12 Best Self-Tanners for Face 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Considering slathering your body bronzer all over your face? Hold that thought. The best face tanners will give you natural-looking color, and are meant to be safe for sensitive skin types. Similar to body self-tanners, they’re formulated with moisturizing ingredients like (vitamin E and hyaluronic acid) to nourish the skin, and sometimes even vitamin C for anti-aging purposes. However, “these products are also typically lighter in formula, because your face has a higher pH level than your body,” says Sophie Evans, a tanning expert at St. Tropez.

To help you find the best ones for your complexion we asked the pros—dermatologists, makeup artists, estheticians, and our own Glamour editors and contributors—for their favorite self-tanning products, then put the most promising ones to the test, (including some tried-and-true picks I always go back to). Our top pick overall is Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops because it instantly absorbs into the skin, plays well with makeup, and gives you a veil of radiance in just a couple of hours. Below, we’re sharing the tanning drops, lotions, serums, and mists that really impressed.

The best face tanners, at a glanceBest Overall: Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops, $29Best Drugstore: L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Facial Tanning Drops, $19Best for Beginners: +Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops, $44Best for Mature Skin: Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer With SPF 20 Sunscreen, $10Best for Acne-Prone Skin: St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist, $33How we tested face tanners

We tested face tanners by incorporating them into our everyday skin care routines to see how they fared when paired with other products. We looked at ease of application, transfer-resistance, longevity, and overall quality of glow. We checked to see if the product absorbed easily, left a residue or sticky feeling behind, and prioritized those that had little to no smell. The best tanning face serums, gels, mists gave us a golden glow within a few hours and kept the tan going for up to five days.

Best Overall: Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops

Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Isle of Paradise Sunny Serum

Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops

Pros: Lightweight, easy to mix in a moisturizer, lasts multiple days after applicationCons: May not be suitable for sensitive skinThis product came out on top in our testing thanks to its versatility and ability to offer both an immediate radiance and a longer-lasting tan. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, is a huge fan of these lightweight drops that give you glow and protect the skin with antioxidants. “I love that these can be mixed into your moisturizer or used on their own for a very personalized experience,” she says.

Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary is also a big fan and has been using these nonstop over the past month. “These drops are lightweight, easy to mix into moisturizer and they never pill when I layer primer and foundation. I instantly see a glow thanks to the additional vitamin C, which helps even out skin discoloration and uneven skin tone. My skin looks brighter, sun-kissed, and fresh after using these, and I’ll be faking my tan with them come summer and beyond.”

Best Drugstore: L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Facial Tanning Drops

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Facial Tanning Drops

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Facial Tanning Drops

Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Facial Tanning Drops

Pros: Fragrance free, non-sticky, easy to apply and instantly absorbsCons: Takes a minute to fully dry downThis face tanner is so luxe in application and appearance that you’d have no idea it was from the drugstore. The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump the skin, and it can be applied on its own or mixed into a moisturizer. Glamour’s Kilkeary calls them her favorite facial tanning drops ever. “You simply can’t beat the value compared to other facial tanners on the market. They’re so effortless to use—I use two to three drops into my facial moisturizer and apply it all over my face. By the next day, my skin looks golden, fresh and bronzy, as if I just spent a few days on the beach.”

Best Quick Face Tanner: Westman Atelier Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing DropsWestman Atelier Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops

Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Westman Atelier Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops

Original photo from Jenifer Calle before testing Westman Atelier Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops

Original photo from Jenifer Calle after testing Westman Atelier Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops

Pros: Not as permanent, more of a makeup optionCons: Washes offIf you want the look of a tan without the commitment, these bronzing drops are a great option. While they live more in the ‘makeup’ territory rather than self-tanner, they give you a very natural looking glow (that seriously looks like you have been spending time outside) in a matter of minutes. This formula also has prebiotics and carrot oil to support the skin’s microbiome and improve resilience and bounce.

“I’m very wary of face tanners because I’ve tested ones that stain instead of bronze. This Westman Atelier face tanner, however, gave me a quick glow with just a few drops of product. At first, I thought the tan shade would contrast too much on my skin, but it actually absorbed so well and gave me a subtle, luminous finish. I used it to contour my cheeks and even used it on my neck and chest,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.

Best for Acne Prone Skin: St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

St. Tropez Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

Pros: Easy to apply; vegan; cruelty-free; suitable for all skin types; contains hyaluronic acid for additional hydration benefitsCons: Lighter shade than some othersFor the ultimate convenience, consider this tanning mist by St. Tropez that Dr. Garshick loves. “This gentle face tanner that gives a natural glow without clogging pores or causing breakouts. I love that it is easy to apply and doesn’t require any rubbing,” she says. We love that it’s packed with hyaluronic acid too, so the skin benefits go deeper. Our editors note that this makes the product a good choice for dry skin, particularly if you’ve found other face tanners to be drying or irritating.

