The dull, pasty look might have been in vogue once upon a time, but those days are gone. A sun-kissed glow is what’s really making heads turn, and don’t be fooled by the gender stereotype. The sun doesn’t care what parts you have, so why shouldn’t that apply to the best self-tanner for men? Exactly. Moving on.
But let’s face it, gentlemen, looking great doesn’t come naturally to everyone. We all want that bronzed look that accentuates our features, but the sun isn’t always on our side. Sure, you could take a vacation in tropical locales every other week and perform an intense exfoliation routine twice a day just to get your skin looking its best, but that’s a lot of work (and money). There’s an easier way to look great in those swim shorts.
The best self-tanner for men are revolutionary products designed for those who don’t have the time or inclination to spend hours outdoors baking in the sun. These tanners are simple to use, come in a variety of shades and textures, and can give you the look you’re going for without any hassle.
Ready to find your perfect self-tanner? Whether you’re looking to up your summertime game or just want to keep things non-translucent all year, the best fake tan for men will be specifically designed to achieve a natural-looking tan without the fuss. So ditch the tanning bed and orange palms, and keep scrolling for the answer to your pale skin.
Key takeaways
Finding the best fake tan for men is key to developing a gradual and natural-looking color that won’t leave you looking like you belong in a whimsical chocolate factory.
Men may have different needs when it comes to the best self-tanner for men. Some want a fast tanner like b.tan’s one-hour results. Others need an organic option like Beauty by Earth Self. And the rest just want a solid all-rounder like my best overall pick Bondi Sands.
It’s hard to argue with over 25k five-star reviews. A natural-looking tan without the hassle of spending hours in the sun, Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam is an ideal option. Great for beginners? Check. No orange streaks? Check. Hydrating ingredients and delicious coconut scent? Double check.
Suitable for even the palest of dudes, there are three different shades to choose from to get your dream tan. If you’d rather start slow, you can choose to let the hydrating foam sink into your skin for one hour or eight before rinsing off. The dark shade even comes with a mitt, so you don’t have to worry about self-tanning evidence left behind on your palms. This a bronze-colored win.
Size: 6.76oz | Type: Foam | Shades Available: 3 | Benefits: Hydrating Aloe Vera & Coconut
Ah, that fake over-bronzed look. Unless you’re dying to look like an extra on Jersey Shore (no judgment, you do you), a gradual tanning product is the best way to go. This is a particularly good buy for fellas who are new to the world of self-tanning and want the subtlest option possible.
Now, with subtlety comes time. It will take several applications to see some color start to appear, so patience is key. But not only will it give you an effortless glow after a few days, it’ll also boost your skin health with antioxidants and vitamin E. What about application, you ask? Simple. Use it as a daily moisturizer. Plus, it smells nice.
Size: 4oz | Type: Lotion | Shades Available: 2 | Benefits: Antioxidants & Vitamin E
I’ve actually used this product once upon a time, and I can safely say I don’t have any horrific memories of turning into a splotchy orange mess. Let’s not use my hazy memory from who knows how many years ago, though. Let’s stick with the anti-aging facts.
Yep, you read that right. Tan Physics claims to have anti-aging moisturizers paired with stunning sun-kissed skin. I wouldn’t say you’ll become a bronzed Benjamin Button, but glowing, moisturized skin isn’t too shabby. Streak-free tan. No weird smell. Easy application. If you do end up looking younger, that’s just a delightful bonus.
Size: 8oz | Type: Lotion | Shades Available: 1 | Benefits: Antiaging Hydrolyzed Collagen
Maybe you don’t want to wax your limbs, or maybe you fall into borderline sasquatch territory. Either way finding the best fake tan for men might be a challenge. Since a lot of tanners call for smooth skin, oil drops are the best choice to get the ideal customization for your hairy self.
The Glossiva system lets you add however many drops you want (don’t worry, they have suggestions) to your favorite lotion. The vegan-friendly formula actually helps even out your skin tone while you build your tan. Your skin will be happy and golden from your face to your toes. Hair and all.
Size: 1.01oz | Type: Drops | Shades Available: 1 | Benefits: Customizable Application & Evens Out Skin Tone
There are two big reasons why a guy may need a self-tanner for men specifically designed for the face. One, sensitive skin calls for something that won’t make you break out like crazy. Two, you want something that’s easy to apply and less likely to leave oddly shaped spots of discoloration. No one wants to look like an orange dalmatian.
RemeVerse is fairly new on the scene, opening their skincare doors in 2014, but they didn’t waste any time. These facial tanning drops pack quite a punch. Free of anything that will irritate sensitive facial skin, just add the desired amount of drops to your moisturizer and rub it on it. This formula was created with specific manly issues in mind, like shaving, so the ingredients target dry, itchy skin prone to breakouts. If this isn’t a win-win, I don’t know what is.
