Long-synonymous with streaks, stains and dodgy orange tones, it can be tricky to know where to start when it comes to choosing the best self tanner for you; but luckily, the new breed of smart fake tans are more innovative and easier to use than ever before. So, whether you're after a flawless tan for pale skin or a gradual self tanner that will dry in less time than it takes to prepare a pot of tea, we have you covered.
'It’s not just about glowing skin – having a golden glow on the outside also gives me confidence on the inside. I feel like I can take on the world with a tan,' says Ashley Graham, St. Tropez's global brand ambassador.
And we couldn't agree more. Whether you're hitting the beach or just want to radiate with an effortless glow - give yourself a sunless tan with our edit of the best fake tans on the market.
Best fake tan 2024 at a glance:
Best gradual fake tan: Isle Of Paradise Gradual Self-Tan, £8.99
Best fake tan for pale skin: St Moriz Advanced Colour Correcting Tanning Mousse Light, £9.99
Best fake tan for face: Oskia Adaptive Tan Drops, £74
Best fake tan for holiday: Bare by Vogue Willians Self Tan Foam, £22.50
How to use a self tanner
First up, if you want to shave or wax make sure you do it 24-48 hours before applying your fake tan. Otherwise, you might damage the colour.
Start by using a gentle exfoliating product and a washcloth or sponge to remove any dead cells from the skin, then dry off thoroughly. Next, Jules Von Hep, co-founder and creative director of cult brand Isle of Paradise has a sneaky tip for avoiding those unmistakeable orange hands and feet: 'Ensure you moisturise the hands and feet PRIOR to tan application, and hang a towel on the back of your door and rub your wrists together - this removes those pesky tell-tale tan lines.'
Now for tan-time. Apply the self tanner section by section, starting with your legs and working your way up, using a mitt to buff the product into your skin in circular motions, remembering to be careful around joint areas like ankles, knees and wrists.
After application, allow the tan to dry for at least 15 minutes, avoiding contact with anything (or anyone) before allowing it to develop for seven or eight hours (we advise leaving it on overnight, wearing baggy PJs) before showering.
How does fake tan work?
Most fake tans contain Dihydroxyacetone, more commonly referred to as DHA. This natural carbohydrate reacts with oxygen in the air and amino acids in the skin and gradually darkens.
How to fake tan your face
The face can be tricky to fake tan, mainly because it's so easy to go wrong. So, go slow. Remember it's better to apply more later than apply too much at once. Start with the areas where the tan develops the quickest (nose, forehead, chin and the centre of your cheeks) and work your way out. Top tip: apply Vaseline to your eyebrows before tanning to avoid darkening them.
How to fake tan your back
Aside from asking your house mate, sister or significant other for a helping hand, there are two methods we use to apply fake tan to our backs. The first is opting for a spray product - this generally allows you to achieve 360 coverage. For the second option, you'll need a mitt, a long armed loofa and an elastic band. Can you see where this is going? Tie the mitt to the end of the loofa with your elastic band and there you have it - a third arm to tan those difficult to reach areas.
Best Fake Tans For 2024
From the best instant tan to the best gradual tan and everything in-between, scroll on to shop.
Best gradual tan
www.boots.com
The latest launch from Isle of Paradise, the brand's gradual self-tan already has the seal of approval from TikTok influencers. Beautifully lightweight and never sticky, it's fast absorbing and infused with a myriad of skin loving goodness - think a hefty dose of Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid. One Boots customer said, 'I saw this was new in store so I tried it instead of my usual moisturiser tan and I’ve got to say this is my new favourite!!! I never leave reviews but the gorgeous tan this gives me is just too good not to share. Also its such a big bottle for the price, I love ittttt.' High praise, indeed.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Available in a light option
Cons
- The clear formula means you should spend some extra time blending
Best fake tan for pale skin
www.boots.com
The best way to get started with a full-body fake tan is with a colour-correcting product. You can leave this on all day to develop without it transferring to your clothes. Afterwards, wash it off to reveal your gorgeously glowy skin. Bonus points as he formula has added hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to nourish the skin and lock in moisture. One reviewer said, 'This product is fab with the usual prep of exfoliation and moisturising. The colour lasts a week on me if I leave it overnight on application. I wake up very orange but after a shower it’s a natural golden brown. I have very fair skin and use the light version though I have also successfully used the medium too. For the cost you can’t go wrong!'
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- May take a couple of layers to build up desired shade
Best long lasting fake tan
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
The unique formula instantly hydrates and conditions while the colour develops in just two hours. Better yet it boasts a delicious tropical mango and guava scent. One reviewer said, 'The colour of this is a lovely bronze as described, not too dark at all which is what I was hoping for. I usually use loving tan (shade medium) which is my favourite, however this is a great alternative as you get more product for a lower price. It also smells divine.'
Pros
- Available in two shades
- No orange undertones
Cons
- Still a hint of the traditional fake tanning smell
Best tanning serum
www.selfridges.com
A nourishing tanning water featuring a blend of naturally derived tanning actives, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin D to prevent dryness. Simply massage 6-12 drops into the skin daily, sit back, relax, and watch your tan develop in 4-8 hours. Sunshine in a bottle.
