The Best Self Tanners (Ranked by Ease, Color & Smell)

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I honestly hated self-tanner until two years ago. The smell always bothered me, I never knew how to apply it without getting streaks, and I felt like the color was unnatural on my skin tone. That is until I found a self-tanner that actually worked. Trust me, finding the perfect self-tanner can feel like a never-ending search. Whether you want a subtle glow or a deep bronze, the best self-tanner depends on your skin type, tone, and of course, personal preferences.

In this guide, I’m ranking the top self-tanners based on ease of use, color payoff, and scent—so you can achieve a flawless tan without the hassle. Read on if you want the full scoop, but if you want my #1 pick right off the bat, it’s Coco & Eve Tanning Foam in the Dark color. If you buy from Coco & Eve directly, use code TERILYN15 for 15% off your order. Or you can order Coco & Eve from Amazon.

Okay, onto the rest of the post!

The Best Self Tanners (Ranked by Ease, Color & Smell)

Best Mousse for a Natural Color: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

Coco & Eve’s Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam is my favorite best tanning foam for a natural-looking tan. It applies really easily with a mitt (you need to buy this set so you get a mitt with it!) and blends smoothly without streaks. I love that it contains vitamin C and E since it keeps my skin hydrated. I’m super picky when it comes to scents, but this one actually smells like tropical mango and guava fragrance—so no typical self-tanner smell. While it does take 6-8 hours to develop, I can usually apply it in the morning, wear it under my regular clothes, and then shower at night to rinse it off so I don’t get any transfer onto my sheets. If you buy from Coco & Eve directly, use code TERILYN15 for 15% off your order. Or you can order Coco & Eve from Amazon. Here’s a short video I filmed with some self-tanner application tips for this specific foam.

Here’s my overall “grade” for Coco & Eve.

• Ease of Use: A- (tends to deposit more color on my knees and ankles than I want, even with super cautious application)
• Color Payoff: A- (lasts about 4 days before it starts to fade)
• Scent: B+ (I wish it were scentless, but it’s not horrible.)

Pros:

• Natural golden-brown tan with no orange hue
• Streak-free application with a mitt – the mitt is key. Buy this set that comes with a mitt. (If you don’t buy a set, you can use code TERILYN15.)
• Hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid & coconut water)
• Pleasant-ish tropical scent

Cons:

• Develops over 6–8 hours, so you do have to wear it all day or all night before showering.
• Slightly pricier than drugstore options

Here’s a photo I snapped last spring after I had applied the tanner. So good, right?

Best Non-Toxic Self Tanner: Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Mousse

If you’re looking for a clean, non-toxic self-tanner with a lightweight, easy-to-apply formula, Beauty By Earth’s Self Tanner Mousse is a great choice. I used this when I was pregnant! This mousse formula gives you a streak-free tan that develops into a natural-looking bronze. It’s made with organic aloe vera, coconut oil, and cranberry extract, and I found it pretty hydrating. Plus, it’s free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and parabens. If a non-toxic option is essential to you, this is my top pick.

Here’s my overall grade for Beauty By Earth Self Tanner:

• Ease of Use: A- (I found it a little harder to blend than other brands.)
• Color Payoff: B- (The color isn’t as deep as Coco & Eve.)
• Scent: A (It’s the best smelling of the bunch in this post)

Pros:

• Non-toxic, organic ingredients
• Lightweight mousse formula for even application
• No synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals
• Hydrating with aloe vera and coconut oil
• Streak-free finish

Cons:

• Develops over several hours, so plan to wear loose clothing for the day or change your sheets after sleeping in it.
• Requires a mitt for best application (buy this set so it comes with a mitt).

Best Face Tanner: Coco & Eve Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist

Coco & Eve’s face mist is a game-changer if you want an effortless face tan. I used to just buff the remainder of my tanning foam around my face, but this is a game-changer. The mist is super fine and gives an even application that develops over a few hours. I especially appreciate that it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to keep my skin hydrated and glowy, and it works perfectly underneath makeup. Use code TERILYN15 if you order from Coco & Eve. You can also buy the Coco & Eve Face Mist on Amazon. I shared a video on LTK where I tried this for the first time so you can get an idea of the application.