“I’ve been using this St. Tropez bronzing mist for a couple of years now, and it never fails to give me just the right amount of glow. While you can spray it directly onto the face, I prefer to spritz one to two pumps into my morning moisturizer and spread it all over my face. I find that this gives me more even coverage. The best part is this one has never broken me out either—I think the non-comedogenic formula is to thank for this!” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Best Luxury Tanner: Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Pros: Easy to apply; feels undetectable on skin; buildable glow; long-lastingCons: Has that very recognizable fake-tan smell; is very potent so wash your hands after useEasy to use and highly effective, these tanning drops came highly recommended by multiple pros and are beloved by our staffers and testers. “I was never a self-tan fan, but this beginner-friendly formula gives you a very natural look,” says Austin-based medical aesthetician Kristin Gunn. “I suggest playing around with what shade you like the best by gradually increasing the drops. I start with three drops mixed with my daily moisturizer for the most natural, sun-kissed glow.”

Our testers like that, because it gets mixed with your favorite moisturizer, it’s virtually undetectable on skin. “It does have that fake-tan smell, but there’s no tacky or greasy residue,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “It didn’t transfer to my clothes or pillowcase either.” Overall, we got a solid three to five days from this glow too, which was slightly above average.

Best Gradual Face Tanner: Kopari Gradual Self-Tanning Face SerumKopari Gradual Self-Tanning Face Serum

Original video from Brittany Loggins testing Kopari Gradual Self-Tanning Face Serum

Original photo from Brittany Loggins testing Kopari Gradual Self-Tanning Face Serum

Pros: Lightweight, moisturizingCons: Takes a little longer to dry down compared to other picks on this listIf you want to ease into self-tanning your face, we recommend this tanning serum that gives you glow gradually. “The consistency of this face serum is absolutely perfect,” says Glamour contributor, Brittany Loggins. “Around three to four drops will cover your entire face and spread down your neck. I also found that it dried quickly, so I didn’t feel like the tan was going to smear or rub off entirely, but it felt nourishing to my skin thanks to the niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. I was initially nervous about the exact shade of tan due to the color of the product in the bottle, which I felt skewed a bit orange. That said, it ended up looking great! I applied right before bed, and it gave me the perfect wash of color the next morning.”

Best for Beginners: +Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

Courtesy of brand

Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops
Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing +Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing +Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

Pros: Highly buildable formula; vegan; fragrance-free; includes skin-nourishing ingredients; long-lastingCons: Not available at as many retailersIt’s hard to find anything bad to say about this sunless tanner. For starters, the clear formula comes in a cute little bottle that looks more like a serum than tanning drops. It doesn’t have that weird scent most fake tanners have either. It works like other drops: You simply mix the desired number of drops with your favorite moisturizer. (Read: Newbies won’t end up with streaks.) “This makes blending a breeze, and you don’t have to worry about tanning lines or uneven application,” says Aimee Car, a professional makeup artist and founder of Voodoo Makeup. “You can control how tan you want your face to be by the amount of drops you apply—the more drops you use, the deeper the tan will be.”

We love that it’s nontoxic, vegan, and fragrance-free too. The ingredients list also boasts hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and pomegranate extract. Plus, our testers reported long wear times. “I can get almost a full week out of this face tanner,” says Earley.

Best for Mature Skin: Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer With SPF 20 Sunscreen

Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer With SPF 20 Sunscreen

Original video from Brigitt Earley testing Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer With SPF 20 Sunscreen

Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer With SPF 20 Sunscreen

Pros: Easy to apply; noncomedogenic; oil-free; contains SPFCons: Color may be too light for some users’ preference.When as natural as possible is your ultimate goal, Jergens self tanning lotion is your bestie. The drugstore brand offers both a face lotion and a body lotion, and both are more like daily moisturizers than self-tanners, but offer a hint of color that gradually darkens the more you use it. “I love this because you can get a flawless, quick, gradual tan that mimics results from the sun,” says Rachel Lozina, a licensed esthetician and founder of Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay, New York.

We’re big fans too. “I love that this formula has an instant tint—that way I can get the color right away and I can see what I’m doing without streaks,” says Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore. “It looks great instantly and gradually deepens into the perfect shade.”

Best for Pale Skin: Tanologist Self Tan DropsTanologist Self Tan Drops

Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Tanologist Self Tan Drops

Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Tanologist Self Tan Drops

Pros: Non-comedogenic, streak-freeCons: Has a smellIf your skin looks dull and pale come summertime, let us recommend these self-tan drops that will give you a golden bronze with just a few applications. The formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly, and also contains antioxidant-rich goji berry, juniper and pink grapefruit to help naturally brighten and even out skin tone.

“I love reaching for these drops if I’m looking for a quick glow. It never streaks, and gives me just the right amount of bronze that doesn’t come off orangey. I also love that these drops are non-comedogenic and gentle on my acne and typically oily complexion—I don’t find that they irritate any areas where I have pimples and redness, and instead they help even out the look of my complexion. The only thing I didn’t love about this formula is the fact that the smell was a little strong,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Best for Fine Lines: Coco & Eve Bronzing Face DropsCoco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops

Original video from Emily Tannenbaum testing Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops

Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum testing Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops

Pros: Has hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and soften fine linesCons: Takes a few uses to notice a differenceThese bronzing face drops use a blend of hyaluronic acid, dragon fruit and banana extracts to brighten skin and give you a soft, supple finish, making them a great pick for mature skin types or those looking to blur fine lines.

