Best Self Tanners for Summer 2021

With so many fake tan options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you’re brand new to self tanning or are a seasoned expert who loves to bronze all year round, the SkinStore Beauty Editor Team have put together our favorite self tanners for Summer 2021.

Why should you use a Self Tanner?

As we discovered in our exclusive SkinStore Suncare Survey, sunbathing and its well-published risks are a real issue for women across America. Not only does long term sun exposure cause fine lines, wrinkles and dehydrated skin, but the correlating between sunbathing and skin cancer is real. When we asked you, 51% of SkinStore customers were worried about developing premature aging and 48% were concerned about developing skin cancer. As skincare specialists La Roche-Posay told us,

The American Academy of Dermatology cites that experiencing five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15-20 increases one’s melanoma risk by 80% and non-melanoma skin cancer risk by 68%.

So, not only does using a self tanner give you a glow in a fraction of the time it would take for you to achieve one from laying out in the sun, it is totally safe and risk-free. In fact, self tanners also often contain added skincare benefits, such as helping to moisturize and hydrate the skin all day long.

And remember – if you do choose to expose yourself to the sun, please always use face and body SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

We have selected some of our favorite SPF products are below.

How do you use a Self Tanner?

Although all self tanners are slightly different and you should always read the instructions before applying, the majority of fake tans are usually applied in a similar way. Over the years, the SkinStore Beauty Editor Team has experimented with many different self tans and our steps for the best use of a self tanner are below:

Shower and exfoliate your body from top to toe before application – you want a smooth canvas to avoid streaky coverage
After showing, apply a plain moisturizer to your knees, elbows and in between your fingers – this will prevent any nasty orange patches around these dry and delicate areas
Always use a tanning mitt or glove to apply product – this will help you evenly distribute the tan around your body and prevent orange hands!
Use circular motions to apply – gently and evenly use circles to massage the product into your body
Ask a friend to help you – you don’t want any pale patches left on hard to reach places like the back of your shoulders
Exfoliate your hands after application – this will stop any tan stains from building up on your hands, which would be a dead giveaway that your glow is faux!
Use a tan accelerator or extender to maintain your tan – these specialist products will help extend your bronzed body for as long as possible

Products to help you apply your self tan:

Beauty Editor’s Best Self Tanners for Summer 2021

Here on the SkinStore Beauty Editor Team, we’ve tried and tested many different brands, formulas and finishes of self tanners. Based on our experiences, we’ve put together our top fake tans for Summer 2021…

Buy now with Skinstore US

Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion 200ml

A superbly hydrating lotion that applies clear like a moisturizer and then develops to a beautiful sunkissed glow that can be deepened with daily use.

Gentle enough for dry and sensitive skin types, and creates a natural-looking tan that fades after four to seven days.

Certified organic botanicals and a moisture locking system nourish the skin and give 72-hour hydration while Odor Remove™ technology ensures no smell whatsoever.

Buy now with free delivery
Buy now with Skinstore US

St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Golden Glow - Medium

St. Tropez presents the Gradual Tan In Shower Golden Glow; an innovative, medium shade self-tan delivering a darker, golden glow than the original. Incredibly fast and easy to apply, the formula delivers a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow that builds within three minutes, whilst providing long-lasting hydration and softening skin.

Streak-free, the rinse-off lotion glides onto skin to form a luxurious lather as a guide, and can be applied daily to create a healthy, radiant tan with intensified color. Enriched with sweet almond oil, the body is left smooth, golden and bursting with moisture from top to toe.

Buy now with free delivery
Buy now with Skinstore US

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Lotion (200ml)

St. Tropez are the queens of fake tan and they’re one brand that the SkinStore Beauty Editor team constantly go back to. Although we love how many different varieties of tan they do, the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Lotion is one of the easiest to use.

Simply apply as desired morning or night in circular motions across the face and body for a gradually build-able tan, giving you the perfect natural bronze. This is SkinStore Beauty Editor Emma’s go-to tan this Summer.

Buy now with free delivery
Buy now with Skinstore US

B.Tan Fake it Till You Make It Self Tan Mousse

Create a natural-looking glow with B.Tan Fake it Till You Make It Self Tan Mousse, a one hour self-tan formula that develops into a beautiful bronzed color.

Providing a customized tanning experience, the tanning mousse can be showered off after one hour for a natural look, or left for 4+ hours for a darker skin finish. Free from nasty ingredients and that off-putting fake tan smell, the tanning mousse glides effortlessly onto skin and develops into a gorgeous, lasting glow.

Buy now with free delivery
Buy now with Skinstore US

MineTan Mink Self Tan Foam 200ml

Achieve a natural-looking tan with MineTan Mink Self Tan Foam, a one hour express tan with a cool, mid-tone, natural brown finish.

The mink self-tan is formulated with soft ash and brown bronzers that work well with neutral skin tones. Quadruple dark bronzers work with tan-extending multi-vitamins and oils to promote a flawless tan in an instant.

Easy to apply and streak-free, the self-adjusting fake tan develops into a silky smooth, matte brown color that continues to develop and deepen over the next 24 hours. Express tanning agents activate immediately on application to leave skin looking bronzed and golden – with zero orange tones or fake tan smell. Wash off after one hour or leave for longer to develop into a deeper hue.

Buy now with free delivery
Buy now with Skinstore US

FGBG Summer Glow Tanning Gummies 30 Day Supply

A delicious Miami Vice flavored vegan gummy that is formulated specially for optimizing tanning results.

The brand’s gummies are pectin-based & are conveniently packed in “on the go” packets. Each gummy is packed with a combination of essential nutrients and antioxidants that trigger natural manin production while promoting healthy skin.

Buy now with free delivery