Not All Fake Tan Is Created Equal—These Are the Ones Beauty Editors Rate

When it comes to fake tan, you probably fall into one of two camps. You either love it, or you're curious but also terrified of it. As someone who has tried a lot of fake tans and bronzers over the years (and made a lot of tanning mistakes, may I add), I can safely say that tanning products have come a very long way. Forget the orange-toned instant tans or dreaded biscuit smell of a certain gradual tanning body lotion from the 2000s. Today's formulations won't leave you with an unusual-looking hue or ruin your expensive white bed sheets. Instead, they are your key to getting a realistic glow without any of the damaging effects of UV exposure from the sun. We're all wearing our SPF now, right?

Whether you're a fake-tan aficionado who wants to know the best fake tans of 2023 or a shy self-tanner looking for tanning tips, we've got everything covered ahead. I spoke to Michaella Bolder, St.Tropez's tanning and skincare expert, for all the deets on how and where to begin with fake tan. I also asked beauty editors who use tanning products to share the best fake tans they have come across. It's time to get glowing.

There are so many types of tan out there. And while having choices is great, it can be overwhelming if you're not sure where to start, especially as a fake-tan beginner. The best place to begin is to choose a formulation that works best for your lifestyle and needs. Some tans will give you a glow for a week, whereas others will give an instant glow but wash off in the shower.

Self-tan is a tanning formula that contains DHA, the ingredient that develops on the skin over several hours to give you a glow that will typically last for around a week and won't wash off during that time. "Self-tan is ideal for those looking for a long-lasting tan," says Bolder. "For those short on time and wanting a non-transfer or 'no need to rinse' formula, an express tan such as St.Tropez Express Mousse for one or two hours is a great option."

Instant tan, on the other hand, gives the skin an immediate deeper hue and will wash off in the shower. "Instant tan is a fantastic solution that washes off after one wear to top up your glow last-minute, add a sun-kissed glow to your pins or décolletage or even to contour your face and body," says Bolder.

For those who want to slowly build up their tan, gradual tanner is the way to go. "Gradual tan is ideal for people that love to create their own desired glow or are slightly nervous tanners looking to apply a tanning lotion daily or every other day," says Bolder. "The St.Tropez Gradual Tan Daily Firming Lotion is also a great option for mature and dry skin, as it has super-nourishing shea butter and collagen-enhancing properties."

Whatever your skin tone, there is a tan to suit your complexion. "You can find the perfect tan for your skin tone that replicates the glow you would have if you were sat in the sun," says Bolder. "Lighter skin tones carry a cool pink or blue undertone, therefore a light tanning solution such as a gradual tan or the new St.Tropez Luxe Body Serum is for you. Medium skin tones carry a green undertone, which will suit a warmer tanning solution like St.Tropez Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse. Deeper skin tones carry a red undertone, which is a great option to introduce a dark tan such as St.Tropez Extra Dark Mousse."

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail when it comes to fake tan, whether you're applying on the face or body.

To prepare the body for tan: "It all starts in the shower," says Bolder. "Exfoliate the body all over with an oil-free solution to buff away dead cells, unveiling a smooth and soft surface ahead of self-tan. Then remove all unwanted hair at this stage if you want to, then rinse your skin with cool water to reduce any inflammation and close your pores. Pat dry your skin and apply an oil-free moisturising lotion over any dry areas and wait a few minutes until the skin is cool and settled."

To prepare the face for tan: "Massage your usual cleanser into the skin before rinsing off, and head in with a hydrating serum and moisturiser. Add your SPF here if you are heading straight out afterwards," she says. "Avoid any exfoliating products either in your toner or serum on the day of applying a fresh layer of self-tan."

"The best way to apply self-tan products is on freshly prepared skin with a clean tanning mitt and your chosen tanning solution," says Bolder.

"Use long, sweeping, fast motions to move the self-tan freely around the skin, covering all areas. Begin on the legs and work your way up the body one area at a time," she says. "Don't rush the process—just go with a flow that you feel comfortable with and check that you have covered all areas evenly before putting the mitt down. Go over drier areas with the clean side of your mitt or a black sock to buff away any excess residue and blend the tan further."

If you're using tanning drops for the face or body, then simply add a couple to your usual serum or moisturiser and follow the same steps.

To avoid any mishaps, it's important to be clued up on the common tanning mistakes that can often be made. Applying tan last-minute and not preparing the skin correctly or at all is one of them. Bolder says, "Self-tan sits beautifully on a smooth, even surface, so applying tan onto dead and dry skin cells leaves your tan uneven and patchy."

It's key to apply moisturiser to dry areas too. "Make sure you overload moisturiser on hands and wrists, feet and ankles, elbows, knees and all around your feet, as this will help to dilute the self-tan rather than the dry skin grabbing too much colour in one area," says Bolder.

To get the most out of your tan, it's important to follow a few pointers. "Avoid hot baths, exfoliating acids and oils applied directly to your body, as this will enhance cell turnover and make the tan patchy," she says. "Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Ensure you are using a moisturiser every day to keep your skin healthy and supple, resulting in a longer-lasting glowing tan, and gently buff the skin on day three or four to help the tan fade evenly."
 
If, despite your best efforts, your tan has still gone awry, there are things you can do. "Always keep some tan-removal options in your kitchen cabinet or bathroom! St.Tropez Prep and Maintain Remover Mousse is a great one which you can massage into the area that has overloaded self-tan, and wait five minutes before buffing with a tan-remover mitt to buff the tan away," she says. "An at-home option is baking soda and lemon mixed into a paste and massaged into the area for a few minutes, then leave for another few minutes to break down the self-tan colour."

Now that we're clued up on the application process, read on for beauty editors' favourite fake tans and the best-of-the-best products.

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