The 12 Best Self-Tanners of 2024
Using a self tanner is one of the easiest ways to achieve glowy, bronzed skin without sacrificing yourself to the damaging effects of UV rays. Top-performing formulas provide natural-looking results with an application that is so streamlined and effortless that even the most novice tanner can get streak-free results.
To find the best self tanners, we researched and tested lotions, sprays, foams, and more, while considering formulation, shade range, development time, product size, and, of course, how good the resulting tan looked. We also spoke with Elizabeth Grace Hand, esthetician and founder of Ställe Studios in New York City, and Courtney Rubin, MD, MBE, FAAD, chief medical officer at Fig.1, for their expertise and real-life results with self tanners. Our best-in-class recommendations will have everyone asking how good your beach vacation was.
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The tan offers a natural appearance once developed, and we think it’d be great for many skin tones and shades.
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The formula dries quickly, so you need to move a bit faster than usual when applying.
The St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzer Mousse is our favorite tanner, thanks to its simple pump-style dispenser, streak-free formula, and longevity. While it is one of the higher-priced formulas on our list, it’s worth it—the product went on easily even though we didn’t have the brand’s signature mitt on, and we really liked the natural-looking, not-at-all-orange color it gave us. That said, we would definitely recommend using the mitt, because it’s a pretty quick-drying formula and without one, there’s more of a risk for an uneven coat.
When blending the formula on the skin, we could tell where we had yet to apply it, making it a great option for beginner and novice tanners. We like the immediate bronzing effect and the fact that it was comfortable to wear throughout the day so we weren’t limited in what we could do while waiting for it to develop. It wasn’t sticky, and it didn’t transfer to any of our clothes or bedding (just wait 60 seconds before getting dressed). There was no off-putting “self-tanner” smell, either. In all, it’s an awesome fake tan that takes four to eight hours to develop and can last up to 10 days.
Type: Mousse | Shades: Classic | Development Time: 4–8 Hours | Size: 1.7, 4, or 8 ounces
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![A person putting the St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse on the back of their arm]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Eric Brockob
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![A person taking the lid off the St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Eric Brockob
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