Ease of Use: A- (It mists beautifuly like any other non-tanning face mist, but I have to be mindful to make sure my neck and decolletage somewhat match!)
Color Payoff: B- (It’s not quite as dark as the foam that I use on my body so I have to
Scent: A+ (Mild and doesn’t linger)

Pros:

• Easy spray application
• Lightweight formula that won’t clog pores
• Hydrating with hyaluronic acid and dragon fruit extract
• Develops within a few hours

Cons:

• Not as buildable as drops or serums

Honorable Mention: Tan Luxe Face Drops

Tan Luxe Face Drops are another excellent choice for a customizable face tan. Just mix a few drops with your moisturizer for a natural, streak-free glow.

Best Tanning Oil: Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil

I haven’t personally tried this tanning oil, but from everything I hear, its AMAZING. If you prefer a more hydrating tanning option, Josie Maran’s Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil delivers a truly golden tan while hydrating the skin. It’s made with argan oil and vitamin E, and it’s 100% vegan. This oil comes with a mitt which is essential for even application.

I’ll give this a proper “grade” once I try it myself.

Pros:

• Hydrating formula for dry skin
• Natural golden tan
• Argan oil and vitamin E for added skin benefits

Cons:

• Requires a tanning mitt for application
• Can feel slightly greasy before absorbing

Best for a Deep Color: Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Self-Tanning Mousse in Blood Orange

If you want a truly deep tan, try Lux Unfiltered’s N°36 Supernatural Self-Tanning Mousse in Blood Orange. This mousse provides a deep, bronzed color while maintaining a natural finish. I used it for a while before switching to Coco & Eve for a slightly lighter tan.

Here’s my overall grade for the Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Self-Tanning Mousse:

Ease of Use: B- (It’s dark so you have to be careful when applying since mistakes are more prominent.)
Color Payoff: A+ (Truly stunning color that’s natural without a hint of orange.)
Scent: A- (Smells pleasant but lingers.)

Pros:

• Deep, long-lasting tan
• Vegan and cruelty-free formula
• Hydrating with shea butter and hyaluronic acid

Cons:

• Stronger scent than other options
• Requires more care with the application since it’s a deeper tan. Definitely buy a mitt.

Best Tanning Mist: Tan Luxe The Water: Tanning Water

Tan Luxe The Water is a top pick for a lightweight, no-mess application. This is a clear tanning mist that provides an even glow without the risk of staining clothes or sheets (LOVE that). It’s packed with hydrating ingredients and gives a gradual, buildable tan. Since the mist is clear, though, you have to be careful not to spray too much in one spot since you won’t be able to see where it does.

I haven’t personally tried it so I’ll report back with its grade once I do!

Pros:

• Lightweight, clear formula
• No transfer onto clothes
• Buildable and natural-looking

Cons:

• Requires blending with a mitt or brush
• Also requires careful application since you can’t see where the product is going
• Takes a few hours to fully develop

St. Tropez – A Popular Pick I Haven’t Tried Yet

St. Tropez Self Tanner is one of the most well-known self-tanners on the market, and I see it always recommended. I haven’t personally tried it yet, but I do have it in my basket of gifted beauty products to try! I’ll update once I test it out to see if it lives up to the hype. I do appreciate that it’s an express tan that develops in 1-3 hours, so that in itself is enticing me to order.

Self Tanner to Skip: Isle of Paradise

I’ve tried Isle of Paradise, both the drops and the foam, and I hated them. The formula didn’t work well for me—it was either too streaky or too patchy, and the smell wasn’t great. The foam formula leaked everywhere too. Definitely not a repurchase for me!

What Is the Best Self Tanner for Fair Skin?

If you have fair skin, the wrong self-tanner can leave you looking orange or patchy. The best options develop into a natural shade without an orange hue. Mousse or foam formulas work well for fair skin because they allow for even application. To prevent dryness and streaks, look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and shea butter. I would try Coco & Eve in the medium shade (I use the shade Dark, and I have light/medium skin).

Final Thoughts

The best self-tanner for you depends on your skin type, desired depth of color, and application preference. Whether you love a mousse, mist, oil, or drops, these top-rated picks will give you a natural, streak-free glow. Always prep your skin with exfoliation and moisturization before applying self-tanner, and use a mitt or brush for a flawless blend.

Top Picks Recap:

Which self-tanner is your go-to? Let me know in the comments!

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