New To Self-Tan? I Tested and Ranked the Most Popular Self-Tanners and There’s a Clear Winner

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Thanks to self-tan, you can achieve a bronzy summer glow all year round right at home.

However, if you’ve never used a self-tanner before, the process can seem a bit daunting. You might be asking questions like: How long does self-tan last? Will I look orange? What if it comes out patchy?

I know I certainly did!

So in the name of journalism, I decided to tackle my fear of self-tanning for an instant bronze once and for all. While a gradual tanner is usually a safe bet for subtle color (I'm a Jergens Natural Glow girlie for life), I needed some instant gratification that really packs a punch.

After trying a handful of self-tanning products from popular brands including St. Tropez, Dolce Glow, and more, I not only found a favorite, but also gathered helpful self-tanning tips and tricks along the way.

I found that the best self-tanner for beginners is easy to use and creates a flawless, natural-looking tan.

Tips To Achieve a Flawless Fake Tan

First things first, exfoliate your entire body before you tan to help remove dead skin and create a smooth base for application.

Then, use a rich moisturizer to hydrate your elbows, knees, ankles, and other dry areas to help prevent patchiness.

Be sure to use a tanning mitt (or latex gloves) to ensure an even, streak-free application. This way, you'll also keep your hands free of tan, which is not only hard to remove but can also be a dead giveaway that your tan is, well, not courtesy of the sun.

My primary reservation with self-tan was that the color would come out way too deep (or worse, totally orange) since I have pretty fair skin.

The truth is you do have some control over your tan! Development time differs from product to product, but on average, the longer you leave it on the deeper in color your tan will be.

That being said, don’t be afraid to let it sit. Most self-tanning options offer a suggested development time depending on how dark you want your tan. I cautiously left my self-tan contenders on for the minimum recommended time before rinsing them off, but you could always leave your preferred glow on longer if you want a deeper tan.

The Best Self-Tan for Beginners, Ranked

Ready to finally try fake tan? Keep reading to find out the best overall self-tanners that are easy to use and leave behind a natural-looking glow.

4. Luminess Tanning Tonic Mist

I’ll give this option some grace since it was the first one I tried and there was some user error involved. The results were a bit streaky, but that’s likely because I didn’t use a tanning mitt or apply moisturizer to dry areas before application.

The color was the least natural, in my opinion, and leaned a bit orange.

• Pros: No need to rinse the tanner off after a few hours
• Cons: Slightly orange tone, mild odor

3. St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

Because it’s a mousse, the foamy texture is a bit harder to blend into the skin, but if you’re thorough in your prep and application, it will apply streak-free.

Since it's an express tanner, it's a good option if your low on time. Plus, I was happy with the natural tan it created.

• Pros: Good if you're short on time, the color is natural and subtle
• Cons: Hard to blend, needs to be rinsed off

2. St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Tan Tonic Drops

These self-tan drops are super beginner-friendly and provide a similar effect to a gradual tanner. Since you have full control over the number of drops you use, this product offers a customizable and buildable tan. Additionally, these tanning drops added an extra level of hydration to my body lotion, which is a bonus.

• Pros: Added boost of hydration, customizable and buildable, easy application, can be added to your facial moisturizer
• Cons: Won't give you as deep of a tan as other options

1. Dolce Glow Self-Tanning Mist

From the color to the ease of application, this is the winner in my book. The aerosol dispenses the product easily, which has a liquid texture that’s simple to blend.

The color is so natural, it’s as if I had gone on a weeklong vacation to the Bahamas. I mean, it is Miley Cyrus-approved after all.

• Pros: Easy application, the most natural looking tan
• Cons: Need to rinse it off after a few hours (yes, I'm lazy)

Shop Even More Must-Have Self-Tanning Options

Want a bronzy summer glow? You need these products from Dolce Glow, St. Tropez, and more.