15 Best Self-Tanners to Achieve a Sunless Tan at Home
Every season is tanning *szn*
Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
Achieving a bronzed, sun-kissed glow is easier than ever. Long gone are the days of laying out on the beach or a tanning bed to get a flawless glow. Self-tanners achieve everything from a full-on bronze glow to a low-key tan, and they can easily be applied in the comfort of your home or your dorm. The best self-tanning sprays, mousses, lotions, and mists can cover the body without the risk of harmful UV rays from the sun and from tanning beds. Seventeen tapped board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anar Mikailov and celebrity makeup artists and tanning experts Tarryn Feldman and Sophie Evans to break down the best way to prep for a self-tanner sesh and the best way to achieve a sunless glow with self-tanner.
Our Top Picks
Pros
- Hydrating
- Leaves streak-free finish
Cons
- Takes 4-6 hours to fully develop
Silky, smooth skin and a natural, even tan? Count us in. Tarryn Feldman recommends this tanner that delivers rich, bronzed skin within four to six hours after application.
Type: Mousse
Size: 6.76 oz
Customer review: "I've tried a few self tanners and this one has been the most user friendly. However, you have to use a tanning mit or else it would be tough to apply. It dries quickly which I love and it lasts for about a week which is great for trips."
Pros
- Hydrates skin
- Blends easily
Cons
- Customer reviews note line of demarcation if it's not applied near hairline and ears
You don't have to sacrifice your skincare goals for the sake of a self-tanner. This lightweight serum is enriched with hyaluronic acid to leave skin moisturized and plump while achieving a fierce glow.
Type: Lotion
Size: 3 ounces
Customer review: "No need for alot, a few drops on forehead, cheeks, and neck for a perfect gradual overnight tan! Wake up fresh and glowing. Tips: don't forget to go up to your hair line and ears area to have a natural tan without demarcation. Wash your hands right after to avoid staining. I use it twice a week and my skin color is perfect 👌I usually react strongly to other beauty products... This one makes my skin soft and hydrated without dryness or redness."
Pros
- Light-weight texture
- Doesn't leave streaks
Cons
- Strong "tanner" scent
This quick-drying mousse delivers a golden finish and is formulated with aloe vera to soothe skin.
Type: Mousse
Size: 5.07 ounces
Customer reviews: "First time tanner here, I enjoy the light weight feel it’s not heavy on the skin."
Pros
- Available in different tan levels
Cons
- Some reviewers experienced patchiness
These drops are highly recommended by Dr. Mikailov because they can easily be mixed in with a moisturizer and will not cause irritation. The formula comes in three levels Light, Medium, and Dark so that you can choose your tanning intensity.
Type: Drops
Size: 1.81 ounces
Customer review: "I find this product to be Amazing!! So Easy! I just put a few drops in my body moisturizer or face moisturizer, rub it in with my hands like I normally would and within hours I have the most amazing natural beautiful looking tan."
TAN-LUXE The Water Hydrating Self-Tan Water
Pros
- Goes on clear, doesn't transfer
Cons
- Delivers lighter tan than other formulas
Hailey Bieber swears by this self-tanning water. According to Mrs. Biebz, she wakes up with a nice little glow after adding applying this gem as part of her nighttime skincare routine.
Type: Mist
Size: 6.76 ounces
Customer review: "I am fair and this worked great! Beautiful color, did not streak. I used a mit as directed and it looks seamless. Pricey but well worth it!!"
Pros
- Leaves a "natural tan"
Cons
- Some customer reviews note transfer after application
You'll want to get your face just right when self-tanning. Dr. Dennis Gross Glow Pads deliver a bronzed glow. Micro-encapsulated DHA and soy proteins work together to prevent odor and streaks. Active vitamin D in the pads also provides a natural-looking hue.
Type: Pads
Size: 0.07 ounces
Customer review: "Dr. Dennis Gross' Alpha Beta Glow Pads give me a natural-looking tan without the rash & irritation I've gotten from similar products."
Tarte Limited Edition Brazilliance 2HR Express Deep Foaming Self-Tanner
Pros
- No orange undertones
Cons
- Customer reviews note streaky finish
Laced with moisturizing aloe leaf juice, coconut oil, and jojoba seed oil, this tanning mousse nourishes and soothes skin leaving a soft and smooth finish.
Type: Foam
Size: 7.1 ounces
Customer review: "Excellent product! I've been looking for a rapid self-tanner that doesn't have orange undertones. This tanner is perfect."
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse Medium
Pros
- Delivers deep bronzed tan
Cons
- Customer reviews note lack of color payoff
This rinse-off self-tanner delivers a natural olive tint in up to two hours but develops into a deeper, more bronzed glow over time.
Type: Mousse
Size: 4 ounces
Customer reviews: "Perfect for the times you have last minute plans you have to get to or if you want your tan to be as dark as possible pop this on before bed sleep in the tan and wake up with a deep bronze tan ready to go to whatever plans you have and tends to last incredibly!"
Pros
- Leaves skin smooth and hydrated
Cons
- Some customer reviews note streaking
This nourishing self-tanning lotion brings back the moisture that was stripped during the tanning prep process and delivers a longlasting glow.
Type: Lotion
Size: 4.2 ounces
Customer reviews: "This stuff is amazing. I have a very sensitive sniffer and I finally found something that I love to use. I love the way it goes on smoothly and moisturizes my skin. The color seems to last for days. Well done, Clarins. I have a new fave!"
