The best fake tans I've tried, of the hundreds that've landed on my desk
I never used to be a huge fan of fake tan – but since living in London, where it’s grey, drizzly and freezing cold for most of the year (yep, I still choose to live here), it has become essential.
For me, nothing lifts my mood quite like a tan. I feel instantly healthier, more confident, and 100% more put-together – but gone are the days of sizzling in the sun all day or heading to sunbeds. Fake tan is the ultimate safer alternative, giving you that glow without the risks of sunburn, skin cancer, or premature ageing.
I didn't always love it – mostly because it would go patchy, stain my bed sheets, and leave behind that horrid fake-tan smell… even after showering. Luckily, self-tan has come a long way since those high school “orange” days. Now there’s a formula for everyone – mousses, mists, gels, drops, serums – and the shade ranges are so much better.
Of course, finding the one can feel like a full-time job - which is exactly why I’ve done the testing for you. From the best fake tan for pale skin, fake tan for black skin, best gradual tanners and the best face tan drops, I’ve rounded up our Glamour favourites below. (And yes, I’ve included a brilliant fake tan remover too — not that you’ll need it. I’m pretty confident these picks are as fool-proof as it gets.)
Meet the experts:
- Claire Lambert – Tanning Expert for Skin & Tan.
- Nicola Matthews – Founder of Sienna X.
- Emily Lansley – Celebrity tanning expert.
How we test fake tan:
Our beauty team has tested over 25 fake tans to curate an edit of the 15 we love the most. We tested each of the fake tans featured below for at least one application, and scored products based on the smell of the product, whether it was suitable for a variety of skin tones, how long it lasted and whether it served a natural-looking, even glow.
- Number of products tested: 25+.
- Number of products featured: 15.
Why you can trust us:
As well as giving tans a good ol' test, we also looked at the formulations: are they vegan? Cruelty-free? Do they contain good-for-skin ingredients to ensure glow comes from real nourishment and not just colour? And we assessed whether they faded evenly – or instead left patchy remnants on elbows and hands. We didn't include products which felt too expensive for the results, which faded in a patchy manner, which irritated the skin and which didn't suit multiple undertones.
Ahead, Glamour's edit of the best fake tan formulas for every preference…
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
Size: 200ml, Formula: Mousse, Shades: Medium, Dark, Ultra Dark, Minimum develop time: Two hours, Vegan: Yes
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Mousse.
- Shades: Medium, dark, ultra dark.
- Minimum develop time: Two hours.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Ali Pantony, Shannon Lawlor, Sophie Cockett.
Why we love it: “You can read all about it in my full Coco & Eve fake tan review, but this stuff is so good. The packaging is fab, the scent feels tropical and reminiscent of sunny holidays, and the dark mousse shade – regardless of which of the three bronzing colours you actually choose – makes it really easy to see which parts of your body you've applied tan to. And which you haven't.
“While it did dry a little more slowly than I'd have liked, it applies seamlessly, doesn't smell of biscuits when you wash it off, and fades evenly. It's vegan and packed with natural ingredients like banana, cocoa, papaya, mango, orange and lotus flower, which left my skin feeling soft. I found it lasted for around a week before it started to wash off, and my skin felt insanely soft for a solid few days after application. TBH, it's the easiest fake tan I've ever applied.”
Save when shopping for fake tan using these Sephora discount codes.
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Clear mousse.
- Shades: One universal shade for a medium golden tan.
- Minimum develop time: Four hours.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd.
Why we love it: “When it comes to choosing my new go-to fake tan, my criteria is simple: I want a product that doesn't result in that pesky orange-y tone, one that doesn't smell like biscuits and something that doesn't leave stains on my clothes in the process. Luckily, this vegan, water mousse from St. Tropez does just the trick. I loved the natural results and the hydrating feel, as well as the fast-absorbing formula that doesn't feel sticky at all. And if that wasn't enough, this tanning mousse also packs a variety of skin-loving ingredients to leave your skin nice and hydrated, all the while delivering a natural glow."
- Pros: Non-sticky; fast-absorbing; doesn't leave marks on clothes.
- Cons: Takes longer to develop (around 4-8 hours in total).
Save when shopping for fake tan using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Mousse.
