Self-tanner helps you get that sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV rays. But which self-tanners are the best? Here are a few good options in several price points, because you want to look like you had a beach vacation, not one of Willy Wonka’s minions.
The Creme de la Creme
St. Tropez Luxe Express Mousse is my favorite. I love that you can control how dark you want the tan to be. Want it light? Shower after an hour. Deeper? Two hours. Even deeper? Three hours. It’s streak free, and easy to apply. Get the small size and the applicator mitt in their Getaway Kit.
For Gradual Tanning
M-62 Hydraboost Body Butter is a lotion that develops into a gradual tan when applied consistently. If you need a sumptuous lotion that gives you a glow without the heavy lifting, this is it.
Want something in a drugstore price-point? L’Oreal has you covered.
Tan in a Can
Aerosol is not my preferred application method, but some women swear by it for ease. Sephora’s Self Tanning Body Mist is well-ranked. Others embrace Sally Hansen’s Air Brush Legs. Both are good options, but do yourself a favor and apply them in the shower prior to cleaning to avoid creating a bronze Pollock on your walls.
For the Face
Jean at Extra Petite swears by tanning drops. These Isle of Paradise drops are a favorite. Just mix the drops into your favorite moisturizer (body or face) to create the depth your looking for, and apply.
{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}
Just want to give a shout-out to Tarte Braziliance tanner. Comes with a great mit, has a nice tint (not orange) and is easy to blend without streaks, and has a really nice, not orange color. Smell is minimal. It’s my go-to all summer for body.
I’d love to know you use self tanner. I can’t seem to put it on during the day because of the smell and it stains my clothes. I guess for now it’s fine because I’m WFH, but long-term I can’t go into the office stinky and stained. I try and put it on at night and wear long sleeves and pants, but I stain my sheets. It seems like I’m just supposed to put it on and stand naked for three hours… It seems like the self tanners that actually tan me are the ones I can’t put on and go about my day because they rub off on clothes.
Isle of Paradise drops are amazing. I can’t say enough good things.
I’ve had great success with Tan Towels! And they’re so easy to apply evenly.
I just don’t understand how you are supposed to apply self tanner to your back with a mitt??
I use Loreal’s Sublime self tanner. It’s inexpensive, goes on with a tint, and dries quickly. I use it in the evening and wear shorts for half an hour or so before going to bed, and it has never stained my sheets. If you use it or any self-tanner a few times when you know you won’t be showing your legs, you can get the hang of how to make sure it doesn’t streak. Rubbing it in a lot, and then some more, is the key.
[…] The Beauty Range: Self-Tanner from Capitol Hill Style @abrabelke […]