Get Summer Ready with The Best Self Tanners of 2024

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Streaks? No way. Say hello to your best natural-looking tan yet with the best self-tanners of 2020.

Let’s face it, self-tanning is not for the faint of heart.

Self-tanners get a really bad rap, and for good reason. We’ve all seen the epic fails of self-tanner products and even the occasional salon spray tan. (you know who you are sittin’ poolside with feet orange AF)

A fake tan is one of two things: 1) a natural-looking, amazing, all-over tan that temporarily convinces you that your skin actually is, in fact, naturally that color or 2) a complete disaster.

Those of us who have been in the self-tanning game for some time have seen it all. And while I can’t actually do the work of applying your tanner for you, (sry) I can set you up with a solid technique and my favorite products and let you spread your wings.

Product choice is critical, obvi, and I’ve got you covered below with my top sunless tanning product picks. BUT before you even think about applying any self-tanning product, proper preparation is CRITICAL. Let me walk you through it.

Self-tanner Prep:

I can’t stress enough how important it is to start with clean, exfoliated skin. I always use a moisturizing body scrub (get my favorite from KOPARi here) in the shower and also shave my legs, bikini line, and underarms while I’m at it.

Afterward, apply a light layer of oil-free lotion to your feet (focusing on heels), knees, elbows, and hands. Do not apply lotion to any other areas of your body as it will interfere with your tanning application.

LSF SFC M 8oz FOP

Make some deliciously healthy mochas with this!

How to apply Self Tanner:

I have several girlfriends who shy away from self-tanner because they fear it will streak. But, fear not. I’ll let you in on a secret: self-tanner streaks when too little is applied. So be generous with your application and use a mitt to ensure that it is evenly distributed on your skin. I use circular, sweeping motions and focus on one section at a time.

Start at your ankles and work your way up. For your back, use the back of your hand (if you’re flexible) or simply place the mitt over the end of a shower brush or back scratcher (or enlist the help of a roommate or partner as a last resort). Save your hands and feet until the end and simply use what is leftover on the mitt for these areas.

Ok, now you’re all set for the Best Self Tanners:

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Best Overall

Tanceuticals CC Self Tanning Body Lotion – Dark

$28 Amazon.com

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This pick from Tanceuticals is my go-to. It is super easy to apply, never streaks, and smells like coconut. I have applied this in the morning many times and actually get compliments on my scent all day! It won’t stain clothing or sheets and yields a very natural-looking tan that you can build upon to achieve gorgeous, dark color if desired.

Best of all, it is vegan-friendly, made with skin-nourishing ingredients like mango butter and vitamin E, and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. It leaves skin moisturized, not sticky, and dries quickly. An all-around amazing product that gives you a tan that lasts 7 days. Tanceuticals is so sure you’ll love their products that they offer a money-back guarantee – so you can try it risk-free! Bonus points for that.

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Best Eco-Friendly

COOLA Sunless Tan Firming Lotion

$46 Sephora.com

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I love this pick from Coola for several reasons: 1) contains 70% organic ingredients, including a form of DHA (the color-inducing ingredient in all self-tanners) that’s derived from beet sugar and 2) It promises to tighten and tone skin simultaneously with ingredients like caffeine, alaria esculenta seaweed (to support skin elasticity), and pea extract (to boost hydration). Bonus!

Double-duty skincare is a win in my book. It goes on smooth, doesn’t streak, and has a really nice tropical scent. It is gentle on sensitive skin, like mine, and doesn’t build up around my ankles, knees, and elbows. Overall a super natural-looking tan that lasts about 5 days.

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Best Gradual Tan

TAN-LUXE THE GRADUAL Illuminating Tanning Lotion

$33 Sephora.com

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The Gradual is the perfect choice for those who are new to self-tanners, or for those who prefer a very natural, buildable tan. It works extremely well on the fairest of skin and provides a super believable glow.

With naturally derived raspberry seed oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera, it provides all-day hydration. The Gradual is formulated with Cellutone Complex to firm the look of skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite while delivering hydration and a soft subtle glow. Ummmm… yes, please. This buildable glow lasts about 4 days but may be reapplied frequently to maintain an Insta-worthy glow all Summer long.

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Best Chemical Free

Beauty by Earth Self Tanner

$31 Amazon.com

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With over 6300 reviews and an overall rating of 4.3 on Amazon, it’s clear that I’m not the only fan of Beauty by Earth’s self tanner. This is the only choice, as far as I’m concerned, for those who’d prefer to avoid chemicals completely. While all of the options on this list have foregone harmful chemicals, sulfates, and parabens, Beauty by Earth has left out literally any trace of anything you can’t pronounce.

With DHA derived from sugar cane, aloe vera, shea butter, green tea extract, and coconut oil, it’s basically a super-nourishing lotion with an added tanning benefit. It has a light, pleasant scent that fades quickly and produces a natural-looking tan that can be built upon to achieve your desired shade. It is perfect for all skin types and tones. I love it because it gives me a light tan that lasts about 5 days and is ultra-moisturizing. Beauty by Earth is so confident you’ll love it, they’ll give you a full refund within 30 days if for any reason you’re not 100% satisfied. Worry-free shopping at it’s finest.

st tropez face mist 1
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Best for Face

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

$30 Sephora.com

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This pick from St. Tropez is the ONLY self tanning product that I use on my face. While technically all the products listed above can be used on your face, I’ve always achieved less than glowing results. Until I found this beauty, that is.

I apply the mist in the morning under my sunscreen and any makeup products. It develops in 4-8 hours and gives me a subtle, sun-kissed look. It lasts about 3 days which is awesome for days that I don’t feel like wearing makeup. The super-fine mist goes on evenly and is actually refreshing to apply on warm days. Best of all, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, noncomedogenic, and an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.

Heading to the beach this summer? (or err… your backyard) Don’t forget your face sunscreen! Snag my top picks here.

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