Blog15 Best Self Tanners for Quick Sunless Tan at Home [August, 2024]
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With warmer weather approaching, everyone wants that perfect sun-kissed glow without exposure to harmful UV rays. Skip the tanning beds and spray tans lined up at the salon and achieve gorgeous bronzed color in the comfort of your home with these top self tanners!
Self tanning has come a long way, with advanced mousses, lotions and even customizable tanning drops that make getting a natural-looking golden glow easy. These innovative new formulas develop flawless, streak-free color that rivals salon spray tans while nourishing your skin, not drying it out. We’re sharing inside tips to pick your perfect match – whether you want subtle or dramatic color, instant or gradual finish, or nourishing organic ingredients.
Get ready to bare those legs and arms with confidence! Here are the 15 top-rated self tanners for quick, gorgeous, sunless color. The hardest part is waiting during development – so walk into spring looking like you just breezed in from a tropical oasis. You might even have friends asking what resort you visited!
/ IN THIS ARTICLE [ hide ]
- B.TAN Violet Self Tanner Kit
- Coco & Eve Self Tanner Mousse Kit –
- Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse
- St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse
- Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
- B.TAN Clear Self Tan Gel
- Tanning Lotion Self Tanner – With Natural and Organic Ingredients...
- St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzer Mousse Foam
- Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle
- B.TAN Dark & Long Lasting Self Tan Kit
- Tanologist Face and Body Drops
- L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Water Mousse
- Loving Tan 2 HR Express Mousse
- Tanologist Express Self Tan Mousse
- Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner Body Lotion
- Comparison for best self tanner
- How to Choose the Best Self Tanners
- Different Types of Self Tanners
- Guide on Usage, Maintenance and Care
- FAQs about Best Self Tanners
- Conclusion
1. B.TAN Violet Self Tanner Kit
Description
The B.TAN Violet Self Tanner Kit is a dark self tanning mousse bundled with a self tanning mitt applicator. It is a 1 hour sunless tanner that develops quickly for a fast, natural looking tan. The mousse formula is streak-free, has no fake tan smell, and is vegan and cruelty-free.
Key Features
- Dark self tanning mousse formula
- Develops in 1 hour for fast, sunless tan
- Bundled with self tanning mitt applicator
- Streak-free, no fake tan smell
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Our Expert Opinion
The B.TAN Violet Self Tanner Kit is one of the best self tanners for getting a quick, natural-looking tan at home. The dark mousse formula develops faster than most other self tanners, showing results in just 1 hour. The mitt ensures an even application, while the streak-free formula provides an flawless, durable tan. With no unpleasant smell, this vegan and cruelty-free kit is a great choice for an easy at-home self tan.
2. Coco & Eve Self Tanner Mousse Kit –
Description
The Coco & Eve Self Tanner Mousse Kit is an all-natural sunless tanning lotion with bronzer, bundled with a tanning mitt. The medium shade provides a golden tan, while the bronzer adds sunkissed color as the mousse develops in 2-3 hours. Natural ingredients hydrate skin, while the streak-free formula ensures an even tan with no fake tan odor.
Key Features
- All-natural self tanning mousse
- Contains bronzer for instant color
- Hydrating formula with natural ingredients
- Develops medium golden tan in 2-3 hours
- Complete kit includes tanning mitt applicator
Our Expert Opinion
Coco & Eve makes one of the best natural self tanners that delivers flawless, glowing color in just a few hours. The sunless tanning mousse contains a touch of bronzer that provides instant warmth while the tan develops. The mitt ensures perfect, streak-free application every time. With lush natural ingredients, this kit nourishes skin while providing a beautiful medium golden tan with no unpleasant fake tan smell.
3. Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse
Description
The Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse is a self tanner that provides a deep bronze tan quickly. Enriched with a sunless tanning bronzer, this mousse applies clear and develops into a rich, dark tan within an hour. The lightweight formula blends seamlessly without streaking for foolproof application and results.
Key Features
- Deep bronze self tanning mousse
- Contains sunless bronzer for natural instant color
- Develops in about 1 hour
- Glides smoothly without streaking
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula
Our Expert Opinion
Of all the drugstore self tanning brands, the Jergens mousse consistently ranks at the top for its flawless results. The instant bronzer delivers immediate color, providing guidance so you can see where you apply it. In an hour, that bronzer seamlessly transitions into a fabulous dark tan with no traces of orange tones. With a pleasant scent, this lightweight mousse is easy to apply for fast, streak-free results every time.
