A flawless tan is the best finishing touch on any outfit or beauty look—especially in the summer— but the right shade isn’t the only factor to consider when shopping for a sunless tanner. From skin-firmers to deep hydrators, we’ve rounded up the most innovative self-tanners on the market.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Body Butter ($25)
This rich cream is packed with avocado, peppermint, eucalyptus and coconut oils to deeply replenish depleted moisture levels and lock in a believable-looking gradual tan.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Intense Glow Pad Self-Tanner for Face ($38 for 20 applications)
Each of these individually wrapped towelettes is moistened with a blend of gentle acids and gradual-building color for a glow that looks lit-from-within, not dry or flaky.
Suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Self Tanner ($36)
Free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oils and synthetic fragrances (to name a few), this natural, good-for-skin formula boasts vitamin E, antioxidants and botanical extracts and oils to treat skin, hydrate it and impart a stunning glow with continued use.
Tan Luxe The Body Illuminating Self Tan Drops ($59)
The best part about this best-selling, bespoke self-tanner? It works in tandem with your favorite anti-aging moisturizer for the ultimate experience. Simply add a few drops to your go-to body cream—add more if you’d like a deeper bronze—and blend in as usual.
COOLA Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer ($48)
Upgrade your daily moisturizer with this all-in-one formula that’s infused with hyaluronic acid, squalane, aloe vera and green tea extract to deeply hydrate skin and natural bronzers for a beautiful glow. Check out this body option for below-the-neck bronzing, too.
Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil ($39)
Body oil lovers, rejoice: This elegant, quick-drying option calls on 100-percent pure argan oil, coconut water and aloe to nourish and smooth skin while natural DHA builds a natural-looking glow.
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body Mist ($42)
Foolproof and infused with vitamins C and D, this spritz-and-glow formula is a must-try for building a no-fuss natural-looking bronze or keeping a natural tan looking its best.
Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster ($34)
This made-to-measure glow boasts 99-percent ingredients of natural origin including aloe vera extract to help preserve skin’s softness while providing a healthy-looking glow. Just add a few drops to your everyday moisturizer or night cream for a radiant glow that develops gradually.
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer ($8.50)
This buildable self-tanner delivers your skin the everyday moisture it needs while gradually infusing it with a blend of effective antioxidants and vitamin E.
Whish Coconut Milk Self Tanner ($30)
This unique, allover body butter doubles as a self-tanner and includes seaweed extract and mango butter that the brand claims work to protect, firm, purify and moisturize skin.
Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner and Bronzer ($37)
This buildable tan is perfect for dry skin as it contains vitamin E to nourish skin and glycerin to keep skin soft and radiant. Its unique ingredients work with your own melatonin to produce a tan that is unique to your skin tone.
Tan Towel Face Tan ($30 for 15 applications)
Designed specifically for the face, this tanning towelette is formulated with aloe vera, vitamin B and Pentavitin to increase skin’s hydration and fight signs of aging while providing a sun-kissed, streak-free glow.