Self-tanners for the face are having a moment. With increasingly sophisticated formulas that contain skin-loving ingredients typically found in skin care products (like hyaluronic acid), fake tan may just be the ticket for dry, lack-lustre skin or a paler complexion in need of a pick-me-up.
The trick to tanning the face well is to go as natural as possible. The aim of the game here is to have a believable glow that will have friends asking, 'where have you been?', and not 'what fake tan do you use?'. As Isle of Paradise founder Jules Von Hep says, ‘If you apply too much self-tan it will look unnatural. Think tanned, natural and effortless – not tangoed.' Follow his general rule of thumb: 'two coats on the body, one on the face.’
Choose a formula that works for you. From tanning lotion and gradual tan products to tanning drops and sprays, there are so many ways to achieve a glow on your face that's streak-free and believable.
Top tip? Look for one that dries quickly to avoid transference onto white bed linen. Scroll on down to discover our pick of the best face tanners, available to buy now.
SHOP: The Best Fake Tans For Your Face
The Best Self-Tanners For Your Face
1 of 9Tan Luxe, Super Glow Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum
One of the best facial fake tans on the market. This, first and foremost, is a hyaluronic acid serum - and a very good one, too. As such, it hydrates the skin beautifully and then lends a gradual bronze tint over time. This is the most un-tan-like tanning product we've encountered. Go easy with a few drops, first, and then build it up.
Site review: "This is such a wonderful product. It gives light moisture and glow. Deserving of all the high acclaim. I use it most mornings. It's a pleasure to use and layers well."
2 of 9Skinny Tan Notox Face Tanning Serum
Combining hardworking skincare ingredients with fake tan, this serum lends a glow that looks remarkably fresh. Other hydrators - like aloe and natural oils - supply moisture, meaning the tan is less likely to gather in any dry patches on the face. Follow up with the deliciously scented Peaches and Cream Self Tan for the body, for a full body glow.
Site review: "This has been great for me. I'm not good with tanning generally but this is fool-proof."
3 of 9Isle of Paradise, Self-Tanning Drops
Founded by spray tan wunderkind Jules Von Hepp, Isle of Paradise is full of hero products that suit every skin type. The drops, however, are particularly special – and certainly one to use if you're a tanning novice. They come in light, medium and dark. Jules himself recommends adding 2-3 drops into your daily moisturiser and then sweeping the product over your skin in upward motions – don't forget the neck and decolletage!
Site review: "This is definitely one of my favourite tanners, it left me with no streaks, it was easy to apply and left with me with a lovely colour for ages."
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4 of 9Clarins, Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face
If you know, you know. Clarins' glow booster is designed to be added to your moisturiser for your easiest fake tan yet. The colour is a rich honeyed gold once built and is perfect for those wanting just a touch of colour.
Site review: "This is my second bottle. The best gentle tanner for those winter months. Really good for sensitive skin too."
5 of 9St. Tropez, Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
A really easy product to use, simply spritz and go – no need to wash it off. Trust the tanning experts at St Tropez to produce a product free from that notorious 'fake tan smell'. This tan has an uplifting tropical scent that will have you thinking about booking your next holiday in the sun. It also fades beautifully and evenly (a must for facial fake tans).
Site review: "This would be perfect for holidays. I use it now in the summer to save putting makeup on during the day, it gives you a lovely, tanned glow - I’ve never had one of them having fair skin! Highly recommend."
6 of 9Bondi Sands Pure Concentrated Self Tan Drops
Combine the power of self-tan with the skin-loving ingredients of hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E to create a sun-kissed glow while keeping the skin feeling hydrated and looking super radiant.
Site review: "I love that you can adjust how dark you want to be simply by changing the amount of drops you use. Perfect for days when you just want more glow to your face. They are so easy and look amazing."
7 of 9Sisley, Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care
This is a fake tan that hydrates like a moisturiser, making it a seriously believable bronzing fix. The creamy nature of the product means it doesn't settle into pores, leaving a warm, bronze glow that can be built on with real ease.
Site review: "Love it. I have tried many facial tanners, and this is by far the best. You need to just use a small amount and build up gradually. I agree with the previous review that it can be too yellow but only if you use too much. Give it a try, expensive but I wouldn't be without it. The best for me and I will buy it again."
8 of 9Coola, Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum
This multi-tasker is perfect for the perpetually busy, combining skincare and tanning into one seamless experience. This lightweight serum gives a subtle glow and has solid skincare credentials to back it up - hyaluronic acid to hydrate, algae to detoxify and plant stem cells to rejuvenate. It's slower to develop than others mentioned here, making it a solid option for tanning newbies.
Site review: "I use two pumps with my moisturiser and have gradually developed a natural looking tan. Love this serum as part of my daily routine."
9 of 9St Moriz, Advanced Miracle Glow Face Tan Serum
There's a reason people stay loyal to St Moriz and it's because the fake tan brand never fails with its products. From the iconic foaming mousse to the fake tan body lotion, it makes sense that the face tan serum works just as well as the whole line. As well as gradually developing after application to give you a golden glow, it also features Q10 to help increase collagen in the skin and the hyaluronic acid hydrates skin.
Site review: "I bought this last week as I often like to try new tanning products. This did not disappoint. I wish I had bought it sooner. It is amazing."
Are face tanners safe to use?
The majority of self-tanners use an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (otherwise known as DHA) to temporarily tan the skin’s surface layer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DHA for external application to the skin, stating it is safe to do so. However, they state that DHA shouldn’t be inhaled or applied to the lips or around the eyes as the risks of doing so are unknown.
Once you've settled on one of the best face tanners from our edit above, give yourself some time to apply the product carefully. Begin with exfoliation, before applying the product in sections and leave it to dry before hitting the hay.