The Best Instant Tanners: A Review of 6 Favourites! Which One Is Our Top Pick?

Tanning vs Self-tanning

Nowadays we are well aware that the sun’s rays and UV radiation can damage our skin. Sunbathing on the beach or using sunbeds both increase the risk of premature skin ageing, pigment lesions and, in the worst case, even serious skin conditions. On the other hand, self-tanning products are completely safe. They offer an almost instant effect and the resulting tan is entirely up to you. You can even “magic up” that bronzed look over a rainy weekend.

Please note: do not confuse self-tanning products with sun protection products. Self-tanning products do not contain SPF filters. Although the bronzed colour may give you the false impression that your skin is accustomed to the sun and won’t burn, this is not the case. Your skin remains just as vulnerable to UV radiation.

Cream, Mist, Mousse or Serum?

Before you start shopping, be clear about the results you want and what your skin really needs. Are you looking for a product just for your body, or do you want to give your face a sun-kissed glow as well? Is your skin on the dry side? Choosing the right shade of self-tanning product is also the key to success. However, simply categorising shades as “light”, “medium” and “dark” isn’t enough. For natural results, it’s essential to know your skin’s undertone as well. 

Today you can find many types of self-tanning products on the market:

• Mousse: Very popular because of its lightness, easy application and very even results.
• Creams, lotions and oils: If your skin is rather dry, a high-quality self-tanning cream, lotion or oil. The best self-tanning creams hydrate your skin deeply and build up your tan gradually.
• Sprays and mists: You’ll love these for their quick application even in areas which are difficult to reach. Just spray it on and let it dry.
• Products for the face: The best self-tanners for the face come in the form of drops or serums. Their formulas are non-comedogenic and often contain active ingredients for extra skin care.

6 Steps To Applying Self-Tanning Products Perfectly

Are you wondering how to use self-tanning cream to get the best possible results? Follow these 6 steps and you’re guaranteed success:

1. Exfoliation and shaving are essential: The day before the treatment, shave and give your body a thorough exfoliation. This will remove dead skin cells and help prevent patchiness.
2. Hydration of dry spots: Before application, apply moisturiser to your elbows, knees, heels and ankles. These areas tend to absorb more pigment and may become too dark.
3. Wear a glove: Not sure how to apply self-tanning cream evenly? A special application glove will help you out.
4. Circular movements: Using circular movements, start from the ankles upwards. Apply only a minimal amount of the product to your face, ears and the backs of your hands.
5. Wash your hands: Right after every application, wash your palms and fingernails thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Give it time: Wait for 10 to 15 minutes after application before putting loose, dark clothing on. Don't rush into the shower either. Most products work gradually, and the full tan will show up in 6 to 8 hours.

How Long Will the Tan Last?

Are you wondering how often you should use your self-tanning cream? Regular daily hydration will help the bronze shade last for 3 to 7 days. To keep your tan fresh and intense, reapply approximately once or twice a week. If your hand slips and an unsightly patch appears on your skin, don’t panic. A gentle body exfoliator, a drop of lemon juice or a special self-tanner remover can save the day.

Test: We’re Looking for the Best Self-tanner for the Body and Face

Nuxe Prodigieuse Boost Self-Tanning Serum

I consider the Nuxe self-tanning serum to be a brilliant hybrid between a skincare product and a self-tanning treatment. Thanks to hyaluronic acid, it hydrates your skin instantly and wonderfully and gives it a radiant glow. As for the tan itself, it’s really subtle. I’d say the serum simply adds a hint of colour to the face.

Advantages: I really like the glass bottle with the handy dropper. The serum smells very nice when applied, has a slightly watery consistency and feels pleasant on my skin. I’d also like to praise its nourishing properties as my skin feels beautifully nourished after use.

