10 Self-Tanning Products for an Everlasting Glow

We rounded-up the best self-tanning products to keep you glowing all summer long.

Even during the sunny summer months, it can be helpful to have a self-tanner in your regular skincare routine. Whether you just want to keep your color looking even, or you want to get tan while avoiding the harmful rays of the sun, we’ve got you covered with this list of our 10 favorite self-tanning products.

With formulations for everyone, options for just the face, and SPF options, the products on this list will keep you glowing, inside and out.

Best Overall: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse  

Image via Coco & Eve.

The Coco & Eve self-tanner wins for several reasons. It gives a natural looking, never orange tan while also blurring imperfections, and it’s fast-drying, developing in two hours. It also has color guide technology, so it’s easy to use even if you are a tan mousse beginner. Finally, and maybe most importantly, it smells like mango and guava, meaning you (and your sheets) won’t be stuck smelling like typical self-tanner. Buy the kit here for $46.90.

Best Natural: Kora Organics Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion  

Image via Kora Organics.

This self-tanning lotion is vegan and cruelty-free, and uses DHA derived from sugar, making it a great nontoxic alternative. The lotion gives a gradual tan, meaning you can layer it on over the course of several days to get to your desired tan shade. It’s also formulated with rosehip oil and seasick thorn oil, making it incredibly moisturizing, too. Buy here for $50.

Best for Face: James Read H2O Tan Drops Face

Image via James Beard.

The James Read tan drops double as a hydrating skin serum. With ale vera and hyaluronic acid helping to create glowing skin from within, the drops provide an even, natural looking tan to make your skin glow from the outside. The water-based formula also ensures the product won’t break you out, like most facial tanners do. Buy here for $39.

Best Water: Tanologist Water Sunless Tanning Treatment 

Image via Target.

This water tanning solution is easy to use, provides long-lasting color, and has an unbeatable price. The formula, which is vegan and organic, is formulated to be transfer-proof on sheets and towels. It’s also designed to last for up to a week, before fading gradually as a real tan would. And if the price wasn’t already great, it’s suitable for both face and body, meaning all you’ll need is this one product. Buy here for $21.99.  

Best Drops:  TAN-LUXE The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops 

Image via Net A Porter.

 These tanning drops allow you to fully customize your desired tan. Mix with your regular lotion for a streak-free, hydrating glow from naturally sourced DHA’s. The formula is infused with raspberry seed oil and Vitamin E to smooth the skin’s texture, a formula the brand calls ‘Cellutone Complex.’ Buy here for $60.

Best Wipes: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad 

Image via Dr. Dennis Gross.

The Dr. Dennis Gross self-tanning wipes provide a streak-free, all-over tan. Made from AHAs and BHAs, along with active Vitamin D, the wipes provide for a luminous, natural glow, almost as if you are glowing from within. The AHAs also lift dead skin cells, providing an even texture and base layer for the tan. Buy here for $45. 

Best for Beginners: Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk 

Image via Ulta.

The Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk is perfect for self-tanning beginners. Due to it’s low color content and gradual process, this self-tanner makes it impossible to mess up. Use everyday for a more built-up tan, or use for a few days leading up to an event if you only need a tan for special occasions. As a bonus, it’s enriched with aloe vera, Vitamin E and cocoa butter for a moisturizing finish. Buy here for $19.

Best SPF: Supergoop! Healthy Glow Sunless Tan SPF 40 

Image via Supergoop!

This moisturizing sunless tanning spray-lotion protects skin while also delivering a natural-looking tan. The formulation is buildable, allowing you to personalize your tan. The SPF is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it won’t wear off if you wear it to the bool or the beach. The tan develops over the course of two to four hours. Buy here for $38.

Best Moisturizer: Volition Getaway Glow™ Gradual Tan Firming Body Moisturizer 

Image via Volition.

This self-tanner is really more of a moisturizer, with the added bonus of a great tan. Never sticky, streaky, or orange, the Volition Getaway Glow is perfect for protecting and firming skin. Vegan collagen softens the appearance of stretch marks, while vegan squalene provides intense hydration retention. Buy here for $42.

Best for Tan Emergencies: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse  

Image via Dermstore.

You can’t have a self-tanner round-up without any mention of St. Tropez. Their cult-classic tanners are favorites for a reason, with quick-drying, easy to use, and streak-free formulas. The express Bronzing Mousse is their best product, delivering a truly natural tan in under three hours. This one is good to have on-hand if you have any last minute events. Buy here for $44.

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