The Instant Tans You Can Count On For Party Season
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
THE BUDGET HERO
Instant Wash Off Self Tan, £4.49 | St. Moritz
For less than £5, this will give you instant, streak-free results. Plus, with a water and transfer-resistant formula, it combats not one but two of the trickiest parts of mastering instant tan. For best results, exfoliate the skin beforehand and buff on the silky cream-like product with a mitt.
Available at Amazon.co.uk
THE CULT FAVOURITE
Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish, £19.50 | Vita Liberata
One of the best instant tans on the market, this bestselling formula covers imperfections, minimises blemishes and reflects light for a photo-ready finish. Plus, it’s DHA-free, so there’s none of that giveaway ‘biscuit’ scent. Still one of the safest and most reliable options to try – especially if you’re a bronzing novice.
Available at LookFantastic.co.uk
THE HYDRATOR
Instant Tan, £16 | Bare By Vogue Williams
This instant tan promises to add a bit of warmth to the skin in only an hour – ideal if you’re heading out in a rush. With a subtle sheen and rich colour, it’s easy to blend – and cover up any mistakes. The light texture isn’t sticky either, while added peptides give skin a smoother, plumper appearance to combat any winter dryness. Unlike some, this one never leaves behind any scaly, flaky patches either.
Available at BareByVogue.co.uk
THE ILLUMINATOR
Instant Hero Illuminating Wash Off Tanning Gel, £17.60 | Tan-Luxe
This silky tan is one of the most radiant – its natural-looking colour and gel texture quickly melt into skin for a streak-free glow. Like all Tan-Luxe products, it’s brimming with skin-loving goodness, including aloe vera and vitamins C and E to top up hydration – especially useful in these drier months.
Available at LookFantastic.com
THE SKIN SOFTENER
Self-Tan Instant Gel, £24 | Clarins
Fig extract and aloe vera are what give this silky tanning gel its hydrating feel. We love how it softens skin and provides a soft hint of colour. Lightweight in texture, it applies just like a serum, so you get a smooth glide and even results. The colour is lighter than others on this list, but that’s ideal if you’re someone who prefers 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 streaking.
Available at Boots.com
THE SUBTLE SCENT
Instant Tan, £17.95 | Bali Body
Unlike traditional self-tans, this comes with a fresh and clean scent. Suitable for all skin tones, it offers instant glow that’s flattering on all skin tones. The colour develops within an hour, making it easy to find your perfect finish. Plus, it hydrates with ingredients like glycerin and castor oil. To apply, use a mitt or an old make-up brush for an even blend.
Available at LookFantastic.com
THE CUSTOMISABLE GLOW
Instant Glow Body Bronzer, £15 | St Tropez
With a cream-to-powder formulation, quick-drying finish and smudge-proof coverage, this offers fast, reliable results. We’re big fans of the non-sticky, easy-to-apply formulation – not to mention the signature St Tropez scent. Make this your go-to for a bronzed glow that lasts all day – until you are ready to rinse it off.
Available at LookFantastic.com
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