15 best fake tan formulas of all time, tried & tested
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What makes the best fake tan, according to GLAMOUR editors, depends on a handful of factors. You don't need to be a self-tan veteran to know that formulas with orange-y undertones and that dubious biscuit-like smell are an absolute no-no. But what else should you look for to find the perfect fake tan that'll give you that “just-back-from-Bali” sun-kissed glow?
First of all, you need to decide on the right self-tan formulation, and the good news is that there are plenty of innovative skin-loving iterations to choose from. From silky body lotions and fluffy mousses to convenient mists, it's all down to your personal preference (and experience).
If you're a first-time user, we'd suggest going for either a gradual tan formula that develops over time or a commitment-free instant tanning formula that you can easily wash away (should things go south). On the other hand, more seasoned tanning enthusiasts may want to opt for the old-school mousses or transparent mists for effortless application.
Next, you need to think about your preferred developing time. For times when you need to be out the door as soon as possible (can relate), you can rely on the speedier formulas that will develop in just under two hours – our go-to is the Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam. As for the gradual or overnight options, these could be a better fit if you're in no particular rush.
Skip to: What's the best way to apply a fake tan? | Our full reviews.
Best fake tan formulas 2024 at a glance:
- Best overall: Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
- Best colour-correcting mousse: Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam
- Best for beginners: Tan-Luxe x Paris Hilton The Future Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist
- Best for natural results: St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse
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To help you decide, we've curated the ultimate edit of all the best fake tan formulas out there whilst relying on our first-hand reviews and our beauty expertise. This roundup includes something for every budget, taste and preference – true fake tan connoisseurs will appreciate the OGs in the tanning game such as Bondi Sands and Coco & Eve (IYKYK).
So, whether you're in the mood for a deep golden tan or a subtle whisper of warmth, there are options and lessons for all. Scroll down to see the best fake tanning products that have been tried, tested and given the seal of approval from team GLAMOUR.
Meet the experts:
- Claire Lambert, resident tanning expert for Skinny Tan.
- Nicola Matthews, founder of Sienna X.
- Emily Lansley, celebrity tanning expert.
What's the best way to apply a fake tan? And how long does a fake tan last?
“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.” She also recommends exfoliating your skin a day prior in order to ensure an even application. According to Emily, a fake tan should only last up to 7 to 10 days due to the skin’s natural turnover of skin cells.
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's also lots of TikTok-approved genius tanning hacks: from rom faux tan freckles to the fake tan contour and (our personal favourite) this hilarious fake tan back applicator hack.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Meet GLAMOUR's edit of the best fake tan formulas for every preference…
Best fake tan overall
Why we love it: Available in three shades – medium, dark and ultra dark – you can tailor the colour to you. The green-grey base colour may sound scary, but in practice it counteracts orange tones to keep things positively golden. It's vegan and packed with natural ingredients like banana, cocoa, papaya, mango, orange and lotus flower.
- Pros: Zero notes of biscuit smell, vegan, develops in just under two hours-time.
- Cons: Takes a little long to dry.
Best colour-correcting tanning mousse
Why we love it: Ever heard of a self-tan mousse that is tailored to your exact skin tone? Enter: the Bondi Sands Technocolor range, which is infused with innovative colour guides that will not only colour correct but also counteract any orange tones in just one hour. From cool, warm to neutral undertones, this innovative formula is a must. Plus, its hydrating ingredients 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.
- Cons: Leaves slight residue on clothes or sheets.
Review: “I'm always down to try an innovative beauty product, and having tested this tanning mousse from Bondi Sands for a few weeks now, I can confidently say that this formula has become my new go-to. It compliments my skin done beautifully, leaves no patches or streaks and develops super quickly too (which is a must for when I'm in a rush),” Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager.
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Best fake tan for beginners
Why we love it: When we first got word that Tan Luxe was collaborating with none other than Paris Hilton, we knew that the launch won't fail to impress – and boy, did we get it right. This fake tan comes in the form of a clear water mist and offers a customisable tan based on your skin tone and preferences – leave it on for an hour for a natural glow or keep it on for 2-3 hours for a deeper bronze, it's completely up to you. Plus, the unique peptide blend will also help visibly smooth the skin and ensure patch-free results.
- Pros: Comes with a mitt, offers customisable results, hydrating feel.
- Cons: The less visible formula makes it trickier to identify the areas where you've already applied the product.
Review: “I've been on the hunt for a hydrating fake tan that leaves me with natural results for ages, and this newest launch from Tan Luxe is one of my recent obsessions. I love how quickly it develops and the fact that you can easily customise the desired pigment. Plus, the fact that it comes in form of a nearly invisible mist makes it so much easier to go about my day without worrying that I look to grey or orange while the tan develops," Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director.
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Best fake tan for natural results
Why we love it: On the lookout for a fast-absorbing self-tan that's easy to apply? Say no more. This vegan formula features a water-to-foam consistency, which eliminates the sticky feel and the possibility of stained clothes and bedsheets. 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, vegan, doesn't leave marks on clothes.
- Cons: Takes longer to develop (around 4-8 hours in total).
Review: “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 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,” Georgia Trodd, GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Writer.
Best face-tanning drops
Why we love it: What if your favourite hydrating face serum had a baby with tanning drops? Enter: the Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops. With this formula, you can easily customise the finished result by applying between 1 to 12 drops either directly on your face or mixed in your skincare products. Featuring 3 shades to choose from (Peach, Gren or Violet, depending on your undertone), these tanning drops offer a radiant, sun-kissed glow and a hydrating feel. And did we mention that it's also 100% vegan and cruelty-free?
