Get the Glow, Skip the Sun: 12 Self-Tanning Lotions to Keep You Shimmering

As the sunny days of summer transition into the cooler weather of fall and winter, many of us want to maintain the healthy, golden tan we worked so hard to achieve over the summer months. While basking in the sun can provide a natural looking tan during summer, prolonging those UV rays into the fall and winter can be damaging to the skin. This is where quality self-tanning products come in handy!

Self-tanners provide the ability to keep your skin looking beautifully bronzed and sun-kissed throughout the fall and winter without exposure to harmful UV radiation. There are many options when it comes to self-tanning – from lotions, mousses and serums you apply at home, to professional spray tanning done at a salon. At-home self-tanners provide affordable, convenient options you can use in the comfort of your home to customize your color. 

Self-tanning products work by utilizing active ingredients like DHA that react with the amino acids on the outermost layers of your skin to temporarily stain the surface a golden, sun-kissed shade. When applied properly, the colored result can mimic an incredibly natural looking glow.

With so many self-tanning products on the market ranging from drugstore to high-end formulas, how do you choose? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll review the top 12 highest-rated self-tanning lotions and mousses while providing application tips and key ingredients to look for. You’ll learn the pros and cons of liquids, mousses, gels, serums and more. Consider it your guide to picking the perfect self-tanner to maintain your healthy, bronze glow into the cooler months. We’ll offer budget-friendly drugstore options along with salon-quality splurges. 

By the end, you’ll have all the know-how to choose the right self-tanning product for flawless, streak-free application that keeps your skin looking like summer no matter the season. Let’s get that gorgeous glow on!

Self-Tanning Lotions: All You Need To Know

When researching self-tanning products, it helps to understand the active ingredients that provide effective, natural-looking color. Here are the key components to look for:

DHA (Dihydroxyacetone)
DHA is the main active ingredient responsible for creating color in self-tanners. It reacts with amino acids on the upper layers of the skin to temporarily ‘stain’ the surface a tanned color. Look for formulas with at least 3-5% DHA concentration for best color development.

Erythrulose
Erythrulose works similarly to DHA but the reaction occurs more slowly, resulting in a very natural-looking, gradual tan. Formulas with 4-5% erythrulose are ideal when used alongside DHA to enhance results.

Moisturizing Ingredients
Hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid allow self-tanner to go on smoothly. They prevent drying and flakiness which can cause uneven color results.

Anti-Aging Ingredients
Look for self-tanners containing anti-aging skincare ingredients like peptides, antioxidants and niacinamide. These nourish the skin while providing sunless color.

Skin Softeners
Glycolic acid, lactic acid or other exfoliants gently smooth rough skin. This allows for streak-free application.

Green & Black Tea Extracts
Natural extracts like green and black tea contain antioxidants that provide anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe and calm the skin.

Vitamins C & E
Vitamins C and E nourish the skin while offering antioxidant protection. This prevents free radical damage from self-tanning.

pH Balancers
Ingredients like pH balancers and purple or blue tints counteract orange tones in self-tanners for natural results on all skin tones.

1. St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

St. Tropez’s Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse is a cult-favorite for achieving a natural looking, golden tan. This lightweight, fast-drying mousse formula is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E to hydrate and condition skin while DHA works to create a beautiful bronzed color. The subtle fragrance includes notes of citrus for a pleasant tanning experience. With its quick-drying formula and easy-to-apply texture, this mousse provides flawless, streak-free coverage that dries in just 60 seconds. St. Tropez is specially designed to reduce dryness and irritation, making it a great choice for all skin types.

2. Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer

As one of the original drugstore self-tanning lotions, Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer is a tried and true formula for gradual, subtle color. Enriched with moisturizers like jojoba oil and shea butter, it hydrates while developing a natural looking tan over time with Daily Moisturizer. For faster color, the Wet Skin formula allows you to apply directly after showering for rapid color absorption and development in just 2 hours. The lightweight, non-greasy formula blends easily without streaking for a seamless, flawless glow. It’s gentle enough for daily use on both face and body.

3. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops

Isle of Paradise’s Self-Tanning Drops provide customizable color with a simple drop formula. Infused with color-correcting actives and nourishing oils, the drops mix into your moisturizer or serum to deliver a buildable color without transferring or staining. The lightweight tanning actives develop in just 4-6 hours for a natural-looking, even glow. Available in Light, Medium, and Dark shades, the drops cater to a range of skin tones. With its odorless, streak-free formula, Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops make achieving your perfect tan easy and convenient.

4. Coola Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion

Coola’s Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion nourishes skin while delivering a natural-looking sunkissed glow. The fast-absorbing lotion formula contains plant-derived DHA as well as collagen-boosting peptides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and firm the skin. Natural oils provide antioxidants and nutrients for softer, smoother skin while the subtle tropical scent creates an indulgent tanning experience. This lotion develops into a streak-free tan in just a few hours that lasts up to 3 days. With its blend of skincare benefits and warm golden color, it’s a great choice for anti-aging effects with a sunless glow.

5. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum

L’Oreal Paris’ Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum provides a convenient clear formula that develops into a radiant tan. The lightweight, non-greasy serum contains raspberry seed oil, vitamin E and a calming rose scent. It applies evenly and sets quickly without transferring onto clothes or sheets. Just a few drops mixed with moisturizer allows you to achieve a customized sun-kissed glow within hours. With its fast-absorbing, transparent formula, Sublime Bronze Serum makes self tanning your face or body an easy process with natural-looking results.

6. Tanologist Self-Tan Drops

Tanologist Self-Tan Drops provide a customized self-tanning experience with a simple drop format. Formulated with antioxidants like raspberry seed oil and vitamin E, the drops mix seamlessly into your moisturizer without stained palms or streakiness. The lightweight drops contain DHA for natural color as well as combing that allows for even application. With its quick-drying, clear formula, you can control the intensity of your tan by adding more or fewer drops based on your desired color.

7. Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster

Clarins’ Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster is a 2-in-1 serum that combines skin-brightening and self-tanning results. Formulated with organic DHA and subtle shimmer pigments, it develops into a natural-looking tan while providing luminous radiance. The lightweight serum contains aloe leaf extract to soothe and hydrate skin while delivering buildable color that remains streak-free. Just mix a few drops into your day or night moisturizer to gradually achieve a warm golden glow with a touch of soft shimmer.

8. MineTan Violet Self Tanner

MineTan Violet Self Tanner provides a natural-looking tan with a gentle violet tint that offsets orange tones. The fast-absorbing mousse formula contains certified organic tanning agents, cocoa butter for hydration, and vitamin E for nourishment and free radical defense. With AHA enzymes to smooth skin and a light violet base that adapts to your pH, this sulfate-free mousse provides bespoke color without orange undertones. The subtle tropical scent and quick-drying application prevents transfer for easy, mess-free tanning.

9. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam makes it easy to achieve a natural-looking, Australian-inspired tan. This salon-quality formula contains aloe vera and coconut oil to nourish and condition skin while DHA develops into a gorgeous, golden tan in just 2-3 hours. The ultra-light, fast-drying foam applies evenly without dripping or running. It’s quick-absorbing and easy to apply for foolproof application. Infused with a pleasant coconut fragrance, this salon-grade self-tanner leaves skin with a smooth, streak-free, sun-kissed glow.

10. Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid

Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid delivers seamless, natural color with its innovative liquid-gel formula. Using cutting-edge tanning technology for easy application, this lightweight self-tanner goes on as a liquid before drying into a transfer-resistant gel. The formula contains naturally-derived DHA, antioxidants and humectants for flawless color and skin nourishment. Fake Bake’s subtle citrus scent and streak-free application allow you to achieve an even, luminous glow in just a few hours. It’s ideal for beginners thanks to its mess-free liquid-gel format.

11. James Read Sleep Mask Tan Face

James Read’s Sleep Mask Tan for Face delivers an effortless, natural-looking tan overnight. The lightweight gel-cream formula contains aloe leaf juice, shea butter and glycerin to soothe and condition skin while DHA works to create a bronzed glow. Vitamin C provides brightness and evens tone as the mask develops into a light tan. Rose and coconut water scents make application a calming, spa-like experience. Simply apply the mess-free formula before bed and rinse upon waking to reveal a radiant, sun-kissed complexion.

12. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

Coco & Eve’s Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam transforms into a gorgeous, golden tan with its blend of honey and nourishing botanicals. This sulfate-free formula provides an ultra-dark, streak-free finish with a pleasant coconut-vanilla-florals scent. Containing coconut water, fig, and Bulgarian rose for antioxidants, it hydrates and nourishes skin while DHA develops the tan. The fast-drying foam applies smoothly and evenly in a mess-free application. With its tropical-inspired fragrance and skincare benefits, this self-tanner leaves skin bronzed and glowing.

How to Apply Self-Tanner for Flawless Results

Once you’ve selected the right self-tanning lotion or mousse, proper application is key for ensuring flawless, streak-free color. Follow these tips and tricks to master the process:

Exfoliate First
Exfoliate your entire body before self-tanning to remove any dry, dead skin cells. This helps the color develop evenly. Use a body scrub or loofah to gently buff away dull skin. Pay special attention to dry areas like knees, elbows, ankles and hands.

Moisturize Thoroughly
Dry skin can lead to a patchy, uneven tan. Apply body lotion liberally all over before self-tanning, especially on notoriously dry zones. Hydrate knees, elbows, hands, wrists, ankles, feet and any other dry spots. This helps the tan glide on smoothly.

Use an Applicator Mitt
Applying self-tanner with a mitt provides the most even, flawless finish. The mitt lets you blend and buff the tanner into skin seamlessly. Apply using a circular, rubbing motion to avoid streaks. Reusable applicator mitts can be washed after each use.

Start at Your Feet
Work the self-tanner into your skin starting at your feet and moving upwards. This prevents missing spots and gives you time to blend as you work upwards. Do your feet first, then legs, torso, arms, shoulders, back and finally neck and face.

Blend Thoroughly
Take your time and blend properly as you apply. Self-tanner can start to set quickly, so blend thoroughly as you go to create an even tone. Pay extra attention to knees, ankles, wrists and elbows by rubbing the product in circular motions on dry zones.

Avoid Sweating or Wetness
After application, avoid sweating, swimming or showering for at least 6-8 hours or as directed. This allows the DHA sufficient time to fully react with skin proteins and develop color. Wetness or sweat can cause streaking. Stay cool and dry for optimum results.

Moisturize to Maintain
Keep skin hydrated daily with a rich body lotion to make your tan last longer. Dryness causes self-tanner to fade faster. Apply moisturizer daily, focusing on dry areas like knees and elbows which can fade more quickly. Drink lots of water as well.

With proper exfoliation, moisture, and application using these tips, you’ll be able to achieve a beautifully bronzed glow free of streaks or unevenness. Patience and blending are key for flawless self-tanning results. Maintain your sun-kissed tan by moisturizing daily.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: How long does a self-tan last?

A: On average, a self-tan will last 5-7 days on the body and 2-3 days on the face before fading. Exfoliating and moisturizing daily extends the life of your tan.

Q:  How do I prevent streakiness?

A: Using an application mitt provides an even coat and prevents streaks. Blend in circular motions and pay special attention to dry areas.

Q: Is self-tanner safe for my skin?

A: DHA is FDA approved and considered safer than UV tanning. However, test a small patch first, especially if you have sensitive skin. Avoid contact with eyes, lips and nostrils.

Q: Can I use a self-tanner on my face?

A: Yes, look for self-tanners formulated specifically for the face. Apply a thinner layer and blend down the neck.

Q: Does self-tanner stain clothes or sheets?

A: Self-tanners can potentially stain fabrics. Let the color fully develop for at least 8 hours before contact with light fabrics.

Q: How do I get an even tan tone all over my body?

A: Exfoliate and moisturize the whole body first for even application. Use a tanning mitt to blend. Touch up any missed spots the next day.

Q: How long should I wait to shower after self-tanning?

A: Wait at least 8 hours before showering or swimming to allow the DHA full time to react with the skin.

Q: Can I apply makeup or perfume after using self-tanner?

A: Wait until the tan has fully developed (8 hours) before applying makeup, perfume, or deodorant which can cause blotchiness.