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The Summer Solstice is my Super Bowl. I was born in the summer and my name is literally “sun”. When the weather warms up, I defrost. I love outdoor dining, summer clothing, and the smell of coconut and vanilla (my signature summer scent). As a black woman, I grew up being inundated with beauty standards that valued lighter skin and told me to stay out of the sun. But for years, I would expose my skin to the sun in pursuit of summer shade. I always feel most myself after a sun-soaked day.
Cut to ten years later, and I’ve repaid my dedication with countless bottles of sunscreen and stacks of protective clothing. While I still enjoy a moderate amount of sun exposure (my serotonin depends on it), I make sure to apply and reapply sunscreen avidly. If I don’t wear a hat, you’ll never see me out.
Featured image taken from our interview with Remi Ishizuka.
Everything you want to know about tanning
Turns out, finding the best self-tanner is the solution to my sun obsession. Fortunately, the past few years have transformed the tanning industry into a certified skincare category. From skin-first formulas to BIPOC-led brands for darker skin tones, sunless tanners are no longer a guaranteed way to look orange on vacation. Instead, here’s our secret to maintaining glowing skin year-round. That’s why we dug deep to discover the best self-tanners.
How to choose the best tanning agent
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been burned (perhaps literally) by a tanner. Thankfully, gemstones abound these days. To find the best self-tanner, we went to the experts. Ahead, Sabrina Johnson, spray tan stylist and founder of Everything Made For You, and Nichelle Temple, celebrity esthetician and founder of Inderma Studio, explain everything you need to know about buying and using the best self-tanning products. Let us become shining.
Benefits of using self-tanner
Self-tanners combine the best of both worlds: glowing, natural-looking color without compromising the health of your skin. Self-tanners can hide keratosis pilaris and hyperpigmentation like nothing else on your body.
“Self-tanning and spray tanning are not only great alternatives to the sun, but they’re also safer,” says Johnson. “You can achieve a natural-looking glow without the sun damage caused by UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer, premature aging and hyperpigmentation.”
“If you love a sun-kissed, bronzed glow, this is the best solution,” adds Temple, who notes significant formula improvements and innovations over the past few years. “Fortunately, self-tanners have come a long way in terms of application, fragrance and longevity.”
The Myth of “Safe Tanning”
Any color is a sign of damaged skin – I know it’s frustrating. Especially if you forego sunscreen or use a lower SPF to darken your skin tone. Temple warns against doing this, even while tanning. She encourages looking out for the following top summer skin care mistakes:
- Not applying sunscreen regularly
- Forget to apply sunscreen to sensitive areas such as ears, lips, back of neck, insteps, and backs of hands
- Skip reapplying sunscreen
- Not applying enough sunscreen
Some people also apply self-tanner and then forget about extra sun protection. Don’t make this mistake. “Self-tanning does not provide any sun protection, so it’s still important to protect your skin with sunscreen, even if you look like you’re in a ‘basic tan.'”
Self-tanning vs. salon tanning
As a spray tan stylist, Johnson is an expert at giving clients the perfect glow in the salon. However, she points out that you can achieve a similar look at home.
“Self-tanners are considered a DIY application. You can apply them at home using a variety of products such as lotions, mousses, and serums. Self-tanners are generally less expensive, but results may vary depending on the product, and for beginners It may take some trial and error.
To get a salon-like glow at home, be sure to choose a self-tanner that’s right for your skin type, skin tone, and desired shade.
Unpacking self-tanning ingredients
According to Temple, start by looking for natural sources of dihydroxyacetone. “This is the most popular ingredient. Some additional ingredients are plant-based formulas containing aloe vera, glycerin or jojoba moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin moisturized.
Johnson agreed. Invest in a tanning product that hydrates and leaves your skin glowing. Johnson also recommends using antioxidants to give your skin a natural glow.
Look for the following ingredients in your self-tanner:
- hyaluronic acid
- glycerin
- aloe vera
- Vitamins A, C and E
- Antioxidants: (nicotinamide, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, ferulic acid, copper, zinc, selenium)
To keep your skin glowing, avoid anything that dries out your skin and unprepares your skin. “Avoid using harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates for self-tanning,” advises Johnson. The alcohol contained in many quick-drying formulas can also be harmful, but it can exacerbate dryness. and dehydration.
How to make your tan last longer
“For the longest-lasting, most natural-looking tan, make sure you’ve exfoliated and moisturized before applying,” advises Temple. You should prioritize areas like your elbows and knees, he explains.
