Courtesy of TanologistIn the dead of winter, there's nothing like a fake tan to make you feel instantly hotter.
Sure, you can go get a spray tan at a salon, or you could achieve a vacation-worthy glow from the comfort of your own home by using a self tanner.
I've tried so many self tanners over the years, but these popular picks are best— and have the rave reviews to prove it. With so many options to choose from, it's possible to achieve your ideal tan.
A gradual tanner, like the Jergens Natural Glow moisturizer, is ideal for beginners or those you want a super subtle tan that can be developed over a few days. If you need a quick fix, opt for an express tanner that develops in just two hours, like the St. Tropez bronzing mousse.
From drugstore to high-end, most self tanners come in different shades, which means you can find the one that best suits your skin tone.
You can also fully customize your tan depending on how long you let it develop. Leave it on for a few hours to get sun-kissed effect or keep it on overnight for a deeper tan. Either way, you'll achieve a natural looking tan, every time.
Whether you have fair skin or are someone with a deeper skin tone, these self tanners from Dolce Glow, Loving Tan, Tan-Luxe and more are the secret to keeping a natural looking tan all year long.
Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion
With 37,000+ 5-star reviews, this gradual tanning lotion is a fan-favorite for its streak-free application. Apply it every day to slowly develop a natural glow over the course of a week. All this while giving your skin an extra boost of moisture.
Reviewers rave: "I love this product and have been purchasing for many years now. It builds a subtle tan fast and it doesn’t leave stains or lines or wash off like a self tanner. It leaves my skin soft, hydrated and glowy."
Dolce Glow Self-Tanning Mist
A personal favorite, the spray mechanism of this tanning mist makes for an easy, 360 degree application. The color it provides is so natural and not orange in the slightest (even on my fair skin).
Reviewers rave: " This tanning mist is so much easier to use compared to other products I have tried. I am not left looking orange or streaky. I really like that it is also fast drying and haven't noticed any transferring on my light colored clothes."
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
Short on time? The famous express bronzing mousse gives you sun-kissed skin in no time. Apply and wait just 1 hour before showering for a light tan, 2 hours for a medium golden bronze, or 3 hours for a deep, dark tan.
Reviewers rave: "This tanning mousse is a game-changer. It develops quickly, and I love that I can customize the depth of my tan—light in an hour, medium in two, or deep in three. The application is smooth, streak-free, and the color is beautifully natural without any orange undertones. Fades evenly and lasts for days."
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self Tanning Lotion
Quick-drying and transfer resistant, this tinted bronzing lotion develops over the course of a few hours (no rinsing required) for an instant summer glow.
Reviewers rave: "This self tanning lotion is the best. I’ve been using it for years. Better than any other self tanner I have used. It doesn’t streak. Doesn’t turn you orange. Looks very natural. A little goes a long way."
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse
Get a natural-looking tan in just two hours with this easy-to-apply, fast-drying mousse that celebs swear by. It's so good, Paige DeSorbo says she stopped getting professional spray tans.
Reviewers rave: "Hands down the best tan I've tried! No streaks, beautiful natural golden color, and fast application! I used the loving tan mitt to apply, and used a kabuki brush for my face, hands, and feet."
Paige says: "Loving Tan is my number one. I’ve been doing my own spray tans now for probably three years. I started doing it myself and getting really good at it. I use the 2-Hour Express, but I sleep in it. I like to really marinate in it."
Bondi Sands Salon Quality Self Tanning Foam
This lightweight tanning foam has a greenish tint (not scary, I promise) that is ideal for those with an olive skin tone or those who want to achieve a super deep tan. It has 40,000+ 5-star reviews.
Reviewers rave: "I absolutely love this Bondi Sands self-tan. The color is beautiful and natural, and it develops evenly within 6–8 hours without looking orange or muddy. It blends effortlessly and goes on smoothly, with no streaking or patchiness, even on tricky areas like elbows, knees, and ankles."
TAN-LUXE Hydra-Mousse
This self tanner has a unique water-to-foam formula that goes on clear and easily glides over the skin and is infused with hydrating ingredients including aloe vera and vitamin E. It develops to reveal vacation-worthy bronze.
Reviewers rave: "As someone with fair skin and blonde hair, I’ve tried so many self-tanners—and TAN-LUXE Hydra-Mousse is by far my favorite. The color is beautifully natural, never orange, and it blends effortlessly without streaks. It’s lightweight, easy to apply, and dries quickly without that sticky feeling."
Tanologist Light Self Tan Water
The mist on this tanning water means it's simple to achieve an even, streak-free application. It's not sticky or orange and can even be used on your face.
Rave review: "This is my favorite brand of self tanners. It goes on 100% clear and is streak free. It dries really fast and doesn't come off on your clothes or bed sheets. The tan is pretty and natural looking and doesn't make me look orange at all. It doesn't fade quickly either. Love this stuff."
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