The ​3 Best Self-Tanners to Try This Summer 2024

Spring is upon us, with summer fast approaching, meaning we’re all just itching to get outside,enjoy that beautiful weather, and soak up some vitamin D.

However, if you read our article about why you still need to wear sunscreen in the winter, you might be wondering how you can safely venture outside this summer while still looking like a bronzed deity.

No, we definitely don’t recommend getting a “base tan” and then lathering up with SPF or anything like that. 

Instead, I want to share a few of my favorite self-tanners for a perfect golden sunless tan without any harmful UV rays. 

Before we dive into the reviews, I’ll also fill you in on how self-tanners work, the perfect application routine, and how I selected and tested these three products.

Ready to get a safe tan at home? Slap on those application mitts and get reading!

Review Summary

Most Cost Effective: Coco & Eve Self Tanner Mousse Medium

Key Points

• Natural-looking
• Fast-drying, develops in 2 hours
• Can leave on for up to 8 hours for a deeper tan
• Fades naturally without patchiness
• Smells strong until washed off
• Settles into dry skin spots and hair follicles if you exfoliate before application
• Too warm-toned for my skin undertone (cool/neutral)
• Can transfer if you exercise and sweat
• Must apply with a mitt or latex glove
• Fades in about two weeks

Cost

$35 for 6.7 fl oz

Can last between 10-20 full-body tanning sessions, so between $1.75 to $3.50 per application.

Score

A-

Pros: I got lots of compliments with this tanner! It was easy to apply, thanks to the color guide. The tan lasts 2 weeks, even with daily showering, and fades very naturally.

Cons: My main issue was the warm undertone (leaning orange), which conflicts with my naturally cooler undertones. It also settles into dry patches and can be quite unforgiving if you get the product on your hands or feet, even if you wash them right away.

Best Color Payoff: Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam Dark

Key Points

• Natural-looking
• Olive-toned
• Can wash off after 1hr
• Can leave on for 6 hours for a deeper tan
• Contains aloe vera
• Can be streaky or patchy if not applied carefully
• Very strong scent
• Can transfer if you exercise and sweat
• Must apply with a mitt or latex glove
• Lasts up to 2 weeks

Cost

$24 for 6.76 fl oz

Use depends heavily on activities but lasted me about 4-5 months with reapplication every 2-3 weeks. For half of those applications, I applied a second layer. No swimming, just daily showers and exercise.

If you get 6-8 applications for one bottle, you’re spending about $3-4 per use.

Score

A

Pros: If you don’t want anyone to know you use self-tanner but want to look like a bronze goddess, Bondi is the go-to. The olive tone (green) is perfect for all skin tones but particularly suited for neutral/cools like myself. It has more lasting power than other brands I’ve tried.

Cons: This can be a pretty unforgiving application, and if you apply it unevenly, it will show. Applying generously and having a helping hand for your hard-to-reach areas is the way to go.

Best Overall: Tanologist Face & Body Drops Medium

• Most natural-looking self-tanner
• Customizable
• Thanks to its moisturizing ingredients, it can be applied to both face and body
• Zero detectable scent
• Can apply it by mixing it with your favorite moisturizer or lotion
• No mitt or glove necessary
• Does not transfer
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Only lasted 3 days on my skin 🙁

Cost

$15.75 for 1.01 fl oz

Hard to estimate how many uses from one bottle since you can use 2-12 drops per application.

However, since the tan does not last very long, assume you will use this frequently.

Score

A+

Pros: It looks 100% flawless and natural, even without a color guide to show where I applied it. It’s one of the only tanners that has worked with the acne-prone skin on my face and eczema. It darkened my skin 2-3 shades without settling into scars, dry spots, or active acne.

Cons: This tanner does not have lasting power. I work out daily and sweat a lot, and it can’t compete. However, it does fade very naturally.

What Are Self-Tanners?

Self-tanning (aka sunless tanning) is a cosmetic product that can be applied to the body or face to darken the skin. This product can be used in place of tanning in the sun, which increases the risk of sun damage. UV sun damage can lead to premature aging and increase the risks of skin cancer.

How Self-Tanners Work

We can use self tanners to avoid UV sun damage and still have nice golden skin. Self-tanners tan the skin through the active ingredient DHA (dihydroxyacetone). This is a coloring agent that combines with amino acids in the skin, resulting in a chemical reaction that browns only the dead layer of skin cells.

What Forms Do Self-Tanners Come In?

