Luckily we’ve progressed (for the most part) past the days of tanning beds and hours baking in the sun in search of the perfect tan, but the draw of a good glow is one that will never go away. We know enough about the dangers of skin cancer and excessive sun exposure now to know that the cost of a good tan is not one we want to pay, but thankfully the sunless self-tanner options today have made achieving that bronzed goddess glow easier than ever.
From mousses to lotions to serums and more, the self-tan options today are endless. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the ever-growing options for tanning at home, fear not. Use this guide to choose the right self-tanner for your beauty preferences and skin needs, and enjoy a seamless, sunless tanning experience.
If you like a commitment-free glow try…
Dedicated to creating safer, sunless tan options that prioritize skin health, Vita Liberata’s Blur Drops are transfer- and water-resistant, and give an instant, temporary tan you can rock by the pool and under the water, too. “Simply apply them directly onto your skin and layer SPF on top for a skin-safe, radiant glow,” says founder Alyson Hogg. “Cleanse off when you’re finished.”
If you like hydrating formulas try…
For those with dry skin, a self-tanner that boosts hydration as it deposits color is a great choice. Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine B. Downie, MD recommends this creamy formula from Sisley Paris. The “quenching complex of key ingredients” like biosaccharides, glycerin and stevia leaf extract in this facial tanner provides mega moisture and lasting, even color. “My patients really love this one, and it skews more bronze than orange, so it’s a personal favorite of mine, too,” she says.
If you like tone-evening products try…
If uneven skin tone is a concern, Beverly Hills, CA dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD says Beauty By Earth’s self-tanner is a great color-boosting, tone-evening option. “Providing a natural, sun-kissed solution, this organic self-tanner comes in two shades and works for both the face and body,” she adds. “The formula is very forgiving and helps to even skin tone without streaks or stains.
If you have mature skin try…
When you want to hide visible veins, sun damage, bruises or just about anything else, Dr. Downie recommends this waterproof body makeup from BestBronze, which is a great for those with mature skin. Infused with skin- loving ingredients and specifically formulated to conceal varicose veins, sunspots, scars and more, it comes in a whopping 91 shades so you can find the perfect match for a natural look.
If you like a glowy finish try…
When the goal is radiant, glittering, bronzed skin, celebrity makeup artist D’Andre Michael recommends b.tan’s Shimmering Clear Self Tan Gel, which gradually develops to create a new tan or extend an old one. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help treat skin as you wear it, the nonsticky gel is also infused with gold shimmer pigments for a golden-goddess look.
If you like a matte finish try…
For those who prefer a satiny, matte finish when using skin- and body- care products, Michael recommends Bondi Sands’ GLO Matte One Day Tan. Transfer-proof and water-resistant, yet easy to wash off with just soap and water, this Australian-made self-tanner gives both the face and body instant color and a matte, airbrushed finish.
If you like an on-the-go tan try…
Even the pros sometimes find it difficult to create an even tan with traditional sprays and lotions, which is why celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter turns to L’Oréal Paris’s Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes. “These are the best option for a direct, easy application,” Linter says. “I trust the color and performance.”
