These highly-rated self-tanning lotions, mousses, and liquids deliver natural-looking results, and don't leave behind unflattering orange streaks or splotches.
By now, you better know that tanning is dangerous. Exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays boosts your risk of skin cancer, and studies suggest that people who use tanning beds triple their risk of melanoma.
That said, we get it: sometimes you still want that bronzed, just-back-from-the-beach glow (minus the skin cancer risk, of course). That's why there are hundreds of skin-safe self-tanners out there that can take you from pale and pasty to sunny and summery in minutes. But as anyone who's ever wound up with streaky, orange skin can attest, not all of these products are created equal.
To the rescue: These self-tanning lotions, liquids, mousses, and even water are guaranteed to give you a natural-looking fake bronze. Pick one that suits your preferred price range and application method, and get ready to glow all year round.
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1 Fake Bake Flawless
This budget-friendly self-tanning liquid is applied using a mitt for a bronzed glow that doesn't stain your palms. This application method makes it easy to rub in the formula evenly, without leaving behind any telltale streaks or splotches.
2 St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
It's not cheap, but this self-tanning tinted mousse from St. Tropez delivers beautiful, streak-free results and dries in just 60 seconds. Plus, it deepens the more you use it, so you can gradually work up to your desired shade. Bonus: Many reviewers rave about the color, calling it the most natural-looking fake tanner they've tried.
3 L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Body Towelettes
Towelettes can make applying self-tanner a breeze, and many people find them less messy than lotions or creams. This six-pack of bronzing towelettes deliver a natural, medium-tan shade to your entire body. Even better? They dry quickly.
4 Jergens Natural Flow Firming Moisturizer
This drugstore self-tanning moisturizer manages to do double duty: imparting a natural glow while also claiming to firm skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Results intensify over time (in other words, no stress about overdoing it on first use).
6 Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Mist
No time to diligently apply your self-tanner leading up to a big event? This fine mist blends and dries quickly (it also doesn't require you to rub it in!), so you can apply it right before you head out the door.
7 Vita Liberata Invisi Foaming Self Tan Water
Self-tanning water exists, and it's a game-changer. This liquid formula develops into a gorgeous tan that lasts up to a week, but doesn't leave behind any sticky residue. Natural botanical ingredients like ginkgo biloba and raspberry also help fight signs of aging while you bronze.
8 NKD SKN Gradual Glow Daily Tan Moisturizer
All-natural ingredients, a fragrance-free formula, and adorable packaging are just a few things we love about this self-tanning lotion—which, most importantly, also leaves behind a gorgeous tan. It even applies completely clear, so you don't have to worry about messy hands.
9 Coola Sunless Tan Luminizing Body Serum
Get the best of both worlds with this instant bronzer that also transforms into a lasting glow after you wash it away.
10 Tan Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Easily transform your favorite moisturizer into a custom-made self-tanner by adding a few drops of this nourishing, streak-free formula.
11 M-61 PowerGlow Peel Gradual Tan
Reap the benefits of an at-home facial peel and a self-tanner in one product with M-61's PowerGlow Peel. This 2.0 version of the brand's beloved exfoliating facial pads leaves users with a natural-looking tan that develops in just a few hours.