{"id":43674,"date":"2026-08-14T05:47:29","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T00:47:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=43674"},"modified":"2026-08-14T05:47:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T00:47:29","slug":"the-6-best-self-tanners-we-tested-for-a-natural-glowy-finish-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=43674","title":{"rendered":"The 6 Best Self-Tanners We Tested for a Natural, Glowy Finish in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"GenericCallout\">\n<p><h2><strong>Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Is self-tanner safer than other kinds of tanning?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes. Self-tanner is simply the safest\u2014and possibly easiest\u2014way to get a boost of color on your skin without exposing yourself to UV rays and potential sun damage. \u201cUV rays are responsible for stimulating melanin production as a way to protect skin from their harmful effects, and they also contribute to accelerated aging by damaging collagen and elastin proteins in the dermis and the formation of skin cancers,\u201d says Dr. Camp.<\/p>\n<p>Sun exposure can cause tons of other negative effects, too, including wrinkles and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glamour.com\/gallery\/best-products-for-hyperpigmentation\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text link\">hyperpigmentation<\/a>, says Dr. Engelman. Using self-tanner is also safer than using a tanning bed: \u201cUsing tanning beds is the absolute worst thing you can do to your skin,\u201d says <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.mudgildermatology.com\/about-us\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.mudgildermatology.com\/about-us\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mudgildermatology.com\/about-us\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mudgil Dermatology. \u201cTanning beds increase your risk for skin cancer tremendously and age your skin beyond repair.\u201d Better safe than sorry, right?<\/p>\n<div style=\"outline:none\" id=\"look\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<p><strong>What should you look for when shopping for a self-tanner?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>When shopping for a self-tanner, the experts we spoke with recommend choosing products that contain hydrating ingredients, which make the color look more natural. \u201cI tend to gravitate toward sheer, buildable formulas, especially tanning waters or serums that don\u2019t sit heavily on the skin. They create a more believable, skin-like warmth rather than a one-dimensional bronze,\u201d says <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/erikavasco_\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/erikavasco_\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/erikavasco_\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Erika Vasco<\/a>, tanning expert and founder of <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.thetanedit.com\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.thetanedit.com\/&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thetanedit.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">The Tan Edit<\/a>. Look for formulas that also contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help hydrate skin and blur uneven or discolored areas.<\/p>\n<div style=\"outline:none\" id=\"undertone\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<p><strong>How to choose the right self-tanner based on your skin\u2019s undertone<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Similar to when you\u2019re shopping for makeup, your skin\u2019s undertones play a huge role in preventing your skin from looking orange after tanning. \u201cA realistic tan is about tone and dimension, not just depth. I always recommend building gradually and choosing a shade that complements your natural undertone rather than masking it,\u201d says Vasco. If you have <strong>cool<\/strong> undertones, opt for a <strong>lighter, cooler tan shade<\/strong> to add glow to your skin; <strong>warm or olive<\/strong> undertones can opt for <strong>warm, bronzy tan shades<\/strong> to add radiance.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"GenericCallout\">\n<p>\u201cTo achieve a seamless tan, prepping your skin is key,\u201d says <a data-offer-url=\"http:\/\/www.drdendyengelman.com\/\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;http:\/\/www.drdendyengelman.com\/&quot;}\" href=\"http:\/\/www.drdendyengelman.