“After two applications of Lux Unfiltered over three days, I have become a convert. The ‘tan’ makes some veins and freckles that I don’t like less noticeable. And it was so easy to use—I had always pictured that self-tanning involved a long, messy process using gloves. But with Lux Unfiltered, I just put a couple of pea-sized amounts of the cream on each leg (I focused on the lower legs) after I showered, let it set for about 10 minutes before getting dressed, and then waited for the results. I was able to see the tan in about eight hours. And, for real, I was shocked at the dramatic change in the color of my skin. I did make some rookie mistakes: I didn’t exfoliate enough beforehand, and I put too much of the cream on my ankles without blending toward the foot (which you can kind of see in the photo). The cream smells pleasant, and even though I applied it with my bare hands, it was easily washed off with soap and water immediately afterward. Because I’m kind of lazy, this seems like a no-brainer to keep using. So I’m still goth…but now I’ll be a goth with tanned legs.”
- Color range: Two shades
- Undertones: Colorless
- Format: Cream
- Development time: 2 hours
Original image by Glamour reviewer Charlotte Twine
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Original image by Glamour reviewer Charlotte Twine
11. Best with Hyaluronic Acid: Kopari Gradual Self-Tanning Face Serum
Original video by Glamour reviewer Brittany
These tanning drops contain hyaluronic acid plus niacinamide to even out skin tone and add major glow. Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins gave it a try and liked how it evened out her complexion. “The consistency of this face serum is absolutely perfect. Around 3-4 drops will cover your entire face and spread down your neck. I also found that it dried quickly so I didn’t feel like the tan was going to smear or rub off entirely, but it felt nourishing to my skin thanks to the niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. I was initially nervous about the exact shade of tan due to the color of the product in the bottle, which I felt skewed a bit orange. That said, it ended up looking great! I applied right before bed and it gave me the perfect wash of color the next morning.”
- Color range: One shade
- Undertones: Colorless
- Format: Serum
- Development time: 1-4 hours
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Original image by Glamour reviewer Brittany
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Original image by Glamour reviewer Brittany
12. Best Self-Tanning Mist: Dolce Glow by Isabel Alysa Self-Tanning Mist
Experience a sun-kissed glow with the Dolce Glow Self-Tanning Mist by celeb tanning artist Isabel Alysa. This mist offers an easy, even application for a natural-looking tan without the streaks. It’s perfect for those who want a quick and hassle-free tanning experience, its lightweight formula dries quickly, and the formula leaves your skin with a beautiful, subtle glow. Glamour commerce editor Andrea Navarro feels the same way. “As a total beginner, this was the first tanning mist I tried, and it was such a breeze to use with a tanning mitt,” she says.
- Color range: One shade
- Undertones: Colorless
- Format: Mist
- Development time: 4 hours
13. Best Self Tanner Serum: Coola Organic Sunless Tan Luminizing Body Serum
If you’re looking for a mess-free option, this Coola formula gets the job done seamlessly. “This super-sheer self-tanner is so easy to use—it never streaks or causes dark patches,” says NYC-based celeb makeup artist Gita Bass. “It has a gorgeous, natural finish that’s easily buildable, with a subtle shimmer that gives you a glow,” Bass says.
This pick is a go-to for Kilkeary as well. She likes to buff it on her neck, shoulders and decolletage before she has a big night out. “I’ll apply this in the morning, and by evening time, my neck and chest are glowy, bronzey and streak-free. This one also gives off a nice luminous shimmer, which gives I-just-got-a-spray tan-vibes.”
- Color range: One shade
- Undertones: Brown
- Format: Serum
- Development time: 3–4 hours
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