Dr. Enrizza Factor, a certified dermatologist, says, “If you’re on the paler side, self-tanners are a great way to safely give your body a beautiful glow. Most are easy to apply and dry within minutes, making the process of having a tan before a big event or island vacation easier than expected. Start out by spending 10-15 minutes a day laying out in the sun. Wearing sunscreen (always) with a minimum of SPF of 30. After a few days, increase to 15-20 minutes. After about a week, cap out at 30 minutes. The golden rule with fake tan is to never go so dark that it looks well, fake. If you have red hair and fair skin, we recommend two to three shades darker than your natural skin tone.”
11 Best Self-Tanners For Fair Skin
1. Best Vegan: Best Vegan-Friendly: Beauty By Earth Self Tanning Lotion
The Beauty By Earth Self Tanning Lotion is a vegan-friendly, cruelty-free self-tanning lotion. It is completely organic and does not come with the risk of skin cancer, sunburns, or early aging. This self-tanning lotion gives a nice sun-kissed glow to the skin without any streaks, orange hues, dark spots, or blotches. It contains ingredients like organic coconut oil, Japanese green tea, and shea butter that care for your skin. This self-tanning lotion imparts a beautiful, healthy tan without you having to expose your skin to the harmful UV rays or dangerous chemicals. It is buildable and can help you achieve the right shade of tan for your skin. It does not contain parabens, phthalates, and other chemical-based ingredients. Instead, it contains non-nano minerals that protect the skin. Make sure you moisturize your skin before applying the tanning lotion. You may check more about this product in this video. Pros
Leaves skin with a natural tan 100% organic No streaks No blotches No marks No orange skin Paraben-free Phthalate-free No harsh chemicals
Cons
Smells after drying Fades away fast without reapplication May splotch after showering the next day
2. Best Coconut Fragrance: Tanceuticals Self Tanning Lotion
The Tanceuticals Self Tanning Lotion is one of the top self-tanning lotions on the market. It has an exclusive formula that leaves a natural and smooth tan over the skin. It leaves no streaks, blotches, or orangish hues. This tanning lotion uses acai berry, mango butter, and vitamin E to moisturize your skin and leave it glowing. This tanning lotion is easy to use and dries fast without leaving any marks on clothes or bedspreads. It lasts for a week without any need for reapplication. It does not contain any parabens or mineral oils and is not tested on animals. It has a coconutty fragrance and doesn’t use any artificial coloring. Apply the product on dry skin and massage in a circular motion for best results. Check out this video to learn more. Pros
Leaves skin with an even tan Smooth skin No streaks No blotches No transfer stains Uses natural ingredients to moisturize the skin. Paraben-free Mineral oil-free Not tested on animals Coconutty fragrance
Cons
Can be splotchy Packaging issues Might be diluted
3. Best Anti-Aging: Golden Star Beauty Self Tan Serum For Face
The Golden Star Beauty Self Tan Serum imparts a natural golden bronze tan to your face. This tanner also moisturizes the skin. It doesn’t leave any streaks or blotches and has no artificial smell. It also doesn’t turn skin orange. It is not greasy and leaves the skin feeling hydrated. It has anti-aging and rejuvenating properties that help nourish the skin and improve its elasticity. It is also non-comedogenic and doesn’t cause acne. It contains USDA-certified oils and extracts, vitamin B5, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and intense moisturizers. The product is paraben-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. When applying the lotion, avoid the lips and the hairline. Do not apply any makeup products before or after application. Pros
Leaves skin with a golden bronze tan No streaks No blotches Not greasy Doesn’t turn skin orange Non-comedogenic Uses USDA certified oils and extracts Paraben-free Gluten-free Cruelty-free Easy to apply Anti-aging Improves skin elasticity
Cons
May cause breakouts Packaging issues
4. Best Fast-Absorbing: Vita Liberata Phenomenal Tan Mousse
Vita Liberata’s self-tanning mousse contains organic extracts with zero toxins. It uses a fast-absorbing mousse formula and pHenO2 technology that make the tan last for long. This mousse also moisturizes the skin along with imparting a golden tan. It is streak-free, blotch-free, and doesn’t leave the skin with an orangish hue. It doesn’t contain any parabens, alcohols, petrochemicals, sulfates, silicones, harsh chemicals, or fake coloring agents that affect the skin. It contains aloe vera, raspberries, ginkgo biloba, and licorice that nourish and moisturize your skin and protect it. Do not use moisturizing shower creams for 24 hours before applying this mousse. It is better to use the product on moisturized skin. Pros
