The Best Self-Tanners
Gone are the days when you have to choose between pasty, pale skin or tanned and damaged skin. We all know that sun exposure is extremely damaging to the skin. It can cause wrinkling, loss of elasticity, redness, blotchiness, age spots, and even skin cancer. Lucky for you, self tanners can get you the bronzed look without the damage. Read on to uncover your secret weapons for achieving glowy perfection.
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner
Go with the glow
Your skin is your largest organ, and it absorbs anything you apply to it. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients in your lotions. Beauty by Earth specializes in organic and natural skincare products that are free of toxic substances. This self-tanner contains ingredients like green tea extract and coconut oil to help your skin look tan and healthy. It’s buildable, so you can reapply it daily until you achieve your desired look.
Pros:
- Free of parabens, phthalates, fragrances, and other chemicals
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Certified cruelty-free
Cons:
- Provides more of a gradual tan, so it may take a few applications to achieve a darker glow
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse
Instant sun, instant fun
Jergens is a tried-and-true brand when it comes to self-tanners, and this product is no exception. The mousse formula can be easily smoothed over the skin using hands or a sunless tanning mitt. It dries in sixty seconds, so you won’t have to worry about it rubbing off on your clothes or sheets. As soon as you apply this product, the color will deepen for the next few hours. Not to mention, the 12-pack of this tanner is a total steal. You’ll be able to rock your tan all-year-round without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Mousse formula makes for an even and light application
- Has a neutral and light scent
- Single application leads to a satisfying tan
Cons:
- Should avoid swimming, exercising, and showering for at least four hours after application
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
Sometimes, the best investments are the ones that make you feel more confident about yourself. This self-tanning mousse by St. Tropez is a bit of a splurge, but it delivers a foolproof tan that will make you feel like a million bucks. St. Tropez recommends applying this mousse with their Luxe Tanning Mitt. Then, rinse off after 4-8 hours once you’re happy with the tone. This self-tanner stands out for its efficacy and speed — oftentimes, it only requires one application.
Pros:
- Dries in a minute
- Lasts up to ten days with an even fade
- Vegan-friendly and natural
Cons:
- Pricier than drugstore self-tanners
Neutrogena Micromist Airbrush Sunless Tanning Spray
Sunkissed mist
Just when you thought sunless tanning couldn’t get any easier, Neutrogena comes through with this ultra-easy tanning spray. This spray applies like an airbrush on your skin and will leave you two shades darker than your natural tone. You’ll be able to reach areas like your back without straining. All you have to do is hold the bottle upside down and hold down the one-touch nozzle. Better yet, the product is completely oil- and alcohol-free. It even contains witch hazel, which will soothe your skin while it tans.
Pros:
- Non-comedogenic, meaning that it won’t clog your pores
- Safe to use on the face
- No rubbing necessary to apply
Cons:
- Takes five minutes to dry, which is longer than others
Skinerals Californium Self Tanner Mousse
No sun required
This option by Skinerals is safe for your face and body, which is great for getting an even tan all over. Its non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula even works under makeup. The formula is high in antioxidants, which will actually help reduce blemishes and stretch marks over time. We love that this product is both a skincare product and a self-tanner, all in one. Just rub in the mousse all over your body at night and shower in the morning to reveal your newly tanned skin. One bottle contains enough product for up to eight full-body applications.
Pros:
- Non-sticky and lightweight formula
- Doesn’t turn orange on the skin
- Comes in two shades for light and darker skin
Cons:
- This natural formula lasts for up to seven days on the skin, which is a bit shorter than some other products
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using self-tanner?
Using sunless tanning methods instead of sunbathing is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Sunbathers may look good temporarily, but they pay for the glow with long-term sun damage. Premature aging from sunbathing can include drooping, dryness, spots and wrinkles. Thankfully, the self-tanners on the market are quick, effective, and look just as natural as the real thing. You’ll leave people wondering if you just got back from a beach vacation.
I’ve never used self-tanner before. What’s the best way to do it?
The secret to a successful self-tanning session is exfoliation. When you have dry or flakey skin, it’ll cause your tan to look streaky and uneven. Before self-tanning, make sure that you take a shower and scrub away any dead skin using an oil-free scrub. After your shower, dry off completely. Any water or oil left on the skin will interfere with the tanning process.
When applying the tanner, it’s best to work from the bottom up. Using a tanning mitt will help the product glide on evenly. Go light on joints like the wrists and ankles, because that’s where the tanner tends to get dark or even orange. There’s definitely a learning curve with self-tanner, but with a little patience, you’ll be a pro in no time.
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