These Self-Tanners Are Your Shortcut to a Sun-Kissed Glow

Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story Bronzed, just-returned-from-vacation skin is always in…
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A collage of Dolce Glow and Lux Unfiltered tanning mousses on a light gray backgroundCollage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Bronzed, just-returned-from-vacation skin is always in style. But damage from strong sun rays and tanning beds? Not at all. Instead, we use the best self-tanners for a natural, sun-kissed glow that doesn't lead to wrinkles, sunspots, and elevated chances of skin cancer. After testing countless formulas over the years, we’ve determined that Dolce Glow’s Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse remains unbeatable—and the Express version is not far behind, if you're short on time. If mousses aren't your preferred texture, we have lotions, drops, wipes, and mists that will suit your fancy. Of course, they all fade evenly and beautifully over time, and as a (much-appreciated) bonus, most formulas smell quite lovely (think fresh and fruity!) and are eons better than your musty, chemical-forward formulas of years past.

Our Top Self-Tanners

  • Best Overall: Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse, $49
  • Best Self-Tanner for Dry Skin: +Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse, $48
  • Best Express Self-Tanner: Dolce Glow Express 2-Hour Self-Tanning Mousse, $49
  • Best Gradual Self-Tanner: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, $12
  • Best Facial Self-Tanner: Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops, $50
  • Best for Olive-Toned Skin: St. Tropez Self-Tan Supreme Violet, $48
  • Best Tanning Wipes: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self Tanner for Body, $48
  • Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Mist, $13

Months of trial and error later (trust, we editors have had our fair share of streaky mishaps), we've narrowed down the absolute best at-home self-tanners for every face, body, and skin tone.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • What are the best self-tanning tips?
  • Is self-tanner bad for you?
  • What should you look for in the best self-tanners?
  • How long does self-tanner last?
  • How do you achieve a streak-free tan with self-tanners?
  • Can you put self-tanner on your face?
  • How do you remove self-tanner?
  • How do you get self-tanner off of your hands?
  • Meet the experts
  • How we test and review products
  • About our staff and testers

Best Overall: Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse

Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse in branded taupe bottle with foam pump on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dolce Glow

Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse

$49

Nordstrom

$51

Revolve

Why it's worth it: We're not exaggerating when we say this is the best self-tanning mousse we've ever tried (it is an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, after all). Dolce Glow’s Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse is a lightweight, velvety formula that glides on effortlessly and blends like a dream (thanks to the mitt applicator), leaving no streaks or patches behind. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera and hydrating oils (like Australian macadamia), so our skin feels soft and nourished while we tan—plus, it has a subtle, fresh scent, instead of that typical self-tanner smell. The color payoff is also unreal: There’s no orange finish—just a flawless, bronzy glow that makes us look like we spent a week in Capri.

Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse

Angela TrakoshisLeft arm is after applying the Dolce Glow Lusso SelfTanning Mousse and right arm is before

Trakoshis before and after applying the Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse

Angela Trakoshis

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse

Lily WohlnerWohlner before and after applying the Dolce Glow Lusso SelfTanning Mousse

Wohlner before and after applying the Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

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“I'm going to be real straight up here: There is no better self-tanner on the market than this one from Dolce Glow. I've been using it for probably about six months consistently, and I’m blown away. It doesn't smell, and my fiancé can attest to that. He hates every single self-tanner that I've ever used, and he’s never said a word about this one.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“Even after testing 11 other formulas for our story on the best self-tanning mousse, I kept comparing everything back to this one, which is why it ultimately snagged my top spot. The lightweight formula glides on effortlessly, blending like a dream with zero streaks. It also skips the dreaded tanner stench, replaced by a subtle, fresh scent, so you can easily wear it out of the house while it develops. As the color soaked in, my skin felt soft and nourished—not dry and begging for moisture—thanks to aloe vera, jojoba oil, and Australian macadamia oil.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

Pros & cons

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Pros Cons
Lightweight, velvety formula Must leave on for 6-8 hours for full color to develop
Leaves no streaks
Packed with skin-loving ingredients
Long-lasting color
Has a subtle, fresh scent
Leans olive, not orange

More to know

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  • Type: mousse
  • Key ingredients: aloe vera, jojoba oil, Australian macadamia oil, vitamin E, squalane
  • Shades: 1
  • Development time: 6 to 8 hours for full color
  • Fragrance: fresh and light
  • Lasts up to: 7 days

Best Self-Tanner for Dry Skin: +Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse

+ Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse in branded bottle component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Lux Unfiltered

N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse

$48

Amazon

$48

Sephora

Why it's worth it: +Lux Unfiltered’s N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse is where skin care meets self-tanner. Infused with shea butter and antioxidants (courtesy of passionfruit oil), this tanning mousse doesn’t just offer a great color—it deeply hydrates our skin, leaving it soft, moisturized, and radiant. It also contains one of our favorite brightening ingredients, vitamin C, which makes skin look even glowier. And, we like that you can choose from two shades (medium or deep), so it’s more customizable for a wider range of skin tones.