Self-tanners can come in many forms, but here are a few of the most common:

• Gradual tanning lotions: These typically do not need to be washed off the body after application. You will need to wash your hands to prevent staining.
• Products with color guides: Some products use color guides that will appear on the skin to show where you’ve applied the product so you don’t leave streaks or patchy areas. These usually need to be washed off after application. 
• Products without color guides: Without color guides, it’s harder to tell where you’ve applied the product, but these are usually less intense tans. Sometimes, these can be left on the skin without needing to wash them off.
• Tanning towlettes: Single-use towlettes that are soaked in a tanning solution. They’re convenient for travel and can be discarded after use.

Products can come in lotions, mousses, foams, serums, sprays, and oils, too.

Are Self-Tanners Toxic?

The ingredients contained in most tanning sprays are considered harmless. The primary health concern when using self-tanners is inhaling the fumes while applying them or accidentally getting them in your eyes or mouth. This is typically only at professional spray tan salons where you’re surrounded by big sprayers or have someone airbrushing you, not with your average self-tanner bought off the shelf. Regardless, it doesn’t hurt to apply it in a well-ventilated area.

Finally, never forget to still protect your skin! Even if you have self-tanner on, you still need to apply sunscreen with 30+ SPF.

How To Properly Apply Self-Tanners

If you don’t correctly prepare your skin before applying a product, even the best self-tanner in the world could still turn out horribly.

Since the DHA turns the dead layer of skin cells brown, it tends to stick to dry patches and collect in areas where there’s lots of dead skin. This is typically around the hands and feet, which are often the most exposed to air and the elements.

By following these steps to exfoliate and moisturize the skin properly, you can almost guarantee a perfect sunless tanning application every time.

24 hours before application:

1. Exfoliate the skin with a rough washcloth, body scrub, or exfoliating mitt to loosen and wash away any dead skin. If you shave, do so after exfoliating. By doing this the day before, you can avoid deposits of product collecting in the hair follicles that leave small dark spots behind.
2. Generously apply an intense moisturizer all over the areas you plan to tan, especially the feet, hands, and any other areas that experience dryness.

Day of application:

1. Take a shower and gently clean the skin with a washcloth. Do not scrub—just enough to clean the skin and remove any moisturizers and sweat.
2. Completely dry off by patting the skin gently. Again, do not rub harshly.
3. Using an application mitt or a pair of latex gloves (I prefer latex since it doesn’t absorb the product), begin applying the product as directed. Circular motions, as opposed to long strokes, will look more natural. 
4. Take care not to spread the product to areas where the skin naturally would not tan, such as your heels and the bottoms of your feet.
5. Ask for help applying the product to your back or purchase a tool, such as this product from b.Tan, to help with the application.
6. Make sure not to leave any streaks, as the product will deposit the way you leave it on your skin.
7. Apply the product carefully to the tops of your hands and fingers. Wipe away any product deposited on your knuckles to prevent the product from processing there.

After application is complete:

1. Let the product sit for the suggested amount of time while wearing dark and very loose clothing (think a long t-shirt and loose shorts or pants or a long dress) so you don’t create unnatural marks in your tan. 
2. If you are sitting at home or sleeping in your tan, be careful not to stain furniture or bedding. Put down towels or bedding that you don’t mind getting dirty.
3. Rinse off as directed and apply generous amounts of moisturizer to keep skin moist. Do this after every shower and whenever your skin feels dry. This will help your tan last longer!

The Nutrition Insider Methodology

Here at The Nutrition Insider, we don’t recommend any old product off the shelf, and we certainly aren’t swayed by free products or monetary incentives. 

We put a lot of thought and care into the products and brands we recommend—in fact, we have an entire library of trusted brands that we’ve thoroughly vetted here—to help take the guesswork out of your shopping experience.

Here’s a quick look at the selection criteria we used when evaluating these self-tanners and the testing methods utilized to determine the best of the best. 

My Selection Criteria

As someone increasingly concerned with my skin health as I reach my late 20s, I’m no longer a sun worshiper. Now, instead, I’m a faithful SPF applier.

I’ll admit it, though—I’m a bit vain and think I look better with a tan. So, what’s a girl to do other than lean on her friends in the cosmetics aisle: self-tanners.

Over the years, I’ve probably tried at least eight to ten self-tanning products with varying degrees of success and failure—everything from Jergens Gradual Tanning Lotion to Maui Babe’s Browning Lotion.

While some find their way into the hands of friends or family or go directly into the trash if I find them offensive enough, others have become mainstays in my self-tanning rotation.