“This one’s a sleeper hit! Coco & Eve’s bronzing drops are a self tanner that builds over time, so I wasn’t sure if I’d applied enough product into my moisturizer (C&E recommends you apply two to three drops, but doesn’t suggest how much moisturizer to use and the clear product makes it impossible to gauge). A little over two hours later—when you’re meant to see results—my skin tone was more even and glowy, but I wouldn’t say I looked particularly tan. Either way, I was happy with how plump and radiant my skin looked, thanks to the hyaluronic acids in the formula. However, looking back on the photos I took that evening, more of the warm bronzy glow I was looking for had definitely kicked in,” says Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum.

Best for Discoloration: Goop Beauty Summertone Bronzing GelGoop Beauty Summertone Bronzing Gel

Original video from Emily Tannenbaum testing Goop Beauty Summertone Bronzing Gel

Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum testing Goop Beauty Summertone Bronzing Gel

Pros: Instant tanner, evens out skin tone and helps hide dark spots; has a sheer, yet buildable finishCons: It can easily stain clothesIf you deal with hyperpigmentation that you want to address, we recommend trying this bronzing gel tint that can even out your skin’s tone. It’s infused with vitamin E and red algae to brighten the skin, and has an instant tanning effect that works to blur areas of redness or sun spots.

“I’d recommend goop Beauty’s Summertone Bronzing Gel for those looking for a natural tan without an ultra dewy finish,” says Tannenbaum. “Just a few drops of this gel delivered instant beach-day results—and that’s in a perfect world where I am able to tan without burning up like a lobster! Plus, it’s formulated with multiple skin-serving antioxidants and hydrating vitamin E to even out skin tone and minimize discoloration. Word of caution: This product can stain the skin and appear streaky when applied with your fingers. I recommend beginners apply a small amount of product with a makeup brush for even results, building up as you see fit.”

Best for Glow: Jouer Luminizing Glow Drops for FaceJouer Luminizing Glow Drops for Face

Original video from Emily Tannenbaum testing Jouer Luminizing Glow Drops for Face

Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum testing Jouer Luminizing Glow Drops for Face

Pros: Has a natural finish and can be used on the high points of the face as a highlighterCons: Washes offNot quite ready to commit to a tan and would prefer just a little extra glow? We like these radiant drops that have a subtle pigment to get the job done. The formula combines vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to give you a beaming, radiant finish that can be worn alone or paired under or over makeup.

“As an SPF addict who never lets her face see direct sunlight, Jouer’s Luminizing Glow Serum gave me a vacation glow without sun damage,” says Tannenbaum. “Though the formula was too dark to apply directly to my ghostly pale skin, a couple pumps in my moisturizer helped create a very natural tan that matched my arms while masking a lot of redness from rosacea. While I’d happily leave the house in just this hydrating serum (formulated with skincare ingredients like niacinamide and glycerine) and sunscreen, it also served as a radiant base for my daily makeup routine—plus, I needed way less skin tint than usual for an even complexion.”

Frequently asked questionsHow do face tanners work?

According to Dr. Garshick, face tanners work by giving the skin a tan appearance without needing to be exposed to UV radiation. “They use ingredients like dihydroxyacetone which reacts with amino acids in the skin and make your skin look tanner,” she says. A good self-tanner for the face also often contains skin care ingredients (like hyaluronic acid), according to Evans. “Face tanners won’t clog pores and usually have antiaging ingredients (like vitamin C) to nourish your skin and help prevent premature aging.”

How to get the perfect face tan

To get the perfect face tan, Evans recommends exfoliating your skin first. After exfoliation, follow your normal skin care routine but apply a little less face moisturizer than usual and tie your hair back to keep it out of your face, she says. “Make sure to cover every area, including under the eyes, over the eyes and the tips of the ears.”

“A face tanner in mist form can most evenly cover your face, but for a lotion or serum, I recommend using a makeup brush,” she says. The goal is to let the product glide smoothly over every area, while adding a little extra on your cheeks and under your jawline for contouring. “Finally, use a Q-tip to clean up any product around your eyebrows and hairline for a more polished, professional finish.” Evans recommends always avoiding the use of a body tanner on your face, and that the best time to tan is at night, and not in the morning (this gives the product time to develop).

Is it okay to mix self tanner with other skincare products?

“While a face tanner can be mixed with some skin care ingredients, it’s best to avoid using it at the same time as any active ingredients that can be harsh or irritating on the skin, such as retinoids,” says Dr. Garshick. She also adds that it can be helpful to exfoliate the face prior to using face tanner to get rid of buildup and create a smooth canvas for your tan.