It’s that time of year again, the time when you want to look like a bronzed goddess. Unfortunately, not all of us have that natural tanning gene, and we could use a little boost. Sunless Tanner is the best way to get that summer glow without dealing with burnt, peeling skin.
If you’ve got a pale complexion, need some color before going out on vaycay, or don’t have time to tan- there’s an easy solution. Sunless tanner comes is subtle creams, lotions, and handy sprays so that you can get the perfect level of glow without leaving the house. Check out the top lotions and sprays, to find out which type of sunless tanner is best for your tan goals!
Best Sunless Tanner Lotions
Sunless tanning lotion will give you a subtle glow, that builds up with each use. We recommend using a tanning mitt to spread out the lotion. Although most of them begin subtly, they can still stain your palms- so cover your hands while using these! Now onto the best of the sunless tanner lotions!
#1 – St. Tropez Self Tan Starter Kit
The full-service kit includes everything you need to look beautifully tan all season. It includes the cult favorite St. Tropez tanning mousse (like a thicker lotion) as well as two tan-extending moisturizers, and an application mitt. We love this kit because it is a great deal for a high-end brand that includes what you’ll need all summer! If you want a light glow simply leave it on for an hour before rinsing, or leave it on for 3 hours for a dark dreamy glow!
#2 – Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer
This was one of the first sunless tanner moisturizers on the scene years ago, and it’s still one of the best. If you want a subtle glow that you can build up over time, this is a great choice. It smells nice, works well on your face and body, plus has a bonus feature! Yes, that’s right, this lotion actually helps firm your skin while adding a nice glow. This stuff works miracles on the thigh area where we’d all like a little color + firming!
#3 – Fake Bake FBFCS Flawless Coconut Tanning Serum for Face & Body
Remember that fake gorgeous glow made popular by the Jersey Shore? This coconut-scented tanning serum delivers an instant all-over bronze glow without the hours in the tanning bed. The natural-looking tan should last you about 5-7 days, but you can reapply to keep it up all summer. Their formula uses aloe vera and vegetable-derived emollients that are super hydrating and smell great!
#4 – Olay Total Effects Moisturizer Plus Touch Of Sun
This sunless tanner from Olay is meant to be a facial moisturizer that gives your skin a nice glow. It’s very light in color and helps fight signs of aging on your face. Yep- you can get glowing skin and reduce your wrinkles all in one product. This one isn’t meant to be used on your body, though you can use it on your face and neck. This one is best suited for those who want a really subtle addition of color that looks really natural!
#5 – Hempz Touch of Summer Daily Moisturizer
The HEMPZ brand is hands down the best-smelling sunless tanner around. It’s made with 100% Pure Organic Hemp Seed Oil and has a lovely berry breeze scent. This is a gradually sunless tanner that will give you a healthy glow in about 2-3 uses and lasts a few showers. You can keep using it all summer for hydrated, glowing skin that smells amazing!
#6 – Mario Badescu Oil-Free Self Tanning Lotion
Breakout beauty brand Mario Badescu stepped on the scene with their unique self-tanner that is quickly becoming a fave. This one is great for people with fair skin, as it is very subtle without an orangey look. Your tan will start to appear within a few hours of application, and last for days on end. It’s also oil-free, making it a great choice for those with oily skin, or who want to keep their complexion clear for the summer!
Best Sunless Tanner Spray
Sometimes you don’t have a few days to spend with a tanning lotion, and you need a bright tan ASAP. That’s where sunless tanning sprays come in—they deliver targeted color where you need it. And fast! Check out the best of the best in the spray self-tanner category!
#1 – Banana Boat Self-Tanning Spray
Our go-to sunscreen brand also has your back for sunless tanning spray! This spray from Banana Boat will give you a beautiful deep glowing tan that lasts about 7 days. It has an amazing citrus scent and is oil-free. The bottle sprays really well- even upside down for those hard-to-reach places. It’s a great choice when you need an easy tan in a flash!
#2 – St. Tropez Pro Light Spray Tan
If you want your spray tan to come out like the pros do it, look no further than this sunless tanner professional kit from St. Tropez. It’s got a professional-grade airbrush to deliver a perfect streak-free finish, and it’s so nice you may want to do them for friends! That spray smells amazing, and it will last you over 10 sessions, so way less expensive than the spray tans from a salon.
#3 – Hempz So Bronze Sunless Airbrush Tanning Spray
This sunless tanner spray by HEMPZ will instantly create a flawless, radiant, golden glow while! Your tan will develop in about 2-4 hours, and should last you about a week! The mist is super fine, covers evenly, and best of all, it dries in under 5 minutes. This tanning spray won’t stain your clothes, and it’s got a super sweet peach scent that is perfect for summer!
#4 – California Tan Instant Sunless Spray
This sunless tanning spray from California tan develops into a deep bronze that’ll make you look like you’ve been out on the LA coast. The spray bottle works like a spray sunscreen and your tan develops within a few hours. It’s a shower and set-proof, so when it dries after a few minutes you are good to go! It lasts between 5-7 days, and has a nice clean smell- not as fruity as others but still pleasant!
#5 – Golden Star Beauty Self Tanner Sunless Tanning Spray
This sunless tanning spray is made with organic ingredients that hydrate skin while giving it a perfect glowing tan. It’s cruelty-free, and free of parabens and dyes, giving you a smooth and beautiful bronze look. This formula is made in the U.S., and it is very lightweight so it dries fast. It’s colorless when it goes on, but after about 5 minutes it will dry, and your lovely tan will start to appear. It doesn’t have much of a scent, so it’s good for those with sensitive skin.
So whether you want to develop a gradual glow, or need to be bronzed ASAP, you’ve got a ton of options with a sunless tanner lotion or spray! Happy tanning!