Woman in dressing gown using body cream
Image: Shutterstock/Photographee.eu

Nothing beats a real tan, but sometimes that isn’t in the cards. Maybe the weather’s bad, you don’t have time to sit out in the sun for hours, your skin burns more than it tans or you have skin cancer concerns. Luckily, that’s why we invented self-tanners. Below are the best self-tanners on the market.

Here are our favorite self-tanners. Not into purchasing a self-tanner? Learn how to darken skin here.

Xen-Tan Dark Lotion: This tanning lotion gives instant color as you apply. It advertises that the color lasts up to seven days.

St. Tropez Self-Tan Bronzing Mousse: For those who want a luxurious mousse texture, this product goes on streak-free.

tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self-Tanner: This product gives bronze color while it moisturizes, thanks to the maracuja oil it’s infused with.

Fake Bake 60 Minutes Self-Tan: As the name suggests, this is an hour-long, leave-on treatment. It uses dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and erythrulose as tanning agents.

Lancome Flash Bronzer Leg Gel: This leg gel has natural caramel extract and micro-pearls to give instant color and a healthy glow.

Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion: This summertime brand favorite gives color in two shades, light to medium and deep dark.

Lorac Selftantalizer Body Bronzing Gradual Self-Tanner: This product’s DHA, anti-aging camu camu, maracuja oil and pomegranate oil help build color, protect skin and give a smooth look.

Tan Towel Look Good Naked Self-Tan Towelettes: The ultimate in convenience, these portable towelettes bestow a bronze glow. Vitamin E and cucumber extract add hydrating nourishment to the skin, as well.

My Skin’s Friend Organic Sunless Tanner: If you’d like to go natural, this product contains no inorganic chemicals. It contains aloe vera, organic lecithin, organic jojoba esters and chaga mushroom to nourish skin and encourage skin to tan naturally.

Origins The Great Pretender Shimmery Self-Tanner: This product uses sugar-derived DHA to deliver instant bronze color.

Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner: This self-tanner boasts that it helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections, like cellulite and wrinkles, while depositing a radiant glow.

Thermalabs Natural Self-Tanner: This moisturizing lotion delivers a streak-free dose of color.

Vita Liberata Intense Tinted Self-Tan Mousse: This fast-drying mousse gives instant color. It’s advertised to last up to seven days.

Fake Bake Flawless Darker: Another product from Fake Bake, this product is perfect for if you want the deepest, darkest faux tan.

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self-Tanning Face and Decollete: This product is packed with nourishing vitamins, so you know you’re doing something good for your skin while getting a dose of color. Dries quick, and it’s streak-free.

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