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There’s no disputing that tanning, particularly in a tanning bed, is not just bad for you – it’s downright dangerous. Indoor tanning beds are directly linked to an increased likelihood of skin cancer down the road, and even enjoying natural sunlight provides a certain risk (especially if you're not using sunscreen).
This puts us in a tough spot (particularly those of us who happen to be fair skinned…) because who doesn't look better with a little color? Luckily, our world has never been more health-conscious – or skin-conscious – so the solutions are plentiful. Enter: the world of self-tanners.
Self-tanners may have gotten a bad rap back in the day, with the results looking more oompa loompa-esque than just-returned-from-the-beach, but I can assure you that they have come a long way. Long gone are the days of spraying yourself with a glitchy spray bottle and hoping that your hands don't stay orange for longer than 24 hours. Today, numerous brands have mastered the art of self-tanner in the form of sprays, foams, lotions and – my personal favorite – tanning drops, which can easily be added to your daily moisturizer.
According to Dr. Loretta, a board-certified Dermatologist, self-tanners are a perfectly healthy and safe alternative to outdoor tanning.
Dr. Loretta recommends exfoliating your skin prior to use, as she says tanners, “are a bit like food coloring for dead skin cells.”
Dr. Loretta recommends exfoliating your skin prior to use, as she says tanners, “are a bit like food coloring for dead skin cells.” She also noted that it’s important to be mindful of products that contain artificial fragrances which may cause irritation. Otherwise, self-tanners are a no-brainer when it comes to getting a nice glow. As always, I’ve sourced the top self-tanners that are guaranteed to make you look like you just got back from the beach – even if you haven’t seen the sun in months.
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Pai is exactly what you want when it comes to an effortless and natural glow. Their Impossible Glow Bronzing Drops include hyaluronic acid and take an all natural approach (think sea kelp as a main ingredient) that offer major hydration for the skin. Plus, I love that the Pai Glow Drops are simply added to your daily moisturizer, so you don't have to sacrifice your skincare routine in order to use them. They offer an instant glow for all skin types and come in three different shades, which makes Pai a fantastic option for anyone looking for some quick and reliable color. And if you want an even darker tan? Simply add a few more drops to your moisturizer!
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When it comes to skincare, Beauty Pie knows what it’s doing. The Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze Sun-Kissed Glow Drops offer another great all-natural approach to achieving a healthy glow. The Drops contain “good for you” ingredients, such as banana leaf, DHA, hyaluronic acid, and spirulina, so you never have to worry about clogged pores or breaking out. Plus, they’re easy to use. It just takes 2-3 drops that are carefully rubbed into your skin prior to moisturizing, and within 3-4 hours you’ll have a naturally bronzed face (I even tried mixing the bronzing drops with my moisturizer for a more subtle glow and found that works well, too)! I highly recommend Beauty Pie for anyone looking for a natural tan that doesn’t need to develop in a hurry.
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If anyone knows sunless tanning, it’s Kristyn Pradas of Pradas Glow. As a renowned celebrity spray tan artist who has sprayed everyone from Ariana Grande to Demi Lovato, she has mastered the art of achieving a natural tan from head to toe. Since not everyone can see her in-person, she (thankfully) created her own line of at-home tanning mousses that are almost as good as seeing her in person. The Hollywood’s Secret Sol Solution Sunless Tanning Mousse is an express tan that can be customized to your preferred shade of darkness. It is formulated with sea buckthorn berry, aloe vera, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and caffeine that all help to moisturize, firm, brighten and smooth the skin – so it has your skin’s health in mind while achieving a radiant glow.
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If you’ve been lucky enough to have an in-person spray tan at SUGARED + BRONZED, then you already know how great their formula is. But since not everyone can go in-person, the SUGARED + BRONZED at-home spray tanning line is the perfect alternative to get their signature glow. While I can recommend their entire line of foams, mousses and sprays, the Sunless Tanning Mist is my favorite. It is formulated with a proprietary blend of botanical extracts and oils that not only moisturize the skin as you tan, but also provide great coverage that mimics the job of concealer. AKA, it makes it that much easier to go make-up free (but can be used underneath makeup if you prefer). Their solutions develop quickly and last for days, but I suggest continuing use for a longer-lasting tan. If you’re looking for a great full-body spray solution, this is the one for you!
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Saltyface touts itself as “living in the space between cosmetics, tanning and skincare to create the look that a day in the sun leaves on your skin,” and I can assure you that it does just that. The company focuses on safe and sustainable ingredients (it is a completely non-toxic and cruelty-free company) that elevates your natural beauty – something everyone can get behind. The entire focus at Saltyface is achieving a sunkissed glow, so whether you use the Freckle Paint or Tanning Foam, you can’t go wrong. My personal favorite is the Tanning Water, which is a buildable solution (meaning you can get a deeper tan with the more product that you use) that is simply added as a last step to your skincare routine. If you’re a conscious consumer looking for a natural and effortless tan, Saltyface is for you. For a more in-depth review of Saltyface, click here.
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Bondi Sands is changing the world of self-tanning with their new “Technoverse.” The focus of this line is to help you find the tan that best suits you. Pick one of their four shades - sapphire, emerald, magenta, or caramel - based on the undertones of your complexion. This formulation works with your skin to give you a perfect tan to match your tone, while traditional self-tanner formulas focus on giving you your desired shade. This product comes is available as a Face Serum and Tanning Foam, or buy the bundle and get them both!
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Even if you’re new to self-tanning, you’ve probably heard of St. Tropez. Not only are they a go-to brand, but they use natural ingredients to leave your skin tan and glowing. This Bronzing Mousse is one of their best sellers and is perfect if you’re looking for a tan NOW. With results visible in just 1-hour, this product can perfectly fit into your busy lifestyle because let’s face it, who has time to tan outside?!
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Why not combine skincare and self-tanning with Coco & Eve’s new Anti-Aging Tanning Serum? With a gentle formula, this product is designed for sensitive skin and will give you an immediate glow. This antioxidant-rich formula allows for boosted skin radiance and a long-lasting tan. Put on before bed and wake up feeling tan and youthful.
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FAQs
How do I apply self-tanner?
Now that you’ve chosen your perfect tanner, it’s time to apply it! Application techniques depend on the formula of the tanner so make sure to read the instructions on your product before you start to ensure you get the best tan. However, as a rule of thumb, tanning foams and mousses should be applied with a tanning mitt while tanning waters and serums can be mixed with your usual moisturizer.
How long does it last?
While this varies by product, fake tans generally last around a week. To ensure a tan lasts longer, exfoliate your skin before applying and continue to moisturize throughout the week.
How do you remove self-tanner?
As time goes on, your tan will naturally fade. However, there are things you can do to help remove the tan. Exfoliating with a mitt and a scrub in the shower is the easiest way to remove a tan at home. You can also try a self tanner eraser which removes the tan from your skin without the roughness of an exfoliating mitt.
With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to say goodbye to your winter white and start thinking about that (safe) and radiant sun-kissed glow! Happy tanning!