4. St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse
Description
The St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse is an ultra fast-acting self tanner that develops a golden tan in 1 to 3 hours. The advanced mousse formula is streak-free, easy to apply, and fades evenly. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and made with natural ingredients.
Key Features
- Ultra fast-acting self tanning mousse
- Develops into golden tan in 1-3 hours
- Streak-free application and even fading
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula
- Natural ingredients and pleasant fragrance
Our Expert Opinion
When you need a sunkissed glow ASAP, St. Tropez Express Mousse delivers fabulously natural color faster than any other self tanner. The innovative mousse formula glides on easily for a flawless application and no streaks as it develops. While not instant, it sets much faster than regular self tanners – perfect when you need a quick tan before an event! As an added bonus, the natural formula nourishes skin while producing an authentic glow.
5. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
Description
The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam is an ultra lightweight formula enriched with moisturizing aloe vera and coconut. This self-tanner foam provides an even, flawless tan without streaking. It gradually develops into a golden bronze glow over the course of several hours.
Key Features
- Lightweight self tanning foam formula
- Infused with hydrating aloe vera & coconut
- Applies evenly without streaking
- No artificial self-tan smell
- Clean, fresh scent
Our Expert Opinion
If you want a fuss-free tan with zero guesswork, Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam makes it easy to achieve professional-quality color on your own. The exceptionally lightweight foam formula ensures seamlessly blended application for no streaks or missed spots. As your golden glow develops, the rich coconut and aloe vera moisture boost hydration – a must for smooth, glowing skin. With a refreshing tropical aroma, this foam lets you tan at home like a pro.
6. B.TAN Clear Self Tan Gel
Description
The B.TAN Clear Self Tan Gel is a transfer-resistant sunless tanner that allows you to customize your perfect shade. The clear gel formula absorbs quickly and develops gradually over 4-6 hours, letting you control when and where you apply it. The vegan and cruelty-free gel formula has a refreshing citrus scent.
Key Features
- Transfer-resistant self tanning gel
- Clear formula for custom color control
- Buildable color that develops in 4-6 hours
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Fresh citrus scent
Our Expert Opinion
B.TAN’s innovative clear self tan gel lets you gradually glow to your ideal bronzed hue and makes it easy to target tan lines. Just smooth on the transfer-proof formula, wait for it to dry, then apply layers exactly where you want more color. With a light, uplifting citrus aroma and clean ingredients, you can feel as fabulous as you’ll look with your custom sunkissed tan in a few hours.
7. Tanning Lotion Self Tanner – With Natural and Organic Ingredients Non Toxic Sunless Browning Lotion – Best Gradual Tan Lotion for Men and Women, Fair to Medium
Description
This tanning lotion self tanner contains natural and organic ingredients that provide a gradual, non-toxic sunless glow. Enriched with shea butter, green tea, and vitamin E, this moisturizing tanner builds into a natural-looking tan for fair to medium skin tones.
Key Features
- Gradual self tanning body lotion
- Non-toxic, natural and organic ingredients
- Builds sunless tan for fair to medium skin
- Shea butter deeply moisturizes
- Subtle tropical scent
Our Expert Opinion
For the most wholesome tanning experience, turn to this natural self tanner lotion. The nourishing botanical ingredients provide gentle moisturization as DHA safely darkens skin. Simply smooth on daily until your fabulous, natural-looking sunkissed glow peaks – with zero irritation or sun damage! Both sustainable and skin-loving, this is feel-good self tanning perfection.
8. St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzer Mousse Foam
Description
The St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzer Mousse is the original 1 hour tanning mousse with sunless bronzer for instant color. This foamy mousse applies clear and develops into a natural-looking tan in 4 to 8 hours, perfect for gradual, streak-free results. The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with natural ingredients.
