The Best Self-Tanners For A Flawless Glow
The Spray
Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Body Mist, £12.50 | Garnier
Fans of Garnier’s Summer Body Lotion will love this aerosol mist. Just like the cream, it delivers a believable, gradual glow that’s never intimidating or OTT. Just a light layer may be enough, but as it develops within an hour, you can decide whether to keep going for extra intensity. We love the added vitamin E and apricot oil – great for sensitive skin.
Available at BOOTS.COM
The Oil
Tan Boosting Body Oil SPF30, £28 | Coco & Eve
This silky-smooth oil lends skin a natural glow with zero commitment – you can simply rinse it away at the end of the day. Add to that numerous skincare benefits – think strengthening peptides, protective SPF30 and nourishing oils – and you have a formula that ticks all the boxes. Just massage it in with your hands and watch the golden bronze colour develop.
Available at SPACENK.COM
The Mousse
Tanning Mousse, £25 | Caribé
This is the first tan created for melanin-rich skin tones, and it doesn’t disappoint. With a whipped, souffle texture, it’s easy to apply and melts in seamlessly without streaks. It quickly evens out skin tone for a unified, even glow that looks healthy and smooth. Choose between ‘Deep’ and ‘Medium’ using the brand’s shade selector to help you get it right.
Available at CARIBE.UK
The Milk Lotion
Self-Tanning Milky Lotion, £24 | Clarins
Full of fig extract and aloe vera, this silky tanning gel hydrates and softens skin, while providing a soft hint of colour. Lightweight in texture, it applies just like a serum, so you get smooth, even results. The colour is lighter than others on this list, but that’s ideal if you prefer a gently bronzed effect, rather than a full-on tan. Plus, if you do want to go darker, it’s easy enough to layer up without it going patchy.
Available at CLARINS.CO.UK
The Instant Tan
Professional Instant Tan, £5.99 | St. Moriz
St. Moriz is one of the most underrated and affordable tan brands. The lightweight, creamy texture quickly absorbs and doesn’t leave behind any stickiness – plus, it develops surprisingly well, with zero patches or streaks and not a hint of orangeness. Apply it post-shower (and good exfoliation) so it sits and sets properly.
Available at SUPERDRUG.COM
The Face Mist
Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist, £24 | St. Tropez
A favourite for our beauty director, this mist makes it easy to intensify your tan without overdoing it. Simply spritz a few pumps all over your face for a light, gradual glow. It’s great for fairer skin tones, and anyone with dry skin will love it too, as vitamins C and D and hyaluronic acid work together to nourish and brighten.
Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.COM
The Gradual Glow
Endless Summer Everyday Tan Lotion, £44 | Self Glow By James Read
Tanning pioneer James Read launched Self Glow last year – a skincare-led range that blends skin tints with nourishing ingredients, helping you build a warm, natural-looking glow. Our favourite? This gradual tan moisturiser which can be used on face or body for a wholly convincing colour. Tan-lovers may find an initial coat too soft but it’s easy to build up for more warmth.
Available at SPACENK.COM
The Foam
Self Tan Foam, £23 | Bare By Vogue
With a pleasant (read: non-biscuity) scent and a subtle guide colour, Bare by Vogue’s foams develop nicely, building warm, golden colours that range in intensity. As for the formula, it’s full of goji berry, oatmeal, chamomile and grapefruit, all of which work together to boost moisture and elasticity. We love that this dries down fast too, so you can put your clothes back on without any tell-tale stickiness. Available in three shades, there’s something for everyone to choose from depending on individual preference. We recommend ‘Dark’ for those looking for a colour that’s fresh from a holiday.
Available at BOOTS.COM
The Drops
The Body Illuminating Tan Drops, £44 | Tan-Luxe
These drops don’t contain any pigmented synthetics. Offering a tailor-made result, you can use as many – or as little – as you like to get a low-maintenance colour that goes the distance. Full of vitamin E, aloe vera and raspberry seed oil, they’re incredibly hydrating too, giving skin that natural, glow-y sheen long before the colour builds.
Available at SPACENK.COM
The Express Product
30 Minute Express Self-Tanning Mousse, £21.95 | Isle Of Paradise
Loved by our editor-in-chief, this is the mousse we recommend if you're after a deep, flattering bronze hue, without any trace of orange. It's a godsend if you're in a rush – simply sweep it over your skin with a mitt and the tanning agent gets to work quickly, building to a warm glow within just 30 minutes. It also fades evenly, so you don't need to worry about any tell-tale patchiness.
Available at BOOTS.COM
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