Self Tanners That Don’t Turn You Orange (2024)

It's no mystery that the sun is dangerous. Every dermatologist will tell you that exposing your skin to the sun is one of worst things you can do for it. Now with more of us incorporating sunscreen into our skincare routine and protecting our precious skin from the sun's harsh rays, you may be wondering how you're ever going to get that sunkissed summer look you dream about all winter long.

Not only is laying out in the sun kinda boring and hot, it just isn't worth the wrinkles, skin damage, or even cancer that can be caused by UV rays. But that doesn’t mean that you can't still pursue a summertime glow and show off your radiant skin in all of your sundresses. In this case, self tanner is the answer to all of our problems, but don't worry self tanner has come a long way since the bad-smelling orange-tinted cream you might remember.

There’s a whole crop of amazing options that are designed to give your face and body a healthy bronze finish without having to step foot outside. All you have to do is follow the two main self-tanning rules: Exfoliate beforehand and use a mitt for a streak-free application. If you need to become a bronzed goddess just for the evening or if you are looking to sustain a tan all summer long, these products have got you covered.

Below, shop the best self-tanners that will have everyone asking what exotic vacation you just got back from.

Serums aren’t just for you face: This glow-inducing one instantly gives your body a lit-from-with finish thanks to pearlescent mica. With continued use, it also creates a believable tan.

Sometimes you just want a tan for a night. And, in that case a temporary bronzer will do just the trick. Withbrightening Oxy-Glow complex, and avocado, chia seed, and grapefruit oils, you can be sure your skin has a hydrated glow. It can be washed off with warm water but will also last up to 24 hours so you'll be radiant during those nights out that last until the sunrise.

A powerhouse blend of antioxidants defends your precious skin against the harshest pollutants and environmental stressors. While protecting your skin, it also leaves you with a bronzy glow that will make it look like you've been spending your days in the sun. Just add a drop to your fave face moisturizer!

In just a few days of using this lotion, you'll be radiant with a sunless tan. That makes it super easy for even the tanning lotion newbie. Plus, it hydrates your skin withcoconut, argan, and marula oils–all while taking you to coconut-scented paradise.

Alba Botanica's sunless tanner gives you a subtle sunkissed look. Apply the lotion and, within three hours, you'll be ready to go–no streaks and no mess. Shea butter, sweet almond oil and safflower oil provide hydration and nourishment.Botanical ingredients will make you feel twice as good for skipping the sun and opting for this lotion.

If you like pina coladas and getting a tan without the sun, this COOLA mist is for you. First of all, it smells like pina coladas. Second, it's a mist (how easy is that?). And, with organic ingredients like aloe vera, your skin will be the happiest it's ever been.

This two-in-one hydrating spray protects your skinthanks to SPF 40 while also delivering a streak-free bronze in under four hours. Use it on your body or face, just don't forget to blend it in.

The OG in leg makeup, this new version includes a light reflecting highlighter in it to help your legs shine their brightest even if they've been hibernating for months.

Self-tanning your face and body can be intimidating but these tanning drops make it less so.Simply mix a few drops into your go-to moisturizer or lotionand apply as you normally would for a subtle dose of color that enhances over time.

There’s a lot to love about this foam: It smells like a yummy mix of mango and guava, it's quick-drying, its color develops in two hours, and it hasfirming and blurring benefits. Sold!

This Aussie import’s deep bronze color is perfect for darker skin tones or for faux glow enthusiasts who believe there’s no such thing as looking “too tan.”

Not only do these tanning wipes leave your face with an enviable radiance, they’re also infused with alpha and beta hydroxy acids that exfoliate away dead skin cells to smooth out skin's texture and even tone.

Don’t let its clear formula fool you: This airy foam creates a buildable, sun-kissed tan. Plus, it’s infused with coconut water and vitamin E to hydrate skin while also leaving behind a tropical, passion fruit scent.

If you hate the smell and stickiness of self-tanner, look no further than this rinse-off formula. Apply it with a mitt and then shower off after waiting either an hour for a light finish, two for a medium finish, or three for the darkest.

Before you jet off somewhere tropical, ensure that your faux glow looks fresh in all your swimsuit selfies bypacking a few of these TSA-approved towelettes in your carry-on. One wipe is all you need to bronze your whole body.

For an extended tan, look no further than this scent-free mousse that’s designed to last for two to three weeks—no touch-ups necessary.

The DHA in this gradual self-tanner is derived from sugarcane for a natural tanning alternative. You'll also get argan oil, aloe vera, and shea butter to leave legs looking and feeling soft and smooth as well.