Best face tanners for an effortless sun-kissed glow in 2024

For those seeking a sun-kissed radiance without the sun, fake tan becomes an essential. Offering a warm, post-holiday glow year-round, it evens out skin tone, reduces reliance on makeup, and can even double as a contouring tool for the face, providing you’re confident in your application skills.

Venturing into face tanning for the first time may seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you imagine. We’ve consulted with tanning expert Emily Rose Lansley to demystify the process, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice.

Emily’s top tip for achieving an even face tan is to apply it with a powder puff, then gently blend it with a kabuki brush. For contouring, she suggests spraying a kabuki brush with fake tan and applying it to the temples, cheekbones, and jawline.

But which face tan suits you best? Emily has the answers. For dry skin needing moisture, she recommends a lotion, especially one with vitamin E for nourishment. Oily skin should avoid oil-based or vitamin E-containing tans and opt for aloe vera-based ones in spray or mousse form. And for sensitive skin, naturally derived ingredient tans are ideal.

Now, let’s delve into our tried-and-tested favorites, ranging from gradual lotions to mists, serums, and oils. There’s something here for everyone’s preferences.

Tan-Luxe Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Renowned for its luxurious self-tanning options, Tan-Luxe doesn’t disappoint with these glow-enhancing drops. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like raspberry seed oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera, they not only impart a radiant glow but also deeply hydrate the skin.

Dove Dermaspa Face Cream Summer Revived

Ideal for dry skin, this bargain buy from Dove provides intense hydration with its shimmering formula. While it may feel a bit heavy for combination skin, it’s perfect for those needing a moisture boost, delivering a gradual, natural-looking tan.

Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist

For the ingredient-conscious, Three Warriors offers a natural alternative with its certified organic ingredients. Featuring rose oil, aloe vera, and olive oil, it hydrates and nourishes the skin while providing a buildable, natural-looking tan.

Sienna X Self Tan Concentrated Serum Drops

These easy-to-use drops allow for customizable tanning, from a subtle glow to a sun-kissed finish. Perfect for dry skin, they’re enriched with glycerin, shea butter, and vitamin E.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops

Tailored for fairer skin tones, these drops neutralize redness and provide a natural, golden glow. With skin-loving ingredients like coconut, chia seed, and avocado oil, they offer hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops

Designed for dark skin tones, these drops provide a natural-looking tan without UV exposure. Infused with glycerin, lilly pilly, and davidsons plum, they hydrate, firm, and exfoliate for an even skin tone.

Lucy Bee Fake Tan Drops for Face and Body

Formulated with 95% natural ingredients, these UK-made drops are gentle on sensitive skin. With coconut water, aloe vera, and orange and rose flower water, they deliver hydration and a deep golden glow.

Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Face Lotion

Perfect for a low and slow tan, this lotion gradually builds up a natural-looking tan without drastic changes overnight. Lightweight and hydrating, it’s enriched with shea butter, cocoa seed butter, and aloe vera leaf juice.

Watermans Facial Tanning Spritz with Aloe Vera

Ideal for oily skin, this lightweight spritz hydrates and provides a healthy-looking glow. With castor oil for anti-inflammatory benefits, it’s a fuss-free option for a natural tan.

Skinny Tan Coconut Water Bronzing Face Mist

A quick and easy option, this face mist absorbs instantly, leaving no sticky residue. With coconut water, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and guarana seed, it hydrates and brightens the skin while providing a lightweight tan.

St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Drops

Enriched with skin-boosting ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, these drops hydrate, brighten, and reduce fine lines. With customizable shades, they provide a natural-looking tan for various skin tones.

Loving Tan Deluxe Face Tan

For those who prefer lotions over drops, this Loving Tan option offers a natural-looking tint. Although initially dark, it blends seamlessly for a soft, natural tan, though the scent may not be to everyone’s liking.

Tan-Luxe Super Glow SPF30 Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum

Combining SPF30 with a tanning agent, this multi-use serum protects from the sun while providing a subtle tan. Enriched with seven superfoods, it hydrates and nourishes the skin for a healthy glow.

Coco & Eve Face Tanning Micromist

Featuring coconut fruit extract, hyaluronic acid, and watermelon seed oil, this micromist hydrates and plumps the skin while providing a natural tan. With a lightweight texture, it’s easy to apply for a golden glow.

In conclusion, whether you prefer drops, lotions, or mists, there’s a face tan option to suit your skin type and preference. From hydrating formulas to natural ingredients, these products offer a radiant, sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV rays.