Key Features
- Original 1 hour self tanning mousse
- Contains bronzer for instant color & coverage
- Develops over 4-8 hours
- Streak-free application and even fade
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Our Expert Opinion
When St. Tropez launched the first mainstream self tanning mousse, they changed the game with their innovative lightweight foam and natural-looking color. While their Express Mousse sets faster, this bronzer mousse lets you achieve flawless color gradually without worrying about uneven coats. The instant bronzer coverage ensures you never miss a spot, while 100% natural tanning actives protect against color transfer. For iconic results backed by years of tanning expertise, St. Tropez’s original mousse is the gold standard.
9. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle
Description
The Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle includes self tanning mousse, tanning mitt, and kabuki brush for flawless application. This all-natural sunless tanning lotion contains instant bronzer for immediate color as the mousse develops into a medium golden glow in 2-3 hours. The streak-free mousse is enriched with nutrient-dense ingredients that nourish skin.
Key Features
- All-natural self tanning mousse with bronzer
- Develops into medium golden tan in 2-3 hours
- Complete application bundle with mitt & brush
- Streak-free, nourishing mousse formula
- No fake tan odor
Our Expert Opinion
Coco & Eve’s Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle has all the sought-after features of the best at home self tanner. The nurturing mousse formula deeply moisturizes while the bronzer provides instant warmth and visibility for foolproof application every time. In a few short hours, your skin will glow with believable golden color better than a day at the beach. With the application tools included, you’ll tan like a pro!
10. B.TAN Dark & Long Lasting Self Tan Kit
Description
The B.TAN Dark & Long Lasting Self Tan Kit bundles two of their most popular mousses for dark, long-lasting color – the Dark Mousse for instant color and the Clear Mousse for extended wear. The fast-acting mousses develop rich, dark color in just 1 hour with no fake tan smell. This vegan and cruelty-free “Besties” kit also includes a self tanning mitt applicator.
Key Features
- Bundle of dark instant self tan mousse + clear mousse for extended wear
- Develops rich, dark color in just 1 hour
- Self tanning mitt applicator included
- Vegan, cruelty-free formula
- No unpleasant fake tan odor
Our Expert Opinion
For next-level self tanning with maximum drama, B.TAN’s Dark & Long Lasting duo lets you tan as dark as you dare with incredible longevity. The Dark Mousse provides instant bronzing action and ultra-quick color payoff in just 1 hour for foolproof application and modeling photoshoot or red carpet-worthy color. Extend the life of your gorgeous glow for days using the Clear Mousse for touch ups without lightening your custom shade. With the mitt for easy application, this bundle lets you achieve salon quality results minus the appointment.
11. Tanologist Face and Body Drops
Description
Tanologist Self Tan Face and Body Drops provide a customizable glow using concentrated tanning actives in a liquid oil format. These illuminating drops can be mixed with your existing skincare or body products to instantly bronze and highlight your complexion. The medium shade adds sun-kissed radiance for natural-looking color. Vegan and cruelty-free.
Key Features
- Concentrated self tanning drops
- Mix with skincare/body products for custom glow
- Medium shade for sun-kissed radiance
- Provides instant, natural-looking bronzed color
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Our Expert Opinion
Achieve a gorgeous, customized sun-kissed glow using Tanologist’s illuminating self tan drops – the easiest way to incorporate bronzing benefits into your regimen without buying specialty products. Just add a few drops into your moisturizer, serum, body oil, or makeup primer and see your skin instantly radiate with believable, natural-looking color. Play with the number of drops to control your perfect glow anytime, anywhere. Clean, conscious formulas mean nourishing your skin in the healthiest way while achieving model-worthy bronze.
12. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Water Mousse
Description
The L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Water Mousse delivers a natural-looking, streak-free tan with its innovative clear water mousse formula. Enriched with vitamin E, this fragrance-free mousse applies transparently for foolproof application and hydrates skin in the process. Color develops in just 4 hours.
Key Features
- Clear water mousse formula
- Applies transparently to prevent streaks
- Enriched with hydrating vitamin E
- Develops natural tan color in 4 hours
- Light citrus scent
Our Expert Opinion
L’Oreal Paris has reformulated the concept of self tanner with their clear water mousse – a total game changer! The see-through guide makes application completely foolproof for flawless, zero streak results. As the mousse hydrates skin with antioxidant vitamin E, color gracefully develops in 4 hours flat. For the easiest route ever to natural-looking summer goddess color, this mess-free mousse is the MVP.
