How to Find the Best Self-Tanner For You

Want to know how to find the best self-tanner for you? From on-the-go tan towelettes to wash-off bronzers, we share a guide to choosing the right self-tanner for achieving your ideal summer tan, ahead.

If we’re being honest, one of our favorite things about summer (aside from the warm weather, of course) is sun-kissed skin. That being said, bronzing the old fashioned way—aka under the sun’s UV rays—can lead to some pretty harsh consequences. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to achieve a natural-looking faux glow and, as it turns out, drugstores are a trove of self-tanning skin care products that can help you do so! Want to know how to find the best self-tanner for safe, on-the-go bronzing? How about one that you can mix into your foundation and rinse off at the end of the day? Say no more! We share how to find the best self-tanner for you—plus, some of our top picks from L’Oréal Paris’ Sublime Bronze collection—ahead.

THE TAN YOU WANT: EASY TO APPLY ON-THE-GO 

The Best Self-Tanner For You: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes for Body

If you’re looking for the best self-tanner for on-the-go application or travel, look no further than self-tanning towelettes. Towelettes are great because they can deliver a natural-looking, streak-free tan in just a few quick swipes. Keep a few in your carry-on or beach bag for an on-the-go faux glow!

THE TAN YOU WANT: A BRONZED GLOW PLUS NOURISHMENT

The Best Self-Tanner For You: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk

For an even, streak-free sunless tanner that can deliver a bronzed glow while softening and nourishing your skin, reach for a self-tanning milk or lotion. These creamy sunless tanners have the added benefit of hydrating your skin while you wait for your gradual tan to come to life. 

THE TAN YOU WANT: AN AIRBRUSHED FINISH

The Best Self-Tanner For You: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Mist 

If you love spray tans, then you’ll love self-tanning mists! These airbrush-inspired self-tanners spray onto the skin to create an even-looking airbrushed tan at home! What’s more? Thanks to their spray-on applicators, these self-tanners make it easy to apply fake tan to hard-to-reach places like the backs of your arms, legs, and upper back!

THE TAN YOU WANT: INSTANT BRONZING RESULTS

The Best Self-Tanner For You: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer

Looking for a self-tanner that can deliver instant results? Reach for an instant bronzer that is formulated with light-reflecting micro-pearls for a natural-looking, streak-free bronze glow.

THE TAN YOU WANT: A COOL AND REFRESHING GEL 

The Best Self-Tanner For You: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelee

If you prefer a formula that can deliver a cooling effect on the skin, we recommend reaching for a self-tanning gel or gelee. The lightweight self-tanning lotion can provide the skin with a burst of hydration, while promoting a natural-looking, streak-free faux glow.

THE TAN YOU WANT: A GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT

The Best Self-Tanner For You: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion

If you want something that gives you a bit of immediate color while you wait for the gradual self-tanner to work its magic, try a tinted gradual self-tanning lotion! Perfect for last-minute self-tanning, these tinted body bronzers can give your skin a sun-kissed look while you wait for the rest of your tan to develop.

THE TAN YOU WANT: A SUN-KISSED GLOW

The Best Self-Tanner For You: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion

Are tinted self-tanners not your thing? Try a non-tinted one! These self-tanners can hydrate the skin while you await a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow.

THE TAN YOU WANT: LOTS OF SHIMMER

The Best Self-Tanner For You: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum

Self-tanning serum is one of our favorite ways to customize a faux glow. Use the lightweight formula on its own, or mix it into your favorite body lotion for a lighter application. Some self-tanning serums are even formulated with body shimmer for extra glowy skin!

How To Apply Your Self-Tanner

Just picked up a fresh bottle of bronzing perfection from the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze collection? Now, avoid creating a streaky mess by following these tips!

Shower Before Applying: If you need to shower, shave, or wax, make sure you take care of those things before applying any self-tanner. Water can make your self-tanner fade and look patchy. Make sure to prep your skin beforehand and avoid showering for 6-8 hours after application.

Exfoliate: Dry patches of skin can also make your self-tanner look patchy and discolored. To keep your legs looking (and feeling) sun-kissed and silky-smooth, grab a body scrub and exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner.

Dry Off Post-Shower: Applying self-tanner to wet skin can cause streaking. Give your skin some time to dry off for the best results.

Moisturize: While many self-tanners come in lotion form, most of them won’t give your skin the adequate amount of hydration compared to a moisturizer or lotion. Apply a small amount of moisturizer or lotion to your skin before applying self-tanner.

Choose the Right Color: When picking out self-tanner shades, it’s best to grab a shade that isn’t too far from your natural skin tone. This will create a more subtle, natural-looking tan.

Start From Your Ankles: To avoid as much streaking and smearing as possible, start from your ankles and work your way up to your shoulders. Lastly, finish off with your arms and hands.

Don’t Over-Apply: When it comes to self-tanners, a little bit goes a long way. Use small amounts of self-tanner, especially when applying it to your face. A nickel-sized amount is perfect for most areas, and cut it down to dime-sized when applying to your face.

Give It Time To Dry: Be patient with this process, and make sure you give your tanner some time to dry before putting on any clothes. Wait at least 10 minutes before doing anything to make sure it’s dry enough to not smear or smudge.

Curious to know more? Check out our ultimate guide to self-tanners, here.