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Dendy Engelman, MD,<\/a> a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. \u201cStart by thoroughly exfoliating your skin 24 hours before your tanning session to close your pores and remove dead skin. I recommend using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glamour.com\/gallery\/best-dry-brushes\" class=\"text link\">dry brush<\/a> or an exfoliating glove with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glamour.com\/gallery\/best-body-wash-for-women\" class=\"text link\">body wash<\/a>.\u201d Next, <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/bondisands.com\/blogs\/tips-and-tricks\/meet-our-chief-tanning-officer?srsltid=AfmBOooO9S8Oz-fMY64ibTJqA9y0HyEZZUkLf6iWeGRppmwFJ_SkkTOL\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/bondisands.com\/blogs\/tips-and-tricks\/meet-our-chief-tanning-officer?srsltid=AfmBOooO9S8Oz-fMY64ibTJqA9y0HyEZZUkLf6iWeGRppmwFJ_SkkTOL&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/bondisands.com\/blogs\/tips-and-tricks\/meet-our-chief-tanning-officer?srsltid=AfmBOooO9S8Oz-fMY64ibTJqA9y0HyEZZUkLf6iWeGRppmwFJ_SkkTOL\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Colt Paulsen<\/a>, chief tanning officer at online skin care retailer <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/bondisands.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOoo2vJni0zPhIGmUQr4BniB3RG03dGLoXQH3jf-gsMSPJ8E6WXmG\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/bondisands.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOoo2vJni0zPhIGmUQr4BniB3RG03dGLoXQH3jf-gsMSPJ8E6WXmG&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/bondisands.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOoo2vJni0zPhIGmUQr4BniB3RG03dGLoXQH3jf-gsMSPJ8E6WXmG\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Bondi Sands<\/a>, recommends using a mitt; it will blend product evenly, he says. Lightly dampen the mitt with water and wring it out to help the tanner glide on smoothly. Then apply a small amount of tanner to the mitt and use gentle circular motions to work the product into the skin, section by section. \u201cFor a deeper tan, you can reapply as needed,\u201d says Dr. Engelman.<\/p>\n<p>As for where to start when self-tanning, Paulsen recommends starting with your back. \u201cI know it\u2019s everyone\u2019s least favorite part of self-tanning, but if you tackle it first, it\u2019s out of the way, and the rest is a breeze. Next, work in small sections on your legs, then move to your arms so you never miss a spot,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>To apply tanner to your face, Dr. Engelman says to gently pat it on, keeping your eyes and mouth closed. \u201cRemember to care for your mitt properly. It can be reused for several months for a streak-free application every time.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The best time to apply self-tanner for a natural-looking tan depends on your plans, but most experts suggest letting it develop overnight. Applying before bedtime allows the tan to develop without interference, and your body temperature rises <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glamour.com\/story\/not-getting-enough-sleep-wellness-hack\" class=\"text link\">during sleep<\/a>, helping the product fully absorb into the skin and develop to its full potential, says St. Tropez tanning expert <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sophiesttropez\/?hl=en\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sophiesttropez\/?hl=en&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sophiesttropez\/?hl=en\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Sophie Evans<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Translation? If you have an event, apply your self-tanner the night before or about 24 hours before. However, if you hate sleeping with self-tanner on, Evans suggests opting for an express development self-tanner, such as <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.sephora.com\/product\/self-tan-express-bronzing-mousse-P407448?skuId=1635564&amp;icid2=products%20grid:p407448:product\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cna.st\/affiliate-link\/3e2YhJ5oxMm4aUbTZ6vQ5RMiAkvAEkaZ51VarsaFmBTGCpNXqjF2rsAvXvdYgeK7ttUgUkkvuhnm2bX79eC6NBL9DM8JAyypVuAP1LRZB8pUiLwhSwTnKvnwgJPqArNns9VyU4WCjy98cey48pQUgyUXiPRKVD7ZXhCZ26VrEALzvRFF3fsE7TG6AUwMUzKobzWPkJSheC62eP1LLBA46XUor7yKqY96cdEYAAk6ycXnBSpo3tyCJqqcPAFy6YqMuKamBDEfee2FWpwFrzM3kyCPbMKsdmj5PQ73duREWiMN1bSc3dKqyST7ms8sV6qwY4yeYVFd7vwm2UpQxG9cGVB6NKioX9jNkTUUxGSGSLdJYq92jy4aSXuWSz9pT4vqAYVKS8DHKqgbZibxxM9tD8i288EoWMBdDNtzswQ1shUFGCyiRKBD?xid=fr1736865502762bdb&amp;xid=fr1774627933808ahj&amp;xid=fr1786371275330cha&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/cna.st\/affiliate-link\/3e2YhJ5oxMm4aUbTZ6vQ5RMiAkvAEkaZ51VarsaFmBTGCpNXqjF2rsAvXvdYgeK7ttUgUkkvuhnm2bX79eC6NBL9DM8JAyypVuAP1LRZB8pUiLwhSwTnKvnwgJPqArNns9VyU4WCjy98cey48pQUgyUXiPRKVD7ZXhCZ26VrEALzvRFF3fsE7TG6AUwMUzKobzWPkJSheC62eP1LLBA46XUor7yKqY96cdEYAAk6ycXnBSpo3tyCJqqcPAFy6YqMuKamBDEfee2FWpwFrzM3kyCPbMKsdmj5PQ73duREWiMN1bSc3dKqyST7ms8sV6qwY4yeYVFd7vwm2UpQxG9cGVB6NKioX9jNkTUUxGSGSLdJYq92jy4aSXuWSz9pT4vqAYVKS8DHKqgbZibxxM9tD8i288EoWMBdDNtzswQ1shUFGCyiRKBD?xid=fr1736865502762bdb&amp;xid=fr1774627933808ahj&amp;xid=fr1786371275330cha\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse<\/a>. \u201cThis allows you to tan, shower, and go in one hour for a light tan and up to three hours for your darkest tan,\u201d she says. But keep in mind that if you get hot and sweaty or wear tight clothing during development time, you may experience some transfer.<\/p>\n<div style=\"outline:none\" id=\"longer\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<p><strong>How to make your tan last longer and look realistic<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cHydration\u2014both inside and out\u2014is key for maintaining healthy skin and helping extend your tan,\u201d says Dr. Engelman. In addition to drinking plenty of water, make sure to moisturize several times a day with a body lotion or body oil to prolong your tan. Ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter and ceramides can keep your skin deeply hydrated. \u201cFor an added boost, consider a moisturizer with a gradual self-tanner to subtly enhance your color, especially if you\u2019re active or frequently swimming in the summertime,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>When the color starts to fade, exfoliate gently to avoid streaks or patches, and build your glow with a gradual tanning lotion. And don\u2019t forget SPF! \u201cA tan looks amazing, but sun protection is a must,\u201d says Paulsen.<\/p>\n<p>To keep your tan realistic, the experts recommend you not use your hands and avoid any straight-line motions, as these can cause streaks. \u201cAn application mitt is your BFF and a nonnegotiable. Not only does it protect your hands from turning orange, but it also ensures the product blends evenly. Pump the product onto the tanning mitt, and use circular motions to apply,\u201d says Paulsen.<\/p>\n<p>Remember that making your tan realistic comes down to letting it set. If you get hot and sweaty or wear tight clothing during development time, you may experience some transfer. \u201cDuring the development time, you should avoid exercise, swimming, or getting sweaty for a good eight hours,\u201d she says. \u201cOnce your tan has fully developed and you have taken your first shower, which will remove any built-in bronzer (often included as a guide color), you can do whatever you like without any fear of the tan transferring onto clothes or white fabric.\u201d<\/p>\n<div style=\"outline:none\" id=\"remove\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<p><strong>How to remove self-tanner and get rid of self-tanner hands<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>While there are plenty of at-home DIY remedies for removing self-tanner, Dr. Mudgil recommends the simplest solution: using a tan-removal product like <a data-offer-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Tropez-Remover-Prep-Maintain-Mousse\/dp\/B07MXWDDBT?\" class=\"external-link text link\" data-event-click=\"{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cna.st\/affiliate-link\/BzWhgJVfGnESkoHGTYGA9DW5K8HS3N5ZVteXW9ztbFUwk5L6f67kka34PZ1mHeRbUMxTGmuns43f9bMLEAjYXLiDNzWJCHuTYPjw3LnXzdeVnH7ZQ7d6kdVTvKUUcasurrdDN3cipomPT7WAud9sV22Lmzap8wRMmZeTVJg7oaRR5PzGYV33CZiMazQjxcG23JLTKMfrd7aAzWcg2X2bJPSdg5wx2W3aKT9now5tF6926A72e5i2V7dyTnJdfZFhCcgwjJ24wU1axN8GkyTE75McuZDx5fKek1ppbCTsS8YvecUvcx3h96ERAZsjzrLxxrKQmpFLqeEFmbWAifNJXhpv5egGAyZDG2s89oeEtccHSw?xid=fr1736865502762idd&amp;xid=fr1774627933808fdi&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/cna.st\/affiliate-link\/BzWhgJVfGnESkoHGTYGA9DW5K8HS3N5ZVteXW9ztbFUwk5L6f67kka34PZ1mHeRbUMxTGmuns43f9bMLEAjYXLiDNzWJCHuTYPjw3LnXzdeVnH7ZQ7d6kdVTvKUUcasurrdDN3cipomPT7WAud9sV22Lmzap8wRMmZeTVJg7oaRR5PzGYV33CZiMazQjxcG23JLTKMfrd7aAzWcg2X2bJPSdg5wx2W3aKT9now5tF6926A72e5i2V7dyTnJdfZFhCcgwjJ24wU1axN8GkyTE75McuZDx5fKek1ppbCTsS8YvecUvcx3h96ERAZsjzrLxxrKQmpFLqeEFmbWAifNJXhpv5egGAyZDG2s89oeEtccHSw?xid=fr1736865502762idd&amp;xid=fr1774627933808fdi\" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-aps-asin=\"B07MXWDDBT\" data-aps-asc-tag=\"glamour0d7-20\">St. Tropez\u2019s