The wise among us would never forgo our safe-sun protocol, but there’s no denying that many of us feel happier and healthier with a tan. The irresistible lure of sunkissed skin has long been a summer staple – and from tanning waters to wipes, instant tans to gradual tanning moisturisers, there are now more ways than ever to get a faux glow.
There’s also been a growing demand for multitasking beauty products, so the newest fake tan formulas often add skincare benefits alongside the bronze. Self-tans infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin C hydrate, nourish and protect, much like your usual body cream or facial serum.
As with all skincare, there’s no one-size-fits-all; what works for you very much depends on your skin tone and type, not to mention the time you have to perfect your glow. While clear tanning waters and fast-drying mousses are great for developing a golden tan overnight, you can find even more express options in the form of serums or drops, so you can float into the office just a few hours later with a post-holiday-worthy glow.
Then there are the gradual tanners – the hydrating moisturising lotions that reign supreme in the world of the budget self-tan. These are great for beginners, letting you build your glow slowly – apply Monday to Friday, and by the weekend you’ll have beautifully bronzed skin. To help you pick, I tested my way through the noise to find the products that will give you a seamless sunkissed colour.
At a glance
Why you should trust me
I’m an experienced beauty and lifestyle journalist who’s reviewed and written about everything from LED masks and beauty blenders to mascaras and moisturisers – but I still fear applying fake tan. I love the sunkissed look, though, so gradual tanning moisturisers and drops have become my go-to, and I’ve pretty much tried them all in my quest to replicate that holiday glow at home. I’m also the busy mother of two young boys, so everything in my skincare routine needs to work without fuss. In short, if I’ve found these products foolproof, then I’m sure most others will too.
How I tested
I’ve used some of the clear tanning waters, serums, mousses, gradual tanning lotions, facial tanning drops and self-tan wipes included here for years (and retested for this piece), while others are new formulas that hit the mark in my testing.
With so many fake tan products out there – many of which perform well – it was difficult to whittle this edit down to the 10 best. I spritzed, sprayed and slathered myself with 28 self-tan products over 12 weeks (seriously, my exfoliating mitt has never seen so much action), considering everything from ease of application to colour payoff and staying power, while also noting each product’s texture, fragrance and cost. These are my top recommendations.
The best fake tan for sunkissed skin
Best fake tan overall:
Bare by Vogue Williams clear tan water
Bare by Vogue Williams
Clear tan water, 150ml
from £17.25
What we love
Hydrating, non-sticky formula and even tan
What we don’t love
Colourless, quick-drying foam means applying swiftly
Bare by Vogue Williams’ tanning products have garnered hundreds of five-star reviews since launching in 2019. And when the clear tan water, one of its bestsellers, can take you from winter ravaged to suitably summer in as little as four hours, it’s easy to see why.
Why we love it
I loved this winning formula’s light and subtle scent and, rather surprisingly, it was also one of the most hydrating. Thanks to ingredients such as fruit extracts and aloe vera, skin feels smooth rather than sticky on application, with the lightweight formula drying quickly, with no need to wash off.
The clear tan water sprays out as a colourless foam, meaning you’ll have to work quickly or you won’t be able to use the formula’s glisten to see any areas you might have missed before it dries.
I’d usually opt for the medium shade, but tried the dark here, and it was perfect. The tan developed evenly over four hours, and three days later, I was still sporting a gorgeous, even golden glow without any dryness. Even my bed sheets were spotless.
It’s a shame that … it doesn’t come in a bigger bottle.
Suitable for: all skin types; those looking for a no-rinse tan
Development time: four to eight hours
Vegan? Yes
Certified cruelty-free? No, but claims to be cruelty-free
Bare by Vogue Williams
Clear tan water, 150ml
from £17.25
What we love
Hydrating, non-sticky formula and even tan
What we don’t love
Colourless, quick-drying foam means applying swiftly
Best budget fake tan:
Dove Summer Revived Sunkissed Glow + Pro-Ceramides gradual tan lotion
Dove
Summer Revived Sunkissed Glow + Pro-Ceramides gradual tan lotion, 200ml
from £4.99
What we love
Nourishing; easy to apply; light fruity scent that isn’t overpowering
What we don’t love
Very little, but daily use might mean you run out quickly
The skin below your neck deserves the same TLC as your face, and although I wasn’t won over by Dove’s gradual tan range (there were others out there that definitely gave it a run for its money, in my opinion), there is nothing not to love about this new iteration.
