I wanted to update a list of my current favorite self tanning products. Even though I self tan every week, it is not a process I 100% enjoy, so I want a GREAT pay off from the products I use. I’m at the point where if it isn’t giving me a deep color payoff, it’s not worth it. I’ve tried so many self tanning products through the years that I won’t be repurchasing. These are the opposite- my all time favorites that I LOVE and are worth the hype.
Body
Fake Bake Flawless Darker / This one is a staple for me. It has a color guard that is a beautiful shade, and then when it comes time to wash it off, you’re still left with a tan glow. I find the spray on application very easy to blend in and not have any mess up spots.
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Oil Mist / This is the newest tanning product I have tried out, and I absolutely LOVE it. I’d have to try this one side by side with Fake Bake to actually see how they compare, but I think of them in the same vein as far as bronze level. This one can be a tad more tricky to apply since it does not have a color guard to show where it has been applied. As long as you blend a lot and do a couple coats to not miss any spots, it’s fine. Seriously love the color this one gives!
Loving Tan Platinum / As a long time Loving Tan user, I was so excited for this new shade to come out. This is the deepest shade they offer, and it delivers. This gives me a bronze caramel glow – like if I went to a tanning bed for every single day for a year for 20 minutes per session in a high level bed. This is currently my favorite self tanning product due to the color pay off.
Sosu Dripping Gold / If you’re more of a beginner at self tanning, you may like this one more than the Loving Tan platinum because it is not quite as dark. The color is a beautiful deep glow that I love. This one will always be in my collection and it is one of the first ones I reach for.
Banana Boat Summer Color / I have been using the deep shade of this lotion since college. When I’m putting on body lotion, I always add a dollop of summer color mixed into the lotion. This is pretty much the method I use to apply all gradual tanning lotions. It’s subtle but effective. When applied alone without any regular lotion mixed in, it gives a medium tan color.
Face
Tanologist Day Glow / I mix a dropper into my face lotion and apply it. These drops have a slight shimmer to them, which automatically makes me appreciate them as a hybrid light makeup/ tanning product.
Ulta Tan Drops / I use these the same way as the Day Glow drops, but they don’t have any shimmer so I usually use them at night. I have repurchased these quite a few times, and I like mixing them into face lotion and applying it all over my neck and chest as well. When I run out of them, I plan to try out the Tanologist Extra Dark Drops because they have great reviews on Ulta.com. Any product that has “extra dark” in the name usually pulls me in.
Jergens Face / This daily face moisturizer has been in my skincare routine for years. It helps me match my face to my body when it is tan. I would love if it had more than just 20 SPF, but I love that it is an SPF and tan all in one.
Prep & Application
This blog post has my full routine for how I like to self tan regularly. If you search “self tan” on my blog, quite a few posts come up for routines and product recommendations. I’ll list some of the tools and other items that help me achieve the best results.
Exfoliating Washcloth / These are super scrubby, so they are great for removing fading old tan to prep the skin for a fresh coat.
Glycolic Body Scrub / Sometimes I like to do a chemical exfoliation along with a physical one. This is a great BHA scrub for the face and body.
Mitt / I prefer to use vinyl gloves to apply my tan for maximum color pay off, but if you like to use a mitt, this one is the best. Instead of throwing out your mitt when it gets old, try using Dawn dish soap and washing it by hand. It makes it good as new.
Scrub / Pretty much any body scrub you can find at Target will work. I use body scrubs in the shower on about day three after I have tanned- when you gently exfoliating your skin day by day rather than waiting, the tan will fade off gradually instead of developing that crusty look. My current favorite is the Soap & Glory Smoothie star because it smells like cake. This one works just as well too though. I also have to mention, the other day I asked my husband if he had ever used a body scrub before, and he hadn’t. Same went for my dad and brother- so wild to me! Get the men in your life onto a body scrub, it’s way overdue.
Face Exfoliant / If you’re using a tanning product on your face, you’ll want to keep the dead skin off. (Still use one even if you aren’t tanning!) I always use really gentle physical exfoliants, and mostly stick to chemical. Here are my go to facial exfoliants:
- Physical
- Salicylic Acid face wash
- Glycolic face wipes
Back Tan / Usually my back is pale and I don’t bother if I’m not wearing clothes that will show that area. When I want to tan my back, I ask my husband to apply it. If he’s not around to do it or I don’t feel like asking him, I like to use this applicator.
I hope this was helpful and you discovered a few products you may want to try. Thank you for reading! -Kim
@kimandmakeup