Over the years, fake tan has most definitely developed a bad rap. It's been criticised for its biscuit-tinged smell and disregarded for its inability to create a tan 'as good as a natural one.' But fear not; the old-school tanners of yesteryear are long gone, and in their place, formulas that smell like a tropical holiday, apply evenly and smoothly, and offer a deep golden glow that even the sun couldn't (may we also remind you that the *only* safe way to tan is from a bottle). The very best fake tans are now a firm fixture in most beauty arsenals no matter the time of year. So as we head into autumn, don't push your bottles to the back of the cupboard, give them pride of place as it's always nice to keep summer skin alive.
The options on offer are also endless, no matter your preference or skin tone. Whether it's an airy foam mousse that only stays on for 30 minutes, a gradual tanned moisturiser for a subtle finish, or hydrating serums to add a tint while keeping the skin barrier safe, there truly is something out there for us all.
Before you get to the products (picked by beauty editors Katie Thomas, Shannon Lawlor and Rebecca Fearn), you may want to first follow our fool-proof fake tan tips. Then, keep reading to discover which self-tan is right for your skin type and skin tone, with the help of tanning experts.
The different types of fake tan
There are only a few golden rules for choosing a self-tan.
Namely, opt for a gradual tan if you have pale skin or are a complete self-tanning novice. These contain less tanning agent than regular fake tans to steadily boost your colour. Use daily and you can control how dark you go.
Consider your skin type. If you suffer from dry skin, chose a self-tan lotion or serum. Tanning water, which you spray on much like a face or body mist, also promises hydration alongside a sun-kissed glow.
"Gels offer oily skin the added bonus of a quicker tan result," says Michaella Bolder, tanning and skincare expert. "While mousses and multi-angle spray tans work on everyone."
Fake tan mousses also come with the benefit of immediate results; there’s often a guide colour, meaning you can see where you have and haven't bronzed up. Just remember to use a mitt and work fast as mousse tans have quick-drying formulas. You’ve been warned.
Should you use a different product on your face and body?
The final golden rule is to use a different fake tan for your face than your body.
The skin on your face requires a completely different formula as it's far more sensitive.
"It also has a tendency to go a little darker as your PH balance is higher," says James Read, the man responsible for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Lady Gaga’s tans. "Facial self-tans contain humectants and anti-ageing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and are formulated to be slightly lighter."
Tanning drops, which you add to your face cream, are a good option, too, as the tanning agent is diluted in a nourishing base and you can customise your colour with the preferred amount.
The best fake tan for your skin tone
Here's some breaking news for you: everyone’s skin benefits from a slick of self-tan. In the same way that the pale-skinned among us love a hint of bronze, many women of colour want a deeper glow, too.
Pale skin
"If you have a fair skin tone and you freckle in the sun, then a red-based tan will compliment your colour. It will also counteract an orange look you sometimes get," says A-list tanning pro, James Harknett. A gradual tan like Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk, is a good example of the best fake tan for pale skin.
If you're going for a spray tan, ask your tanner for a tan with DHA (the sugar-cane derivative, which makes you tan) levels between 2% and 5%, so that you don't look like you've overdone it. In fact, Tan-Luxe founder Marc Elrick believes four per cent is the sweet spot for tanning actives, especially when talking about lighter skin tones.
"The ethos behind Tan-Luxe is that it starts life as a skincare product," he says. "We then work backwards to incorporate the tanning actives. You get glowing results from 4% DHA after the first use, but the effect is much more subtle. Plus you can really enjoy the skincare benefits as you gradually build up the colour with each application."
Olive and dark skin tones
"Olive skin tones and those who tan well on holiday should choose a green base to counteract an orange tinge," says Harknett. Isle of Paradise specialises in colour correcting tans and have an entire green-based range.
Black skin can use the darkest fake tan. These contain around 18% DHA and, says Harknett, "effectively cover up blemishes and even-out skin tone."
The best fake tan to buy now
We've tested all of the below tans and can confirm that they made it into our favourites for 2024. For more information on how we test products that make it into our edits, don't forget to check out our in-depth guide.
