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Sunless tanners have rapidly grown in popularity as a safer alternative to harmful UV rays and tanning beds. Originating from tropical paradise locations, these beauty products are now a go-to for individuals worldwide in the quest for a sun-kissed glow, irrespective of the weather or season. However, to ensure a seamless, natural-looking tan, it’s crucial to use a high-quality sunless tanner.
The best sunless tanners provide even, streak-free coverage, are easy to apply and ensure a long-lasting, natural-looking tan. They should contain natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin but still provide deep, golden color. Using the wrong sunless tanner can lead to uneven, orange or streaky results, and in severe cases, certain ingredients might even irritate your skin.
When selecting a sunless tanner, be sure to check the ingredients. The tanner should have components like DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a colorless sugar that reacts with skin proteins to produce a bronze color. Hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid, as well as nourishing natural oils like coconut oil or argan oil, are also essential to keep your skin moisturized and your tan looking vibrant and natural.
Throughout this article, we will guide you in finding the best sunless tanners available, utilizing our multiple tests and first-hand experiences. We’ve put various sunless tanning products through rigorous testing to determine which ones provide the most natural, long-lasting results and hence secure a spot on your beauty shelf. By the end of this article, you will have all the insight you need to select a standout sunless tanner to suit your skin and satisfy your tanning desires!
Best Sunless Tanners
Selecting the best sunless tanners is critical to ensure an even, natural-looking and long-lasting shade on your skin. The tanner should be easy to apply, non-streaking, and contain ingredients that are gentle and beneficial to your skin. With countless options in the market, it can be a challenge to pick the best one for your specific needs. In this post, we have painstakingly compiled a collection of the best sunless tanners based on our extensive tests and reviews, aiding you in making a well-informed decision.
Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner, Sunless Tanning Lotion for Fair to Medium Skin Tone, Anti Cellulite Firming Body Lotion for Natural-Looking Tan, 7.5 Ounce
If you’re looking for a self-tanner that provides a natural-looking tan and helps firm your skin, Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner is a great option.
Pros
- The lotion has a lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a streaky or orange tint.
- The gradual, buildable color is streak-free and develops within 2 hours to a deep, natural-looking glow that lasts up to 7 days.
- The anti-cellulite formula contains caffeine, which helps firm and smooth your skin for a more even, radiant look.
Cons
- The lotion has a slightly sweet, tropical scent that may not be appealing to everyone.
- The product may transfer onto clothing or bedding if not allowed to dry completely.
- The lotion may not provide enough color for those with very fair skin.
Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner is easy to apply and provides a natural-looking tan that develops evenly. The lotion has a lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a streaky or orange tint. The gradual, buildable color is also streak-free and develops within 2 hours to a deep, natural-looking glow that lasts up to 7 days.
One of the best things about this self-tanner is that it contains caffeine, which helps firm and smooth your skin for a more even, radiant look. This makes it a great option for those who want to improve the appearance of their skin while also getting a tan.
However, the lotion does have a slightly sweet, tropical scent that may not be appealing to everyone. Additionally, the product may transfer onto clothing or bedding if not allowed to dry completely. Finally, the lotion may not provide enough color for those with very fair skin.
Overall, if you’re looking for a self-tanner that provides a natural-looking tan and helps firm your skin, Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner is definitely worth considering.
b.tan Dark Self Tanner | Get Tanned – Fast, 1 Hour Sunless Tanner Mousse, No Fake Tan Smell, No Added Nasties, Vegan, Cruelty Free, 6.7 Fl Oz
If you’re looking for a self-tanner that gives you a deep, dark tan without any streaks or orange tones, then b.tan Dark Self Tanner is the perfect product for you.
Pros
- The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with natural DHA, making it safe for sensitive skin.
- The 1-hour express development time ensures a deep, dark tan that develops quickly and evenly.
- The fast-drying mousse has a light, pleasant scent and doesn’t transfer onto clothes or bedding.
Cons
- The product is relatively expensive compared to other self-tanners on the market.
- Some users may find the formula too dark and may need to exfoliate before use to achieve a lighter tan.
- The product may not be suitable for those with very fair skin.
We’ve used b.tan Dark Self Tanner and were impressed with the results. The mousse is easy to apply and dries quickly, leaving no streaks or residue. The formula is gentle on the skin and doesn’t leave any unwanted patches or lines.
The 1-hour express development time is a game-changer, as it ensures a deep, dark tan that develops quickly and evenly. We were impressed with how quickly the product developed, and the results were exactly what we were looking for.
One of the best things about b.tan Dark Self Tanner is the light, pleasant scent. Unlike other self-tanners that have a strong, unpleasant smell, this product is a pleasure to use. It doesn’t transfer onto clothes or bedding, making it a convenient and hassle-free option.
Overall, we highly recommend b.tan Dark Self Tanner to anyone looking for a high-quality self-tanner that delivers excellent results. The product is a bit pricey, but the quality and effectiveness make it worth the investment.
