Best Self Tanners, Tested and Reviewed

Am I a dermatologist? Nope. Am I a pale Polish/Irish woman that sometimes needs help looking a little less like a ghost, and a little more like a bronze goddess? You bet.

When it comes to the best self tanners, I honestly feel like I’ve tried them all. I’ve looked for different scents, levels, mousse, lotions, oils, gradual build tanners, mild glow tanners—the list literally goes on and on. Over the years I’ve personally tried so many different kinds, and I can tell you ones that had people fooled, asking where I just came back from vacation. I’m lucky enough to have very honest, loving people in my life who want me to look my best, so if I look orange, they’re going to tell me without hesitation…and they did.

Our top picks for best self tanners

What to consider when buying self tanners

What shade should you choose for a natural look?

It can be really tempting to jump right to dark tan, but that’s honestly not the best move. We live in a world of wanting instant gratification, so I fully understand the urge to do that, but if you’re pale, go for a light/mild shade first. You’ll have a much more natural look and you can always layer on more if you feel like it’s not quite dark enough.

Are you sensitive to any ingredients?

Pay close attention to what’s in the product. You can always ask your dermatologist if you have any specific questions or do a patch test (or both) before rubbing it all over your face or body.

What are you willing to spend on the product?

Believe it or not, self tanners can go up to the triple digit price range. And, since you have to reapply regularly (once your tan fades), you will go through the product quicker. Like tinted moisturizers and tinted sunscreens, you may want to spend slightly more for a face-specific formulation (especially if it's from a brand you trust already) to avoid potential breakouts or irritation, but keep in mind that the cost can easily snowball.

How to prep your skin and apply self-tanner

The experts at the American Academy of Dermatology recommend exfoliating and drying your skin off first, followed by applying the tanner in sections and washing your hands after each application, being careful to blend the product very well at your ankles and wrists. I personally also recommend moisturizing before putting any tanner on. This tends to make it go on smoother, and I also use a glove to avoid my fingers being blotchy and orange.

Side note: I have a friend that used to do competitive dancing, and the women always applied self tanner and makeup before shows, so they didn’t look washed out on stage. That friend told me that the best way to remove blotches from your hands after applying is to wash your hands with soap and water, and then wash your hands with toothpaste, as well, as an extra trick.

How long do self tanners last

It really depends on the particular tanner, but most self tanners tend to last about a week (5 to 7 days).

How do self tanners work

According to the National Institutes of Health, self tanners generally stain the skin, using dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

How to make your self-tan last longer

Following the steps above on how to exfoliate and prep the skin before applying the tanner should help it last a little longer. It also helps to avoid exfoliating after you apply it and to not take any baths or soak in any hot tubs. For more specific advice, make sure to follow the suggestions on the product you choose.

How I chose the best self tanners

Testing

Although I have tested and tried out the majority of these tanners through the years, I collected them all to do trial patch testing before approving them for the list.

Ratings and reviews

I looked at ratings from other users and made sure that other people enjoyed the products too. I also made sure they were a fair price for the product.

Natural look

Just like quality eye creams, so you don’t have to hide behind your sunglasses, a natural glow can give you a little confidence boost. For the products on the list, it was important to me that they provided a tan that looked as natural as possible.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do self tanners expire?

Always check the product itself, but generally yes, self tan products typically expire within six months to a year. This usually has to do with the strength of the dihydroxyacetone weakening over time.

What self tanners are safe during pregnancy?

I’m not a doctor, so when it comes to anything to do with pregnancy and what is safe for your baby, you should always check with your physician first and foremost. Second to that, you should check the label or speak to the manufacturer of the specific product. For the most part, fake tanner lotions should be okay to use during pregnancy because the active ingredients are not absorbed beyond the outermost layer of skin, but again, always check with your doctor first.

Why do self tanners smell bad?

Some smell a little better than others, although I noticed for the most part, the ones that smell great don’t seem to work as well. Fake tanners tend to have that specific smell that isn’t a very pleasant odor, until you’re able to shower the next day. That smell generally comes from the chemical reaction that occurs when the dihydroxyacetone comes into contact with the skin.

What do the Kardashians use for self tanner?

The Kardashians stand behind St. Tropez products, with one of Kim’s favorites being the Jumbo Self Tan Express Mousse.

Which is better: Tanning drops or mousse?

Personally, I’ve tried both and I prefer the mousse. I like that I can see where it’s being applied, and get that instant gratification. The drops tend to give you a more even, smooth tan, but it doesn’t show up right away, which I don’t always love.