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If you haven’t already heard, tanning is bad for your skin. Between the potential for skin cancer and the wrinkles, baking your skin just isn’t worth it.
With that being said, being tan is really nice. You feel like you’ve recently returned from a tropical vacation, your body looks more toned, and your stomach no longer bears a passing resemblance to a snowdrift.
That’s why sunless tanners are such a big market — all of the beauty with none of the bad. But it can be hard to choose one, especially when some tanners can leave your skin looking streaky and orange. Here are the eight best self-tanners you can buy on Amazon, according to reviews.
L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelee, $11.99
This wallet-friendly pick boasts lightweight coverage that develops in just two to four hours. You can layer the product until you get the desired glow, and then reapply once or twice a week to maintain.
“Goes on very, very easily, moisturizing skin as it glides on … I would definitely recommend this self tanner for middle-aged to older customers because their skin is much drier, leaving skin glowing and moisturized,” said one reviewer.
Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid, $20
With more than 6,000 stellar customer reviews, this self-tanner seems to be a surefire win. This bronzer has a tropical scent and the package includes a mitt to make sure you don’t turn your palms brown (yikes!). Because it’s not a moisturizer, it soaks into the skin quickly, meaning you don’t have to worry about getting streaks on your clothes, although you should follow package instructions and wear loose-fitting clothes after you apply.
One reviewer says, “It really works, looks natural and lasts IF you READ and FOLLOW the directions! I will be using this all summer long! Highly recommended!!”
Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner, $29.95
This self-tanner from Tan Physics is a little more expensive than others on this list, but you also get an 8-ounce bottle, so the cost evens out. A moisturizer and a tanning lotion all in one, this product doesn’t include a mitt, but you can always buy one separately.
Users say there is a little bit of the “self-tanner smell,” (if you know, then you know) but it’s not terrible. “Best self tanner I’ve used. The color doesn’t rinse off after showering and I noticed a difference after using it just twice,” says one review.
Creative Lab Moist Hemp Bronzing Moisturizer, $11.07
This creamy moisturizer uses a combination of hempseed oil (THC-free) and CoQ10 complex to condition, firm and hydrate skin while also giving you a bit of glow. Reviewers say it soaks in after about 15 minutes and builds over several days to give a nice, even tan.
According to one review, “Gives great, buildable color over a couple days. An excellent daily moisturizer. BEST OF ALL: NO STINK like regular self-tanners!”
Bahama Tan Sunless Spray, $29.99
This is basically a spray tan in the comfort of your own bathroom. This organic product comes with a finger-pump nozzle and a mitt to perfectly blend your bronze. Your tan will develop in approximately six to eight hours and last four to seven days. Reviewers also noted excellent customer service in addition to the high-quality product.
“I have tried many…I mean many…self tanners, and this is the best I have found. I find most self tanners to have scents that are just too strong. This one is perfect. I barely notice a scent at all. Additionally, it goes on evenly and dries quite rapidly,” said one reviewer.
Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum, $54
This pick is quite expensive, especially for a 1.7-ounce bottle, but the antioxidant-enriched formula was specifically designed to target your face, and only your face (so the little bottle will last longer than you might think).
With a piña colada scent in addition to moisturizers and vitamins, this cream can be used alone or in addition to your daily moisturizer. “I love the fact that I did not break out from this product and every sunless tanner I have tried to date has clogged my pores,” wrote one reviewer.
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner, $36.99
This highly rated self-tanner comes with both an exfoliator mitt, for brushing off dead skin beforehand, and applicator mitt for even dispersal. Reviewers like the light, coconut scent and the ease of application.
One writes, “did it two days in a row to build up my color and now do it once a week when it’s not summertime. My skin has a healthy glow, and there’s no orange to be found.”
Skinerals Californium Self Tanner Sunless Tanning Mousse, $25.99
This fluffy, mousse-style formula is lightweight and easy to apply on both face and body. All Skinerals products are made in America and are paraben-, gluten- and cruelty-free as well as vegan. The product doesn’t come with an applicator mitt, but you can buy one in addition to the mousse.
Reviewers like how fast the color develops and the fact that it doesn’t bother sensitive skin. “t does have a fragrance, but it is a very pleasant one and one that you wouldn’t mind smelling like the rest of the day. I do recommend using an applicator mitt just to make sure that there are no streaks,” said one reviewer.
Are there any self-tanners you’ve tried that really impressed you?
About the Author
An aspiring food and health writer, native Chicagoan, and nut butter enthusiast. Jessica is also the creator of BiteMeBlog, but don't call her a foodie More.