Pros
- Great for pale skin
- Ideal for dry skin
- Brimming with skin loving ingredients
Cons
- Those seeking a darker finish may not be satisfied
Best fake tan for dry skin
www.lookfantastic.com
Asking what is the best fake tan for dry skin? Look no further. Packed with hyaluronic acid, this lightweight formula plumps and hydrates skin whilst delivering a natural, golden glow that's completely steak-free. Once exfoliated and moisturised, glide on the product with a mitt ensuring skin in covered. One trusted reviewer said, 'Really liked this. First time trying it and the colour was nice! Natural looking: I’m really fair skinned for reference. Didn’t feel sticky: felt like it almost absorbed into the skin! I recommend.'
Pros
- Made with hyaluronic acid to nourish
- Silky finish
Cons
- Will need to purchase a mitt
The best fake tan for holiday
www.barebyvogue.co.uk
It's not often we wax lyrical about celebrity brands, but we could go on and on about how brilliant this self-tan is. But, all you really need to know is that it lends skin an even, deep, believable tan that will have everyone asking, 'where have you been?' This foam tan is best used after exfoliating the morning or evening before applying. It lasts for up to a week, with a fast development time of four-six hours. Consider this the best fake tan for holiday. One 5* reviewer said, 'I have been using this tan for 2 years and it is by far the best tan on the market, goes on really evenly and dries quickly. The application mitt and the brush are game changers. No streaks! Lasts well and still looks good as its fading. It looks really natural and gets lots of compliments.I never use any other brand, 5 stars love love love it!'
Pros
- Long lasting
- Natural finish
- Has a cult following that attest to its brilliance
Cons
- You'll definitely need to exfoliate first, or it will cling to dry patches
Best fake tan for face
www.lookfantastic.com
When we discuss the best fake tan for face this Oskia option comes up time and time again. Simply add a couple of drops to your moisturiser, foundation, serum or oil for a healthy glow that will last up to 10 days. A glow-giving treat that always delivers. One reviewer said, 'These drops mimic the shade of my natural tan. One of the best self tanning products i came across. No smell, no streaks, just a naturally glowing tone. Not sure this would work for folks who are after a deep tan, but works beautifully to deliver a sunkissed glow.'
Pros
- Buildable results
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Does have the "fake tan smell."
Best fake tanning water
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
This tanner is ideal for those who don't want to compromise crisp white sheets. Just a sweep makes light work of illuminating and nourishing thanks to the unique blend of purified water and natural tanning actives. A little goes a long way. One reviewer described it as 'perfect,' then went on to say, 'Easy, light, fresh, Nice tan. Natural all The way. Have no fear.' High praise indeed.
Pros
- Ideal for no transfer
- Adds a healthy looking sheen to skin
Cons
- Some reviewers say it can be slightly orange if you use too much
Best fast-developing tan
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
If it's been formulated by world renowned tanning expert then you know it's bound to be good. This launch from Isle of Paradise is absolutely no exception. No matter what your underlying hue, your skin will boast a natural glow in just 30 minutes. One reviewer said, 'This tanning mouse is amazing if you're looking for something very natural. I've tried a lot of tanning mousses and this is one of the best as the smell isn't overpowering and it doesn't leave a huge stain on the sheets like some brands do! I used this for my birthday as it doesn't leave any streaks and you can count on it doing a great job.'
Pros
- Speedy developing time - just 30 mins!
Cons
- Some reviewers have said they'd like it to be darker.
Kimberley Nkosi - the talent behind Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie's Barbie-ready glow has three tanning tips that she says will 'change the game.'
Kimberley Nkosi's Tips For A Flawless Tan Application
-
'It's always important to exfoliate as the first step in ensuring a flawless tan. This is vital to avoid any dead skin cells - any build up will cause a streaky, uneven finish. Two of my favourite exfoliating methods are dry brushing and using in-shower body scrubs. Both will create a smooth base. And always remove body hair at least 24 hours before.
-
'Working in sections is a must for aiding precision. Take a tanning glove or mitt and and don't move on from the area you're working on until you're sure it's saturated with an even layer of product. For areas like the wrists or ankles, use a buffing brush to allow for an even fade. Finish by cleaning the fingers with a wipe - orange hands are always a tell-tale sign.
-
'Take your time! If you're rushing your tan it's not going to look its best. Always look in the mirror afterwards to spot any streaks that might need buffed in. And if your tan doesn't have a guide colour always ensure there's a light "glean" covering all of the body.
And our top tip? After application, allow the tan to dry for at least 15 minutes, avoiding contact with anything (or anyone) before allowing it to develop for seven or eight hours (we advise leaving it on overnight, wearing baggy PJs) before showering.
How to remove fake tan instantly
To gradually and evenly remove fake tan, wash with a light exfoliator and sponge. This will avoid patchiness. For a quick fix, there are many home removal tips that you can try including mixing lemon juice with baking soda or spending 20 minutes in a bath containing half a cup of baby oil. Several brands have also launched fake tan remover meaning to can remove it pretty swiftly.
We've rounded up the best fake tans of 2024, all tried and tested so you don't have to. Found the right fake tan for you? Make sure you read our self-tanning guide (and learn how to remove your fake tan) before you grab your tanning mitt.
And a reminder - if you've been googling 'can you tan through fake tan' then the answer is yes. You'll always need to apply an SPF on top of your fake tan too.
