13 best fake tan formulas of all time, tried & tested
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Our criteria for finding the best fake tan formula is simple: no orange-y undertones or streaky finish, none of that dubious biscuit-like smell and, most importantly, a gorgeous sun-kissed glow that will have us looking as though we just stepped out of a plane from Bali (minus the sunburns, of course).
Thankfully, today's self-tans are nothing like those patchy formulas of the past. Instead, we're met with innovative skin-loving iterations in form of silky body lotions, fluffy mousses, as well as convenient mists – and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Whether you want a speedy tan that develops in under two hours or if you're after a more gradual result, there's a whole plethora of options to choose from. 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.
For fake tan veterans and newbies alike, this roundup includes something for every budget, taste and preference. Those who are a tad intimidated by self tanners will be glad to discover the commitment-free instant tanners that you can easily wash away, should things go south. Meanwhile, true fake tan connoisseurs will appreciate the OGs in the tanning game such as Bondi Sands and Coco & Eve.
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 team GLAMOUR.
Are fake tan products safe to use? | What's the best way to apply a fake tan? | What should I look out for when shopping for a fake tan product?
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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Best Amazon Prime Day fake tan deals:
- Tan Luxe THE FACE Self Tan Drops, Medium (30 ml), WAS £36 NOW £21.59
- St.Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse, WAS £33 NOW £12.22
- Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, WAS £26 NOW £18.20
- Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Foam, WAS £18.99 NOW £8.75
- Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self Tan Body Mist, WAS £12.50 NOW £5.94
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.
Review: “I consider myself a fake tan veteran, and yet, no matter how many formulas I try, I always find my way to the good ol' Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam. This tanning mousse smells like a Caribbean holiday (none of that pesky biscuit-like scent), applies evenly and lasts for far longer than some of the other formulas that I've tried previously. That said, I'm not too thrilled about the stains on my clothes or sheets, which is probably because it takes a little longer to dry, so make sure to take that into account before you make your plans,” Ali Pantony, GLAMOUR's Website Director.
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 infisued 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.
Enjoy savings when shopping for fake tan using these LookFantastic discount codes.
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 staines clothes. 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.