9 best fake tans I've tried, of the hundreds that've landed on my desk
What constitutes the best fake tan is very much up for debate, depending on your preferences. Do you like a gradual tan? A face tanner and nothing else? A deep, long-lasting wash of colour atop your entire body? Do you prefer a guide colour or are you happy to go in blind?
I had all of those questions at the forefront of my mind when I began testing fake tans sometime circa 2022. Until then, I wasn't a fake tan fan – mostly because it would go patchy, stain my bed sheets, and drench me in a horrid biscuit smell. Alas, I've since moved to London and become a beauty journalist – and the top new launches in the fake tan category have come a long way.
I've been impressed: today, there's a formula for everyone – mousses, mists, gels, drops, serums – and most are packed with good-for-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Brands from By Terry to Coco & Eve are focusing on slow and even fading, colour-matching and beautiful scents. The best fake tans are now an important part of my beauty routine, leaving me feeling confident, put-together and healthy.
My favourite fake tans for summer 2026:
- How I tested the best fake tans
- Why you can trust me
- My full edit of the best fake tan formulas
- More fake tans I'm currently testing
- How to apply fake tan
- How to choose the best fake tan for your skin
- Should you moisturise before applying fake tan?
- How long does fake tan last?
- Are fake tan products safe to use?
- How do you remove fake tan?
Meet the experts:
- Claire Lambert – Tanning Expert for Skin & Tan.
- Nicola Matthews – Founder of Sienna X.
- Emily Lansley – Celebrity tanning expert.
How I tested the best fake tans:
I've been testing fake tans for as long as I have been a beauty journalist, so this story has been a refreshed multiple times in line with multiple new releases.
I've enlisted the help of fellow Glamour editors, contributors and product testers to pull this guide together, to ensure our list of favourites speaks to multiple skin types, concerns and colours. Below, you'll find fake tans tested by myself, Mollie Burdell (she is a self-proclaimed tan connoisseur who wrote our guide to the best express tans and literally speaks about fake tan for a living on QVC) and Georgia Trodd (who tested fake tans on vitiligo) – as well as Ali Pantony, Neamh Randall and Robyn Eugene (who has tested fake tans for dark skin).
We tested each fake tan for at least two weeks – usually spanning two applications – and scored products based on their smell, how easy they were to apply and blend, whether they stuck to dry skin, whether it was suitable for a variety of skin tones and whether the colour pay-off looked natural and glowy. We also conferred on how long the tans lasted (those which looked untouched for up to a week got top marks), whether they faded evenly and whether they were difficult to get off. Even with the best fake tan remover. You can read more on how to remove fake tan like an expert here, BTW. Oh, and as well as giving tans a good ol' test, we 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? You'd hope so.
Overall, we've tested over 25 fake tans, and whittled things down to this edit of nine.
Why you can trust me:
If hearing about my very thorough testing protocols isn't enough to convince you that I am, ahem, trustworthy, let me try further.
I've been a beauty writer for the past six years, across multiple titles including a national newspaper – and in that time, I've tested hundreds of beauty products across countless trends. From skincare products to haircare and makeup, I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly.
Along the way, I’ve attended countless press events for new launches, spoken to dermatologists and tanning experts to get their expert insight into trends and ingredients, and quizzed the wider Glamour team on their tried-and-tested favourites. This guide to the best fake tan is a culmination of all of that knowledge; you could say that I know more about tanning than your average skincare sleuth on TikTok.
Ahead, Glamour's edit of the best fake tan formulas for every preference.
1. Best Fake Tan Overall: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
Why we love it: “You can read all about it in my full Coco & Eve fake tan review, but this fake tan 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.
“It did dry a little more slowly than I'd have liked – some of the other tans I tested were very, impressively fast drying – but I didn't mind. Why? It applied seamlessly, didn't smell of biscuits when I washed it off, and it faded evenly.
“Myself and my fellow testers gave it plus-points for being vegan and packed full of natural ingredients like banana, cocoa, papaya, mango, orange and lotus flower – which all worked to leave my skin feeling soft. I found it lasted for around a week before it started to fade, and my skin felt insanely soft for a solid few days after application. TBH, it's the easiest fake tan I've ever applied, and I've repurchased it with my own money since testing.”
- Pros: It fades evenly, made my skin soft and smells amazing.
- Cons: It doesn't dry as quickly as some others, so you might have to stand naked for a while…
More to know:
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Mousse.
- Shades: Medium, dark, ultra dark.
- Minimum develop time: Two hours.
- Vegan? Yes.
- Tested by: Ali Pantony, Shannon Lawlor, Sophie Cockett.
