We Tested 43 Self-Tanners, Including Drops, Sprays, and Gels — Our Favorites Start at Just $13

Self-tanning can feel daunting, but the Bondi Sands Pure Self-Tanning Drops make it effortless, even if you’re a beginner. After testing this formula, we were most impressed by how quickly it worked and how easy it was to customize since it is a drop-based formula. We also love that it features some skin-benefiting ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E, so you won’t only temporarily enhance your glow but also improve your skin over time. 

While you do need to mix the self-tanner with a moisturizer to apply, we found it was easier to apply than others we tried. Plus, adding moisturizer hydrates the skin and helps support a faux glow. Once applied, you don’t have to worry about this tanner transferring to your sheets or clothes since the drop formula doesn’t budge. 

Size: 1.35 ounces | Shades: Dark | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E

Most self-tanners take time to cure and show results — but not the Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan. This self-tanning mousse is easy to apply with an applicator mitt (which must be purchased separately) thanks to its lightweight consistency, which makes blending and creating a streak-free tan a total breeze.

When testing this formula, we were impressed by how quick and easy it is to use, especially for beginners. We also loved how glowy our skin looked post-application, giving us an instant natural glow. We were also pleased that the product dried quickly and did not transfer onto our sheets or clothes. The mousse has a light, pleasant scent, but it might not be a good fit for those with skin sensitivities.

Size: 5 ounces | Shades: Medium, deep | Key Ingredients: N/A

This L’Oreal tanning mist leads the pack in drugstore self-tanners. It sprays evenly onto the skin without any streaks, though the spray application may be tricky for beginners. We were impressed with the glow it gave in just one application and that it didn’t transfer onto our hands.

Size: 3 ounces | Shades: One shade | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E

The mousse texture of this self-tanner makes it super easy to apply and blend with the handy reusable mitt (sold separately) for an even, salon-worthy glow-up. The formula also dried incredibly fast (within 30 seconds), which made the curing process a lot more comfortable and prevented streaks from occurring. Although the formula says it’s a 30-minute express self-tanner, we found that it takes a couple of hours to notice a faux glow, which is still fast compared to other formulas we tried.

Size: 6.7 ounces | Shades: One buildable shade | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin C

This formula offers one of the most even applications (goodbye, streaky tans!), thanks to its lightweight, blendable, and quick-drying formula. We were impressed by how well it stays put on the skin and doesn’t transfer to clothing or bedding — not even white sheets. And, as a bonus, it doesn’t have that self-tanner smell either. The mousse texture is easy to apply for new and experienced self-tanners alike, and although we wish it came with a mitt to make the process even easier, you can get by without one (or purchase the St. Tropez Double-Sided Luxe Tan Applicator Mitt).

Size: 4, 8 ounces | Shades: One shade | Key Ingredients: 100 percent natural DHA

Foam formulas are some of the most user-friendly at-home self-tanners, and after testing a few, we were most impressed by the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, which has a green-gray base designed to keep orange tones at bay. We love this formula because it’s formulated with skincare ingredients like raw virgin coconut, which nourishes the skin, and lotus extract, which firms the skin and targets cellulite. It was easy to achieve an even and natural-looking tan if applied with the mitt, which you can purchase along with the self-tanner as a set.

Size: 6.7 ounces | Shades: Medium, dark, ultra-dark | Key Ingredients: Natural DHA, lotus extract, raw virgin coconut, mango, fig, cocoa

We loved how quickly this tan developed, even on fair skin. Although our skin looked slightly orange at first, that quickly dissipated and transformed into a deep, natural-looking tan by the two-hour mark. The product felt a bit sticky upon application (which is easy thanks to the included mitt), but it dried down quickly, which helped prevent any streaks after application.

Size: 4, 6.7 ounces | Shades: Medium, dark, ultra-dark | Key Ingredients: Naturally derived DHA, aloe vera

If you’re looking to give your melanated skin a sunkissed glow, try out the Bondi Sands tanning foam. Whereas most self-tanners don’t provide a sufficient shade range to bronze darker skin tones, the ultra-dark shade of this tanner is recommended for melanated skin. As one Amazon reviewer put it, “Black girls can self-tan, too!”

The application process is tricky since it dries quickly and tends to get streaky. We recommend doing extensive prep work (like exfoliating and moisturizing) to get the most even tan. It has a strong smell and transfers onto clothing and sheets, but we thought the glowing result was worth the effort. 

