Best Self Tanner, Top 13 You Will Love
This post is all about the Best Self Tanner, Top 13 You Will Love
We know dermatologists recommend limiting your sun exposure and that old fashion tanning in a salon is horrible for you, causing skin cancer, skin damage, and premature wrinkles. However, I don’t know about you but I dread having to put on a bikini when I’m stark white.
Self tanners have been my savior at times. They are the best and healthiest way to get a little glow before vacation, or just add a pop of color before summer! Yet, self tanners are not all made equally. We don’t want two major things from a self tanner: streaks and orange color. I promise non of these self tanners will leave you looking like an Oompa Loompa.
Also, different skin tones and types need different self tanners but don’t worry I got you. I will cover self tanner for light skin, self tanner for dark skin, the best self tanner for face, and the best self tanner for sensitive skin.
1) Best Self Tanner Overall: Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
Bondi Sans is very deep in color and would say this is the best self tanner on the market! It is my personal all-time favorite! Since it lasts about 2 weeks it’s very low maintenance. They have three bronze levels to choose from – ultra-dark, dark, and light medium. Uultra-dark is for dark skin or anyone of color. Dark is for anyone with an olive complexion or who already had a bit of a base tan. Medium-light is for anyone with fair or lighter skin.
One thing I highly highly recommend is getting the right shade for your skin tone!!! This is a very deep self tanner and if you try to go ultra dark or dark and don’t need it, the color will be way too much for you. It has a very mild scent. It’s also a great self tanner for contour. I do use it on my face and contour about every other week. It’s perfect for that sculpted no makeup look! I’ve slept in this and it does not come off on white sheets!! However, I have worn white tank tops it’s rubbed off in. So I would stick to darker colors in your clothing. Overall get the right shade and you will love the Bondi Sands for a natural-looking glow. it’s also Vegan and Cruelty-Free!
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 5/5 Depth of Color 5/5
2) Best for Sensitive Skin: Bondi Sands Pure
Bondi Sands Pure is the best self tanner for sensitive skin or for anyone who is wanting an option a little more natural. Like its sister, it comes in 3 shades light, medium, and dark. However, this product is fragrance-free, dye & sulphate free. Vegan and cruelty-free. The bottle is also made out of recycled materials.
This product essentially has no smell which is awesome for a self-tanner! It will not stain your sheets or your clothes. As you apply your color will build throughout the day or night gradually. Don’t be worried about applying it and going out for the day. The color builds at a slow pace and gives a sun-kissed glow, with no streaks or blotchiness. To its sister product, it is a little more subtle which is not a bad thing it also does fade slightly quicker and would need to be applied weekly.
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 4/5 Depth of Color 4/5
3) Best Drugstore: L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Lotion
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable L’oreal is the top choice! When I was younger this was my go-to. It’s a lotion which I love. It does not transfer onto white sheets or clothing. However, it is priced the way it is for a reason. You are not going to get the instant quick color with this you have to apply it consistently on a weekly basis to build up and maintain your color. So you may go through this product more quickly. Therefore, you will need to buy more. If you’re peppering for your vacation or an event I would get this product and start using it a couple of weeks in advance. This is by far the best self tanner at the drugstore. And the best thing about this product is the color looks so natural!
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 3.7/5 Depth of Color 3.7/5
4) Best Tanning Oil: Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
Tanning oil is a relatively new product to the market. I’ve tried it and loved it. This may be my new go-to! Let me tell you why it’s so amazing. You get to mix it in with your yummiest smelling moisturizer, which is a huge step up in the self tanning game. Plus the color last about two weeks! It doesn’t come off on your sheets.
You can choose from dark, medium, or light and control your color with how many drops you add, making it very customizable. This feature is amazing because at different times we need different shades. The one downside it is a little more pricey than some other options. However, I think it is totally worth it. It’s also a clean and cruelty-free product. One last thing I love about this it, is that with its one-ounce size, you can pack it with you on your next long vacation!
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 5/5 Depth of Color 5/5
5) Best Tanning Wipes: Tan Towel
Tan Towel makes the best self tanning wipes on the market. These little guys are also so great for travel! If ever I’m going for a long trip I bring these. I can get away with one towel for my entire body and face. Plus with the Tan Towel, you don’t need to shower after! and there’s a minimal scent. Results develop gradually and beautifully and you get no streaks! So you can just use one in the morning and go about your day. It does not come off on your sheets or clothes.
I do prefer the simplicity of these and they are a great option for people who don’t like lotions or foams. The color last about a week. You can also choose from different shades. They have light, medium, and dark. Making them a great product for all skin types. This product is a little on the pricey side for the amount that you get. Because of that, this is not a routine product I use but save it only for travel. This product is also clean and cruelty-free. Try these and let me know what you think!
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 4/5 Depth of Color 4/5
6) Best Face Tanner: Tan Luxe Super Glow with SPF 30
Who doesn’t love a good serum? This Tan Luxe Super Glow will be your new holy grail. In this one tiny bottle, you have 5 skin essentials. It acts as a moisturizer, primer, serum, SPF, and self-tanner. Its feel is light, it’s not greasy, and the hyaluronic acid plumps the skin. It also has superfoods to nourish and brighten the skin.
This is a gradual tanner that fits all skin types. I recommend using this product every other day to maintain the perfect glow! This is by far the best self tanner for sensitive skin. It never irritates or makes your face break out. With all of its nourishing ingredients, it actually helps with any skin problems you are having. It never looks splotchy as it fades. Plus it uses clean ingredients and is vegan and cruelty-free. One recommendation is to make sure you wash your hands after you use this product. The other downside to this product is that it is pricier than its counterparts. However, it’s worth the splurge! The other reason why I love this product is that it is great to travel with.