Tan Remover Prep and Maintain Mousse<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne can actually purchase a commercially available self-tan remover,\u201d says Dr. Mudgil. \u201cThese products generally contain baking soda, a mild exfoliant. You\u2019ll see other DIY methods out there like using baby oil, but I think a product specifically designed for this purpose is your best bet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Evans echoes this. \u201cNot only will St. Tropez\u2019s Tan Remover remove all old self-tanner, but it will ensure your skin is at its best pH level for self-tan development. But with most tan removers on the market, you cannot apply new self-tanner for about 12 hours,\u201d she says. To avoid the dreaded self-tanner hands, it\u2019s also key to wash your hands right after your at-home self-tan to ensure that no residue is left behind.<\/p>\n<p>If you got some self-tanner on your clothes or sheets during or after application, there are ways to remove it, according to Evans. \u201cIf it is cotton or a light fabric, most self-tans will wash out with normal soap and water. Wool, silk, and some man-made fibers can stain and, unfortunately, may take numerous attempts to remove.\u201d<\/p>\n<div style=\"outline:none\" id=\"mature\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<p><strong>What is the best self-tanner for mature skin?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to soften and blur lines, the experts we spoke with recommend opting for formulas with ingredients that do so. This includes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glamour.com\/gallery\/best-hyaluronic-acid-serums\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"text link\">hyaluronic acid<\/a>, vitamin E, and other antioxidants that help even out signs of aging, such as dark spots and wrinkles. You\u2019ll also want to follow all the experts\u2019 steps to ensure a streak-free tan on mature skin.<\/p>\n<p>We tapped <em>Glamour<\/em> contributors, editors, and testers between the ages of 30 and 60 to try the best self-tanners over the course of a month. We looked at <strong>formula, application style,<\/strong> and <strong>longevity<\/strong> as the three criteria for what tanners made this list. The ones that rose to the top came in lightweight liquid or mousse form and were easy to apply, mixed into lotion or with an application mitt. The formulas we chose also suited a variety of undertones, from cooler and fair to deeper and warmer. We also looked at how effective they were at adding <strong>golden bronzy tones<\/strong> to our skin, how long they lasted (a few days to a week), and how they held up against routine showers and activities. The best self-tanners were lightweight on the skin but potent when dried down, and they didn\u2019t give us a streaky or orange finish; we can promise you that.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Frequently asked questions Is self-tanner safer than other kinds of tanning? Yes. Self-tanner is simply the safest\u2014and possibly easiest\u2014way to get a boost of color on your skin without exposing yourself to UV rays and potential sun damage. \u201cUV rays are responsible for stimulating melanin production as a way to protect skin from their harmful&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43675,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/media.glamour.com\/photos\/6a7df3a72f137fdfef957135\/16:9\/w_1280,c_limit\/08.11_GL_Best%20Self%20Tanners_v3.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43674","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-celebrity-gossip"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43674","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=43674"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43674\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/43675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=43674"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=43674"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=43674"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}