The Best Fake Tans For Pale Skin 2024, Tested And Approved By Our Beauty Editors

Tan-Luxe's The Body Tan Drops has made it to our number one list of the best fake tans for pale skin and it has to be said, these luxe drops of golden joy are SO good. Be sure to expect lots of 'where have you been?' comments after application. The best thing about these tanning drops? You can tailor your shade depending on your skin tone and your desired finish and add these drops to any body serum or moisturiser. The Tan-Luxe drops are available in two shades and we'd recommend the shade light/medium for pale skin.

Why we love it: They contain raspberry seed oil, aloe vera and vitamin E to keep skin soft and hydrated whilst delivering that natural, sun-kissed tint. 

Considerations: Although we love that you can tailor your tan finish by adding a range of drops in body moisturiser depending on how deep you want your tan to look, remember to wash your hands immediately after to avoid any smudges.

Editor's review: Beauty commerce writer, Georgia Scott tried and tested the Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Tan Drops and said, 'I love adding around 3-4 drops into my daily body moisturiser to add some natural radiance to my pale skin. I love that I can tailor my fake application and turn my favourite body moisturiser into a fake tan product with ease.'

St. Tropez know a thing or who about fake tan, and the Instant Glow Bronzer is ideal for those days you want to instantly transform the look of pale skin before heading out. Simply blend all over the body with a tanning mitt for instantly bronzed and perfected looking skin. With plenty of raving reviews, customers love how quick and easy this product is to use in those moments when you have spontaneous plans but don't have time to wait for the tan to develop.

Why we love it: Unlike typical fake tans, this body bronzer instantly adds a natural bronzy colour to your body without waiting for development and needing to wash off a guide colour.

Considerations: You need to consider that this tan will wash off with water whenever you're ready to remove.

This lightweight moisturiser is perfect for maintaining a natural looking tan on pale skin. The super hydrating lotion glides over the skin to instantly nourish and get the skin glowing. It then gets to work to gradually bronze the skin after two-four hours.

Why we love it: We love how this lotion absorbs so easily into the skin. The silky formula doesn't feel sticky or heavy so it's perfect throughout the summer months and doesn't have the dreaded fake tan smell. It's also made with raspberry seed oil, vitamin E and aloe vera that leaves a nourishing finish on the skin.

Considerations: As with all gradual tan, you typically apply body moisturiser with your hands so it's key to wash them thoroughly after use. See more of our top gradual tan picks to find your perfect match.

Editor's review: Beauty commerce writer Georgia Scott tried and tested Tan-Luxe's The Gradual and said, 'Since trying this gradual tan, I have not stopped using it. I absolutely love the colour of this tan, it doesn't looking unnatural on my pale skin tone. I feel that my skin is super hydrating and maintains moisture throughout the day.

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. 

Why we love it: The formula has added hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to nourish the skin and lock in moisture. The peach undertones of the light shade work to warm and neutralise pale skin tones leaving a natural looking tan.

Considerations: Make sure to exfoliate and shave 24 hours prior to tan application and apply a light moisturiser on the drier areas on the body like the elbows and knees to avoid streaks.

Editor's review: Tried and tested by Lifestyle Commercial Content Editor, Jade Moscrop, she said, 'St Moriz has long been providing some of the best fake tan products at an affordable price, and with this tanning mousse, you won't have to fear getting it wrong because it adds peach undertones for warmth on paler skin. It glides on easily and you just need to wash the guide colour off after it's developed to leave you with a gorgeous colour.'

A brand that knows a thing or two about a tanning mist, Isle of Paradise make tanning super quick and easy. If you hate reaching for the tanning mousse, this Self Tanning Water is great for misting all over your body and buffing for an even finish. Our reviewers loved that it didn't transfer to clothes or sheets.

Why we love it: As well as a self-tanner, it's also a colour corrector, so makes skin look much more even. 

Considerations: As with all tanning mists and waters, there isn't a guide colour which can make it slightly difficult to see exactly where you've applied your tan.