The criteria for a tan to make it onto the list is as follows:
- It must be easy to apply
- It can't leave streaks when application is correct
- It can't smell terrible
- It has to deliver a convincing tan that looks real
1. Bondi Sands Aero Aerated Self-Tanning Foam Ultra Dark
"The darkest colour in the range, this foam sets fast and leaves you with a deep hue when buffed into the skin with a mitt. The formula is thick, meaning it doesn't slide around the mitt or result in drips. It's non-messy, leaves an easy-to-follow guide colour and leaves a beautifully deep tan (meaning it's good for those with dark skin, too)." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
2. Bare by Vogue Self Tan Foam Medium
"As well as making your limbs look like they were dipped in caramel, this self-tanning foam also boasts skin-smoothing peptides and antioxidants including goji berry and pomegranate. Ask any beauty editor and they'll tell you this is one of the best fake tans that money can buy." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
3. Dove Visible Glow Body Lotion Medium to Dark Gradual Self Tan
"There are many, many gradual tans on the market nowadays but I find myself always returning to this. The original. The classic. The one we all start our tanning journey on. And guess what? Just because it was our intro into DHA, does not mean that it isn't a really decent product. I use this every three days in place of your normal body moisturiser for round-the-clock glow." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
4. Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum
"Not only is it your daily dose of glow, but it's also packed with hyaluronic acid, the gold standard ingredient for drawing moisture into the skin that you usually find in expensive facial formulas. The result is touchably soft skin and a glowy, sun-kissed colour that’s cool-toned. Every beauty editor I know adores this product. Once you try it, you won't want to use anything else." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
5. St Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse
Each summer, beauty bloggers of colour give this classic St Tropez tan a shout out. It’s rated one of the best as it’s specifically formulated to react well with the natural melanin in black skin. Another bonus: as Black skin tends to be oilier, a mousse formula won’t dry it out.
6. St Moriz Advanced Colour Correcting Tanning Mousse
"I promise that this tan will get you compliments. This colour correcting tan neutralises any redness creating the ultimate faux tan. With added chamomile to combat redness too. Apply it with a mitt before bed and wash off in the morning and you'll be pleasantly surprised by how natural your glow looks." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
7. Coco & Eve Bali Bronzing Foam
"This smells absolutely unbelievable—like tropical fruit punch. Plus, the finish it gives is second to none. I've gone through heaps of fake tans before that all leave me looking streaky (it says more about my technique than the products, mind you), but this one doesn't at all. It leaves me looking like I've spent a month on the beach. Plus, it's formulated with skincare hydrators to leave limbs looking glowing and healthy." - Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor
8. Isle of Paradise Express Mousse
"I am the number one fan of express fake tan formulas – and in particular, this one from Isle Of Paradise. It can be left on for as little as 30 minutes (or up to 2-3 hours for a deeper tan), is easy to apply smoothly, and offers a super streak-free golden glow. IOP's mousse is ideal for last-minute application, making it a must for spontaneous plans." - Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor
9. Vita Liberata Heavenly Tanning Elixir
"I had only ever heard amazing things about this lotion, and upon trying it became an instant convert. It has a really beautiful unique gel-lotion texture that glides onto limbs like a dream, and offers the most gorgeous even golden glow. Apply it with a mitt for best results." - Rebecca Fearn, Beauty Contributor
10. Tan-Luxe The Water
"I have never met a beauty editor who didn't love this tanning water. It doesn't dry the skin out, it develops into the most beautiful natural-looking bronze and looks chic on your bathroom cabinet. I will say it takes some getting used to - if you are new to tanning, then opt for something with a guide colour like the Isle Of Paradise Mousse. But once you do nail down your technique, you will fall in love with this." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
11. This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle
"Right, let me just clear something up first - just because it's called Perfect Legs don't let that put you off putting all over your body. Ever since this products dropped onto my desk many, many moons ago I always make sure I have one to hand. When the sun unexpectedly comes out or I just need to add colour to my ankles or arms this is the instant tan I reach for. It's a subtle colour, so won't suit those of you want a deeper colour, but it's perfect for adding a wash of golden hue. I let it dry for about 5/10 minutes and never worry about transferring." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
12. Bare By Vogue Face Tanning Drops in Medium/Dark
"I have been a devout fan of the Isle Of Paradise Tanning Drops for years. And that love hasn't gone anywhere. By chance, these arrived in the beauty cupboard a couple of weeks ago as I had finished my most recent bottle of IOP. I decided to give them a try and let me tell you - I am hooked. I opted for the darker shade, which does not mess around. It develops quickly - I'd say two hours after mixing it in with my moisturiser I was glowing. I love how affordable they are, I love the packaging. These are some of the best tanning drops I've ever used." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
13. Isle Of Paradise Self Tanning Oil Mist
"Those with olives tones will love every single one of the Isle Of Paradise Medium range. But this oil mist stands out for how nourishing it is. There isn't a guide colour, but because of the sheen that the oil gives you can get to grips with this faster than you could a water. It lasts for up to a week too, which is longer than most." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