Why we love it
Designed to be applied as you would a body moisturiser, the velvety formula melts into the skin. As well as creating a seamless, even-toned tan, it also offers a heavy hit of hydration thanks to the pro-ceramide complex and skin-barrier-loving ingredients, including niacinamide, aloe vera and glycerine.
It has a light fruity scent that lingers, but it’s neither overpowering nor the artificial, slightly biscuity scent of its predecessor. One application is enough to see subtle results, but if you prefer a deeper bronzed look, this is a great budget buy that elevates an everyday ritual.
It’s a shame that … I can’t buy this in a bigger bottle! My skin drank it up.
Suitable for: tanning beginners; those looking for a buildable tan and improved skin tone
Development time: up to eight hours
Vegan? Yes
Certified cruelty-free? Yes
Dove
Summer Revived Sunkissed Glow + Pro-Ceramides gradual tan lotion, 200ml
from £4.99
What we love
Nourishing; easy to apply; light fruity scent that isn’t overpowering
What we don’t love
Very little, but daily use might mean you run out quickly
Best fake tan drops:
Caudalíe Self-Tan sun drops
Caudalíe
Self-tan sun drops, 15ml
from £15.20
What we love
Hydrating formula gives even tan; sits well under makeup
What we don’t love
Some may need to use more product to reach desired tone
With absolutely zero odour, these brilliant and beautifully gentle fake tan drops from French skincare label Caudalíe give a sunning-it-up-on-a-yacht glow – with no stickiness, patchiness or marks on your pillow.
Why we love it
I’ve tried my fair share of tanning drops over the years, but Caudalíe’s drops have fast become a firm favourite. Lightweight and super easy to incorporate into your routine – just add two to six drops to your usual moisturiser – you’ll have an even, radiant glow by lunchtime.
Infused with the brand’s signature grape water to give an extra boost of hydration, this formula is the perfect base for makeup.
I found two drops super subtle on my skin – four seemed perfect for me – and colour faded naturally over a couple of days, despite using acids in my evening skincare routine. Perfect for a range of skin tones.
It’s a shame that … you’ll need to apply six drops or more for a deeper tan.
Suitable for: all skin tones; those who prefer a more natural-looking finish
Development time: three to four hours
Vegan? Yes
Certified cruelty-free? No
Caudalíe
Self-tan sun drops, 15ml
from £15.20
What we love
Hydrating formula gives even tan; sits well under makeup
What we don’t love
Some may need to use more product to reach desired tone
Best fake tan for mature skin:
St Tropez Luxe body serum
St Tropez
Luxe body serum, 200ml
£18.95
What we love
Lightweight and nourishing but not greasy; dries quickly
What we don’t love
Takes longer to develop compared with others on test
Trust the OG of fake tan formulas to produce yet another outstanding self-tanning product. St Tropez’s feather-light serum blends niacinamide with a collagen-enhancing complex to feel super hydrating, and delivers a beautiful, natural-looking finish.
Why we love it
From the lightweight, non-greasy texture to the subtle floral scent, the Luxe body serum is a dream to apply. Infused with active ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, the formula works to hydrate, firm, soothe and even tone, making it a great option for all skin types but particularly those with mature skin who want to improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of crepiness.
The serum pumps out beautifully, with its lightly golden colour helping to guide application. It blends seamlessly and dries quickly without any tackiness (a huge plus, considering it’s a no-rinse formula). The result? My skin was a natural-looking bronze and felt well nourished.
It’s a shame that … the colour is on the subtler side, so you may need a second application if you’re looking for a darker tan.