Here are the things that I consider when looking to try a new sunless tanner:

• Formulation: Is it moisturizing? Is it safe for sensitive skin?
• Price: That tanner is how much?? In this economy???
• Effectiveness: Will it be natural-looking? Is it suited for my skin tone?
• Ease of application: Does this have a color guide? Do I need to wear a mitt or gloves?
• Lasting power: How long does it last? Does it wash off easily or transfer?

After seeing one of my favorite YouTube creators (and fellow sunless tanner aficionado), Taylor Wynn, test out and rave about Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam, I gave it a try. It quickly became my holy grail self-tanner, and I have since repurchased it at least three times. 

In a similar fashion, Coco & Eve and Tanologist found their way into my cart thanks to social media and online reviews and have become a part of my sunless tanning rotation. 

Sorry, Bondi, but I save you for special occasions now!

My Testing Methods

My testing methods for these self-tanners were very straightforward.

Duration & Frequency

I tested a full cycle with each product at least twice. This means from prep to exfoliation day to when it’s faded and then reapplied once more to test it again.

Application

When it came to application, I was looking for ease of use, how much or little it smelled, how it felt after application, and how easy it was to wash off.

Effectiveness

For effectiveness, I was looking for how the fake tan looked in terms of deepness, color (undertone), and evenness. 

Some questions I asked myself as well as friends and family to get their opinions were:

• Can you see any streaks?
• Is it patchy or sticking to dry spots?
• Does it look natural? Could you tell I had a fake tan?

I’m also checking how long it lasts, of course. As someone with eczema who works out daily and sometimes takes two showers a day, my skin can have a hard time holding onto a tan.

Product Reviews

Now for the section you’ve been scrolling for—the product reviews!

Most Cost Effective: Coco & Eve Self Tanner Mousse Medium

Summary

The Coco & Eve Self Tanner Mousse delivers an instant tan to the skin that leans a tad orange but gives off Golden Goddess vibes more than Carrot Top. Your mileage may vary, though, since I have a neutral to cool-leaning skin tone. It can last up to 2-3 weeks, depending on your activity levels, and it fades naturally.

Application

Thanks to the color guide, you can tell exactly where you’re depositing the product. It also deposits evenly on the skin but will stick to dry areas if you don’t prep your skin properly. I applied this at night and slept in it, but you can also apply it during the day and wait about six to eight hours. I should warn you though, it does have a strong smell. It was pleasant to me, but the odor could bother those with sensitive noses.

Effectiveness

This self-tanning product got me a ton of compliments, but I felt it was a bit orange on me. I prefer a more discreet-looking tan that looks natural and skin-like—as though I look like this year-round as opposed to looking like I just went to Cabo for a week. You get what I mean?

Duration

It lasted quite a long time on my skin—about two and a half weeks—even through daily showers, miles of walking and hiking, strength training sessions, and twice-a-week Hot Pilates classes. As a profuse sweater, I was impressed! However, I did notice some staining on my white clothing and swimsuits even a week after application.

On the plus side, it faded quite evenly with just a day or two of patchiness on the backs of my legs, which was washed away with a little exfoliating scrub. Due to its longevity and the price point, this bottle is a fantastic buy, especially if you lean more warm-toned. You could probably even get more time out of it if you’re not as active or don’t sweat much.

Biggest Color Payoff: Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam Dark

Summary

As a long-time user of the Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam, I can attest to this product’s ease of application thanks to the vibrant color guide, natural-looking appearance due to the olive undertone, and its longevity even through daily showers and intense exercise. The biggest plus for this self-tanner is the color payoff, making it perfect for people with pale skin and self-tanner beginners.

Application

The application of Bondi Sands self-tanner is made extremely easy thanks to the color guide in the product. The foam shows up clearly on the skin, and if you are careful, you will absolutely not miss any part of your body since it will stick out clearly. You’ll look crazy while wearing this before washing it off since it is quite dark, but the color looks great afterward. 

As always, be sure to follow prep steps since this will stick to dry spots and stand out on your skin, even after washing it off and scrubbing.

The smell is a bit strong, but if you keep a fan on you or wait outside in a shady spot for a bit, you won’t be able to smell it as strongly. 

Finally, washing it off isn’t too difficult, but it may stain your grout for a bit. In my experience, it washed out after a few showers and light scrubbing with grout cleaner.

Effectiveness

While I would normally get the light or medium color in other brands, the dark shade manages to take my skin tone down several notches without looking unnaturally dark. If you lean very pale, though, definitely get the light/medium shade. I believe this product manages to look so natural with most skin tones since it has an olive undertone. This helps cancel out any natural red or orange in the skin to create a nice brown color (woo color theory!). That said, some reviewers state this looks very green on their skin, so it really depends on your undertones and what level you’re starting at.

