We all know that natural tanning is damaging to your skin leaving you at risk for a whole host of problems – brown spots, wrinkles and skin cancer. But, it is indisputable how confident a simple tan can make you. We are currently in the depths of winter and between lockdown and travel restrictions I honestly think my skin is the palest it has been in years (I am genuinely translucent at this point!). So to keep my morale up a healthy dose of self-tan did not hurt anyone.
When it comes to picking a tan it is easy to become overwhelmed with the different shades and formulas. So, whether you’re looking for the best gradual tanner, an instant self-tan that won’t go streaky, or, a long-lasting self-tan that promises zero patchiness I have rounded up 10 self-tanners that according to the internet, word of mouth and my own opinions are some of the best for anybody from beginners to frequent tanners.
Related: St Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Gel – Review
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Best fake tan for flawless results
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tan Foam
£14.99/$26
Results: A deep bronze tan with golden undertones, for the ultimate beach babe look. Enriched with Argan Oil and infused with the scent of coconut for a hydrating tan that is touch-dry in seconds.
Developing time: Liquid Gold Foam requires no wash off! You can apply the foam, put clothes on and go about your day as normal with the tan developing over the next 6 – 8 hours. For a deeper tan reapply 30 minutes after application.
Best fake tan for an olive tan
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
£25.90/$35
Results: Available in three shades – medium, dark and ultra dark. The green-grey base colour counteracts orange tones to keep your tan looking golden without leaning to orange. It’s vegan and packed with natural ingredients like banana, cocoa, papaya, mango, orange and lotus flower leaving an irresistible guava and mango scent.
Developing time: Allow to develop for a minimum of two hours or overnight for an even deeper tan. Shower in warm water to remove the guide colour and gently pay skin dry.
Best fake tan for a healthy glow
St. Tropez Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Mist
£31/$42
Results: Packed with good-for-skin ingredients with a kiss of believable, just-back-from-holiday colour. It is laced with line-smoothing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and D boosters to brighten and shield from external aggressors and the brand’s proprietary ‘Sunshine Complex’ – a blend of 100% natural tanning active with 93% natural skin care ingredients – to lend a soft, olive-toned glow.
Developing time: Tan will develop over 4-8 hours into a medium golden tan. Top up as desired to maintain tan, layer for a deeper shade
Best fake tan for gradual tanning
He-Shi Day To Day Gradual Tan
£15.50
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Results: Ideal for a subtle glow or for fair to medium skin types. Perfect for daily use, the effective lotion is easily absorbed into skin and works to even out natural skin tones or maintain an existing false tan. The formula utilises moisture-lock technology to ensure long lasting results, whilst combating visible signs of ageing.
Developing time: Massage into dry, clean skin on a daily basis to keep your skin bronzed, smooth and soft. Apply liberally with hands to cover your face and body, no need to wash off whilst your tan develops over the next 6-8 hours.
Best fake tan for an ultra dark tan
Bali Body Ultra Dark Self Tanning Mousse
£26.95/$30.95
Results: Get your deepest, darkest tan yet with the Bali Body Ultra Dark Self Tanning Mousse. This lightweight, fast-drying tanning mousse gives you a deep, golden glow whilst still infusing your skin with hydration. Formulated with 100% natural DHA, soothing chamomile extract, coffee seed extract for its antioxidant benefits, and pomegranate extract to leave your skin soft and glowing.
Developing time: For a medium to dark tan, wash off after 3-4 hours. For the deepest tan, leave on for 8 hours before showering.
Best fake tan for those on a budget
St Moriz Advanced Pro Formula 5-in-1 Tanning Mousse
£7.99/$19.99
Results: It’s specialist multi-tasking formulation will provide extra moisturisation, a luxurious luminous finish and a longer lasting golden tan. With an instant guide colour, it ensures ease of application and full coverage. Ideal for beginners or experienced tanners and particularly good for skin that would benefit from an added boost of radiance.
Developing time: The tan will develop over 4-6 hours.
Best fake tan for your face
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
£19.95/$29
Results: Formulated with SuperBalance™ complex to reduce redness. Light has brightening peach tones in, Medium has green to counteract redness and Dark has a purple tinge to curb yellow or sallow tones in skin. Packed with organic tanning actives; avocado, chia seed and coconut oils, for a happy, hydrated glow.
Developing time: Add 1-12 drops to your favourite moisturiser, mix together and apply to skin. More drops = deeper tan.
Best fake tan for a long-lasting tan
Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan
£37.50/$54
Results: For the longest lasting, super fast drying natural tan result – perfect for normal, combination and oily skin types. With Odour Remove™ Technology for zero smell, Moisture Locking hydration and certified organic botanicals.
Developing time: For a 2 – 3 week tan, apply 3 times. Leave each application on for 3 – 24 hours before showering and applying the next application.
Best fake tan for a quick tan
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse
£33/$44
Results: Fast-acting mousse that develops into a sun-kissed glow after just one hour, a medium glow tan in just two hours or a deep, dark bronze after three! Allowing you to control the depth and time spent waiting for a gorgeously glowy tan. Incredibly easy-to-use and guarantees and flawless and streak-free application that is long-lasting, scentless and is also vegan-friendly
Developing time: Allow 1, 2 or 3 hours depending on your desired shade, before showering to reveal your developed tan. Your tan will then continue to develop for up to 8 hours.
Best fake tan for a wash off tan
Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish
£29.95/$45
Results: Works to minimises blemishes, cover imperfections, and smooths the skin’s appearance while reflecting light for a photo-ready skin finish. The natural-looking tint lifts your skintone, adding radiance and a healthy-looking glow that can be showered off when you choose. Perfect for use on the face either alone or under foundation as the ultimate makeup prep or use on the body for flawless skin all over.
Developing time: Does not take any time to develop, simply wash off to remove.
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