Size: 1oz | Type: Drops | Shades Available: 1 | Benefits: Soothes Skin & Reduces Breakouts
If we’re not your first stop on your best self-tanner search, then you’ve probably already seen this product a few times. As an Amazon best-seller rocking an award-winning formula, St. Tropez had to make an appearance. And if you’ve ever been too sticky for comfort after using a different product, this may be for you.
Besides not turning you into a human glue board, this easy-to-apply mousse is also loaded with jojoba and other hydrating ingredients. Just in case the pleasant scent and quick-drying promise aren’t enough, it also claims your clothes and sheets are free from the dreaded bronze transfer. Based on the reviews, I’d trust it. The bold choice of wearing white right after application is all you, though.
Size: 8oz | Type: Mousse | Shades Available: 1 | Benefits: 24 Hours Of Hydration
“Why be tanned when you can be tanned AF?” Why indeed. The beauty of this overnight option is that it can actually give you results in as little as one hour. You do have to take that with a grain of salt because this process is very dependent on your skin type. But still, the speed is impressive.
If you choose to deep dive into the reviews (which I did), quite a few people mention applying b.tan, throwing on some dark clothes, then going to bed before rinsing. I wouldn’t recommend extending your beauty rest beyond eight hours, but you won’t have to worry about snoozing covered in harsh chemicals. 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and five different shade selections, all with humorous names. Buy. Apply. Goodnight.
Size: 6.7oz | Type: Mousse | Shades Available: 5 | Benefits: 1 Hour Results
USA-made, Beauty by Earth Self is very proud of their top-notch facilities to bring you a tanning foam completely free of chemical dyes. In fact, they promise clean ingredients multiple times. I think it’s safe to believe them. And for such a wallet-friendly option, why wouldn’t you?
If you’re looking to go from Ed Sheeran to The Rock quickly, this might not be your best bet. But if you want a natural ‘I just got home from the beach’ vibe, then you have two quick-drying shades to choose from. Oh, and there’s a travel size to take your beach style on the road.
Size: 3.3 / 7.5oz | Type: Mousse | Shades Available: 2 | Benefits: Dye Free & Toxin Free
What to look for When Buying The Best Self-Tanner For Men
Application
The best self-tanner for men should be easy to apply, with a smooth and even finish. Look for products that have a quick-drying formula, so you can apply it without feeling sticky or uncomfortable for too long.
Ingredients
Look for natural and organic ingredients. The promise of hydrating your skin isn’t a bad bonus either. Some self-tanners even claim to reduce the appearance of aging. Avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Coverage
Consider the level of coverage you’re looking for in several areas. Some products will give you a subtle tan, while others will give you a deeper color, so check out the shades offered. Pay attention to how long it will take to see results. And finally, make sure you don’t get a travel size if you’re planning a full-body tan. Whatever you choose, don’t skip the sunscreen afterward.
Final verdict
Overall, Bondi Sands won the best overall spot because it ticks so many boxes. It’s great for beginners, it smells nice, it moisturizes your skin, and it comes in at a very reasonable price point. If you’re new to the self-tanning life, this is a good place to start. If you’re more of a pro and need something new or specific, there’s absolutely a tanner for you on this list.
FAQ
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Yes. A resounding yes. With the rise of men’s grooming products, the best self-tanner for men has become a popular option for men looking to add a natural-looking glow to their skin. The options range from gradual tanners, foams, and lotions for a quick and easy way to achieve a sun-kissed look without having to spend hours outside or in a tanning bed.
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Yes, men can self-tan without shaving. A little extra fur does run you a higher risk of streaky results, which is why it’s recommended to add self-tanner into your favorite moisturizer (an option with SPF is even better), so you have more control over the application and shade.
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The first step is always reading the instructions on your chosen self-tanner. But as a general guide, you can follow these basic steps to apply self-tanner like a pro:
- Exfoliate the area to get rid of dead skin cells and dry patches that can reduce the lifespan of your tan.
- Apply evenly in a circular motion with your hands or a mitt.
- Wash your hands right after (if you didn’t use a tanning mitt) to avoid tangerine hands.
- Blend it in a lot more for areas like elbows, knees, neck, wrists, and ankles to avoid any lines and streaks.
- Let the product dry for at least 10-15 minutes to let before putting on clothes or sitting on furniture.
- Apply moisturizer to protect your skin and prolong your tan.
- For best results, most products recommend avoiding water for eight hours.
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