5 Best Self-Tanners That We Tested for a Glowy, Streak-Free Finish

Yes. Self-tanner is simply the safest—and possibly easiest—way to get a boost of color on your skin without exposing yourself to potential UV rays and/or sun damage. “UV rays are responsible for stimulating melanin production as a way to protect skin from their harmful effects, and they also contribute to accelerated aging by damaging collagen and elastin proteins in the dermis and the formation of skin cancers,” says Dr. Camp.

Sun exposure can cause tons of other negative effects, too, including wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, says Dr. Engelman. Using self-tanner is also safer than using a tanning bed: “Using tanning beds is the absolute worst thing you can do to your skin,” says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mudgil Dermatology. “Tanning beds increase your risk for skin cancer tremendously and age your skin beyond repair.” Better safe than sorry, right?

When shopping for a self-tanner, the experts we spoke with recommend choosing products that contain hydrating ingredients, which make the color look more natural. “I tend to gravitate toward sheer, buildable formulas, especially tanning waters or serums that don’t sit heavily on the skin. They create a more believable, skin-like warmth rather than a one-dimensional bronze,” says Erika Vasco, tanning expert and founder of The Tan Edit. Look for formulas that also contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help hydrate skin and blur uneven or discolored areas.

Similar to when you’re shopping for makeup, your skin’s undertones play a huge role in preventing your skin from looking orange after tanning. “A realistic tan is about tone and dimension, not just depth. I always recommend building gradually and choosing a shade that complements your natural undertone rather than masking it,” says Vasco. If you have cool undertones, opt for a lighter, cooler tan shade to add glow to your skin; warm or olive undertones can opt for warm, bronzy tan shades to add radiance.

“To achieve a seamless tan, prepping your skin is key,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. “Start by thoroughly exfoliating your skin 24 hours before your tanning session to close your pores and remove dead skin. I recommend using a dry brush or an exfoliating glove with a body wash.” Next, Colt Paulsen, chief tanning officer at online skin care retailer Bondi Sands, recommends using a mitt because it will blend product evenly, he says. Lightly dampen the mitt with water and wring it out to help the tanner glide on smoothly. Then apply a small amount of tanner to the mitt and use gentle circular motions to work the product into the skin, section by section. “For a deeper tan, you can reapply as needed,” says Dr. Engelman.

As for where to start when self-tanning, Paulsen recommends starting with your back. “I know it’s everyone’s least favorite part of self-tanning, but if you tackle it first, it’s out of the way, and the rest is a breeze. Next, work in small sections on your legs, then move to your arms so you never miss a spot,” he says.

To apply Tanner to your face, Dr. Engelman says to gently pat it on, keeping your eyes and mouth closed. “Remember to care for your mitt properly. It can be reused for several months for a streak-free application every time.”

The best time to apply self-tanner for a natural-looking tan depends on your plans, but most experts suggest letting it develop overnight. Applying before bedtime allows the tan to develop without interference, and your body temperature rises during sleep, helping the product fully absorb into the skin and develop to its full potential, says St. Tropez tanning expert Sophie Evans.

Translation? If you have an event, apply your self-tanner the night before or about 24 hours before. However, if you hate sleeping with self-tanner on, Evans suggests opting for an express development self-tanner, such as St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse. “This allows you to tan, shower, and go in one hour for a light tan and up to three hours for your darkest tan,” she says. But keep in mind that if you get hot and sweaty or wear tight clothing during development time, you may experience some transfer.

If you recently got a tan at the beach and want to prolong your glow, the experts have a few suggestions. “Hydration—both inside and out—is key for maintaining healthy skin and helping extend your tan,” says Dr. Engelman. In addition to drinking plenty of water, make sure to moisturize several times a day with a body lotion or body oil to prolong your tan. “For an added boost, consider a moisturizer with a gradual self-tanner to subtly enhance your color, especially if you’re active or frequently swimming in the summertime.”

When the color starts to fade, exfoliate gently to avoid streaks or patches, and build your glow with a gradual tanning lotion. And don’t forget SPF! “A tan looks amazing, but sun protection is a must,” says Paulsen.

While there are plenty of at-home DIY remedies for removing self-tanner, Dr. Mudgil recommends the simplest solution: using a tan-removal product like St. Tropez’s Tan Remover Prep and Maintain Mousse.

“One can actually purchase a commercially available self-tan remover,” says Dr. Mudgil. “These products generally contain baking soda, a mild exfoliant. You’ll see other DIY methods out there like using baby oil, but I think a product specifically designed for this purpose is your best bet.”

Evans echoes this. “Not only will St. Tropez’s Tan Remover remove all old self-tanner, but it will ensure your skin is at its best pH level for self-tan development. But with most tan removers on the market, you cannot apply new self-tanner for about 12 hours,” she says. To avoid the dreaded self-tanner hands, it’s also key to wash your hands right after your at-home self-tan to ensure that no residue is left behind.

If you got some self-tanner on your clothes or sheets during or post-application, there are ways to remove it, according to Evans. “If it is cotton or a light fabric, most self-tans will wash out with normal soap and water. Wool, silk, and some man-made fibers can stain and, unfortunately, may take numerous attempts to remove.”

To keep your tan realistic, the experts recommend avoiding using your hands and any straight-line motions, as these can cause streaks. “An application mitt is your BFF and a non-negotiable. Not only does it protect your hands from turning orange, but it also ensures the product blends evenly. Pump the product onto the tanning mitt and use circular motions to apply,” says Paulsen.

It’s also important to keep in mind that making your tan realistic comes down to letting it set. If you get hot and sweaty or wear tight clothing during development time, you may experience some transfer. “During the development time, exercise, swimming, or getting sweaty should be avoided for a good eight hours,” she says. “Once your tan has fully developed and you have taken your first shower, which will remove any built-in bronzer (guide color), you can do whatever you like without any fear of the tan transferring onto clothes or white fabric.”

If you’re looking to soften and blur lines, the experts we spoke with recommend opting for formulas with ingredients that do so. This includes hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and other antioxidants that help even out signs of aging, such as dark spots and wrinkles. You’ll also want to follow all the experts’ steps to ensure a streak-free tan on mature skin.

I have been testing self-tanners for years and have tapped Glamour contributors, editors, and testers between the ages of 30 and 60 to try the best self-tanners over the course of a month. We looked at formula, application style, and longevity as the three criteria for what tanners made this list. The ones that rose to the top came in lightweight liquid or mousse form and were easy to apply, mixed into lotion or with an application mitt. The formulas we chose also suited a variety of undertones, from cooler and fair to deeper and warmer. We also looked at how effective they were at adding golden bronzy tones to our skin, how long they lasted (a few days to a week), and how they held up against routine showers and activities. The best self-tanners were lightweight on the skin but potent when dried down, and they didn’t give us a streaky or orange finish; we can promise you that.