Disadvantages: The tan effect is very subtle, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

Collistar Magic Drops Face Self-Tanning Concentrate

If I were to recommend the best face tanner to a friend, it would be this concentrate by Collistar. I’ve fallen in love with its light texture and natural look. You can see the results very quickly (the 1 hour they promise really is accurate) and your skin immediately looks tanned, even-toned and fresh.

Advantages: It is absorbed in just a few seconds, does not leave a greasy or sticky film and you can barely feel it on your skin. Its main appeal lies in the fact that it’s easy to measure out – just a few drops are enough – and to mix with your favourite cream. Another huge plus for me is that it creates absolutely no stains.  In addition, unlike other self-tanning products, it does not smell at all. On the contrary, it has a very pleasant fragrance. 

Disadvantages: I couldn’t find any.

St.Tropez Self Tan Purity

The St.Tropez Self Tan Purity bronzing mist has completely won me over with its divine tropical fragrance. What’s more, it contains hyaluronic acid and green mandarin water, so it hydrates my skin beautifully with every application and gives it a dewy look.

Advantages: The biggest benefits are the ultra-fine spray and the light, transparent texture that dries instantly. It’s also great that it doesn’t stain your eyebrows or the light hairs around your face, and you can build up the tan beautifully. When I want a more pronounced effect, I simply use it 2 evenings in a row.

Disadvantages: I must admit that I struggled a bit with the product at first. My first attempt was a bit of a disaster. I sprayed the mist from too close and woke up the next morning with a slightly patchy face. It just takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it.

St.Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

This is the winner in the best self-tanning mousse category. Now I use St.Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse all the time, especially when I'm in a hurry. It gives me a lovely bronze colour in just 1 hour. If I want a more pronounced shade, I leave it on for 3–4 hours. It also lasts the longest out of all the products I’ve tested.

Advantages:  The texture of the mousse is wonderfully airy and light; it spreads perfectly and has a very pleasant fragrance. The best thing about it, though, is how incredibly quickly it dries. The mousse dries on my skin literally as soon as I’ve applied it and isn’t sticky at all. The resulting shade looks very sophisticated, natural and brown (with absolutely no orange tones).

Disadvantages: Once, I forgot to apply moisturising cream to my elbows and knees before using the product, and that was a mistake. In any case, the problem of dry patches on the body tanning more intensely applies to all self-tanning products.

Uriage Bariésun Thermal Mist Self-Tanning

I was really surprised how intense the colour turned out to be with the Uriage self-tanning spray. I’m very pale with freckles, so I was worried it might not be the best self-tanner for fair skin, but given how many compliments I got on my tan, I’d say it still looked good. If you have naturally darker skin, it’ll definitely be a great choice.

Advantages:  It feels lovely on my skin, has a light, watery consistency and doesn’t clog the pores at all, so you can use it on your face without any worries. I prefer to apply it at night because it dries quickly, so I can slip into my pyjamas almost straight away. The spray is easy to use and application is really quick.

Disadvantages: As far as I’m concerned, the drawback is that characteristic smell of self-tanner. But it’s bearable for a few hours.

Bioderma Photoderm Autobronzant

If your skin is really dry, the Bioderma Photoderm Autobronzant self-tanning spray will amaze you just as much as it did me. The packaging boasts of its hydrating properties, and I can certainly confirm this. After I apply it, my skin feels beautifully soft, comfortable and nourished. What’s more, it gives my face a lovely even colour.

Advantages: It’s very easy to apply and provides an even finish. I’m not exactly a fan of sprays because of the common problem of streaks, but with this one, the tan has always looked really lovely. And as I mentioned earlier, the hydrating properties are truly excellent.

Disadvantages: Just like the previous spray by Uriage, I cannot praise that slightly unpleasant self-tan smell.

Whether you opt for a self-tanning mousse, cream, spray or serum, one thing is certain: you don’t need hours in the sun to get bronzed skin. Just pick a product that suits your skin type, take a few minutes to apply it carefully and the results will be worth it. So which of our favourites will you try first?