Trakoshis applying the +Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse

Angela TrakoshisLeft arm is after applying the Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse and right arm is before

Trakoshis before and after applying +Lux Unfiltered N°36 Tanning Mousse

Angela Trakoshis

Wohlner applying the Lux Unfiltered N°36 Tanning Mousse

Lily WohlnerWohlner before and after applying Lux Unfiltered N°36 Tanning Mousse

Wohlner before and after applying Lux Unfiltered N°36 Tanning Mousse

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from Wohlner

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“You could let this sit for four hours for a lighter glow, but I like to max it out (can you tell I hate looking pasty?). I usually sleep in it, then rinse it off in the morning for an even, bright, streak-free finish. Since it soaks in for so long, the tan lasts a full seven days. And, when it does fade, it’s smooth and natural, with zero patchiness.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

Pros & cons

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Pros Cons
Infused with skin-loving ingredients Requires full 8 hours for a dark tan
Super-moisturizing
Leaves behind a vibrant color
Smells like fresh blood orange
Not patchy
Comes in two different shades

More to know

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  • Type: mousse
  • Key ingredients: shea butter, passion fruit oil, vitamin C
  • Shades: 1
  • Development time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Fragrance: fresh, beachy scent
  • Lasts up to: 6 to 8 days

Best Express Self-Tanner: Dolce Glow Express 2-Hour Self-Tanning Mousse

Dolce Glow Express Mousse in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dolce Glow

Express 2-Hour Self-Tanning Mousse

$49

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Dolce Glow’s new Express Mousse might just convert you to the dark, quick-developing tanner side. Unlike some express formulas that sacrifice depth or longevity, this one delivers rich, even color in a fraction of the time. It’s powered by DMI (dimethyl isosorbide), a plant-derived solvent that helps the ingredients in the tanner penetrate your skin and absorb more evenly, for a smooth, streak-free finish. A blend of glycerin, avocado oil, and prickly pear seed oil keeps skin hydrated and helps prevent patchiness, while sugarcane offers gentle exfoliation for a uniform glow. After just a two-hour development and rinse, the result is a believable, beachy bronze—no eight-hour wait required. Even better: There’s none of that dreaded self-tanner stink, just a light, floral fragrance that makes application surprisingly pleasant.

Wohlner applying the Dolce Glow Express 2-Hour Self-Tanning Mousse

Lily WohlnerA photo of Allure commerce writer Lily showing her left untanned arm and her right tanned arm two hours after applying...

Wohlner before and after applying the Dolce Glow Express 2-Hour Self-Tanning Mousse

Lily WohlnerImage may contain Adult Person Face Head Photography Portrait Accessories Earring Jewelry Cosmetics and Lipstick

Wohlner before applying the Dolce Glow Express Self-Tanning Mousse

Image may contain Head Person Face Photography Portrait Adult Cosmetics Lipstick Body Part Neck and Skin

Wohlner after applying the Dolce Glow Express Self-Tanning Mousse, leaving it on for two hours, and rinsing it off

Tester feedback from Wohlner

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“Because the Dolce Glow Mousse has an eight-hour development time (woof!), I was so excited when I heard the brand was launching an express version that develops in just two hours. I did have my suspicions that it wouldn’t be able to deliver the same lit-from-within glow with less time to develop, but I’ve never been happier to be so wrong. Considering how well my dark (but natural-looking) tan has lasted the past five days without any stench, streaks, or patchy fading, this has officially become my go-to for my weekly tan—or, frankly, anytime I can’t spend hours marinating in self-tanner—since it only requires a minimum of two hours. It was a bit patchy on my hands, but I think that one’s on me for washing my hands a few times after application.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

Pros & cons

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Pros Cons
Color develops in just 2 hours Was a bit patchy on our tester’s hands
Contains exfoliating sugarcane
Color is deep and buildable
Hydrating ingredients reduce patchiness and streaking

More to know

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  • Type: mousse
  • Key ingredients: glycerin, avocado oil, prickly pear
  • Shades: 1
  • Development time: 2-3 hours
  • Fragrance: fresh and light
  • Lasts up to: 5 to 7 days

