There are some beauty treatments we wouldn’t necessarily trust ourselves to ace from at home: Giving yourself bangs and/or highlights, and for the bravest among us, waxing your bikini line.
But if there’s one DIY beauty treatment that we wholeheartedly recommend, it’s self-tanning. Unlike past iterations of the stuff, the newest generation of bronzing mousses, sprays, and lotions are kind to your skin, won’t turn you orange, and will even spare your white sheets in the process. (Another major plus: A faux glow is the *only* safe way to tan.)
Winter temps can feel a bit bleak, so indulge in glowing skin from head to toe, and see what it does to your mood. (Trust us.) We’ve rounded up the top-reviewed, impossible-to-screw-up options, ahead.
Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top-reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
The Drugstore G.O.A.T. Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 6,581 reviews on Amazon
We can’t promise you’ll magically transform into spokesperson Eva Longoria, but L’Oréal’s Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse does make you look pretty dang glowy and gorgeous post-application. (Reviewers also love that it smells like a beach vacay in a bottle.) “This is the most natural color I’ve ever gotten from a sunless tanner,” raves one Amazon reviewer. “I’ve used this a few times now, and use a gradual tan lotion daily. I run several days a week and haven’t had any weird streaks anywhere due to sweating either. Another positive is that my bed currently has white sheets, and there hasn’t been any color transfer whatsoever.”
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Water Mousse, $, available at Amazon
The Foaming Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 15,790 reviews on Amazon
It’s no wonder St. Tropez’s iconic tanning mousse has won over legions of fans; the bestselling product doesn’t have That Weird Fake Tan Smell, lasts up to a week, and works on just about everyone. Check, check, and check. “I’ve never written a review before[,] but I thought I would today. I am going on vacation soon and wanted to give my pasty white skin a little life[,] so I splurged on myself and bought this mousse after hearing good things,” shares one Amazon reviewer. “Now here’s the part that blew me away: I’m currently on day seven and I am still holding color! It’s definitely not as dark as day one or two, but it is there. I am not a pasty snowman! I’ve never seen a self-tanner last this long — I wish I had known about this sooner!”
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, $, available at Amazon
The SPF Self-Tanner
The Hype: 4.0 out of 5 stars and 114 reviews on Supergoop!
Not only is this hydrating spray-lotion a total breeze to apply (just spritz and blend!), it contains SPF 40 to help you stay safe in the sun. “Love this product — it does it all,” writes one Supergoop! reviewer. “I have searched for this type of product since being diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer on my leg. It goes on easily, results are pretty instant, and it contains SPF as well!”
Supergoop! Healthy Glow Sunless Tan SPF 40, $, available at Supergoop!
The Beginner Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 19,275 reviews on Amazon
We love how Jergens’ Natural Glow body lotion instantly hydrates and firms skin while allowing you to gradually build up your tan to your desired level — and at a drugstore price point. “This is the only self tanner I will use,” declares one Amazon reviewer. “I’m generally in a hurry, and I’ve never had a problem with streakiness with this Jergens tanner. It imparts color gradually, so it’s easy enough to stop when you’re satisfied. Overall, I think this is a great self-tanner.”
Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner, $, available at Amazon
The Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.0 out of 5 stars and 2,808 reviews on Sephora
Isle of Paradise’s Self Tanning Drops come in three shades for a variety of skin tones and intensities, allowing you to create a bespoke tan for your face or bod. “I’ve tried several tanning products in the past, and this is the best I’ve come across,” shares one Sephora reviewer. “Just mix the drops with your moisturizer, I apply right after showering — and you’re good to go! Nice natural color, not orange or streaky.”
Isle Of Paradise Natural Glow Self Tanning Drops, $, available at Sephora
The Airbrush-In-A-Can Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 5,180 reviews on Amazon
Do your own spray tan from home with the help of a mist formula like Neutrogena’s trusty option. “I’ve been using this spray tan for years,” begins one Amazon reviewer.