Suitable for: an overnight tan; those who want a no-rinse formula
Development time: eight hours
Vegan? Yes
Certified cruelty-free? No, but claims to be cruelty-free
St Tropez
Luxe body serum, 200ml
£18.95
What we love
Lightweight and nourishing but not greasy; dries quickly
What we don’t love
Takes longer to develop compared with others on test
Best gradual tan:
Gatineau Golden Glow gradual tan
Gatineau
Golden Glow gradual tan, 400ml
from £44
What we love
Delicious scent; skin looks and feels radiant and healthy
What we don’t love
Expensive; it’s cruelty-free, but oddly isn’t vegan
If you want to ease yourself into the bronzed life, a gradual tan is the best way to do it. This moisturising cream-gel formula is laced with coconut oil and vitamin E to hydrate and nourish skin as it gets to work on the colour. Top notes of pear and mandarin, and warm base notes of sandalwood and musk, mean it smells like a dream, too.
Why we love it
When we talk about the new generation of sunless tanners feeling like skincare, this Gatineau product is exactly what we mean. The light, premium-feeling formula sinks beautifully into the skin, making it visibly smoother, more radiant and even toned. Just one layer is enough for a subtle (and totally believable) streak-free glow, without any hint of orange. You’ll see results in about four hours.
It’s a shame that … while I would love to use this as my everyday moisturiser, my bank balance wouldn’t allow it. You may want to save it for special occasions, or to give winter pallor the brush-off when spring rolls round.
Suitable for: all skin tones and types; those who want a buildable, moisturising formula that looks extremely natural
Development time: three to four hours
Vegan? No
Certified cruelty-free? Yes
Gatineau
Golden Glow gradual tan, 400ml
from £44
What we love
Delicious scent; skin looks and feels radiant and healthy
What we don’t love
Expensive; it’s cruelty-free, but oddly isn’t vegan
Best fake tan with a mitt:
Bali Body Deep Violet self-tanning mousse
Bali Body
Deep Violet self-tanning mousse, 200ml
from £30.99
What we love
Great colour; easy to apply; non-drying formula
What we don’t love
Pricier than some mousse tans; might not work for beginners
There may be more ways to get a faux glow than ever before, but sometimes you just can’t beat the classic mousse and mitt combo. The Bali Body Deep Violet self-tanning mousse is a velvety, whipped formula that’s super easy to apply and gives a rich, olive-toned colour in six to eight hours.
Why we love it
Formulated with a violet base to counteract yellow and orange undertones, it’s enriched with nourishing oils and tanning boosters for longer-lasting results. This one is definitely for the tanning enthusiasts who want to take their glow to the next level.
The mousse glides on effortlessly with the mitt and takes just minutes to absorb into the skin. It’s free of the unpleasant chemical or biscuit-like scent usually associated with tanning products, and promises up to seven days of bold, even colour – and I can report that four days later, it’s still going strong. No orange, no streaks; just a perfect golden glow.
It’s a shame that … it’s a tad more expensive than your average mousse tan.
Suitable for: medium complexions with yellow or orange undertones
Development time: six to eight hours
Vegan? Yes
Certified cruelty-free? Yes
Bali Body
Deep Violet self-tanning mousse, 200ml
from £30.99
What we love
Great colour; easy to apply; non-drying formula
What we don’t love
Pricier than some mousse tans; might not work for beginners
The best of the rest
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta glow pads
Dr Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta glow pads, eight
from £46
What we love
Skincare-infused formula; great colour; great for travel
What we don’t love
Not the easiest to apply – some areas were missed
Best for: an express tan for special occasions
I can’t resist a multitasker that promises to streamline my tanning routine, so when Dr Dennis Gross launched the Alpha Beta Glow Pads that allow you to exfoliate and tan in one step, I had to give them a go. The waffle-texture towel is infused with glycolic and salicylic acids, vitamin E and phospholipids to smooth, polish and hydrate the skin as it tans. The formula is quick to dry and produces a gorgeous, even colour, without any tell-tale streaks on my bedsheets the following morning. I highly recommend moisturising and using SPF when it dries to protect the colour.
It didn’t make the final cut because … a tan wipe isn’t the easiest and most sustainable way to apply tan, in my opinion. While I loved the glow this product gave, certain areas were missed, and I was conscious that I was getting a lot of the product on my hands. At up to £49 for eight wipes, it’s also quite expensive.