Duration

If you moisturize and maintain your tan, the Bondi Sands sunless tanner will fade naturally without much noticeable patchiness after about two to three weeks. I did experience patchiness if I wore very tight shoes that rubbed on my skin or tight clothing. Your experience will vary depending on your activities. 

I haven’t experienced this, but some reviewers who swim while wearing this tan have said it doesn’t hold up. To get the best results and increase the longevity of this tan, it’s ideal to apply the product at least a few days before you go and do any outdoor activities like hiking or swimming.

Best Overall: Tanologist Face & Body Drops Medium

Summary

Though it would seem like this tan has everything going against it (no color guide, no instant color payoff, low duration), this happens to be my absolute favorite self-tanner for my skin type, tone, and sunless tanning goals. It is the most natural-looking, not too dark, applies smoothly on the skin, has zero noticeable fragrance, and you can customize it to your desired level of tan.

Application

Tanologist’s Face & Body Drops are applied by adding between 2-12 drops of product to your usual moisturizer. The more drops you use, the darker your tan. I think this is an ingenious product feature, allowing users to customize their tan to their desired shade. 

To apply, I just use my favorite face moisturizer or body lotion. Personally, I only add around six drops, mix it together between my palms, and then—depending on where I apply first—thoroughly work the product onto my face or legs, arms, and torso. There is no color guide, so I make sure to be very thorough with where I rub in the lotion/drop mix. 

Applying it this way has led to some staining between my fingers, so in the future, I may mix the product up in a little bowl. However, I still find this to be miles easier to apply than any foaming tanner I’ve tried.

Finally, the best part about applying this tanner is that there’s no downtime. You do not have to wait around for it to set in or wash it off, so you can apply it and be ready to leave the house right after application.

Effectiveness

Despite there being no color guide, I have never noticed any streaks or patchiness using this product. My skin just looks a bit more glowy with zero orange hue. It looks very natural on my skin, as though this is my year-round skin tone, which is what I look for in a self-tanner. 

I’m very aware that this is not everyone’s cup of tea. Even I like to look a bit darker if I know I’m going on vacation, which is why I have a few other self-tanners on hand. I would consider Tanologist drops to be a great “everyday” tanner if you just want a little glow but don’t want to deal with the whole rigamarole of applying a tanner, waiting six to eight hours, and then rinsing it off.

These drops are extremely easy to reapply after a shower, with no mitts required. And since it doesn’t go as dark as a Coco & Eve or Bondi tanner, I would consider this a low-commitment tanner, too.

Duration

Now, I do call this an “everyday” tanner for a reason since I do notice it doesn’t have a ton of lasting power. On my body, this lasts about one week and about three days for my face. I’m not sure if I’m applying it wrong or if it’s intended to be applied more frequently, but I could see why this might be a turn-off for some. 

However, keep in mind that, again, this is super easy to apply and can be mixed in with any moisturizer or lotion right after your shower. You also might be wondering if this means you have to use more product (which, of course, means paying more moola in the long run). However,  I have used this product about four times now for my full face and body and have hardly made a dent in the bottle, so you do get a good bang for your buck.

For me personally, this self-tanner will be my secret weapon this summer (maybe even throughout the year), even if I have to apply it every week to keep it fresh.

Final Thoughts

I love that consumers have a way to get the golden, bronzed skin of their dreams without having to resort to sitting out in the sun and risking their health.

As more and more people become educated about skincare and the risks of sun damage, sunless tanners will only continue to boom in popularity. Hopefully, this will lead to even more innovation in the world of self-tanners, giving us tans that look even better and last longer.

Right now, I believe these are a few of the best that the market has to offer. 

The Coco & Eve Self-Tanning Foam is easy to apply, looks great, and lasts a long time for a great price. This makes the product a truly cost-effective purchase for those looking for long-lasting tans on a budget.

The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam has been a holy grail standby for years for both frequent self-tanners and beginners alike. This tan delivers a truly gorgeous sunless tan that takes you down several notches in shades without looking unnatural. This is a great option for those trips where you know you’ll be taking lots of photos and want to look your best.

Tanologist’s Face & Body Drops were an unexpected find but one that I will hold onto for years to come. I plan to incorporate this product into my “Sunday Reset” routine to get me looking fresh and ready to tackle the week, whether I’m just sitting in the office or having a mid-week date night.

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