Paraben-free Alcohol-free Petrochemical-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free Uses natural ingredients to moisturize the skin
Cons
Light color Fades quickly without reapplication May cause an allergic reaction May cause splotches There may be issues with the pump
5. Best Vanilla Fragrance: Existing Beauty 1 Hour Express Dark Self Tanning Mousse & Moisturizer
The Existing Beauty Self Tanning Mousse leaves a bronze finish with a glow. It sets within a day and is the darkest on the second day. It does not leave any blotches, marks, or orangish hues. This bronze mousse has a vanilla fragrance and uses an exclusive formula to leave the skin feeling revitalized. It is formulated with natural ingredients of the highest quality and can be used by people of all genders and ages. Once applied, if you want a medium or light tan, wash off the mousse after 30 minutes. Apply it to clean and moisturized skin for the best results. Pros
No blotches No orange-colored skin Sweet vanilla fragrance Keeps skin moisturized Easy to apply
Cons
May dry your skin out May leave streaks May cause an allergic reaction
6. Best Natural-Looking Tan: Fake Bake Gradual Self-Tan Lotion
The Fake Bake Gradual Self-Tan Lotion is perfect for oily or sensitive skin. It dries fast and does not have a sticky feel. It has an easy glide formula for better coverage. It comes with a “show where it goes” cosmetics color guide to help beginner tanners. It provides a natural-looking light tan that darkens with repeated applications. Fake Bake uses an exclusive patented self-tanning formula that suits most skin tones and skin types. This is because it enhances your skin’s natural pigments to give you a natural-looking tan. It uses Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), DMI, and erythrulose, which darken the melanin cells lying at the top of your skin. These tanning agents also give your skin a long-lasting tan. This lotion can be applied like a moisturizer. Wait for a few minutes before getting dressed to allow the lotion to dry. This lotion does not turn the skin orange or stain clothes. It is free of parabens and DMDM hydantoin. Pros
Comes with an easy color guide Tans the skin naturally Does not turn the skin orange Dries quickly No fragrance No streaks No transfer stains Paraben-free DMDM hydantoin-free
Cons
Develops a smell after it dries May streak May have packaging and delivery issues
7. Best Hydration: Coola Self Tanning Oil Mist
The Coola Self Tanning Oil Mist aims to give a dewy but natural-looking tanned glow. Each application lasts up to three days. It leaves the skin feel soft and smooth. It tans the skin in a light bronze shade. You can add in more layers of application to darken the tan. The oil mist gets absorbed quickly and dries fast. The main ingredients are argan oil, hibiscus, and aloe vera extract. Argan oil contains fatty acids and vitamin E that help moisturize and deep condition the skin. The aloe vera extract provides hydration to the dehydrated skin. Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and amino acids that smooth wrinkles. The tanning oil mist also contains red raspberry seed oil, cocoa seed extract, buriti oil, linseed oil extract, and prickly pear extract, which are rich in antioxidants. Hold the bottle two to four inches away and spray the micro mist over your skin. Rub the oil over the skin in a circular motion and leave it to dry. If you want a darker shade, reapply the mist. It is recommended to moisturize your skin before applying the tanning oil. Pros
Makes the skin soft and smooth Can be layered over other self-tanners Dries fast Moisturizes skin with natural emollients Anti-wrinkle Lightweight Reef-friendly
Cons
May leave streaks May leave orange hue Difficult to maneuver the bottle May cause an allergic reaction
8. Best Fragrance-Free: Famous Dave’s Self Tanning Lotion
Famous Dave’s Self Tanning Lotion for fair skin can be applied to the face, legs, and hands. It develops color faster on the face and legs. It contains aloe vera, sesame, and jojoba, which moisturize and soften the skin and impart a healthy glow. The lotion is fragrance-free and does not turn the skin orange as it does not use stearic acid, triethanolamine, or mineral oils. This lotion gives a natural sun-kissed tan. It dries fast and leaves your skin glowing. Apply this tanning lotion after a shower. You will have to rub it into your skin, and it dries quickly. It uses DHA to naturally tan your melanin cells at the top layer, leaving you with a light tan. Pros
Doesn’t leave the skin orange Dries fast Stearic acid-free Triethanolamine-free Mineral oil-free Moisturizes the skin Fragrance-free
Cons
May streak May have packaging issues