“Spray in the sink or somewhere first before you spray on your skin to make sure you don’t get the first gob of mist on your skin. Keep a distance from your body [,]or it won’t spray on evenly, spray in a circular motion to avoid streaks. When I use this product, I have a beautiful, golden tan that lasts for a week with a few touch-ups.”
Neutrogena Micromist Airbrush Sunless Tanning Spray, $, available at Amazon
The Invisible Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 1,880 reviews on Ulta Beauty
If lightweight, comfortable textures are the name of the game, a tanning water will likely be your formula of choice. “Bought this for my wedding weekend — why spend the same amount on a spray tan that lasts a week when you can get multiple tans of a similar quality right?” shares one Ulta reviewer. “It was seamless and easy to use. Didn’t break me out (I have sensitive dry skin), and one use showed beautiful color for my light olive skin, even if for a gradual tanner. Love this and would buy again.”
Bali Body Face Tan Water, $, available at Ulta
The Vegan Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 3,194 reviews on Coco & Eve
“I have tried a lot of self-tanners since the 80s,” raves one reviewer of Coco & Eve’s tanning foam. “This product is exceptional. I was in Hawaii for my wedding and very nervous to end up with streaks etc. It was a dream and looked great on my hubby too.” Sharing is caring, amirite?
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, $, available at Coco & Eve
The Soothing Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 277 reviews on Ulta Beauty
Tarte might be best known for its makeup (and lavish influencer trips), but as it turns out, they also make a pretty excellent self-tanner, too. “I’m a first-time self-tanner, and I was worried about being able to apply an even tan without streaks, but it was super easy to apply — even for my fiancé, who did my back for me,” writes one Ulta reviewer. “It’s such a natural tan, and the smell is pleasant: Not too strong and doesn’t linger!” In other words, come for the radiant glow that builds in four hours, stay for the hydrating aloe-infused formula that won’t make your skin feel itchy or dry.
Tarte Brazilliance PLUS + Self-Tanner with Mitt, $, available at Ulta
The Hydrating Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.1 out of 5 stars and 122 reviews on Bluemercury
This vegan body butter gets you a subtle glow – and is reportedly a favorite of former Bachelor contestant Hannah Ann Sluss. “This is by far my favorite tanner. I love how it’s gradual and subtle, so I don’t have to wear a tanning mitt to apply it,” writes one Bluemercury reviewer. “It also doesn’t leave any tanner on my clothing which is a plus. Definitely worth the money!”
m-61 Hydraboost Body Butter Gradual Tan, $, available at Bluemercury
The Face Self-Tanner
The Hype: 4.1 out of 5 stars and 65 reviews on Sephora
Don’t sleep on Sephora’s in-house brand, y’all. In addition to being among the more affordable finds at the retailer, many are also Clean At Sephora-certified. “If you no longer want to look like a sickly Victorian-era child this is the product for you,” shares one customer. “[After] two applications, I have a beautiful, even glow that has given me some really nice color.”
Sephora Collection Gradual Self-Tanning Face Gel, $, available at Sephora
The Affordable Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 45 reviews on Ulta Beauty
Fans love Australian Gold’s self-tanning gel because of the built-in SPF 30 and $10 price tag. “I’m a flight attendant and travel quite often — this is a must-pack for me,” shares one Ulta reviewer. “Not only does it work like magic and give me the best bronze tan, I never burn, and it smells magical!”
Australian Gold Instant Bronzer Spray Gel Sunscreen SPF 30, $, available at Ulta Beauty
The Subtle Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.1 out of 5 stars and 171 reviews on Sephora
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of self-tanners or simply prefer a natural-looking finish, Tan Luxe’s The Gradual is the best for a believable glow. “This is a great product – but it is not intended to make you a tan goddess the day of a pool party,” explains one Sephora reviewer. “The name is accurate — it’s a gradual development, and doesn’t yield a dark tan. I use this every few days to keep me looking a little tan/alive in the winter. The Gradual is awesome, but just know it is more for general upkeep and not a show-stopping tan.”
