tan beginners, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best self-tanners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts we’ve interviewed for the piece—who all have different skin tones, concerns, types, and desired outcomes (i.e., subtle versus dramatic). Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ease of use, and value. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
About our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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