Editor's review: Fashion commerce writer, Gemma Lavers tried and test the Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water and found, 'Isle of Paradise are - and probably always will be - my go-to brand when it comes to fake tanning. In the winter I feel super pale and am looking for a fake tan that's going to make me, not necessarily that much darker, but glowy too. The most important element of a fake tan for me is one that won't transfer to my clothes, or even worse, bedsheets, so that's why I always come back to this one as it's SO reliable and doesn't transfer. The only downside is that it's clear so sometimes you can't see where you've applied it, but I must say the spray bottle tends to be quite accurate most of the time.'

If you haven't already tried Sienna X, it's what most professionals use when they're doing at-home treatments. If you want to get that effortless glow, go for the Sienna X self-tan water mousse for an even, natural looking tan.

Why we love it: The Clear Water Mousse is infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and aloe vera to provide a flood of moisture to your skin.

Considerations: This tan doesn't have a guide colour so when applying, it's important to remember to evenly apply your tan all over to avoid streaks.

Editor review: Caitlin Casey, Senior Beauty & Fashion Product Writer said 'If you can't help but want a full and professional spray tan before a big event or going on holiday, you have to get to know the Sienna X brand. With hundreds of professionals who can come straight to your home and give you the full whammy spray-down, they're a go-to for getting your tan on. Choose a selection of colours based on your skin tone - all you need to do is exfoliate beforehand like you would if you were going to the salon. Don't knock it until you try it, because these tans look true-to-skin and will have you glowing.'

A spray dry-oil tanner? Yes, please. The spray applicator makes this oil self-tanner super easy to apply and get to those hard-to-reach places. Garnier's Self Tan Dry Oil is designed for results to last up to a week so you can feel confident that your tan will look seamless for longer.

Why we love it: The dry-oil formula means it dries quicker than other products on the skin. Perfect for impatient tanners. The oil is infused with coconut oil to leave your skin feeling silky smooth and ready for a summer of dresses and shorts.

Considerations: Make sure to buff in this nourishing oil in all areas you want to see a flawless, tanned finish to avoid any streaks or marks.

Our review: 'Never have I ever had a more even tan than with this dreamy, soft-scented dry oil mist. Granted, I spritzed on A LOT, all over, from top-to-toe but once you massage it in and leave it for a couple of hours the golden-olive tan is just flawless.'

This gradual tanner is beautifully lightweight and quick-absorbing. It's a great option for those with pale skin still wishing to harness a golden glow. If you love a lightweight, cocoa butter scented moisturiser - we know you'll love this for daily use and to maintain hydration in the skin.

Why we love it: Fear patchiness? This tanning milk blends aloe vera and vitamin E to help nourish and hydrate skin - no flakes in sight.

Considerations: Remember to wash your hands after use so you aren't left with patchy hands.

Editor review: Grazia's Deputy Commerce Editor, Marina Avraam says, 'I'm generally hesitant to apply self-tan due to the risk of becoming an orange streaky mess. After lots (and I mean LOTS) of research I came across this little magic formula. Apply the cocoa butter-scented lotion after you shower, and wake up looking glowy as ever - but still supernatural. As an olive-skinned gal, my biggest fear with any product is looking too fake, but the Bondi Sand's Gradual Tanner is anything but. It genuinely makes you look like you've just come back from Bali; sun-kissed as ever.'

This express self-tanning mousse develops in as little as 30 minutes - meaning no dirtying your sheets. Simply wash off after 30 minutes or longer if you're looking for a deeper tan. With many reviewers raving about this express mousse, it's clear Isle of Paradise has a cult fanbase of those who love the golden tan colour and the pleasant smell.

Why we love it: It's brimming with skin-loving ingredients. Think ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, to the skin feeling soft and supple for up to 24 hours.

Considerations: Make sure to exfoliate and moisturise 24 hours before applying to get a seamless finish.

This luxurious self-tan cream may be expensive but lends limbs a gorgeous golden glow while deeply moisturising skin. The active ingredients work to draw and retain moisture in the skin as it works to leave a golden tan without the need to jump on a flight. One reviewer went as far as to say that this tan from Sisley is the 'best self-tan' they have ever used. Many agree that this self tan glides onto the skin smoothly and plenty say they love the fresh scent.

Why we love it: As well as the deluxe tanning formula, the scent is a total treat. It's fresh and floral - and totally void of any biscuit smell.

Considerations: Struggle with dry skin? The rich macadamia oil in this lotion helps to nourish and soothe any signs of dryness and irritation.