The best fake tan (2021): fantastic self-tanning producs
Updated: Get that sun-kissed without worrying about skin damage.
When researching what the best fake tan is out there, we've come to the conclusion that the products available have improved massively over the years.
You probably associate fake tan with the splotchy legs, uneven marks and Sunny Delight orange of your teen years. And does anyone else remember waking up smelling of biscuits, with unappealing streaks all over your bed sheets?
UPDATE: Now that summer is practically over, it's a great time to invest in the best fake tan products out at the moment. We've bronzed up and below are our pick. As always, if you have a favourite not in the list, then make sure you let us know below!
But just as you’ve grown up, so has fake tan. There are now hundreds of affordable, high-quality products. You’re pretty unlikely to end up looking like those Facebook pictures you’d rather forget from 2006.
Here’s our pick of the best buys. .
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Best fake tan
St. Moriz - where do we begin? Tiny price, big effect. One of the low cost options on the market, St. Moriz has been a cult favourite for as long as we care to remember. The foam, our go-to option as you can see it as your applying despite being a developing option, is available in two different shades - medium and dark. It's a wash off option, meaning you leave it to develop for 4-6 hours after application before showering, and the results - with the help of a quality mitt - are flawless. Top marks from us.
Coola is a streak-free, fast-drying oil mist that creates a pretty floorless looking tan - even when the sun is nowhere to be seen. It comes in a sleek brown bottle and its spray-on nature means no mitt required! At £49 it's a little pricier than some of the other offerings, however, it's a product that definitely does the job.Complete with argan oil, vitamin C and chamomile extract, Coola also includes a transfer-free tanning agent meaning it's pretty damn hard to ruin that white top. Bonus!
This vegan, cruelty-free tan is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to be waiting around after applying their tan. Due to its light texture, He-Shi says this tan can dry in as little as 5 minutes (which sounds good to us).
This paraben and alcohol-free tan can also be used all over your body, so you don’t have to go out and buy another product just for your face. Simply apply with a mitt in a circular motion, and then watch over the next 6-8 hours as your tan develops.
If you’re nervous about whacking on the self tan and ending up a delightful shade of orange, it might be worth starting your foray with a gradual tanner. This means you’ll be able to build up colour slowly, giving yourself a more natural tan and better controlling exactly how you look.
And you could do a lot worse than this TAN-LUXE Gradual Illuminating Lotion in "light". The colour develops in one hour, and a moisturising recipe makes your skin look dewy and fresh.
If you’re using a tanning lotion to work in tandem with an existing tan, this Isle of Paradise mousse might be just the ticket.
It uses natural tanning actives like avocado and coconut oil to boost your tan and reduce redness at the same time – meaning your sunburn will end up looking more gorgeous than ghastly. It also uses a colour correcting formula, meaning your tan will match your complexion.
Another popular brand, Bondi Sands has dominated shelves for years.
Its formula has one big benefit – it dries in mere seconds, meaning you won’t be hanging around waiting to leave the house. Aloe vera also soothes your skin, banishing those dry winter legs for good.
Like St. Tropez, application is easy. Just take a tanning mitt and sweep the formula onto exfoliated, unmoisturised skin.
If, like us, you’re impatient about watching your tan develop, this overnight oil could be the one for you. Just pop it on, get into bed and wait for morning.
A blend of Raspberry Seed, Kendi, Argan, Marula, Jojoba and Apricot is mixed with Vitamins B5, C and E to moisturise your skin and give you a gorgeous glow by morning. TAN-LUXE says the oil can “rejuvenate, stimulate and hydrate” your skin – which sounds pretty good to us.
Our pick of the best if you want a really intense tan, this Cocoa Brown dark mousse develops in just an hour and gives you a gloriously rich colour.
If you want some variety, they’ve got that covered too. Wash it off after an hour or keep on overnight for a deeper colour.
If you’ve heard of any fake tanner, it’s probably St. Tropez. One of the more iconic brands on the market, St. Tropez has made tanning products since the mid 90s. Its expertise shows.
This mousse, its classic formula, is classic for a reason. Lightweight and easy to apply (simply exfoliate 24 hours before application), the formula promises a days-long, streak-free tan. All you need is an applicator mitt and you’re ready to go.
A slightly pricier option, this Vita 3 week tanning lotion is worth it – and lives up to its name. Apply your tan every week no more. As you might have guessed, this one lasts for up to three weeks. Cucumber, ginkgo biloba, raspberry, and tocopheryl acetate sooth skin and stimulate blood flow, so your legs will be left looking their best.
If you already use a serum in your skincare routine, these sunshine drops are perfect. Just add a few drops to your oil or cream and you’ll end up with a gorgeous bronze.
Cocoa extract, latinum peptides and Vitamin F also work on fine lines and wrinkles.