- Pros: Easy to apply, feels hydrating on the skin.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Review: “I fell in love with these tanning drops immediately after applying. Not only did it give me that ‘lit-from-within’ glow, but this formula also left my skin hydrated and plump – all the while delivering a natural tan overnight. My favourite part? None of that usual ‘fake tan smell’ or a muddy finish, which is what you would usually get when applying an ordinary body self tanner on the face,” Neamh Randall, Commerce Photo Editor.
1/12Best affordable fake tan
St. Moriz Advanced Medium Colour Correcting Tanning Mousse
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.
- Pros: Affordable price, non-streaky application, long-lasting result.
- Cons: It clings to dry patches a little bit, so make sure you've exfoliated before (and moisturise for the duration of wear).
GLAMOUR-approved: “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,” Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
2/12Best fake tan for streak-free results:
St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse
Why we love it: This mousse formula bestows a natural looking even tan in one hour, 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 and fades evenly, too.
- Cons: Absorbs quickly, so make sure to be fast when it comes to blending it out.
Review: “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,” Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
3/12Best long-lasting fake tan
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Ultra Dark
Why we love it: Want to give yourself the long-lasting sun-kissed glow you deserve? This self-tanning foam can be left on your skin for up to 6 hours for a darker and richer tan. 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: One of the best lasting results we've seen.
- Cons: It can be tricky to remove, but soaking in a bath before scrubbing can help get it off faster.
Review: “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 at all, 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,” Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
4/12Best instant fake tan for those who are scared to commit
Skinny Tan 1 Day Instant Tanner
Why we love it: Skinny Tan's instant tan bronzer is quick to dry and smudge-proof, meaning your clothes will be spared the unwanted product stains. The self-tanner has a pleasant fragrance and provides perfect coverage too, and the fact that you get immediate results minus the commitment definitely scores a few extra points in our book.
- Pros: Affordable, perfect for beginners, delivers a seamless blend, doesn't have an overwhelming scent.
- Cons: Ideally you'd need a high-density blending body brush to ensure an even result.
Review: “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,” Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
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5/12Best fake tan mist
Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Quick Drying Medium Self Tan Body Mist
Why we love it: Not a fan of lotions and foams? This tanning mist is a great alternative for those who are new to the self tanning products. This Garnier self tan mist has a plant-based formula and is incredibly easy to use too – just spray it on your body like you would with a mist and dab any excess off with a mitt and you're all sorted.
- Pros: Non-sticky, ideal for spraying hard-to-reach areas such as back and legs.
- Cons: Harder to achieve an even coating than with mousses or foams.
6/12Best fake tan without the biscuit-y smell
Why we love it: Lightweight? Hydrating? Easy to apply? Yes, yes aaand yes. Enriched with coconut oil and coffee seed extract, this fake tan mousse offers an even tan without the unpleasant biscuit-y fragrance that is typically associated with products like this. Whether you're after a natural-looking glow or if you're in need of a deeper tan, this tanning mouse is the way to go.
- Pros: Practically weightless and is quick to dry.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than your average fake tan.
7/12Best fake tan for streak-free application
Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze Super Formula No-Streak Self-Tanning Mousse
Why we love it: This tanning mousse is genuinely like sunshine in a bottle. Promising no streaks upon application, it's also expertly formulated to keep your skin nice and moisturised, thanks to a host of all the skincare-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Plus, if you're a Beauty Pie member, you'll also be saving £ whenever you are in need of a top-up. A win-win.
- Pros: Provides a streak-free, natural-looking finish.
- Cons: Can feel stickier than other options.
8/12Best overnight fake tan for face
Self Glow by James Read Dusk to Dawn Facial Overnight Tan
Why we love it: After a quality facial tanning product that also doubles as a hydrating serum? Say less. This innovative iteration from James Read features plant-based dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and delivers a natural-looking glow without leaving marks on your pillow. Not to mention, it's multi-molecular blend of skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid will hydrate your skin that much further. Use it on its own or mix in with your go-to moisturiser.
- Pros: Easy to apply, doesn't leave marks on the pillows, delivers a natural glow.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
9/12Best gradual tanning lotion
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Cream
Why we love it: There aren't many gradual fake tan formulas that can beat this iteration from Gatineau. Its fast-absorbing, hydrating and glow-giving formula is one of the easiest to apply – even for the most novice of fake tan users. The best part? It also features a stunning fragrance, courtesy of alluring notes including the likes of pear, mandarin, sandalwood and musk (non of that biscuit smell either).
- Pros: Hydrating, fast-absorbing, gradual formula.
- Cons: Doesn't give instant results.
10/12Best tanning water
Why we love it: This vegan and cruelty-free tanning water helps deliver an effortless and a natural-looking tan. Thanks to its transparent and weightless formula, it's also perfectly suitable for face as it is for the rest of your body – eliminating the possibility of stains or unwanted patches. It also features a convenient spray nozzle to ensure a seamless, streak-free look.
- Pros: Stain-proof, vegan, weightless.
- Cons: Non-visible coverage.
Are fake tan products safe to use?
“Self-tanners are a totally safe way to achieve a natural looking sunless glow,” shares Claire Lambert, resident tanning expert for Skinny Tan. “Fake tanning is a safe alternative to using sun beds or sunbathing, which always has the risk of sunburn, skin cancer and premature ageing.”
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.”
What should I look out for when shopping for a fake tan product?
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.
Love a golden glow but looking for something different? Shop the best gradual tans, best tan for pale skin, bronzers and fake tans for your face, as well as the best moisturizers, best sunscreens and best face SPFs.