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 4/5 Depth of Color 3.6/5
7) Best Bundle Kit: MineTan Bundle Kit
Why I love this bundle kit. It has everything you need to get started. You get the applicator mitts. Which are important if you don’t want orange paws. You get the facial spray and the body foam. Plus this bundle is reasonably priced. This is a great option for anyone who is new to the self-tanning game. It comes in different shades for different complexions.
This product is great because it gives you an instant glow you apply it and rinses it off 1-3 hours later. It gives the perfect bronzed looked and never leaves any streaks. This brand is also great. All their ingredients are sustainably sourced. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, made with clean ingredients and its’ bottles are made from recycled materials. The one downside to this product it takes a little longer to dry on the skin, leaving you a little sticky for about 30 minutes. It also does transfer to clothes so I recommend wearing loose clothing that is dark in color.
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 3.8/5 Depth of Color 3.8/5
8) Best Instant Tan on a Budget: b.tan Tanning Mouse
b.tan is about half the price as Bondi Sands yet still gives you that instant deep dark natural glow! You just put it on and rinse it off after an hour. It is a little sticky for about 30 minutes and will leave some color on your clothes, so dark loose clothing is recommended.
This self tanner is also buildable which is great for gradually deepening your tan. It will stay on for about 1 1/2 weeks. However, the one downside is that it does dry out your skin so I recommend putting lotion on daily with this self tanner. Also, if you are not exfoliating or putting lotion on daily it will fade patchy. However, if you are taking care of your skin and exfoliating a few times a week it will fade off gradually with no patchiness. If you love the Bondi Sands but are on a budget this should be your go to!
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 4.5/5 Depth of Color 4.5/5
9) Best Self Tanner on a Budget: Banana Boat Summer Color
Yes, you’re favorite sun tan lotion also makes a self tanner. And yes, it smells just as good! This product is also amazing since it is white in color you will never have to worry about staining your clothes or sheets! It blends nicely into your skin and fades evenly. The price point is great and it’s even oil-free so it won’t make your face break out. This product is also buildable so you can layer until you get to the desired shade. It dries quickly and is not sticky. Plus since it’s a lotion it leaves your skin hydrated and soft.
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 3.5/5 Depth of Color 4/5
10) Best Self Tanner For Beginners: Coco and Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Bundle
Coco and Even is perfect for anyone just starting their self tanning journey! It smells amazing like you’re on vacation when you apply it, which can be hard to find in a self tanner. It’s not sticky and dries quickly. The color is natural and beautiful. The mitt and the brush ensure you are streak free! There’s no transfer to sheets or clothes. It leaves you dark but never too dark or orange looking. This product is also clean, cruelty-free, and vegan. Plus it’s made with natural antioxidants to help the skin with cellulite and aging!
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 4.4/5 Depth of Color 4.2/5
11)Best Facial Mist: St Tropez Face Mist
Who doesn’t love a good face mist?! This product is simply refreshing and easy to use! You just spray it on a go, you can even apply it over or under makeup. You don’t need to rinse this product off, or even worry about washing your hands. This is also a clean product and vegan-friendly. It has a light to medium sunkissed glow. It doesn’t clog pores or break out your face. The one downside I would say is if you’re looking for a deep tan this won’t help you achieve that.
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 3.6/5 Depth of Color 3.5/5
12) Best Self Tanner for Dark Skin: St. Tropez Self Tanning Mouse
For deeper skin tones, or if you already have a dark tan and want to maintain it I recommend St. Tropez Self Tanning Mouse. It offers immediate color that develops gradually throughout the day to give you a deep beautiful glow. However, a lot of color does wash away after you shower leaving you with with a beautiful sun-kissed glow. Meaning to keep the dark color you may have to apply this about every 5 days. It transfers a very minimal amount to clothing and sheets, since it does have colorguard in it. So I would not recommend wearing white on the day you apply. However, the colorgaurd makes it super easy to tell where you’ve applied the product and where you haven’t so you are never blotchy or streaky.
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 3.5/5 Depth of Color 4.7/5
13) Best Customizable: Tanologist Face and Body Drops
Tanologist drops are great because you can mix them with your favorite moisturizers and apply. If you want a deeper color you add more drops it you want a light subtle glow you add fewer. I love this product because sometimes the self tanner you use on your body is too dark for your face. This product is also great for sensitive skin. Since it’s also meant for your face it have great ingredients like aloe vero that hydrates and soothes, pink grapefruit to help brighten your complexion, goji berry which is a powerful antioxident, and juniper berry to help even your skin tone.
The Verdict
Ease of Application 5/5 Tan Longevity 4/5 Depth of Color 3.7/5
Best Applicator Kit: Self Tanning Applicator Kit
How to Prep for Your Self Tan
No matter how great your tanning product is, how you prep for your self tan is important!! So you tan goes on evenly and fades without splotches you will want to shower and exfoliate before applying any self tanner. Read my other blog post for my favorite DIY Body Scrub. It’s always recommended to shave as well. You’ll want to wait until your skin is completely dry and free of any moisturizers or oils. It’s important to use an applicator mit so you don’t get discolored hands and blending brush for areas like the elbows, ankles, wrists, and face.
How to Maintain Your Tan
Give your product some time to dry before putting on any clothes, where darker colors if you can and wait the recommended time before showering or swimming. You’ll want to apply moisturizer morning and night to keep your skin hydrated. Dry skin can lead to your tan fading quicker. You’ll also want to avoid harsh chemicals on your face and only exfoliate when the product is starting to fade and you’re ready to re-apply.
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