Courtesy of Dolce GlowThanks to self-tanning, you can achieve a bronzy summer glow all year round right at home.
But with so many self-tanners to choose from, it can be hard to decide which is right for you — especially if you’re a beginner.
There are so many questions you probably have like: How long does self-tan last? Will fake tan make me look orange? How do I apply fake tan without a patchy or streaky application? Which self-tanner is right for me?
These are all questions I have answers to, because, I’ve tried too many self-tanners to count. So, consider me your fake tan fairy godmother!
As your fake tan fairy godmother, I have done the hard work for you and created an official ranking of the best self-tanners I’ve tested — and there’s a clear winner that fake tan newbies and veterans alike will approve of.
From a Miley Cyrus-loved option to an easy-to-use mist, I ranked the best self-tanners you need to achieve a vacation-worthy glow. Read on to find out which self-tanner I gave the number one spot.
3. Sunnee BAEskin Baeside Sea Spray
BAEside Sea Spray is a self-tanning spray infused with revitalizing ingredients like blue-green algae, sea kelp, wakame, and moringa seed oil to help hydrate and replenish your skin.
- Pros: Its 360-degree spray makes it easy to reach every angle, giving you a flawless tan. Looks great even on fair skin
- Cons: It goes on slightly clear so you may not be able to tell where you have or have not sprayed. Just go slowly and you’ll be okay!
2. Saint + Solita The Clean Self Tanner
When I pumped this self-tanner on to my tanning mitt, I knew almost immediately that I was going to like it. The product has an olive undertone to it, and I’ve found that that color gives the most natural glow.
The brand suggests applying two coats, so I did and was not disappointed with the results. I was several shades darker and yet, I looked naturally sunkissed!
- Pros: You can customize your tan’s shade and depth by adjusting how long you leave it on and how many coats you apply
- Cons: Since this product can create a deep tan, it may be tricky around ankles and hands. Use a fluffy makeup brush and stick to one coat on those spots
1. Dolce Self-Tanning Mist
From the color to the ease of application, this is the winner in my book. The aerosol dispenses the product easily, which has a liquid texture that’s simple to blend.
The color is so natural, it’s as if I had gone on a weeklong vacation to the Bahamas. I mean, it is Miley Cyrus-approved after all.
- Pros: Easy application, the most natural looking tan
- Cons: Need to rinse it off after a few hours (yes, I’m lazy), most expensive option of the three
Shop More Popular Self-Tans
Saint + Solita Rapid Mousse Self Tanner
In a hurry? This rapid self-tanning mousse will give your skin a bronzey hue in as little as two hours. The formula is quick drying and non-sticky.
Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse
Buildable and fast-drying, this Miley Cyrus backed tanning mousse is a classic that will never fail to deliver a bronzy glow. The formula contains squalene, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, for a boost of hydration and added radiance.
Sunnee BAEskin Baeside Sea Mousse
Apply this sunless tanning mousse before you go to bed and you’ll wake up with a vacation-worthy glow. It’s infused with skin-loving ingredients for a bit of hydration.
Tips To Achieve a Flawless Fake Tan
Regardless of the type of self-tanner you use, there are few tips and tricks I have picked up along the way to ensure you can achieve a flawless tan every time.
First things first, exfoliate your entire body before you tan to help remove dead skin and create a smooth base for application. You can use a scrub or an exfoliating mitt like the one we found from Saint + Solita.
Then, use a rich moisturizer to hydrate your elbows, knees, ankles, and other dry areas to help prevent patchiness.
Be sure to use a tanning mitt (or latex gloves) to ensure an even, streak-free application. This way, you’ll also keep your hands free of tan, which is not only hard to remove but can also be a dead giveaway that your tan is, well, not courtesy of the sun. The application mitt we picked out from Sunnee Baeskin is a great option.
Saint + Solita The Exfoliating Mitt
Using an application mitt like this one is the key to ensuring that you don’t end up with any streaks or patches.
Sunnee BAEskin Application Mitt
Using an application mitt like this one is the key to ensuring that you don’t end up with any streaks or patches.
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