Best Gradual Self-Tanner: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

moisturizer in two branded taupe tubes on light gray background with red and white 2024 allure best of beauty sealSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Jergens

Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

$12

Amazon

$12

Walmart

Trakoshis applying the Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Angela Trakoshis

Why it's worth it: The Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is one of our favorite tanning lotions ever—and it has oodles of accolades (including multiple Allure Readers' Choice Awards) to prove it. Though this easy-to-blend cream has been around since the dawn of self-tanner time, it still delivers one of the most natural, hydrating glows on the market—and it costs less than half of many competitors. It imparts a believable bronze after a few uses and keeps skin moisturized, thanks to glycerin and vitamin E. Treat it like you would a regular lotion and use it daily for a light (never smelly) tan that lasts. It won’t develop into anything too dark—you’re left with a light, consistent glow that keeps those winter scaries away all season long.

Tester feedback from Trakoshis

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“To apply this tanner, I use my hands since it’s more of a lotion and work it into my body (and immediately wash my hands afterward, because the last thing I want is orange palms). Since this is a gradual self-tanner, it’s going to take days of application to see that tan some through—but once it does, trust the glow will have been worth the wait.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

Pros & Cons

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Pros Cons
Under $15 Not as dark or long-lasting as a mousse
Moisturizing formula Requires daily use for gradual color development
Color looks natural
Comes in two shades
Easy to blend

More to know

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  • Type: gradual lotion
  • Key ingredients: vitamin E, elastin, hydrating complex
  • Shades: 2
  • Development time: gradual build with daily use
  • Fragrance: light floral scent
  • Lasts up to: use daily for continuous results

Best Facial Self- Tanner: Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops in branded dropper component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Tan-Luxe

The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

$50

Amazon

$50

Revolve

$55

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: Our favorite part about Tan-Luxe’s The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops is how customizable they are. Just mix a few drops into your go-to face moisturizer in the morning or at night for an even glow, or apply it straight to your skin before moisturizing for a darker, more noticeable finish. The formula checks every box: nourishing ingredients like antioxidant-rich raspberry seed oil and vitamin E, two flexible shades, and a light, clean scent that won’t linger. It’s lightweight and blends in effortlessly, without any streaks or patches.

We love that the drops don’t leave a greasy or sticky feeling behind, so it’s totally undetectable when your face hits your pillow. The tan develops gradually, usually within a few hours, giving us a gorgeous glow without any orange undertones.

Trakoshis applying the Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Angela TrakoshisTrakoshis 9 hours after using the TanLuxe The Face Illuminating SelfTan Drops

Trakoshis 9 hours after using the Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Angela Trakoshis

Tester feedback from Trakoshis

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“This serum actually feels like skin care, so it’s so easy to implement into your routine. There are no streaks or weird orange payoff, so it looks like a believable tan, and its long-lasting wear is also impressive.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

Pros & cons

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Pros Cons
Mixes in easily with moisturizer Like most facial self- tanners, it doesn’t last as long as body tanners, due to constant face washing
Lightweight
Made with skin-loving ingredients
No sticky feeling left behind
No orange undertones

More to know

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  • Type: drops
  • Key ingredients: raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, vitamin E
  • Shades: 2
  • Development time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Fragrance: minimal, fresh scent
  • Lasts up to: 3 to 4 days

Best for Olive-Toned Skin: St. Tropez Self-Tan Supreme Violet

St. Tropez Self-Tan Supreme Violet in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

St. Tropez

Self-Tan Supreme Violet

$45

Amazon

$48

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: No orange hues here—we promise St. Tropez’s Self-Tan Supreme Violet steers clear. Purple tints in self-tanner (like this one has) can neutralize yellow tones in the skin that tend to come out during winter. This gives us some of the most realistic, olive-toned color we've ever seen from a bottle. The application is so smooth and easy: Use an application mitt to blend it in, and the formula glides on like silk, without streaks or patchiness. Plus, the tropical scent makes the process much more enjoyable. The color starts developing in just a few hours, and by the time it’s fully set, it’ll last for up to 10 days—and fade evenly, so you're not stuck with any uneven patches.

