Skip the UV damage and get a natural-looking glow with the right self tanner. Whether you want a subtle sun-kissed look or deep bronze, these formulas deliver streak-free results without the orange undertones of older products.
What to Look For
- Formula type — Mousses apply evenly and dry fast; lotions are more forgiving for beginners; drops let you customize intensity
- Development time — Express formulas work in 1-3 hours; classic formulas need 4-8 hours for full color
- Undertone — Look for olive or brown undertones rather than orange; quality DHA produces more natural results
- Scent — Traditional self-tan smell comes from DHA reacting with skin; many modern formulas mask or eliminate it
- Longevity — Most formulas last 5-10 days with proper prep and maintenance
Product Recommendations
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse — Best Overall
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The gold standard of self tanning that professionals and beauty editors consistently recommend.
This iconic mousse develops over 4-8 hours into a natural, streak-free tan that lasts up to 10 days. The tinted formula lets you see where you’ve applied it, preventing missed spots. Vegan formula with no harsh self-tan smell.
- Pros:
- Streak-free, natural-looking results
- Tinted formula for visible application
- Lasts up to 10 days
- No typical self-tanner smell
- Cons:
- Premium price point
- Requires 4-8 hours development time
Best for: Anyone wanting salon-quality results at home with a proven, reliable formula.
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse — Best Express Formula
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Full control over your tan depth—rinse at 1 hour for light, 2 for medium, or 3 for dark.
Same trusted St. Tropez quality with flexible development time. Perfect for last-minute events or those who don’t want to sleep in self-tanner. The customizable timing lets you build color gradually if you prefer a subtle glow.
- Pros:
- Customizable development time
- Results in as little as 1 hour
- Same quality as classic formula
- Great for beginners who want control
- Cons:
- Requires attention to timing
- Premium pricing
Best for: Those who want quick results or prefer to control their tan depth.
b.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner — Best for Dark Tan
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Delivers the deepest tan possible with just 1 hour of development time.
For those who want an intense, head-turning bronze without multiple applications. The fast-developing formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and surprisingly doesn’t have the typical fake tan smell. Great for special events or vacation prep.
- Pros:
- Ultra dark results in 1 hour
- No fake tan smell
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Affordable price point
- Cons:
- Can be too dark if over-applied
- Requires careful, even application
Best for: Experienced self-tanners who want the darkest possible results.
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Light Bronze — Best Drugstore
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Drugstore accessibility with instant color that deepens naturally over hours.
Dries in just 60 seconds with immediate tinted color so you’re not walking around pale waiting for results. The gradual formula builds naturally, making it very forgiving for self-tanning beginners.
- Pros:
- Instant color with 60-second dry time
- Widely available at drugstores
- Budget-friendly
- Forgiving formula for beginners
- Cons:
- Lighter results than premium brands
- May need multiple applications
Best for: Self-tanning beginners or those wanting an affordable, low-commitment option.
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Deep Bronze — Best Budget Dark
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Deeper color from the same trusted drugstore formula at an unbeatable price.
Same instant-dry, tinted formula as the Light Bronze but with deeper color payoff. The mousse texture applies smoothly with a mitt and builds beautifully for those who want more dramatic results without premium prices.
- Pros:
- Deeper color at drugstore pricing
- Same instant-dry technology
- Buildable formula
- Easy to find in stores
- Cons:
- Still lighter than high-end dark tanners
- May transfer on light clothing
Best for: Budget shoppers who want darker results than light formulas provide.
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam — Best Australian Formula
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Australian tanning expertise in a lightweight, coconut-scented formula.
Enriched with aloe vera and coconut for skin-nourishing benefits while you tan. The lightweight foam texture glides on smoothly and develops into a natural bronze. Salon-quality results from a country that knows beaches.
- Pros:
- Contains aloe vera and coconut
- Pleasant tropical scent
- Lightweight, easy-to-apply foam
- Natural-looking color
- Cons:
- Coconut scent not for everyone
- Can dry out if not moisturized after
Best for: Those who want a tropical-scented tanner with skin-nourishing ingredients.
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Mousse — Best Luxury
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Instagram-famous formula that delivers on the hype with gorgeous, natural color.
All-natural formula with a tropical mango and guava fragrance that smells nothing like traditional self-tanner. Develops in just 2 hours and includes a velvet application mitt. The green color-correcting base prevents orange undertones.
- Pros:
- Gorgeous tropical scent
- Includes application mitt
- 2-hour development time
- Green base prevents orange tones
- Cons:
- Premium luxury pricing
- Mitt requires replacement over time
Best for: Those who want a luxurious self-tanning experience with beautiful packaging and scent.
Verdict
St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse remains the benchmark for natural-looking, reliable self-tanning results. For faster development, the St. Tropez Express version offers the same quality with time flexibility. Budget shoppers will find Jergens Natural Glow delivers solid results at a fraction of the price.