Tan-Luxe THE GRADUAL Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion, $, available at Sephora
The Pro-Approved Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 1,644 reviews on Ulta Beauty
If you’re looking for a product to replace your in-salon tanning service, this unsuspecting bottle is that. “I’m a professional spray tanner and love giving people that beautiful, natural-looking tan,” writes one Ulta reviewer. “But if you need something fast that looks natural and is going to last, I would definitely buy this. I’ve never had any problems with it and it doesn’t streak at all. Best ever.”
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse Dark, $, available at Ulta
The Organic Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 1,635 reviews on Ulta Beauty
In addition to being certified as an organic cosmetic, this serum contains nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and argan oil. “Remember the scene in Elf when Buddy storms into the board room, throws his hat in the air, and states, ‘I’m in love, I’m in love, and I don’t care who knows it!”? That’s how I feel about this face tanner,” explains one Ulta reviewer. Say less!
Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum, $, available at Ulta
The Five-Second Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 149 reviews on Nordstrom
Dr. Dennis Gross’s easy-to-use tan towelettes are convenient, quick, and contain good-for-you ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and willow bark extract to exfoliate and brighten skin. “[Adds a] touch of color mixed with an exfoliator,” describes one reviewer. “Great product, easy to use.”
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Intense Glow Pad Self-Tanner for Face, $, available at Violet Grey
The Bougie Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 6 reviews on Neiman Marcus
Your bathroom cabinet just got way chicer with Dior’s lightweight bronzing gel — the dreamy texture alone will make you genuinely look forward to getting your fake tan on. “Gives a subtle tan look that increases as you reapply,” shares one reviewer. “I like that you can mix with moisturizer or apply over it and it still works.”
Dior DIOR Bronze Self Tanning Jelly for Face, $, available at Neiman Marcus
The Vegan Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 19,781 reviews on Amazon
We live for an indie find, and Beauty By Earth’s sleeper hit hasn’t been lost on the more than 19,000 folks who have reviewed it on Amazon. “I’ve been wanting to try this for a while, and I’m glad I did,” shares one reviewer. “I used a light layer since it’s winter and I didn’t know how much color it would provide. It went on smoothly and absorbed quickly. Can’t wait to use it again for Valentine’s Day coming up!” Even better: Botanical ingredients like organic aloe vera leaf juice, shea butter, and green tea extract make it extra gentle on skin.
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion, $, available at Amazon
The Not-a-Self-Tanner Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.1 out of 5 stars and 12,589 reviews on Amazon
As the name suggests, Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs create the illusion of sun-kissed skin vis-à-vis a sheer wash of bronze tint. Best of all? You can wash it right off at the end of the day if you don’t want a long-lasting tan that deepens over time. “This is an excellent product if you understand what it is and what its purpose is. This is body makeup, not a sunless tanner!” explains one Amazon reviewer. “While it can — and does — give a sun-kissed glow like a sunless tanner, its uses and properties are vastly different. The color you achieve after putting it on is the color it will stay.”
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, Leg Spray-On Makeup, $, available at Amazon
The Impossible-To-Mess-Up Self Tanner
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 13,286 reviews on Amazon
Fake Bake’s fluid-like texture feels like nothing on skin but leaves behind the most realistic, transfer-proof, bronze glow. “As of now, this Fake Bake Flawless is my favorite self-tan product I’ve ever used,” declares one Amazon reviewer. “I’d argue that, when used properly, this is the best sunless tanner. The color guard in combination with the mitt makes sure I get every single square inch of my body, no streaks. It dried in minutes, and I was able to dress quickly. The liquid develops into a wonderful brown (not orange!) color, and it was even and believable.”
Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid, $, available at Amazon
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