Trakoshis applying the St. Tropez Self-Tan Supreme Violet

Angela TrakoshisLeft arm is after applying the St. Tropez SelfTan Supreme Violet and right arm is before

Left arm is after applying the St. Tropez Self-Tan Supreme Violet and right arm is before

Angela Trakoshis

Pros & cons

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Pros Cons
Offers an olive-toned color Goes on super dark at first
Applies smoothly
Has a tropical scent
Color lasts for up to 10 days
Fades evenly

More to know

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  • Type: mousse
  • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, green tea extract
  • Shades: 1
  • Development time: 4 to 8 hours
  • Fragrance: subtle, tropical scent
  • Lasts up to: 10 days

Best Tanning Wipes: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self- Tanner for Body

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self- Tanner for Body in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self- Tanner for Body

$48

Amazon

$48

Nordstrom

More to know: Wish your tanning mitt came preloaded with self-tanner? Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self-Tanner for Body is as close as it gets. Each oversized towelette is saturated with just the right amount of formula, so all you have to do is swipe and go. No mitt, no mess, no rinse—just smooth it over your skin and let it develop. Color starts to show in under an hour, leaving behind a natural-looking bronze.

Just like the brand’s exfoliating pads, the formula also contains AHAs and BHAs to help refine texture as you tan, so skin looks smoother and more even. Want a deeper color? You can layer it on up to three times a week to maintain or intensify the glow. It’s smart, streamlined, and exactly what we reach for when we don’t have the patience for a mousse that requires hours of marination.

Tester feedback from Wohlner

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“When I’m feeling lazy pre-weekend, I veer right to this tanner. It swipes on in just a few minutes and it always looks even. It’s not too dark that people start to question if I’ve tanned, but it gives me such a nice glow—it’s more like I got a full eight hours of sleep rather than baked in the sun, but I love it for making me look fresh and alive. My only caveat is that I sometimes need two wipes to cover my full body, which feels excessive, but I’ll take it so I don’t have to whip out a messy mousse and mitt.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

Pros & cons

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Pros Cons
No mitt required Not as dark or long-lasting as a mousse
Moisturizes and exfoliates skin at the same time Required daily use for a gradual build
Looks natural You may need more than one wipe to cover your full body
Easy to apply
No rinse required

More to know

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  • Type: wipes
  • Key ingredients: AHA, BHA, vitamin E
  • Shades: 1
  • Development time: 1 hour
  • Fragrance: minimal, fresh scent
  • Lasts up to: 2 to 4 days

Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Mist

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Mist in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

L'Oréal

Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Mist

$13

Amazon

$12

Walmart

Why it’s worth it: Sophia Avanzato, founder of Main Line Spray Tan in Villanova, Pennsylvania, loves how user-friendly L’Oréal Paris’ Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Mist is (and the fact that it’s less than $15). It has a 360-degree wide-spray nozzle, which delivers an ultra-fine, weightless mist for an airbrushed finish. While a spray might seem messy, the brand recommends applying it in the shower to keep everything contained, for easy cleanup. There’s no need to blend or rub it in (no mitt required), and the quick-drying formula begins to develop in as little as two hours. The end result is a smooth, radiant tan that looks like you came from the coast—plus, you can customize it by applying a few layers for a richer bronze.

Pros & cons

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Pros Cons
Under $15 Not as long-lasting as a mousse
Airbrushed finish Recommended to use twice a week to maintain color
No mitt or blending required
Layers beautifully
Available in two shades

More to know

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  • Type: mousse
  • Key ingredients: castor oil
  • Shades: 2 (Medium Natural Tan, Deep Natural Tan)
  • Development time: up to 3 hours
  • Fragrance: fresh and light
  • Lasts up to: 4 days (apply it twice weekly for an even tan that stays)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best self-tanning tips?

Before you start, get all of your other beauty maintenance out of the way first. By which we mean: If you need to get a wax or a manicure, touch up your hair color, or shave your legs, do it before applying any tanner. "All of those treatments can remove self-tanner," says spray tanner Anna Stankiewicz of Louise O'Connor Salon in New York City. Once that’s done, it’s time to prep. Self-tanner sinks into dry skin, leaving dark patches behind that look unnatural. Slough away flakes with a good body scrub—focusing on rough spots like the knees, elbows, ankles, and heels—or a cleanser with glycolic or salicylic acids to remove dead, dull skin, Stankiewicz says.

Next, choose your product and start your application. "It's always easier to start with the legs and work your way up, and finish with your hands," says self-tanning expert and St. Tropez brand ambassador Sophie Evans. She recommends tanning the lower leg first, from the ankle up, skimming over the knee. Then, she recommends targeting the feet with any excess product from your initial application.

Is self-tanner bad for you?

