Skip the UV damage and get a natural-looking glow with the right self tanner. Whether you want a subtle sun-kissed look or deep bronze, these formulas deliver streak-free results without the orange undertones of older products.
What to Look For
Formula type — Mousses apply evenly and dry fast; lotions are more forgiving for beginners; drops let you customize intensity
Development time — Express formulas work in 1-3 hours; classic formulas need 4-8 hours for full color
Undertone — Look for olive or brown undertones rather than orange; quality DHA produces more natural results
Scent — Traditional self-tan smell comes from DHA reacting with skin; many modern formulas mask or eliminate it
Longevity — Most formulas last 5-10 days with proper prep and maintenance
Product Recommendations
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse — Best Overall
No products found.
The gold standard of self tanning that professionals and beauty editors consistently recommend.
This iconic mousse develops over 4-8 hours into a natural, streak-free tan that lasts up to 10 days. The tinted formula lets you see where you’ve applied it, preventing missed spots. Vegan formula with no harsh self-tan smell.
Pros:
Streak-free, natural-looking results
Tinted formula for visible application
Lasts up to 10 days
No typical self-tanner smell
Cons:
Premium price point
Requires 4-8 hours development time
Best for: Anyone wanting salon-quality results at home with a proven, reliable formula.
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse — Best Express Formula
No products found.
Full control over your tan depth—rinse at 1 hour for light, 2 for medium, or 3 for dark.
Same trusted St. Tropez quality with flexible development time. Perfect for last-minute events or those who don’t want to sleep in self-tanner. The customizable timing lets you build color gradually if you prefer a subtle glow.
Pros:
Customizable development time
Results in as little as 1 hour
Same quality as classic formula
Great for beginners who want control
Cons:
Requires attention to timing
Premium pricing
Best for: Those who want quick results or prefer to control their tan depth.
b.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner — Best for Dark Tan
No products found.
Delivers the deepest tan possible with just 1 hour of development time.
For those who want an intense, head-turning bronze without multiple applications. The fast-developing formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and surprisingly doesn’t have the typical fake tan smell. Great for special events or vacation prep.
Pros:
Ultra dark results in 1 hour
No fake tan smell
Vegan and cruelty-free
Affordable price point
Cons:
Can be too dark if over-applied
Requires careful, even application
Best for: Experienced self-tanners who want the darkest possible results.
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Light Bronze — Best Drugstore
No products found.
Drugstore accessibility with instant color that deepens naturally over hours.
Dries in just 60 seconds with immediate tinted color so you’re not walking around pale waiting for results. The gradual formula builds naturally, making it very forgiving for self-tanning beginners.
Pros:
Instant color with 60-second dry time
Widely available at drugstores
Budget-friendly
Forgiving formula for beginners
Cons:
Lighter results than premium brands
May need multiple applications
Best for: Self-tanning beginners or those wanting an affordable, low-commitment option.
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Deep Bronze — Best Budget Dark
No products found.
Deeper color from the same trusted drugstore formula at an unbeatable price.
Same instant-dry, tinted formula as the Light Bronze but with deeper color payoff. The mousse texture applies smoothly with a mitt and builds beautifully for those who want more dramatic results without premium prices.
Pros:
Deeper color at drugstore pricing
Same instant-dry technology
Buildable formula
Easy to find in stores
Cons:
Still lighter than high-end dark tanners
May transfer on light clothing
Best for: Budget shoppers who want darker results than light formulas provide.
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam — Best Australian Formula
No products found.
Australian tanning expertise in a lightweight, coconut-scented formula.
Enriched with aloe vera and coconut for skin-nourishing benefits while you tan. The lightweight foam texture glides on smoothly and develops into a natural bronze. Salon-quality results from a country that knows beaches.
Pros:
Contains aloe vera and coconut
Pleasant tropical scent
Lightweight, easy-to-apply foam
Natural-looking color
Cons:
Coconut scent not for everyone
Can dry out if not moisturized after
Best for: Those who want a tropical-scented tanner with skin-nourishing ingredients.
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Mousse — Best Luxury
No products found.
Instagram-famous formula that delivers on the hype with gorgeous, natural color.
All-natural formula with a tropical mango and guava fragrance that smells nothing like traditional self-tanner. Develops in just 2 hours and includes a velvet application mitt. The green color-correcting base prevents orange undertones.
Pros:
Gorgeous tropical scent
Includes application mitt
2-hour development time
Green base prevents orange tones
Cons:
Premium luxury pricing
Mitt requires replacement over time
Best for: Those who want a luxurious self-tanning experience with beautiful packaging and scent.
Verdict
St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse remains the benchmark for natural-looking, reliable self-tanning results. For faster development, the St. Tropez Express version offers the same quality with time flexibility. Budget shoppers will find Jergens Natural Glow delivers solid results at a fraction of the price.