Johnson also recommends a comprehensive skin prep and tanning routine:
“The biggest mistake you can make when using a tanning product is not preparing your skin. Skipping exfoliation may result in uneven application and patchiness. Avoid using chemical exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, and retinols before and after tanning. Because they will make your tan fade faster.
Remember: less is more when it comes to applying products. As Johnson points out, you can always add another layer, but you can’t stop the process once applied. “When you first shower, use only warm water, no soap, and be sure to wash off all the bronzer, otherwise it may leave streaks.”
Finally, hydration is key. Drink water and moisturize every day to maintain an even tan for as long as possible.
The best self-tanners tested and reviewed
Today, you can find the right tanning product for you without risking a tan. “Each product has different benefits, so consider your skin type, desired results, and any skin sensitivities when choosing a self-tanner,” says Johnson.
If you’re on the tanning aisle or switching between product types, consider this your definitive guide to the best tanning products.
Smells great and doesn’t streak at all. This is the first anti-aging, anti-cellulite self-tanner. The list of benefits is long—there are over 6,000 reviews to prove it.
- Main ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, glycerin, castor oil, coconut oil, amino acids, antioxidants
- Tanning time: 2 hours
- Shower test: Rinse after at least 2 hours (use overnight for a deeper tan)
- How long does it last: 10 days
- Other notes: Contains anti-aging and anti-cellulite ingredients
Get the perfect glow with 20 facial tanning pads. We love that these pads not only give you the color you want, but also provide a skin-supporting dose of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to deeply exfoliate and remove dead skin cells.
- Main ingredients: Capsules Dihydroxyacetone, Alpha Beta Acid, Vitamin D
- Tanning time: 1 hour (continues to grow with daily use)
- Shower test: Wash off after 6-8 hours
- How long does it last: 4-5 days. Apply 2-3 times per week to maintain results.
- Other notes: Exfoliates while tanning, has anti-aging benefits
It turns out you don’t have to spend money to get the tan you want. A quick Target run and you’ll get the lightweight, natural bronzer you need for summer. This self-tanner dries quickly and has a wonderful tropical scent you’re sure to love.
- Main ingredients: Glycerin, dihydroxyacetone
- Tanning time: Instant (60 seconds)
- Shower test: Wait 4-5 hours before showering.
- How long does it last: 1-2 weeks.
- Other notes: Buildable. Use the next day for deeper color.
Perfect for beginners, this nourishing formula builds up to a sun-kissed yet still subtle glow. We love the blend of nourishing and hydrating ingredients like vitamin E and shea butter for glowing skin from within.
- Main ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, oat oil, raspberry seed oil, cocoa butter, shea butter
- Tanning time: Step-by-step (2-4 hours)
- Shower test: Shower after 4-6 hours.
- How long does it last: 1-2 weeks
- Other notes: Contains Cellutone Complex to firm skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
When you’re out and about for a few minutes and need something to complete your look, Paradise Island has you covered. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin C deeply hydrate skin for 24 hours.
- Main ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, caramel, glycerin, castor oil, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, ascorbic acid,
- Tanning time: 30 minutes (deepest tan in 3 hours)
- Shower test: Wash off after 30 minutes
- How long does it last: 7 days
- Other notes: Leave on longer for a deeper tan
Best self-tanner for darker skin tones: Bondi Sands Pure Self Tan Foaming Water Dark
- Main ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Tanning time: 6 hours (For the deepest tan, reapply 30 minutes after first application.)
- Shower test: No need to rinse. Color develops within 24 hours after application.
- How long does it last: 5-7 days
We all want a healthy, radiant glow, but sometimes, tanning products are just too much. Saltyface delivers the exact glow you want, with natural appeal and a lightweight, watery finish.
- Main ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, erythritol, glycerin, aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber, marshmallow root, calendula
- Tanning time: Step by step, continuous development within 24 hours
- Shower test: Use after showering. For a more subtle effect, wash off 30-60 minutes after application.
- How long does it last: 2-3 days. Use 1-2 times per week to maintain tan.
- Other notes: Made specifically for your face shape
These daily bronzing drops instantly brighten and give your complexion a more bronzed look. Apply directly to face or mix with moisturizer to deepen and maintain your tan. Perfect for keeping your complexion glowing while on vacation.
- Main ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, ceramide, vitamin C
- Tanning time: immediate
- Shower test: wash off in shower
- How long does it last: 24 hours. Requires daily application.