Suitable for: dull skin lacking radiance; development time: one hour; vegan? Yes; certified cruelty-free? Yes
Dr Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta glow pads, eight
from £46
What we love
Skincare-infused formula; great colour; great for travel
What we don’t love
Not the easiest to apply – some areas were missed
Self Glow by James Read Golden Days milky tan toner
Self Glow by James Read
Golden Days milky tan toner, 80ml
from £29.94
What we love
Hydrating; soothing; layers well under serums
What we don’t love
Mist didn’t always disperse evenly
Best for: slotting into your skincare routine
With more than two decades in the business, it’s safe to say that fake tan expert James Read knows a thing or two about giving good glow. His latest range of products marries skincare and tanning, and is designed to slot seamlessly into your routine. The Golden Days milky tan toner is infused with K-beauty-favourite ingredients, including centella asiatica and liquorice root extract, so it feels soothing and hydrating upon application, and layers brilliantly under serums and moisturisers. If you love a face mist, you’ll love this – but apply at night so it doesn’t affect your SPF.
It didn’t make the final cut because … despite the skincare benefits and a subtle, natural-looking glow, I found it quite difficult to get an even application. It worked better when I buffed it a little with a tanning or makeup brush.
Suitable for: those wanting to fast-track a more radiant, hydrated complexion in a single step; development time: four to eight hours; vegan? Yes; certified cruelty-free? No, but claims to cruelty-free
Self Glow by James Read
Golden Days milky tan toner, 80ml
from £29.94
What we love
Hydrating; soothing; layers well under serums
What we don’t love
Mist didn’t always disperse evenly
Ultrasun After Sun tan booster
Ultrasun
After Sun tan booster, 150ml
from £15
What we love
Cooling and soothing to apply; fast absorbing
What we don’t love
Colour may be too subtle for some; perfumed
Best for: prolonging your holiday tan
While I’m an avid SPF user, there are times when, even in the UK, the sun can catch you off-guard. Cue Ultrasun’s After Sun tan booster, a soothing after-sun that’s enriched with a gradual self-tan to help you maintain or build your bronzed glow. Its light texture absorbs quickly, locking in moisture and quenching the skin without a hint of heaviness – and the final colour looks really natural.
It didn’t make the final cut because … this is undeniably great for a winter boost, but most will prefer this as a soothing after-sun.
Suitable for: all skin types; soothing sun-parched bodies; development time: eight hours; vegan? Yes; certified cruelty-free? No, but claims to be cruelty-free
Ultrasun
After Sun tan booster, 150ml
from £15
What we love
Cooling and soothing to apply; fast absorbing
What we don’t love
Colour may be too subtle for some; perfumed
This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle
This Works
Perfect Legs Skin Miracle
from £33.75
What we love
Sweat-proof; smells great; gives great coverage
What we don’t love
Expensive; slightly messy to use
Best for: an instant tan
When you need visibly smoother, tanned and toned skin in a hurry, this tinted plant-based serum from This Works is just the tonic. The wash-off formula adapts to your skin tone for instant, even coverage, lightly blurs imperfections, and buffs in seamlessly to leave skin looking radiant. And it’s not just for your legs: it can be used all over. It’s packed with vitamins C and E and arnica extract to nourish, and I loved the light geranium scent. It’s also really buildable, sweatproof, and doesn’t transfer on to clothing – no matter how hot and sticky your commute.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s pricey, so better saved for occasions or enriching an already existing tan. It’s also quite messy to use – buff with a fake tan brush or mitt if you can.
Suitable for: a quick fix; development time: instant; vegan? Yes; certified cruelty-free? Yes
This Works
Perfect Legs Skin Miracle
from £33.75
What we love
Sweat-proof; smells great; gives great coverage
What we don’t love
Expensive; slightly messy to use
What you need to know
How to use fake tan
How you apply your tan may differ depending on the type of self-tan you’re using, but the number-one must-do is to exfoliate 24 hours beforehand to give your tan a smooth canvas to work with.
“I recommend using exfoliating gloves with your usual shower gel, as body scrubs are sometimes formulated with oils that can leave residue on your skin and block the tan, resulting in a patchy look,” says luxury spray tanner Penny Foster. “Before application, lightly apply a moisturiser as a barrier to dry areas of skin, such as ankles, hands, knees and elbows.”
