If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to apply self-tanner and ended up with streaky or orange results—we’ve been there, too. That’s why we put seven top options to the test over three weeks to determine the winning formulas. Our testers evaluated each product based on the ingredients, ease of application, development time, scent and longevity. The St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse is our pick for the best self-tanner overall: It dries quickly and develops into an even tan after an hour, which is great for those who want quick results. We also recommend Jergens Natural Glow Body Lotion, an excellent drugstore option that delivers gradual, subtle color with daily use.
We rounded up the best self-tanners that are easy to apply and give your skin a healthy, natural-looking wash of color.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Our Top Recommendations MOST POPULAR
Amazon
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Size: 6.7 fluid ounces | Formula: Tinted mousse | Shades: src | Longevity: 3 to 7 days | Scent: Heavy, perfumey
Best for:
Beginners and experienced tanners Fast, natural-looking results All skin tones Skip if:
You want to tan gradually You prefer an unscented formula
Want to save this story for later?
No need to bookmark—get it straight to your inbox.
We’ve sent this story to your inbox.
This luxurious tanning mousse is our top recommendation thanks to its ease of application, how quickly it works and its customization factor. The whipped formula applies evenly and absorbs into the skin quickly; I found that using the St. Tropez applicator mitt ensures a smooth, even application while keeping my hands clean. The mousse is tinted, so you can easily see if it’s applied evenly or if you missed a spot.
The St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse applies evenly and absorbs into the skin quickly.
Katherine Louie For Forbes
Application Time Affects Deepness Of Tan Based on how many hours you leave it on, your tan can range from subtle to a deeper tan. I found that even after an hour, I had natural-looking color that looked believable for my fair (type III) skin tone. For a recent wedding, I left the formula on for two hours before rinsing it off, and I was pleasantly surprised at the results. The tan was deeper without looking too dark or fake for my complexion.
Lasts Up To A Week, But The Scent May Bother Some It also faded beautifully after a week and never left me with unsightly splotches or color, which can sometimes occur with spray tans. The one downside our multiple testers noted is the lingering scent, which some describe as “a strong perfume smell.”
The 2026 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our src50 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
Amazon
Vita Liberata Tanning Mousse
Read More
No responses yet