The Best Self-Tanner Mousse | 2023

Many people like the look of glowing tanned skin, but not everyone has time to spend hours working on their tan by the pool or laying on the beach. When you want that bronze glow but aren’t able to get it naturally, self-tanner mousse is a great option. Self tanner is a beauty product that you apply directly to the skin. It is pigmented so it colors your skin, making you look like you have a tan. It’s important to let the self tanner properly dry before getting it wet or putting on clothes, otherwise the color can just wash off or rub off.

When looking for a self-tanner mousse, pay attention to the color range. Many people make the mistake of getting a self tanner that makes them look orange, which can happen if you choose the wrong color tanner for your skin tone. Typically, you want to look at the color of the inside of your wrist, and go a couple of shades darker than that for your self-tanner color. Always do a patch test to see whether the color looks good on you.

How long a tan takes to develop using self-tanner mousse depends on the brand. Some can take several hours while others, which are often marketed as express tanners, are done within an hour or two. Some need to be rinsed off while others don’t.

While mousse is a great format for self tanner, because it doesn’t run off and is easy to apply, self tanner is also available as lotions, creams and sprays as well. Which format is best? It’s all about personal preference as they are typically equally effective.

• When applying self-tanner mousse, be sure to shower and fully dry your skin first. Don’t put on any lotion or creams. Right before you apply the self tanner, put a small amount of moisturizer on the dry parts of your body, which are typically the elbows, knees and heels. This will ensure the tanner goes on evenly in those areas.
• If you’re applying self tanner for a special event, it’s best to do it a day or two before. This way, the self tanner has time to dry well on your skin. You can still shower on the first and second day after applying the self tanner, but it’s best to not exfoliate as that can make the tanner fade unevenly. You can exfoliate on day three of your self tanner.
• Keep in mind that a vigorous workout can cause your self tanner to streak or fade unevenly, as a result of the sweat from your body. Don’t have any intense workouts planned for the first day of your self tanner.
• Picking the right self-tanner mousse color can be a difficult task. It all depends on your natural skin tone. If you have fair skin, go with a gradual self tanner or a developing self tanner, which can be washed off when you see it has reached the color you like. For those with medium or olive skin, go with self tanners that have a golden undertone. This helps to bring out the natural bronze in the skin. For those with dark skin, go with a self tanner that is designed to give you a bright glow. These tanners don’t necessarily darken already dark skin, but help to make it more radiant.