Size: 3.3, 6.7 ounces | Shades: Light/medium, dark, ultra dark | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera

When putting self-tanner on your face, you want a formula that’s easy to apply and provides an even finish. This buildable self-tanning spray goes on clear, doesn’t transfer onto clothes, sheets, or towels, and is easy to achieve even coverage. It also features lots of refreshing skincare ingredients that hydrate and nourish the skin, including moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid, green mandarin water, and hibiscus extract. Since this is a buildable formula, we didn’t notice a difference right away. However, with several uses, we built up a nice glow that looked natural. 

Size: 2.7 ounces | Shades: Light to medium | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, green mandarin water, hibiscus extract

Whether you want to add a little glow to your complexion or don’t love a super noticeable tan, the Sol by Jergens Deeper By The Drop serum can help you achieve a subtle tan with just a few drops. Add it to your favorite face or body moisturizer and achieve buildable coverage that gives you that sun-kissed look without feeling too tan.

In addition to subtleness, the drops don’t transfer easily, so you don’t have to worry about ruining sheets or clothes, and if you use them several days in a row, the tanning formula will stay put on your complexion for over a week. Although the self-tanning drops don’t come in different shades, we love that you can build and add more drops for a deeper and more custom tan.

Size: 1 ounce | Shades: One buildable shade | Key Ingredients: Erythrulose

The Il Makiage foam tanner is designed to last and never get blotchy as it fades, so you will have an even, subtle tan for a week (or longer). It’s easy to apply with the included velvet mitt and applicator brush, has a blendable yet dry texture that doesn’t transfer, and you don’t need a lot of product to achieve a gorgeous glow. The development process is also almost immediate, so it can give you a quick dose of color in a pinch. While it’s pricier than others on this list, keep in mind that the cost includes application tools.

Size: 4 ounces | Shades: One shade | Key Ingredients: Erythrulose, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera

Whether you have sensitive skin or can’t stand the smell of self-tanner, the fragrance-free Tanologist Self-Tan Mousse is worth trying. The formula is designed with sensitive skin types in mind and includes hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and aloe vera to nourish and hydrate the skin. We love how easy it is to achieve an even tan (especially when using a tanning mitt, which is not included). It also offers the largest shade range on this list, so you can get a more accurate tan for your skin tone.

Size: 6.76 ounces | Shades: Light, medium, dark, extra dark | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, aloe vera

Tanning towelettes are a convenient, travel-friendly option for adding a sun-kissed touch on the go. The Tan Towel Body Tan Towelettes are so fool-proof that even beginners can achieve an even, all-over tan. After the initial application, the tan can last up to seven days, making it one of the longest-lasting tans on our list. Albeit a little sticky at first, we found that the stickiness allowed us to see where the solution was applied for an even application. And, after a few minutes, it completely dried up, so it wasn’t an issue.

Size: 5-pack | Shades: Classic, plus, dark | Key Ingredients: Erythrulose

If you prefer a self-tanner with a gel consistency, try the b.Tan Glow Your Own Way Tan Gel. This product has a thick consistency that applies evenly without streaks or blotchiness. Plus, its formula features hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for their skin-plumping benefits. We had no problems with the gel transferring onto our sheets, towels, or clothes. Although it did take some time for the self-tanner gel to dry on our skin, we loved how it gave way to a natural-looking finish.

Size: 16 ounces | Shades: One shade | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C

The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow for Face is part self-tanner, part peel pad, thanks to its inclusion of AHAs and BHAs, which exfoliate the complexion with one swipe. The wipes also feature active vitamin D to add a gorgeous glow to your complexion. These wipes are easy to apply, buildable, and dry in just one minute. The rough texture of the pad feels a little like a peel pad, which some might find irritating. Bonus: These wipes are convenient to carry and pack on trips.

Size: 20-pack | Shades: One shade | Key Ingredients: AHAs, BHAs, active vitamin D

We loved the longevity and easy application of the Typology self-tanning serum. Since it has an oily texture, it applies smoothly to the skin for a deeper tan or mixes well with moisturizer for a more subtle glow. We found that it kept its integrity for seven days (and even once it started to fade, it still looked good). Despite having an oily texture, it absorbs quickly into the complexion and doesn’t transfer onto clothing or sheets. While it’s on the pricey side, the unique application and long-term results make this a worthwhile pick.

Size: 1 ounce | Shades: One shade | Key Ingredients: DHA, carob pulp extract

These self-tanning drops are designed to mix into moisturizer or apply directly to the skin, depending on how deep you want your tan. It takes only 15 minutes to see results, and you can easily build upon your glow with daily use. In addition to tanning the skin, ingredients such as pomegranate extract, coconut water, passion fruit oil, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid nourish and hydrate the skin, helping to support the skin’s overall glow.

Size: 1 ounce | Shades: One buildable shade | Key Ingredients: Pomegranate extract, coconut water, passion fruit oil, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid