Join me in the circle of trust for a moment – I have something to confess. For a compact time in college, maybe one summer, I’m embarrassed to admit that I actually had a tanning salon membership. Every day after work I ran to the plant, smeared myself with stinking goo and baked in bed for 10 minutes. I actually found the nasolabial folds that I developed in my tardy twenties simple – I was definitely scared. And really, when you think about the best self-tanners on the market, the idea of torturing your skin to simulate the effects of sun damage is even more ridiculous. It’s very simple to get the exact same feeling of freshness from your vacation, without the bigger, huge risk. I really like the look of a tan combined with my complexion and facial features, but it’s not worth sacrificing your health for it. Fortunately, no one has to.
Not long after leaving bed, I learned the art of self-tanning. For years, the best recipes never come close to the orange-dipped stereotype that has plagued DIY methods for years. For more stern occasions and events, I meet with a professional. But week after week you’ll catch me in the bathroom with a sponge mitt and one of those homemade tanners. I have to ask my husband for lend a hand with my mid-back, but other than that there’s virtually no difference between professional airbrushing and my Thursday night routine.
Below are my favorite self-tanners ever made, all thoroughly tested, reviewed and editor-approved. Friends, there are no orange streaks here.
Classic self-tanning bronzing mousse
This was the first homemade self-tanner I ever tried, I discovered it while browsing through magazines around 2013. This was my first time seeing green-tinted foam, which I now know is crucial to offsetting any orange effects. It’s a proven recipe and I now have an “emergency” bottle in my bathroom (I know, I know).
Self-tanning foam
Available in virtually every drugstore, the OG Bondi Sands self-tanner is always a hit – and the affordable price means you can actually stock up on it. The best part is how quickly it dries. I have a black cotton spa robe that I wear after sunbathing and it’s not necessarily necessary when I employ it.
Water for sunbathing
I used to be very reluctant to self-tan my face – I always thought it would just wash off. Saltyface has completely changed this perception with these absolutely reliable drops that tap directly into the skin, bringing out the softest, most natural glow around.
Express, moisturizing self-tanning water
Turns out you don’t have to go all out with green foam to achieve a beachy glow. This moisturizing self-tan spray not only smells fresh and lithe, but is also sprayed directly onto the skin and rubbed in gently to achieve a tan in just 30 minutes. For spot application and tanning of just one exposed area – legs, arms, etc. – this is gold.
Natural glow + FIRMING Self-tanner
If you haven’t tried this Jergen’s lotion since high school, trust me – give it another try. Daily employ provides the subtlest, healthiest golden glow and does not stain your hands.
Platinum mousse
I first heard about Loving Tan on YouTube – it was recommended by an Australian creator and them Really I know their tanning products – and I immediately fell in love with their affluent, natural color. In fact, I think this brand is best for richer skin tones who want the smoothing, glow-reflecting effects of a phony tan. The color range is excellent.
Technocolor Emerald express self-tanning foam for 1 hour
This is another Bondi Sands pick, but it’s my absolute favorite at the moment. The brand has just developed a recent line adapted to different skin tones – I employ the shade Emerald intended for olive skin – and I immediately fell in love with it. It gives a tailored look and my friend with lighter skin agreed when she tried the frigid Sapphire version. Even though you can achieve the color in just an hour, I immediately fall asleep in it. Somehow it never leaves streaks on the white sheets.
Medium-colored self-tanning mousse
So fluffy and simple to apply, this Tanologist mousse really glides onto the skin. It makes it easier to rub into harder-to-reach areas for your nails, such as knees, feet and hands, and you can get the full color payoff in about half the time than other brands.
Airbrush tanning system
Stay with me here – I know what it looks like, but I basically ran a spray tanning salon out of my dorm room with this thing. You can’t really do it yourself – you’ll have to recruit a friend – but you’ll legally get the exact airbrush look of a professional salon. Just be sure to do it in a place that’s simple to pristine, or make sure your buddy has perfect aim.
Medium self-tanning face drops
There’s a reason these Isle Of Paradise drops are so viral. Whether pressed onto your face or mixed with moisturizer, the easy-to-use formula deposits the perfect amount of color throughout without worrying about streaks or missing spots.
