When it comes to needing a fake tan, there are so many out there to chose from. Not all of us are lucky enough to jet off to sunnier shores this Summer, so its worth hunting out the best options for that radiant faux glow. But with today’s abundance of luxury creams, lotions, sprays, gels- how do we know which one to go for?
The answer is simple: it depends what you are looking for. If you are naturally pale, you may just want to add a soft golden glow to your face, in which tinted moisturizers can do that for you. For those with medium/dark skin tones, you may want to be a little more dramatic and go for an all-over dark tan, creating that ‘just stepped off the plane from the Caribbean’ look!
From the celebrity favorite St Tropez sprays, to the skin-loving Avene gels, we’ve rounded up our favorites. So say goodbye to browsing self-tanners with a look of confusion – we’ve done the research for you:
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Buy now with Skinstore US Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Gel
Buy now with free deliveryA smooth gel which is glides on effortlessly, providing a subtle tan with one layer. Gives an ultra natural looking, streak-free tan within just a few hours of application. Unlike many self tan products, it leaves the skin incredibly smooth and with no lingering scent. For  a deeper looking tan, apply a second layer straight after the first.
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Buy now with Skinstore US Kate Somerville Somerville360 Body Self Tanning Towelettes
Buy now with free deliveryPerfect for the busy ladies out there, these self tanning wipes give a rich, glowing tan in a simple swipe! These Somerville360 Body Self Tanning Towelettes offer an incredible sun-kissed look after just one application. Quick and easy, these wipes prevent uneven tone or streaking, and dry within seconds without staining. Best of all, because this advanced formula works with your skin’s own proteins, it gradually darkens to an ultra-natural, complementary color every time, making these the perfect match.
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Buy now with Skinstore US St Tropez Self Tan Starter Kit
Buy now with free deliveryFirst time launching into false tanning? Chose a starter kit which gives you a broad range of the essential products. This St. Tropez set lets you create your ultimate tan with this Self Tan Classic Starter Kit. With all of the essentials you need for natural healthy looking skin, this collection of minis is perfect for first time tanners, or the ideal travel-size to maintain your glow wherever you are.
Contains the Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, Tan Enhancing Body Polish, Tan Enhancing Body Moisturizer and an applicator mitt.
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Buy now with Skinstore US Colorscience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Brush Almost Clear - Matte Tan
Buy now with free deliveryWantr to try a brush on tan in the form of a lightweight, sheer powder? This is where we recommend seeking out a tan colored matte powder, which can be brushed lightly over the face or on makeup for a subtle tint of color. This nearly invisible light weight mineral powder comes in an easy-to-use retractable brush. The convenient, brush-on applicator makes all-over application easy and quick. Sunforgettable is the first SPF 30, all-clear, mineral powder with broad spectrum (UVA and UVB and Infrared) sun protection, so opt for one a shade or two darker than your skin color that bronzed look.
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Buy now with Skinstore US St Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Lotion - Medium/Dark
Buy now with free deliveryOne of the best selling self tanners in the world (yes, really!) this gradual tanning lotion gives a natural, sun-kissed glow. This Medium/Dark body lotion is ultra-hydrating and gradually builds to create a classic, healthy looking tan to suit all skin tones. The best bits is that it has no ‘typical’ self tan smell, and instead features a new mood-boosting fragrance. Its streak-free and easy to apply, quick-drying and non-sticky.
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Buy now with Skinstore US Paula's Choice Self-Tanning Foam
Buy now with free deliveryWe’ve looked at lotions, wipes, powders… and now its onto foam! This long-lasting, self-tanning foam can help you achieve gorgeous, golden skin with its unique formula, which has the added bonus of being 100% fragrance free! The ultra-quick-drying foam is lightly tinted to ensure a flawless application, and in just a few hours, your skin will develop a natural-looking, streak-free tan that perfectly complements your skin tone. It is specially formulated to minimize or eliminate that telltale self-tanner odor.
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Buy now with Skinstore US First Aid Beauty Slow Glow Self Tanning Moisturiser
Buy now with free deliveryThis Slow Glow Gradual Self-Tanning Moisturizer is a face and body moisturizer which gradually provides a natural bronze color that builds slowly over 3-4 days of use. Formulated with sugars, DHA & Erythrulose, these tanning agents react with amino acids on the skin’s surface leading to the production of melanin, which are the chemicals that cause the appearance of a tan. Doubling as a rich moisturizer, it incorporates nourishing ingredients, including Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, Mango Seed Butter and Aloe Vera to hydrate and condition skin.
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Buy now with Skinstore US Avene Moisturizing Self-Tanning Silky Gel
Buy now with free deliveryAvène’s ‘Moisturizing Self-Tanning Silky Gel’ allows you to achieve a radiant, natural-looking tan whilst caring for your skin at the same time. Enriched with the label’s signature Thermal Spring Water, this formula smooths and softens the skin while giving it a healthy, bronzed tone. It’s lightweight and gentle enough for sensitive skin. A firm favorite for those who want a built in moisturizer which is truly skin loving.Â
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Buy now with Skinstore US St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse
Buy now with free deliveryEver tried a mousse before? This express bronzing mousse is designed to let you control your depth of tan with this advanced formula. Its rich formulation provides a natural, healthy looking tan that lasts for days. Apply to the skin, and wait just 1 hour before showering for a light sunkissed glow. Wait 2 hours for a medium golden tan, or leave on for up to 3 hours for a deeper, darker bronze, to suit your skin tone.
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Buy now with Skinstore US Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner
Buy now with free deliveryTantasia is a moisturizing, natural self-tanner for face and body. This lotion formula builds a gradual, natural looking tan within three days, for optimum control and customization. Tantasia has a fresh citrus fragrance and guarantees a streak free formula. It’s loved by many for its ability to last a lot longer than other tanning formulas, and can be used on both the face and body.
Its amazing how much healthier and happier you can look with a touch of tan, so make sure you’re armed with a self-tanner this Summer! And the best news is that there’s no damage to the skin involved whatsoever. All the more reason to indulge in your favorite bottle!