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse, Self Tanner for Light Bronze Tan, Sunless Tanning Body Bronzer, Fake Tan for Fair to Medium Skin, 6 Ounce
If you’re looking for a self-tanner that provides an instant, streak-free tan without the mess, Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse is worth considering.
Pros
- Provides an instant, streak-free tan
- Lightweight, mousse-like formula that dries quickly
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May not provide a deep enough tan for some users
- Some users may experience transfer onto clothing or bedding
- May require multiple applications for a darker tan
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse is a great option for those who want to achieve a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without spending time in the sun. The mousse-like formula is lightweight and easy to apply, and it dries quickly, so you don’t have to worry about waiting around for it to set.
One of the biggest advantages of this self-tanner is that it provides an instant, streak-free tan. This means that you can see the results of your application right away, so you can adjust as needed. The formula is also suitable for all skin types, so you don’t have to worry about it being too harsh or drying.
However, some users may find that the tan provided by this self-tanner is not deep enough for their liking. Additionally, some users may experience transfer onto clothing or bedding, which can be a hassle to clean up. Finally, multiple applications may be needed to achieve a darker tan.
Overall, if you’re looking for a self-tanner that provides an instant, streak-free tan and is easy to apply, Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse is definitely worth considering.
Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner
If you’re looking for a sunless tanner that gives you a natural-looking tan without any streaks or orange tint, then Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner is worth considering.
Pros
- The custom color guide ensures an even, flawless application every time.
- The formula is enriched with skin superfoods like green tea, vitamin E, and aloe vera, which leave your skin looking and feeling great.
- The sunless tanner is fast-drying and non-greasy, so you won’t be left waiting around for it to absorb into your skin.
Cons
- The bottle is on the smaller side, so you may need to reorder sooner than you’d like.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other sunless tanners on the market.
- Some users have reported that the formula is a bit thick, which can make it difficult to apply smoothly.
Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner is a great choice for anyone who wants a natural-looking tan without the hassle of spending hours in the sun. The custom color guide ensures that you’ll get an even, flawless application every time, and the formula is enriched with skin superfoods like green tea, vitamin E, and aloe vera, which leave your skin looking and feeling great.
One of the best things about this sunless tanner is that it’s fast-drying and non-greasy, so you won’t be left waiting around for it to absorb into your skin. This makes it a great choice for anyone who’s short on time or who doesn’t like the feeling of a heavy, greasy lotion on their skin.
However, there are a few downsides to this sunless tanner. The bottle is on the smaller side, so you may need to reorder sooner than you’d like. Additionally, the price point is a bit higher than some other sunless tanners on the market, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget. Finally, some users have reported that the formula is a bit thick, which can make it difficult to apply smoothly.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality sunless tanner that will give you a natural-looking tan without any streaks or orange tint, then Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner is definitely worth considering.
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse – (Medium) All Natural Sunless Tanning Mousse | Instant Self Tanning Lotion with Bronzer and Skin Moisturizer (6.7 fl oz)
If you’re looking for a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of the sun, Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse is a great option.
Pros
- The self-tanner mousse is infused with natural DHA, which means it’s cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
- The tinted lotion has a buildable color that develops within 4-6 hours, so you can control how dark you want to go.
- The lightweight, creamy mousse formula is easy to apply and leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Cons
- The scent of coconut may not be appealing to everyone.
- The color may not be true to medium for some skin tones.
- The price point is a bit higher than other self-tanners on the market.
We’ve used Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse and were impressed with the results. The mousse is easy to apply and the color is buildable, so you can achieve the level of tan you want. We also appreciate that the formula is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
One thing to keep in mind is that the scent of coconut may not be appealing to everyone. Additionally, the color may not be true to medium for some skin tones, so it’s important to keep that in mind when choosing a self-tanner.
Overall, if you’re looking for a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow and don’t mind the higher price point, Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best sunless tanner, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Skin Type
Different sunless tanners work better on different skin types. Some products may be better suited for dry skin, while others may be more effective on oily or sensitive skin. It’s important to choose a product that is formulated for your specific skin type to ensure the best results.
Color
The color of the sunless tanner is another important factor to consider. Some products may produce a more natural-looking tan, while others may be more orange or unnatural in color. It’s important to choose a product that produces a color that you are comfortable with and that looks natural on your skin.
Application
The application method of the sunless tanner is also important to consider. Some products may be easier to apply than others, and some may require more time and effort. It’s important to choose a product that is easy to apply and that provides an even, streak-free tan.
Ingredients
When choosing a sunless tanner, it’s important to consider the ingredients. Some products may contain harmful chemicals or allergens that could cause irritation or other problems. It’s important to choose a product that is free from harmful ingredients and that is safe for your skin.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best sunless tanner for your needs and achieve a beautiful, natural-looking tan without the harmful effects of the sun.