- Shades: Fair, medium, deep, dark.
- Minimum develop time: Four to eight hours.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Robyn Eugene.
Why we love it: "Ever tried a self-tan mousse that is tailored to your exact skin tone? We hadn't, until the Bondi Sands Technocolor range launched – where each product is infused with innovative colour guides that will not only colour correct, but also counteract any orange tones in just one hour.
"Tailored to cool, warm and neutral undertones, this innovative formula is a must. Having tested this tanning mousse from Bondi Sands for a few weeks now, I can confidently say that it has become my new go-to.
It complements my skin tone beautifully, leaves no patches or streaks, and develops super quickly, too (which is a must for when I'm in a rush). Side note: it also has an impressive, hydrating ingredients list which will ensure that the pigment doesn't cling to your drier areas such as elbows, ankles and knees."
- Pros: Tailors to every skin tone and undertone; quick developing time; long-lasting.
- Cons: Leaves slight residue on clothes or sheets.
- Size: 30ml.
- Formula: Serum.
- Shades: Light, medium, dark.
- Minimum develop time: Four to six hours
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Neamh Randall, Commerce Photo Editor.
Why we love it: What if your favourite hydrating face serum had a baby with added bronzing drops? Isle Of Paradise's Self-Tanning Drops are kinda that, serving all the goodness of your favourite hydrating serum, but with added glow. You can easily customise your finished result, by adding between one and 12 (!) drops either directly to your face, or mixed into your favourite moisturiser.
"There are three shades to choose from (Peach, Gren or Violet, depending on your undertone). These tanning drops serve a radiant, sun-kissed glow and a hydrating complexion. And did we mention that they're also 100% vegan and cruelty-free?
“I fell in love with these tanning drops immediately after the first use. Not only did they give me that ‘lit-from-within’ glow, but the formula also left my skin hydrated and plump – all the while delivering a natural tan overnight.
- Pros: Easy to apply; feels hydrating on the skin; great for getting a custom-made shade.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Save when shopping for fake tan using these Sephora discount codes.
Coco & Eve Anti-Ageing Tanning Serum
- Size: 30ml.
- Formula: Serum.
- Shades: One universal shade.
- Minimum develop time: Four to six hours
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
Why we love it: “Even when I can't be bothered to fake tan my whole body, applying fake tan to my face is an absolute must. If I wake up looking glowy and bronzed, I don't feel the need to wear makeup and generally feel endlessly more confident. I love this formula: A true hybrid product, this night serum is infused with Vegetan Premium Plus — a revolutionary self-tanning active that blends bronzing pigments with key anti-ageing skincare actives like antioxidants, polyglutamic acid and niacinamide. The result? Long-lasting hydration, smoother and younger-looking skin, and a naturally sun-kissed glow.
"I apply between three and five pumps to my face, neck and décolletage before applying my moisturiser every other evening, and I wake up looking like I've spent a fortnight on a Caribbean island. Just note: you need to wash your hands after application, otherwise they might wind up looking a tad orange.”
- Pros: Anti-ageing formula; develops quickly; seamless and streak-free.
- Cons: Quite a strong scent.
St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Mousse.
- Shades: Light, medium or dark.
- Minimum develop time: One to three hours.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Why we love it: “Firstly: don't let the the pigment scare you off. I have long been a fake tan stan, and was initially sceptical about applying a dark across my mousse limbs. But, it felt lightweight, not at all sticky and blended like a dream – and it doesn't transfer onto your clothes while you're waiting for it to develop.
“You get a sun-kissed medium glow if you leave it on for two hours, and a deeper tan if you leave it on for three hours, making it easily customisable for every preference. And because of the speedy developing time (unlike what you'd get with spray tan), it's perfect if you're in a pinch, too.”
- Pros: Easily applies; fades evenly; bronzed and golden finish.
- Cons: Absorbs quickly — so make sure to be fast when blending.
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Mousse.
- Shades: Light/medium or dark.
- Minimum develop time: One to three hours.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: "I’ve got vitiligo, which is less noticeable in the winter but really prominent throughout summer, and, while I don’t shy away from embracing it, the sheer contrast of my natural skin against my patches can often make me feel self-conscious. This formula goes on seamlessly, dries in perfect timing and smells like a tropical holiday."