13. Loving Tan 2 HR Express Mousse
Description
Loving Tan’s 2 HR Express Mousse is an ultra fast-developing self tanner that achieves professional dark color in just 2 hours. The natural-looking, streak-free formula is enriched with skin-loving botanical ingredients like aloe vera and almond oil. This mousse builds lasting color that fades evenly and provides up to 5 full body applications per 4 ounce bottle.
Key Features
- Salon-quality self tanning mousse
- Develops into dark tan in 2 hours
- Streak-free application and even fading
- Enriched with aloe vera and almond oil
- One bottle provides multiple full body apps
Our Expert Opinion
When you want serious color fast without a trip to the tanning salon, Loving Tan’s 2 HR Express Mousse truly rivals professional spray tanning results. Achieve dramatically dark, VIP-worthy color at home in almost no time – ready for that big event or vacation. Ultra-concentrated natural DHA provides flawless development in just 2 hours while skin-nourishing oils provide touchable softness without drying. For indulgent color that looks like you just flew in from St. Tropez, no plane ticket required!
14. Tanologist Express Self Tan Mousse
Description
The Tanologist Express Self Tan Mousse in Extra Dark develops dramatically dark color quickly thanks to its triple-action tanning actives. The hydrating mousse formula features a Fresh & Floral scent and applies streak-free for foolproof, fast results in just 4 hours. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without parabens, sulfates, or gluten.
Key Features
- Extra dark sunless tanning mousse
- Achieves dark color in 4 hours
- Hydrating mousse with floral scent
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Free of parabens, sulfates, gluten
Our Expert Opinion
When you want ultra-dark bronzing Actives ASAP, Tanologist Express Mousse delivers salon-worthy color faster than ever – ready to show off in just 4 hours! This mousse formula makes it easy to layer until your desired level of drama, blending seamlessly without streaking. The hydrating formula drenches skin in moisture for soft, supple texture while you achieve your darkest, sexiest bronze yet. Ditch the tanning bed for this safer, cruelty-free route to nighttime glamour in no time!
15. Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner Body Lotion
Description
Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Daily Moisturizer gradually builds natural-looking summer color while improving skin’s texture. This self tanning body lotion is enriched with a Collagen and Elastin complex to strengthen the skin barrier and visibly minimize the appearance of cellulite. The fair to medium formula also contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, and vitamins B3 and E.
Key Features
- Gradual self tanning moisturizing lotion
- Helps improve skin texture & cellulite
- Enriched with Collagen, Elastin & vitamins
- Hydrates with rich oils & butters
- Fresh cherry almond scent
Our Expert Opinion
For holistic self tanning that nourishes your body inside and out, Jergens +FIRMING moisturizer uses gentle DHA combined with powerhouse hydrators and skin strengtheners. As the subtle cherry almond-scented lotion builds a natural-looking sunkissed glow for fair to medium complexions, collagen and elastin work to visibly smooth bumpy texture. Skin feels supple and appears firmer and more toned over time – the perfect summer prep to look and feel your best.
Comparison for best self tanner
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| B.TAN Violet Kit | dark mousse, mitt, 1 hour development |
| Coco & Eve Kit | natural mousse with bronzer & mitt |
| Jergens Mousse | deep bronze mousse, develops in 1 hour |
| St. Tropez Express Mousse | ultra fast mousse, develops in 1-3 hours |
| Bondi Sands Foam | lightweight foam with aloe vera & coconut |
| B.TAN Clear Gel | transfer-resistant clear gel |
| Tanning Lotion | gradual, natural organic lotion |
| St. Tropez Classic Mousse | original 1 hour tanning mousse with bronzer |
| Coco & Eve Bundle | mousse, mitt & brush applicators |
| B.TAN Besties Bundle | 2 dark self tanning mousses & mitt |
| Tanologist Drops | customizable illuminating face & body drops |
| L’Oreal Paris Mousse | transparent water mousse formula |
| Loving Tan Express Mousse | professional dark color in 2 hours |
| Tanologist Express Mousse | extra dark mousse, develops in 4 hours |
| Jergens Daily Moisturizer | gradual self tanner with skin benefits |
How to Choose the Best Self Tanners
When shopping for an at-home self tanner, consider your desired color depth, application preferences, time constraints, and ingredient priorities to find your perfect match. Lightweight mousses offer the easiest application for beginners and fast results, while experienced users may opt for deeper shades, longer wear times, and custom blending options.