The short answer: It’s complicated. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar-based compound and the active ingredient in most self-tanners, is considered safe for topical use. However, according to a study done by ABC News, there are some concerns if you inhale or ingest DHA during spray sessions or by using spray tanner products, as DHA was approved by the FDA for external use only. A more recent review of the current research published in 2024 concluded that DHA is unlikely to be harmful in the quantities found in these products, although it might be irritating to folks with sensitive skin.

Overall, self-tanners are much better for you than UV tanning. If you want to play it safe, just take extra precautions, especially with spray-on products—namely, spray it on a mitt before applying, and you’re good to go.

What should you look for in the best self-tanners?

Look for DHA, which reacts with the amino acids on the top layer of the skin to provide a gradual color. The problem? It can be challenging to stabilize, hence the dreaded tangerine tint, cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller told Allure.

Luckily, self-tanners have come a long way, and many of today's options leave behind natural-looking tans that are almost indistinguishable from the real deal. Common ingredients found in mousse, lotions, and spray tans are erythrulose, another sugar that stabilizes DHA, moisturizing emollients for a smooth and streak-free glide, and different forms of encapsulation technology to enhance the product's finish and neutralize DHA's usually pungent smell.

How long does self-tanner last?

Here's the thing: Every self-tanner's longevity depends on its formula and pigment intensity. A subtle, faux glow can wash down the drain in a matter of days, while a dramatic bronze may last for up to two weeks. Evans told Allure that faux tan products typically last between five to 10 days. "Your skin will naturally shed over five to 10 days, and no self-tan will last longer than ten days," she said. Proper prep is important, too (check out our tips above for that). You’ll also want to make sure to wash with a gentle cleanser after you tan, make sure your skin is always moisturized, and avoid using products with intense actives like retinol and acne treatments, which can dissolve the color on your face or body.

How do you achieve a streak-free tan with self-tanners?

One of the golden rules of self-tanning starts with your skin-care routine, so exfoliate with the right products beforehand. Just be sure to remove any residue before proceeding, so you can start with a clean, dry, and product-free slate that'll maximize your results. This is a crucial step because oils "could interfere with the binding of DHA to the stratum corneum" (the outer layer of your skin), according to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, leading to uneven development. While your skin should be mostly dry, spot-moisturize as needed for areas around your nostrils, knees, elbows, and ankles to keep them from turning dark or orange, Stankiewicz previously recommended.

If you're new to applying self-tanner, experts suggest testing a lighter-toned formula first to minimize the look of potential mistakes, patches, and streaks. "Once you get used to a classic shade and wish to go darker, you will have the confidence to use the darkest formula," Evans told Allure.

Post-application, err on the safe side when it comes to drying time. "If the directions say five minutes, wait 10," Stankiewicz said. For extra protection, you can also brush a talc-free powder all over, which "stops the tanner from transferring to your clothes," she adds. Finally, avoid showering or sweating for six to eight hours.

Can you put self-tanner on your face?

If it’s formulated for your face, yes—otherwise, steer clear. While self-tanners for your body and self-tanners for your face have overlapping ingredients, David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, suggests separate products for separate parts of your body. "I would not use body self-tanner on the face," he told Allure. "It's much more comedogenic and oily and can often break you out."

How do you remove self-tanner?

If you've made an error mid-application or are ready to remove the tanner before it fades on its own, there are a few things you can do. "After the color has fully developed and your first shower has taken place, mistakes can be removed and fixed in lots of ways depending on the severity of the mistake," Evans explained. She advises using an exfoliating mitt on wet skin to lift unwanted color when dealing with patches and streaks. You can also use a baby wipe to dab away excess or misplaced product as you're self-tanning.

How do you get self-tanner off of your hands?

You can remove product from your hands the same way you would remove it from other parts of your body. Still, the best way to prevent temporary staining is to wash your hands immediately after using self-tanner.

Meet the experts

  • Anna Stankiewicz, a spray tanner at Louise O'Connor Salon in New York City
  • David Kim, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group
  • Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
  • Sophie Evans, a self-tanning expert and St. Tropez brand ambassador
  • Sophia Avanzato, the founder of Main Line Spray Tan in Villanova, Pennsylvania

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but self-tanners are another story. While some can be used across different skin tones, textures, and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing self-tanning products, we also take into account testers' experience levels. For instance, an innovative new formula may provide the perfect bronzed glow, but if there's a streaky learning curve for self-tan beginners, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.

For our review of the best self-tanners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts we've interviewed for the piece—who all have different skin tones, concerns, types, and desired outcomes (i.e., subtle versus dramatic). Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ease of use, and value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

About our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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