“It dries down evenly, doesn't leave any streaks, and doesn't cling on to dry patches. Plus, it even comes with its own exfoliating and tanning mitts. A must.”
- Pros: Really long-lasting results; hydrating formula; fades beautifully.
- Cons: It can be tricky to remove, but soaking in a bath before scrubbing can help get it off faster.
TAN-LUXE The Gradual Illuminating Tan Lotion
- Size: 250ml.
- Formula: Body lotion.
- Shades: One universal shade.
- Minimum develop time: One hour.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: “A lovely gradual tan lotion, this gradual formula features innovative Triple-Tan Technology that gives you a natural colour that can be built-on with every application. A lightweight oil and lotion hybrid, it hydrates, nourishes, and smoothes the skin like a traditional face or body lotion — all while absorbing pretty quickly, and developing in under an hour.”
- Pros: Really buildable; doesn't transfer; really natural colour.
- Cons: Can be a bit streaky.
Bare by Vogue Face Tanning Mist
- Size: 125ml.
- Formula: Mist.
- Shades: Light, medium, and dark.
- Minimum develop time: Four to eight hours.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Why we love it: “With a holiday-like scent that rivals a fresh piña colada, this face mist is so quick and easy to apply - just a few spritzes over the face and neck provide an even, glowing tan that's tantalisingly good. It doesn't feel sticky or greasy (a personal ick), and contains a blend of moisturising and anti-inflammatory ingredients. I have a few different facial tanning products I use on rotation, and this is one of them. After applying face serum and moisturiser, I'll let everything dry and give my face a spritz at around 30cm away.”
- Pros: Hydrating and moisturising formula; dries quickly; delectable scent.
- Cons: Can feel a little oily.
Save when shopping for fake tan using these Amazon discount codes.
Filter by Molly-Mae Tanning Mousse
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Mousse.
- Shades: Medium, dark, and extra dark.
- Minimum develop time: Four to six hours.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Why we love it: “I'm a shameless Molly Mae fan, so obviously I had to try her Filter fake tan when it launched a few years back. While I still have a few products in rotation and I don't solely reserve myself for this one, I do love it. It's a good price point, smells better than any other fake tan I've tried, and genuinely serves a flawless, natural and streak-free finish. It's formulated with hydrating ingredients such as aloe and green tea antioxidant which make my skin feel smooth when I shower the product off, and I find the softness of my skin to last for days. I'm a fan.”
- Pros: Lightweight, hydrating and beautifully-scented.
- Cons: Nothing to note, TBH.
St. Moriz Advanced Colour Correcting Tanning Mousse
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Mousse.
- Shades: Medium, dark, and ultra dark.
- Minimum develop time: One to eight hours.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Why we love it: "This affordable fake tanning mousse works just like a colour correcting primer, by neutralising yellow tones to create a more even glow. It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 too, making it extra hydrating for dry skin. Plus, it genuinely delivers one of the most long-lasting results.
“Not everyone wants to spend upwards of £20 on a bottle of fake tan. From its very pleasant scent to its even finish, the St. Moriz Advanced Colour Correcting Tanning Mousse an epic product which deserves all the hype it gets on TikTok."
- Pros: Affordable price; non-streaky application; long-lasting results.
- Cons: It clings to dry patches a little bit.
Skin + Tan 1 Day Instant Tanner
- Size: 100ml.
- Formula: Gel.
- Shades: Medium.
- Minimum develop time: No minimum development time.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: “As a fake tan newbie, I was looking for a something that could give me a taste of what you would normally get from a proper self-tanner, but I also wanted to have the peace of mind that if things went south, I could also hit the reverse button and wash it off in an instant. This fake tan was super easy to apply, felt incredibly nourishing on the skin, and didn't transfer onto my clothes. It's perfect for when you don't have the time (or the energy) to wait for the tan to develop."
- Pros: Affordable; beginner-friendly; washes off effortlessly.
- Cons: Can be tricky to blend without a high-density blending body brush.
Save when you shop for the best fake tan with these Boots discount codes.
Vita Liberata Tinted Tanning Mousse
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Mousse.
- Shades: Dark & medium.
- Minimum develop time: Six to eight hours (or overnight).
