The Best Tanning Lotions
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but spending too much time in the sun will turn your skin into the texture of an old baseball glove. That being said, there's nothing like a good tan to make you look more rested, glowy, and fabulous. That is where self-tanner comes in. There are tons of tanning lotions out there, but the best products give you a natural, subtle tan, with no orange-tinted mess. The self-tanner lotions on this list can help give you a lovely glow so that you don't have to subject your precious skin to the sun's harsh rays just to get a tan.
What to Look For
While you search for your next tanning lotion, we suggest focusing on three key factors: the quality of the ingredients, cost value, and effectiveness. Any tanning lotion worth your money should exceed in at least one of those categories. For example, we chose Jergens’ Natural Glow tanning lotion as our favorite because it combines cost with quality excellently. It’s a great option for most folks, but if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly lotion, it’s hard to go wrong with the self tanner offered by Beauty by Earth.
Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner
Look like a bronzed goddess
This self-tanner from Jergens is widely beloved for its natural-looking results, hyper-nourishing formula, and affordable price tag. This lotion hydrates dry, flaky skin while creating streak-free, gradual color; the more you use it, the more it’ll deepen your natural skin tone. And it may even help reduce the appearance of cellulite, thanks to the infusion of collagen, elastin, and green tea in the formula. And top of all that, the scent is mild and pleasant with none of the icky odors that some other self-tanners have.
Pros:
- Color builds gradually and naturally
- Also nourishes and hydrates dry skin
- Has antioxidants and coconut water, so you get a boost of nutrients
- Has a light, fresh scent
Cons:
- You have to be extra careful to let this lotion dry fully before putting it on clothing; otherwise, it could stain
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner
What’s not to love about a great vegan tanning lotion? This self-tanner from Beauty by Earth is made from non-toxic, cruelty-free ingredients like organic aloe vera and shea butter, so you’ll get a lovely-looking tan without subjecting your skin to harsh chemicals. This lotion is super effective at giving even the fairest, most sensitive skin a healthy, gorgeous glow. Crucially, it’s also easy to apply and won’t turn your skin conspicuously orange like some other lotions tend to do.
Pros:
- Transforms even the fairest skin types
- Doesn’t contain toxic ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- A little pricier than most
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner for Face
Get that sun-kissed glow
Specially formulated for the face, this self-tanner melts into your skin and leaves behind a subtle color — so much so that no one will be able to tell that your tan is fake. It is great for all skin types and contains only organic, vegan ingredients. Say goodbye to unnatural streaks and blotches and hello to the new, sun-kissed you.
Pros:
- Made from high-quality, carefully chosen ingredients with no chemical-based active ingredients
- Awesome for sensitive skin types
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- The packaging for this product could stand to be improved
Vita Liberata Advanced Organics Self-Tanning Lotion
It can be tough to find a good self-tanner that doesn’t have a ton of pesky chemicals in it, but this organic self-tanner from Vita Liberata is a rare find that ticks all the boxes. A clean, nontoxic tanning lotion formulated with aloe vera and shea butter to soothe and moisturize, this will make you look and feel oh-so-sleek and glowy. Results are long-lasting, too, so you can enjoy your glow for quite some time.
Pros:
- Formulated with aloe vera and shea butter; no toxic chemicals
- Super-hydrating and soothing
- Great for all skin types
- Results are exceptionally long-lasting
Cons:
- Some may find the smell a tad too strong at first (although it does fade)
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I avoid streaking when applying self-tanner?
We have one word for you: exfoliate. Not only will this make your tanning lotion go on smoother, but it will help your tan last longer, too. Use an exfoliating scrub, brush, loofah, or even a rough washcloth to exfoliate, and be sure to focus on areas like your knees, elbows, and ankles, and anywhere else that tends to be dry and flaky. Also, always be sure to shave before you apply your self-tanner.
Can I apply moisturizer after self-tanner?
You can, but you’ll need to wait for a while before doing so. Moisturizing may help retain the color for longer, but it’s important not to apply it too soon.
How often can I use self-tanning lotion?
There’s really no limit on how often you can or should use self-tanning lotion. Many lotions are buildable, meaning that color develops over time, so you’ll just want to be careful to wait to re-apply until that color has fully developed.
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