Different Types of Self Tanners
Self tanners come in a variety of formats, most commonly lotions, mousses, gels, and spray options. Self tanning lotions provide rich hydration and gradual color development but can transfer onto fabrics more. Mousses offer smoother application and faster drying for less mess. Gels allow more control for building custom color, while spray formulas deliver the most seamless, even coverage for full body application.
Guide on Usage, Maintenance and Care
- Exfoliate thoroughly before applying self tanner, focusing on dry areas like elbows, hands, and feet
- Use applicator mitts and correct body positioning during application
- Allow the recommended time for development then rinse off any bronzers/temporary effects
- Moisturize daily and gently buff away any dead skin to help color last
- Apply self tanning products more frequently to maintain your glow
FAQs about Best Self Tanners
Q. What the best self tanner lotion?
Some of the top-rated best self tanner lotions based on the comparisons are:
- Tanning Lotion Self Tanner with natural and organic ingredients
- Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner with skin benefits
- Beauty by Earth Self Tanner lotion with natural ingredients
- B.TAN medium gradual self tanning lotion with oils
- Jergens Natural Glow 3-Day Self Tanner for medium to deep skin tones
The Tanning Lotion Self Tanner contains natural and organic ingredients like shea butter and green tea to provide a gradual, non-toxic sunless glow.
Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner helps improve skin texture and visibly minimize cellulite while providing a subtle sunless glow.
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner lotion uses natural and organic ingredients to deliver safe, wholesome tanning with hydration.
B.TAN’s medium gradual tanning lotion builds a believable bronzed glow over time, enriched with marula and argan oil.
Jergens Natural Glow 3-Day Self Tanner is ideal for medium to deep skin tones, building natural-looking color gradually with daily use.
Q. How long does self tanner last on skin?
Self tanner can last anywhere from 3-10 days depending on your skin type, application method, and lifestyle. Using self tanning lotions daily provides the most longevity. Proper exfoliation pre-tan and daily moisturization post-tan also extends wear. Color tends to fade faster on the face, hands, and high-friction areas.
Q. What is the active ingredient in self tanners?
The active ingredient responsible for the tanning effect is called DHA, short for dihydroxyacetone. This simple sugar-derived compound causes a natural browning effect as it chemically interacts with the amino acids on the skin’s surface. All non-spray self tanners in the U.S. contain under 10% DHA.
Q. Why do self tanners turn skin orange?
Unnatural orange undertones usually stem from applying too much self tanner product in a single coat. Not allowing adequate time for development can also cause orange hues. Using self tanning lotions or gels allows better control over gradual color building for more natural-looking results. Exfoliating thoroughly before applying self tan can also prevent orange skin.
Q. Can you shower after using self tanner?
It’s best to allow 6-12 hours minimum for the full development of your custom bronze glow before showering or swimming after self tanning. Water exposure can wash away DHA before it finishes reacting with skin proteins. Gently pat drying anytime you get wet during that window rather than rubbing.
Q. Does exfoliating remove self tanner?
Yes, regular exfoliation using scrubs, loofahs, and glycerin soap helps lift away dead tanned skin cells. This removes self tanning color but is essential for smooth, even fading. Just avoid abrasive scrubbing too soon before reapplying self tanner products.
Conclusion
With such impressive at-home options now available, getting summer-ready bronze is easier than ever. Whether you like foolproof applicators for fast color or buildable bare-faced bronzers, quality self tanners let you gradually glow exactly how golden you wish. Plus nourishing ingredients make the experience good for your skin, not damaging like UV rays and tanning beds. Just remember to exfoliate properly and moisturize to make that sun-kissed color last!
With this complete guide highlighting today’s most advanced formulas for natural-looking color, safe tanner ingredients, and application tips, you have everything needed to achieve a gorgeous glow. So bare those tan lines proudly, save your skin, and step confidently into springtime and sunny days looking gorgeously bronzed and beautiful!
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