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: "This fake tan feels really luxurious – as it should, at £27 for a bottle. The mousse was surprisingly light, and I was seriously impressed at how quickly the product dried into my skin. The tint helps everyone from first timers to pro self-tanners with achieving a streak-free application.
“As for the science-y bit, the product is enriched with a blend of aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to support hydration – so my skin felt really soft after use. It also contains vitamin C, to visibly brighten skin tone over time."
- Pros: Packed full of hydrating ingredients, lasts a week, dries quickly.
- Cons: Sells out quickly and not stocked particularly widely.
FAQ's
How to apply fake tan:
“Prepping is the most important step before applying any tan,” shares celebrity tanning expert Emily Lansley. “Always make sure you shave or wax 24/48 hours before your tanning treatment to avoid the ‘dark pore’ look.”
Then, she recommends exfoliating your skin – using the best body scrub and a pair of exfoliating gloves – a day prior in order to ensure an even application. You should concentrate areas that get a build-up of skin cells, because that's where tan often clings to dry skin. Think: elbows, knees, knuckles and under your boobs.
After, you'll want to moisturise. Before applying, moisturise your knees, elbows, hands, heels and the tops of your feet. Again, those areas that self-tan will stick to.
Finally, during the actual application process, use one of the best tanning mitts. Start with your legs and work your way up the body, and apply in circular motions. Use less pressure as you get towards your wrists and ankles – and leave your hands and feet to the very end. There, you should avoid pumping fresh product onto your mitt. Instead, buff any remaining fake tan that's on your mitt into your hands and feet.
For those new to self tanning, Claire suggests starting with either a gradual tanner to build up a subtle glow over a number of days, such as a tanning whip or a lightweight mousse with a built-in colour guide that helps with application. “These formulas will melt into skin and blend effortlessly, so it’s far harder to go wrong,” she shares.
Of course, there are also lots of TikTok-approved genius tanning hacks: from faux tan freckles to the fake tan contour and (our personal favourite) this hilarious fake tan back applicator hack.
How to choose the best fake tan for your skin:
You should always look out for ingredients that suit your skin type and are kind to your skin. “Tans enriched with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid nourish and moisturise your skin for a flawless finish and help achieve a longer-lasting tan,” shares Nicola Matthews, founder of Sienna X.
“Aloe vera is also a great ingredient to look out for in tanning products. Its bioactive compounds are rich in vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E, as well as minerals magnesium, potassium and zinc,” Nicola adds.
You'll also want to think about your preferred developing time. For times when you need to be out the door as soon as possible (we can relate), you can rely on the speedier formulas that will develop in just under two hours. As for the gradual or overnight options, these could be a better fit if you're in no particular rush.
Should you moisturise before fake tan?
Yes, part of your prep routine should be moisturising. Before applying your self-tan, moisturise your knees, elbows, hands, heels and the tops of your feet. Those areas that self-tan will stick to.
How long does fake tan last?
According to Emily, a fake tan should only last up to seven to 10 days due to the skin’s natural turnover of skin cells – but it may last for a shorter length of time if your skin is on the dry side, as your dead skin cells will shed faster, meaning your fake tan will fade faster. To ensure it lasts for the entirety of that time, practise good skin prep (like exfoliating and moisturising beforehand).
Our tip? Moisturise everyday to keep your skin hydrated, using an oil-free moisturiser that won’t break down your faux glow.
Are fake tan products safe to use?
“Self-tanners are a totally safe way to achieve a natural looking sunless glow,” Claire explains. Of course, as is the case with most skincare products, it's advised to first do a patch test before fully committing to a fake tan. But generally, fake tans tend to be suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skins.
“Most fake tans use the same active ingredient — dihydroxyacetone (DHA) — to provide skin with a natural-looking glow,” Claire adds. “DHA is a simple sugar that reacts with the amino acids in our dead skin cells, giving us a faux glow.”
How to remove fake tan:
TBH, I'll always just wait until the fake tan fades itself – rather than actively removing it – but if you do want to speed the process up, the best way to lift the product is to gently exfoliate alongsie using a dedicated fake tan remover. Always wear a mitt when applying fake tan, and wash your palms after application to avoid those dreaded orange hands (which I assume are the reason you're asking the question).
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