Save when shopping for fake tan using these Sephora discount codes.
2. Best Fake Tan for Pale Skin and Vitiligo: St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse
Why we love it: “When it comes to choosing my new go-to fake tan for pale skin, 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 didn'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.
“While the colour pay-off was beautiful and definitely suited my vitiligo – plus, the smell was incredible – I did find it a little tricky to know where I'd applied the product to (and which parts of my skin I hadn't) due to it being a clear formula. You might end up with one very tanned arm and one, well, not tanned at all. Alas, I got used to it after a couple of tries – and it clearly wasn't enough of a con to stop me from including it in my round-up.”
- Pros: Non-sticky; fast-absorbing; doesn't leave marks on clothes.
- Cons: Takes longer to develop (around 4-8 hours in total).
More to know:
- 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.
Save when shopping for fake tan using these LookFantastic discount codes.
3. Best Matte Fake Tan: By Terry Tea-To-Tan
Why we love it: "My fellow tanners will know the face is always the first place to lose its glow — thanks to daily cleansing and oil-based skincare — often leaving it a few shades lighter than the body. Enter the By Terry Tea to Tan Face & Body Matte Finish, my go-to quick fix.
"This isn’t your typical self-tan — it’s more of an instant tint which you can use wherever and whenever needed. I spritz directly onto a makeup brush and buff it into my face and neck to immediately give my skin a natural, sun-kissed warmth that matches the rest of me. No waiting, no developing, no commitment.
“The formula is incredibly lightweight and dries almost instantly, with a soft matte finish that sits well under makeup. It’s also packed with skincare ingredients like tea extracts and cherry essence, so it hydrates while giving you that glow. It's a product I’m rarely without.”
- Pros: Quick and effective; buildable and blend-able; a little goes a long way.
- Cons: Can lean slightly red on some skin tones.
More to know:
- Size: 30 ml and 100ml
- Formula: Mist
- Shades: One universal shade
- Minimum develop time: Instant
- Vegan? No.
- Tested by: Mollie Burdell.
Save when you shop with these LookFantastic promo codes.
4. Best Colour-Correcting Fake Tan: Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam
Why we love it: "Ever tried a self-tan mousse that is tailored to your exact skin tone? I 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 in my routine. 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 fake tan.
“It complements my darker 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. It did leave a small residue on my white bed sheets – slightly annoying, I must say – so next time I'll try and tan in the morning before washing it off pre-bedtime. Otherwise, no notes. I really liked not having to stress about what colour or shade to order.”
- Pros: Tailors to every skin tone and undertone; quick developing time; long-lasting.
- Cons: Leaves slight residue on clothes or sheets.
More to know:
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Mousse.
- Shades: Fair, medium, deep, dark.
- Minimum develop time: Four to eight hours.
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Robyn Eugene.
5. Best Express Tan: Tan-Luxe Express Mousse
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Why I love it: "I’ve been loyal to this express fake tan since it launched, and I’m still yet to find anything quite like it. The translucent formula comes out as a whipped mousse and – thanks to its combo of hyaluronic acid, beta glucan and vitamin C – glides on as if it were skincare. Seriously: this stuff is so smooth and silky.
"This is the fake tan I reach for when I need to quickly tan and immediately get dressed and leave the house afterwards, because there’s no guide colour and it doesn’t transfer onto clothes. It also smells really fresh, even when I’ve been out and about wearing it for the full four hours.
“I will say: it’s more of a natural sun-kissed finish – so if you’re looking for something that will give you the deepest, darkest tan it may not be for you. But, for those after a really natural-looking glow, I honestly couldn't recommend a product that's better.”
- Pros: Non-sticky; fast-absorbing; seamless and streak-free; universally flattering; doesn’t transfer.
- Cons: On the pricey end of the scale; no guide colour makes it easier to miss areas.
More to know:
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Clear mousse.
- Shades: One universal shade.
- Minimum development time: 30 minutes.
- Vegan? Yes.
- Tested by: Mollie Burdell.
READ MORE: The best cream bronzers the Glamour team has tested.
6. Best Face Tan: Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanner
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, Green or Violet, depending on your undertone). These tanning drops serve a radiant, sun-kissed glow and a hydrating complexion. And did I 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. I am such a fan, and have repurchased multiple bottles – which, to me, is the sign that I really like something."
- Pros: Easy to apply; feels hydrating on the skin; great for getting a custom-made shade.
- Cons: Only suits your face – not to be used for a fast, all-over tan.
More to know:
- Size: 30ml.
- Formula: Serum.
- Shades: Light, medium, dark.