When it comes to the application process, Foster also advises tanning from the bottom up – so you don’t ruin your top half when you’re bending down to tan your legs. Rather than pumping fresh product directly on to your hands and feet, use whatever is left on the mitt and lightly glide the tan over those areas. “I recommend using a big kabuki brush if you can, to blend out those areas for a more even finish,” she says.
“Respect the marinating time,” she adds. “Don’t make plans to go out straight away or do anything while your tan develops. Wear dark, loose clothing and catch up on all your binge TV …”
How to choose the best fake tan for your skin
Opt for a fake tan product that’s suitable for your skin type to help prevent irritation and ensure a longer-lasting tan.
“If you’re someone who has particularly dry skin, a lotion would be ideal to lock in moisture, while oily or acne-prone skins should look for non-comedogenic mousses or sprays,” suggests Emily Rose Lansley, facialist, manicurist and tanning expert to A-listers including Florence Pugh and Jourdan Dunn.
“Gradual tans or tanning drops are especially great for those with dry skin,” adds Foster. “These usually have less DHA (the ingredient that essentially ‘creates’ the tan), which can be slightly drying. Look out for skincare-led formulas too, as these are a great option for dry complexions, though I’d always suggest looking for hydrating ingredients, whatever your skin type. Ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerine and vitamin E help to balance any dryness caused by DHA.”
“If you’re someone who has sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free options to avoid any irritation,” says Lansley.
“Those prone to breakouts should also consider an express self-tan, so it’s not being left on your skin for longer than needed,” says Foster.
How long does fake tan last?
If you’re ready to make winter pallor a thing of the past, you’ll need to put in the work beforehand. Exfoliate with a glove and moisturise 24 hours in advance to create a hydrated base for your tan. This will help prevent a patchy finish and ensure your tan goes the distance. You should also do any hair removal 24 hours before tanning to give your skin time to recover.
“Typically, a fake tan will last about five to seven days,” says Lansley. “Moisturising daily with an oil-free moisturiser – this is important, as oil will break down the tan – will keep the skin hydrated and prolong your tan. Avoid chlorine and taking long baths.”
Should you moisturise before fake tan?
Moisturising skin after exfoliating is vital before applying fake tan. “It will prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated and scaly,” says Lansley. “Moisturising also prevents the tan from clinging to dry patches, so pay close attention to areas such as knees, elbows and ankles 24 hours before you tan.”
How to remove fake tan
The best way to lift a fake tan is to exfoliate gently and use a dedicated fake tan remover. These usually include exfoliating acids such as salicylic acid to gently break down the tanning agents and smooth the skin. And to avoid those tell-tale orange palms? “Always wear a mitt when you’re self-tanning, and wash your hands thoroughly after use,” says Lansley.
How to get fake tan off your hands
If you do manage to get fake tan on your hands, your quickest and best chance of removal is once again using a dedicated self-tan remover. Foster’s go-to product is the Rose & Caramel Purity self-tan-removing bubble bath: “Apply it directly on to your hands where you need the tan removed, rub into the area, and then wash off. It’s my failsafe,” she says. Failing that, try soaking your hands in oil – such as baby oil, olive oil or even coconut oil – for 10 to 15 minutes and then gently removing with an exfoliating glove.
Can you use fake tan when pregnant?
“Fake tan is safe to use during pregnancy,” says Foster. “However, as your hormones change, you may find that you become sensitive to products you’d normally be fine with. Always do a patch test 24 hours before using a new fake tan. If you’re breastfeeding, avoid tanning your breasts. And, as always, if in doubt, speak to your GP.”
For more, read the best body moisturisers and the best vegan and cruelty-free beauty brands to know
Danielle Wilkins is a lifestyle journalist and former magazine editor with almost two decades of experience writing about beauty, parenting and all things weddings for some of the biggest names in publishing. When she’s not reviewing the latest products in skincare, running in the gym or sitting front row at Bridal Week, she’s acting as a human climbing frame for her two young boys and dreaming about hot coffee
