If the words “fake tan” conjure haunting memories of high school beauty blunders or visions of Nicole and Paris circa The Simple Life, think again – because today’s next-generation self-tanners are pretty much foolproof. Not only will they leave you with a golden hue without that infamous “Tango” tinge, but they actually smell good – no ‘biscuit’ scent here. They also come with a whole host of beauty benefits alongside imparting a gorgeous, golden glow – from boosting skin with anti-aging ingredients to deeply moisturizing, soothing, and toning. Some even work in just 10 minutes. How’s that for starters?
And while all this means that fake-tan faux pas are almost impossible to make, investing in a top tanning product is key. The next best thing to a sun-drenched holiday in a bottle (sans the harmful UV rays), these food-proof formulas will leave you looking like a bronzed goddess, all year round.
The Face Tanner
Sisley 'Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care'
Boasting all the skincare benefits of Sisley products but with the added bronzing benefit of a gradual tan, meet your face’s new best friend. Packed full of active ingredients such as chestnut, wild pansy, and stevia leaf extracts, it hydrates and treats skin from within while giving you a gorgeous, natural-looking glow. There’s even vitamin E to fight off damaging free radicals, and plant extracts to boost collagen production. A fake tan that helps turn back time? Sign us up.
The Time-Saving Tan
Vita Liberata ‘Ten Minute Tan’
The perfect tan in just 10 minutes? It may sound too good to be true, but this speedy savior from Vita Liberata does exactly what it says on the tin. How? With a powerful organic formula enriched with peptides, vitamin C, and nourishing oils, which does everything from plumping and conditioning to locking in moisture and soothing. And, of course, imparting a flawless, natural-looking tan in minimal time. Simply smooth on, leave for 10 minutes, shower off, and watch your fabulous faux glow develop in just a few hours.
The Overnight Tan
James Read 'Sleep Mask Tan Face'
Wake up a true golden goddess with this overnight tanning treat. Created by James Read, a.k.a. Hollywood’s hottest tanner (the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Lara Stone are fans), his ‘Sleep Mask’ suits all skin tones and works while you slumber to impart a natural, sun-kissed glow. Even better? It’s packed full of anti-aging ingredients, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera to soothe and soften, and there’s no risk of stained sheets thanks to its colorless formula. Sleeping Beauty, eat your heart out.
The Tailored Tan
These drops are a fake-tan phobe’s dream. Not only do they allow you to totally tailor your tan depending on your preference, but they also load skin with beauty-boosting ingredients such as vitamin E and raspberry seed oil to tighten, tone, and smooth. Whether you want to maintain a holiday glow or to create a bespoke bronze tan, simply add a few drops to your body lotion of choice and you’re good to go.
The Instant Tan
Alleven 'Colour Shield'
Body makeup meets fake tan with this clever wash-off creation from Alleven. Quick-drying, long-lasting, and totally budge-proof (three words: Beyoncé at Coachella), it’s the ultimate way to spray your way to beautifully tanned skin. Its airbrush-like formula features innovative pigments that adapt to your skin tone, while light-reflecting particles blur imperfections and create a sun-kissed glow. If it’s good enough for Queen Bey, it’s good enough for us.
The Gradual Tan
St. Tropez 'Gradual Tan Watermelon Infusion Miracle Body Lotion'
Just when we thought St. Tropez couldn’t get any better, it launched its ‘Watermelon Infusion’ range. Not only does this gradual tanner leave skin smelling good enough to eat thanks to its refreshing watermelon scent, but it’s also infused with hyaluronic acid and actual watermelon extracts to hydrate skin for a whopping 72 hours. Non-sticky, fast-drying, and easy to apply, its vegan-friendly formula boasts 100 percent natural tanning actives, allowing you to gradually build up your bronze with each use. Obsessed.
The Beginner-Friendly Tan
Isle of Paradise ‘Self-Tanning Water in Dark’
If fake tan isn’t your friend, or if you’re new to the self-tanning game, this tanning water is just the ticket. Created by tanning guru Jules Von Hep (the man behind the gorgeous glows of Blake Lively and Sienna Miller), it combines color-correcting technology with natural tanners to give you your best sun-kissed skin ever. It also contains ingredients such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and coconut oil, so not only does it smell sublime, but it also boasts benefits like reducing redness and brightening skin. And with Insta-worthy packaging to boot? Sold.
The Eco Tan
TanOrganic 'Self Tanning Oil'
Not only is this tan 100 percent organic, vegan, and cruelty-free, it also provides a radiant, golden glow, naturally. Its easy-to-use luxurious oil formula provides deep hydration and ensures even, smooth application, every time. And while you’re bronzing up, you’re also giving back, as TanOrganic works to support organic farmers and growers and to reduce waste wherever possible.