- Minimum develop time: Four to six hours
- Vegan: Yes.
- Tested by: Neamh Randall, Commerce Photo Editor.
READ ALSO: How to use tanning drops.
7. Best For Colour That Lasts a Week: Bare by Vogue Self Tan Foam
Why I love it: "As the guest presenter for Bare by Vogue on QVC, it’s safe to say I’m a genuine fan of the brand. Like me, Vogue slathered herself in self-tan at university but always found them to be on the orange side, so she decided to create her own line up.
"The foam is a personal favourite of mine, and I opt for the dark shade, which gives a rich, believable bronze without ever looking orange or overdone. The mousse blends effortlessly, and the guide colour makes application foolproof—even when I’m in a rush. I easily get five–seven days out of it before it starts to fade.
“Whether you want something subtle or a deeper, ultra-dark finish, there’s genuinely an option for everyone, which makes it feel like more of an inclusive range compared to others. As it’s more of a traditional self-tan, you do need to wait longer for it to develop, so I find it’s not one that I reach for when I need a glow and fast. Plus, I find it can be stubborn to remove in certain areas, so I make sure to soak in the bath for 10 minutes or so and then use an oil-free body scrub.”
- Pros: Lightweight, fast-drying; fruity fragrance.
- Cons: Longer development time, harder to remove than others I've tried.
More to know:
- Size: 150ml.
- Formula: Mousse.
- Shades: Medium, dark, ultra-dark.
- Minimum development time: 4 hours.
- Vegan? Yes.
- Tested by: Mollie Burdell.
8. Best Gradual Tan: Self Glow By James Read Endless Summer Everyday Tan Lotion
Why I love it: "I always reserve a few spots for a selection of top tier gradual tans, and this is one of the most luxurious I’ve tried. From the first application, it feels more like skincare than fake tan. The texture is rich and hydrating, packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter, so my skin feels genuinely nourished while developing a soft, golden glow.
"I especially love using gradual tans like this on holiday. I tend to stay out of the sun, so it doubles up as a kind of after-sun — keeping my skin hydrated while subtly building colour day by day, without any actual sun exposure.
"What really stands out is how inclusive it is. It’s designed to work across all skin tones, delivering a natural, believable finish rather than a one-shade-fits-all tan. The result is subtle and buildable—more “healthy, hydrated skin” than full-on bronzed—which makes it perfect for everyday wear or topping up an existing tan.
“That said, if you’re after instant gratification or a deep, dramatic tan, this won’t be enough on its own. It takes a few days to build, and like most gradual formulas, it can cling slightly to dry areas if you skip prep. But for a low-maintenance, skincare-led glow, look no further.”
- Pros: Smells great; easy to apply; skincare-infused.
- Cons: Pricey.
More to know:
- Size: 200ml.
- Formula: Lotion.
- Shades: One universal shade.
- Minimum development time: 1 day.
READ MORE: The best face sunscreens you should always wear.
9. Best Tanning Drops: Pai Skincare The Impossible Hydrating Self Tan Drops
Why we love it: "I’ve always been slightly wary of facial bronzing drops — often they’re patchy or break me out — but the Pai Skincare The Impossible Tan Hydrating Self Tan Drops are just right.
"I’ve been using a few drops mixed into my moisturiser every couple of days, and the result is exactly what I want from a face tan: soft, believable, and glow-enhancing rather than obvious. What really stands out is how skincare-first it feels. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe, so my skin actually feels better for using it — plumper, calmer, and never tight or dry.
"That said, it does require a bit of patience. If you want instant results, this isn’t it — and if you’re heavy-handed with the drops, it can catch slightly around drier areas or cling to pigmentation. It’s also quite subtle, so those after a deep, just-back-from-holiday tan may find themselves layering it up over a few days. But, for those with sensitive skin who are after a natural, low-maintenance glow — especially on the face — it’s a guaranteed winner.”
- Pros: Skin-loving; 100% natural; organic; works on all skin tones.
- Cons: Takes time to see results.
More to know:
- Size: 30ml.
- Formula: Drops.
- Shades: One universal shade.
- Minimum develop time: 4 hours.
- Vegan? Yes.
- Tested by: Mollie Burdell.
More Fake Tans I'm Currently Testing:
Vita Liberata Tinted Tanning Mousse
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.
Skinny Tan 1 Day Instant Tanner
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.
St. Moriz Advanced Colour Correcting Tanning Mousse
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.
Filter by Molly-Mae Tanning Mousse
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.
Your Fake Tan FAQ's, Answered:
How to apply fake tan:
Wondering how to apply fake tan? Well, “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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