26 Best Self-Tanners That Really Work, Tested & Reviewed 2024

Self-tanners have come a long way from the orange, blotchy, stinky formulas of the past. The best self tanners boost a healthy glow and are much more inclusive of all skin tones. We all deserve to look like a radiant goddesses, right? If you’re looking for some color, our editors spent months putting options to the test. We came away with a little something for everyone: foams for a natural-looking finish, creams that build gradually, and towelettes that’ll bring out a deep bronze within hours. Plus, we spoke with dermatologists for their tips on how to avoid streaks and splotches, even if you’re a beginner.

Our top picksBest Overall: St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse, $48Best Mousse: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse, $46Best Drugstore: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Moisturizer + Bronzer, $17Best for Face: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Self-Tanning Water Drops, $17Best Mist: St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Mist, $45Best for Sensitive Skin: Coola Organic Sunless Tan Luminizing Body Serum, $48Best Face Mist: Isle of Paradise Night Glow Self-Tan Face Mist, $24Best Gradual Formula: Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion, $34Best Non-Toxic: Lux Unfiltered N°32 Gradual Hydrating Self Tanner, $36What to look for in a self-tanner:There are tanning products in the form of mousses, lotions, serums, bronzing drops, and even wipes that can help you achieve the perfect tan—no UV rays needed. “Look for options with dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This binds to dead skin cells and causes a temporary darkening of your skin, and it’s FDA-approved,” Karan Lal, MD, a double-board-certified dermatologist in Phoenix, Arizona tells Glamour.

How to prep your skin and apply self-tanner“Exfoliate before application, or your self-tanner won’t last,” says Dr. Lal. You’ll want to exfoliate the skin to make it as ready as possible to absorb tanning products—scrubs get rid of dead skin cells the quickest. “Also, make sure you use lotion on your eyebrows, hairline, hands, and feet.” He suggests using gloves or a tanning mitt to evenly apply the product in long, even strokes up and down; finally, work on one area at a time.

How to make your self-tan last longerAfter applying, avoid sweating and working out, and eating or drinking to avoid touching your body,” says Lex DiMarchi, a celebrity tanning artist and ambassador for self-tanner brand Tan-Luxe. DiMarch likes to use a setting powder like the Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder to avoid creasing and help maintain the length of your tan.

Below are the best self-tanners that dermatologists, tanning specialists, and our staffers (plus Glamour Beauty Awards judges) tested and reviewed.

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