Pros
- Adorable packaging
Cons
- Customer reviews note patchy application
Get transported to a luxurious beach with this tropical mango and guava-scented tanner. The fast-drying mousse is also laced with moisturizing coconut and skin-protecting antioxidants.
Type: Mousse
Size: 6.7 oz
Customer review: "It was my first time trying self tanner and this one is great I used the ultra dark one. First it has good ingredients as I found in the Yuka app (picture shown) And it’s very easy to use I watched some you tube videos on how to apply properly. I like the glove and brush it’s very easy to use. I left it on overnight and showed in the morning and as seen in picture my results were great. I Would definitely recommend this self tanner if you have never tried it before."
St. Tropez Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse
Pros
- Goes on smooth
- Doesn't stain
Cons
- Customer reviews note it can form patches on drier skin types
St. Tropez finishing expert Sophie Evans recommends this mouse because it's formulated with niacinamide and echinacea, which helps skin retain hydration and hyaluronic acid to boost elasticity.
Type: Mousse
Size: 6.7 ounces
Customer review: "Every summer this is a my go to self tanner. It's quick. Great shade for many skin tones. Looks natural and fades well."
COOLA Organic Sunless Tan Face Serum
Pros
- Delivers light tan
- Doesn't clog pores
Cons
- Customer reviews note smell that fades as tan dries
Enhanced with argan oil and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight serum delivers a bright, glowing transfer-free tan that lasts up to three days.
Type: Serum
Size: 1.7 ounces
Customer review: "Not for those trying to get from zero to bronzed overnight, but this gives a very subtle glow that can be built up with time and more importantly, it doesn't break out my acne-prone skin! It does have a ~tropical~ smell when you first put it on, but the smell dissipates quickly."
Pros
- Easy to use
- Reviewers say it leaves a flawless, even finish
Cons
- Has to be used with another product
Turn your favorite skincare into a self-tanner with the help of these illuminating drops. Mix two to six drops with your go-to moisturizers for a hydrated, bronzed glow. Customers rave about how easy these drops are to use and how much of a tan they receive from them.
Type: Drops
Size: 1.69 ounces
Customer review: "Love this product! Just a little goes a long way. Gives you a warm tan glow with out being too much."
Pros
- Doesn't streak
- Dries quickly
- Leaves naturally tan finish
Cons
- Customer reviews note sticky formula
Self-tanning on the face? Whew. It can be intimidating, but this lightweight foam nourishes and adds shine, all while delivering an even facial tan.
Type: Foam
Size: 4 ounces
Customer review: "I have the ilmakiage foundation so I thought I would try thr sun foam , I thought if it's as good as the foundation then I would be so happy, well simple it's amazing, it goes on so easy and quick , dries really quick and looks great. Love it xx"
Pros
- Delivers full coverage
- Easily rinsed off
Cons
- Light scent
There are sunless tanners, and then there's this Forever Bronze Kitby MineTan. This trio has all the tools needed to achieve a seamless neck-to-toe tan. Can we get into the adorable pink glove, though? 😍💗😍
Type: Mist
Size: 8 ounces
Customer review: "Works awesome looks good comes off in shower pretty easy"
How to prep skin before applying self-tanner?
While a big part of achieving a flawless self-tan boils down to the products you use, the true key to a sunless tan starts before you apply the tint to your skin. "Prepping is crucial to how long your tan lasts and how well it blends," Feldman, a St. Moriz expert, tells Seventeen. "You have to shave wherever you're going to tan. It'll give the tan a clean palette to adhere to." Evans, a St. Tropez Finishing expert, recommends exfoliating and ensuring that the skin is dehydrated at least a full 24 hours before tanning.
"Make sure your skin is clear of all products like deodorant, makeup, and perfume before application, and always use a non-oil-based moisturizer." Because the self-tan preparation process removes moisture from the skin, so Dr. Mikailov recommends using self-tanners enriched with nourishing ingredients like coconut or jojoba oil and squalane to hydrate dry, parched skin.
How to apply self-tanner?
Once you've prepped your skin and you're all ready to apply self-tanner, Feldman recommends using a glove or a mitt to distribute the product evenly. These clutch self-tanner accessories protect your hands from absorbing the product, which can result in abnormally tanned hands. She recommends applying lotion on the bottom and sides of your feet to prevent the self-tanner from adhering to those areas.
What to look for when buying self-tanner?
Self-tanners deliver the flawless glow of your dreams through dihydroxyacetone, better known as DHA. A microbial fermentation from beet, cane sugar, and other fruit and vegetable resources," Dr. Mikailov, founder of KP Away, says, DHA "reacts with the amino acids in the outer layer of the skin" to give a level of luminosity that self-tanners are known for delivering.
No matter your complexion, you can get a sunless tan. "A good self-tan will work perfectly on any skin tone as long as it contains the right percentage of tanning agent for the depth you desire and the right amount of color polymer to neutralize any unwanted unnatural tones," Evans adds. She suggests using a color-correcting primer to neutralize undertones and provide a more natural finish.
When looking for a self-tanner, it's important to get one that reflects your skin's needs. So, if you have dry skin, self-tanners with nourishing properties, like argan oil, can hydrate your skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it's best to skip out on products that are oil-based to prevent clogged pores that could lead to breakouts.
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
Watch Next
9 Best LED Light Makes to Achieve Glowing Skin
10 Places to Buy "Euphoria"-Inspired Face Gems
18 Best Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals Under $20
Editor-Approved Sunscreens on Sale for Prime Day