9. Best Non-Streaky: Best Drops: Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Tan-Luxe uses caffeine to firm and tone the skin. It helps your skin develop a natural-looking radiant glow. It evens out the skin tone and helps soothe any redness. It contains naturally derived raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E that moisturize the skin. It also contains Cellutone Complex that firms the skin and reduces cellulite. You can use this self tan concentrate with any moisturizer or body butter for a natural-looking, golden tan. To use it, mix 2-12 drops with your regular moisturizer, serum, or oil. Spread this combination over your body to get an even tan. The more drops you add, the darker your tan will be. Two drops will leave you with a light tan, four drops will give you a natural sun-kissed tan, eight drops will leave you with a deep golden tan, and twelve drops will leave you with a bronzed tan. Pros
Tan can be made darker with more applications Revitalizes the skin No streaks No blotches Soothes redness Uses natural ingredients
Cons
May impart an orangish hue if overused May cause a mild allergic reaction
10. Best Paraben-Free: St. Tropez Self Tanning Bronzing Water Mousse
St. Tropez is a highly popular brand that is often used by celebrities. It leaves the skin with a natural golden tan. It uses a lightweight, clean water-foam formula, paired with naturally derived tanning actives. This leaves your skin tanned naturally and leave it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It doesn’t leave any orange hues and is vegan-friendly. This bronzing water mousse gives a transparent and wearable tan. It does not transfer onto clothing and develops into a natural-looking golden tan in 4-8 hours. Apply the mousse and wait for 60 seconds for it to dry before getting dressed. It takes 8 hours for full color development. You can sport the tan without washing the mousse off. To keep the tan, apply the mousse daily. Pros
No need to rinse off No transfer stains Dries fast Vegan-friendly No streaking No blotches No orange coloring Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free
Cons
The scent may not be pleasing to everyone
11. Best For All Skin Tones: Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight Self Tanning Lotion
No products found. The Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight Self Tanning Lotion is made with natural ingredients that not only impart a natural-looking golden tan to your skin but also rejuvenate and hydrate it and improve skin elasticity. It does not leave any streaks or blotches. It is best to use this tanning lotion after a shower, exfoliation, and a shave. The aim is to remove dead skin cells before tanning the skin. As you apply the lotion, massage it into the skin in a circular motion. Wait for at least five hours before taking a shower. It takes eight hours for the tan to fully color your skin. Apply lesser lotion on the elbows, knees, and knuckles as they take in more color. Pros
No transfer stains Improves skin elasticity Tan can be darkened on further application No streaks No blotches Works for all skin tones Leaves the skin hydrated
Cons
Packaging and delivery issues Color comes off while showering
When you are self-tanning, it is important to moisturize your skin, so the tan can be absorbed evenly. Take a shower, exfoliate your skin with a scrub, and once it is dry, apply the lotion evenly. Make sure you apply less tanner on the elbows and knees as they are dry and can absorb even very light color fast.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author Oyendrila Kanjilal is a certified skin care coach. Her skin care product recommendations are unbiased and well-researched. This list of best self-tanners for fair skin is compiled after comb-searching the user reviews on valid and trusted online platforms. These are A-class products that do not streak. These products give a natural tan and glow to the skin. They are also easy to use and fuss-free. How often should you use self-tanners for fair skin? Apply self-tanner every three to five days for fair skin. How long should I wait to put clothes on after self-tanning? Wait for at least 10 minutes before putting clothes on after using a self-tanner. Is self-tanning mousse or lotion better for fair skin? A self-tanning lotion is a nourishing formula that takes a lot of time to dry. On the other hand, a self-tanning mousse is an easy-to-apply formula that dries quickly. Therefore, mousses are better than lotions. What color makes fair skin look tan? Deeper colors like navy blue or red perfectly contrast your fair skin and make it look tanned. Should I get a spray tan, if I am fair? Yes. Use a spray tan to evenly spread the color on your fair skin and achieve radiant tanned skin.
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