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Including some of our editors' favorites for a healthy glow.
Credit:Southern Living / David Hattan
Meet the Expert
Kristina Black is the owner of Southern Luxe Beauty in Nashville.
Not all self-tanners are created equally, so were here to help in your search.
Plus, we put a few of our favorite products to the test in a real-world evaluation.
Credit: Ulta
The mousses slight tint allows beginners to see where youve applied the product to help with even system.
We also love this pick because its vegan, cruelty-free, and doesnt contain any parabens.
We found that this product isnt sticky while drying and doesnt transfer at all once rinsed off.
Credit: Southern Living / Melanie Fincher
Thus, consider applying this self-tanner the night before for optimal results.
Those who are new to self tanning canpurchase the product plus an app mittto get started.
We found the mitt to be helpful at buffing out the product.
This means you wont have to worry about streaks or color transfer, making it a good beginner-friendly option.
Plus, when applied with a mitt, mousse is easy to control and blend.
Its important to keep the development time in mind if youre wanting a deep color.
The tanner will continue to develop even after its washed off.
Like other Bondi Sands products, this self-tanner is vegan and cruelty-free.
We love that the mousse is tinted to serve as a guide color when applying.
Though not required, a mitt is recommended for even utility.
double-check to work quickly before the mousse starts to dry down.
Within 5-10 minutes of app, our skin felt completely dry and didnt have a sticky residue.
We loved this lotions smooth texture and found it easy to apply.
This pick comes in two colors: fair to medium and medium to deep.
It features antioxidants and vitamin E to deeply moisturize your skin.
These ingredients also help your tans longevity.
We did find that we had to thoroughly rub the product in for it to fully absorb.
Pro tipconsider using a tanning mitt to help with even tool.
Its also important to remember that youll need to apply this lotion daily to maintain your color.
Overall, we found this self-tanner to be effective for gradual, long-lasting results without transfer issues.
Plus, sweet almond oil nourishes and protects the skin barrier while blackcurrant seed calms inflammation.
It also includes a slight tropical fragrance to fit into your everyday beauty routine.
Since this is a gradual tanning product, the color payoff cannot be seen immediately.
If youre in need of quick results for an event, consider a mousse self-tanner instead.
And though Alba Botanica makes sunscreen, keep in mind that this product does not protect against sunburn.
Its vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without sulfates or parabens.
The brand recommends applying the product with a mitt and using long, sweeping motions.
Like Love At First Tan, Disco Candy Tan is vegan, cruelty-free, and is made without parabens.
In addition to the sweet smell, this pick is party-proof with a sweat- and transfer-resistant formula.
Thats why we recommend this self-tanner from LOreal Paris thats made specifically for your face.
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The face is more sensitive than the body, so we love that this pick is fragrance- and dye-free.
The formula also doubles as skincare, as it includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin.
Jergens Natural Glow is a gradual self-tanner meant to be used once per day.
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This lightweight and oil-free moisturizer is available in two shades, though we wish there were more options.
However, its a three-in-one product and acts as a face tanner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Look no further than the Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes by LOreal Paris.
Credit: Southern Living / Melanie Fincher
Each pack comes with six towelettes that have enough self-tanner for one software.
The formula includes nourishing vitamin E and AHAs, which help improve skin texture.
Both work together to create a streak-free and natural looking glow.
Since towelettes are ideal for on-the-go use, development time is important to keep in mind.
Because its a mousse, its easy to apply, especially if you use a mitt.
Its available in five levels, plus has a violet base that counteracts any orange.
Mousse is easy to control, especially if you use gloves.
Shade Range
Choosing the right shade is sometimes trial and error, says Black.
Self-tanner is all about creating a healthy glow, so avoid shades not designed for your skin tone.
you might also try a color-correcting formula such asIsle of Paradise Self-Tanning Waterthat helps even out your skin tone.
Development Time
Development time varies by product.
Some self-tanners can deliver results within an hour while most require several hours to fully develop.
Black says she prefers products with longer development times, as they typically have the most color pay-off.
Keep your desired results in mind, as well.
If you prefer a darker color, leave your tan on for the full time.
For those wanting a lighter glow, consider washing off before the max recommended time.
Ingredients
Ingredients have a large impact on your tans longevity.
It has a thin consistency, absorbs well into the skin, and is easy to apply.
We didnt notice sticky residue, color transfer on clothing or sheets, or fading from daily showers.
If youre looking for a slight glow, consider this long-lasting option.
Questions and Answers
What is the best self-tanner for beginners?
I tell everybody that practice makes perfect, and it will get better with each software!
How should you apply self-tanner?
Black first recommends showering, exfoliating, and shaving.
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For your face and neck, it’s possible for you to addfacial dropsto your moisturizer.
All self-tanners develop differently, so check the label to figure out your desired color and development time.
How long does self-tanner last?
Credit: Southern Living / Moriah Mason
This depends on your aftercare routine, but generally speaking, Black says self-tanner can last 57 days.
Its important to take care of your skin after using a self-tanner to avoid stripping the tans color.
To prolong your tan, Black recommends staying hydrated and using fragrance- and paraben-free beauty products.
How often should you use self-tanner?
Black says she likes to use self-tanner once or twice per week to keep a year-round glow.
For those wanting a special occasion glow, she recommends applying self-tanner the night before your event.
The bang out of self-tanner also impacts software frequency.
Plus, editors put a few of our favorite products to the test in a real-world evaluation.
Credit: Ulta
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Ulta
Credit: Ulta
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
