Faux Glow: The Best Self Tanners for a Believable Tan
Faux Glow: The Best Self Tanners for a Believable Tan
In terms of beauty sins, tanning is always vying for the number one spot. Even though you may like the way it looks, a naturally sun-kissed complexion is a sign that you’ve successfully damaged your skin a.k.a you’re at risk for premature aging, dark spots, and yes, even skin cancer or melanoma. That’s why it’s crucial to go faux and use one of these best drugstore self tanners instead. Not only is an at-home formula the safest way to get golden, but it also takes a lot less time than laying out.
While most tanning products are easy to incorporate into your daily routine, there are a few application tricks that guarantee a flawless finish. First, remember to exfoliate and shave before every bronzing sesh, so the formula goes on evenly. Another way to prevent a faux glow fail? Invest in a tanning mitt. Simply use it to apply self-tanner to skin in circular motions, starting at your feet before working your way up your bod. Beyond that, all you need is a reliable tanner like one of these best drugstore self tanner formulations. The best part: They’re so cheap, you won’t feel bad about buying them again and again.
1) Best Airbrushed Finish
Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Mist
amazon.com
$19.07
One of the hardest parts of self-tanning is applying it to those hard to reach spots. To avoid a spotty backside, opt for Banana Boat’s aerosol formula that can be sprayed at any angle. The color is time-released, so over the span of a week your tone will deepen. Plus, it leaves behind a pleasant citrus fragrance.
2) Best Gradual Tan
Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion
amazon.com
$11.53
For anyone who fears looking like an Oompa-Loompa, try Neutrogena’s gradual lotion that delivers a slow, steady and streak-free bronze. Between its creamy feel and fresh scent, it feels more like a daily moisturizer than a tanning product.
3) Best Wash-Off Color
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Illuminator
amazon.com
$15.67
Depending on your outfit, you may not need an all-over bronze. For those occasions, choose a quick-drying luminizer that showers-off at the end of the night. Technically, this roll-on body makeup is designed for legs, but it can also be used to highlight arms, collarbones, shoulders, décolletage and more. Formulated with light-reflecting pigments, the illuminator perfects the appearance of skin-100 percent commitment-free.
4) Best Makeup Hybrid
Almay Healthy Glow Makeup + Gradual Self Tan
amazon.com
$6.55
Now there’s no reason to be intimidated when it comes to self-tanning your face: Almay’s latest foundation makes it practically goof-proof. The base provides luminous coverage, has SPF 20, and it’s infused with gradual self-tanner, so after three days of repeated use, your complexion’s radiance will be next level.
5) Best Instant Tan
Jergens Natural Glow Tropical Sunless Tanner Mousse
amazon.com
$11.95
Impatient tanners, rejoice: Sixty seconds is all it takes for this mousse to transform you into a bronzed babe. Its airy consistency glides over skin, giving you an immediate sun-kissed finish that only intensifies as the day goes on.
6) Best SPF-Infused Tanner
Australian Gold SPF 45 Sheer Coverage Faces Sunscreen With Self Tanner
amazon.com
$7.19
This multitasker protects against the sun’s harmful rays while also imparting skin with a natural golden glow. Beyond its SPF 45, it has ingredients like vitamin-C rich Kakadu Plum to amplify collagen production and green tea to detox and shield against free radicals. Not to mention, with fragrance notes of orange, vanilla, and coconut, it smells like a delicious tropical cocktail.
7) Best Travel-Friendly Towelettes
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes
amazon.com
$8.99
A bottle of self-tanner shouldn’t be the reason you’re checking a bag next beach vacation. Instead, slip a few of these towelettes in your carry-on. The individually wrapped sheets are soaked in enough tanner for a full-body application, and they’re packed with vitamin E and AHA’s to keep skin silky smooth.
8) Best For A Beach Day
Coppertone Glow Sunscreen Lotion With Shimmer
walmart.com
$8.97
Want a temporary boost of color? Try a lotion that leaves behind a subtle, shimmery glow. This has that, plus SPF 50, making it an ideal product to stash in your beach bag. The luminizing formula can take you from pale to pearlescent, or it can play up an existing tan.
9) Best For Darker Skintones
b.tan Tanned AF Self Tan Mousse
amazon.com
$19.99
Whether you want to play up a deeper skin tone or simply think it’s impossible to be “too” tan, try a dark mousse like this one. The formula leaves you with an intense, cool-toned brown hue after an hour. If you want to go extra dark, apply two coats and leave it on for four hours.
10) Best Shower-Friendly Option
NKD SKN Pre-Shower Gradual Tan Lotion
amazon.com
$14.00
If you’re always bitching about self-tanner because of its bad smell or sticky feel, meet your new best friend. This gradual lotion is designed to be applied 10 minutes before you shower, so you can rinse it off. Afterward, you’re able to get dressed totally stress -and scent-free.
No more orange palms.