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The summer solstice is my Super Bowl. I was born in the summer, and my name literally means ‘The Sun.’ When the weather gets warmer, I defrost. I relish al fresco dining, summer outfits, and the smell of coconuts and vanilla (my signature summer scents). As a Black woman, I grew up inundated with beauty standards that valorized lighter skin and told me to get out of the sun. But for years, I would bare my skin to the sun in pursuit of my summer shade. I’ve always felt most myself after a sun-drenched day.
Cut to a decade later, and I’m paying for my devotion with endless bottles of sunscreen and piles of protective clothing. While I still enjoy a healthy amount of sun exposure—my serotonin depends on it—finding the best self-tanner has proved to be my sun-obsessed solution. Luckily, the past few years have transformed the self-tanner industry into a certified skincare category. From skin-first formulas to high-end options for all skin tones, sunless tanner is a staple for glowing skin year-round.
How to Choose the Best Self-Tanner
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been burned—maybe literally—by self-tanners. Thankfully, these days, gems abound. To find the best of the best self-tanners, we went to the experts. Ahead, Sabrina Johnson, spray-tan stylist and esthetitian, and Ashley McNabb, makeup artist and founder of Ashley McNabb Artistry, share everything to know about the best self-tanners.
Best Self-Tanner Ingredients
To keep your glow going, avoid anything that will dry out your skin and undo your skin prep. Johnson advises, “Avoid self-tanners with harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.” Alcohol, which is found in many quick-drying formulas, can also be harmful, but it can exacerbate dryness and dehydration.
Look for the following ingredients in your self-tanner:
- Antioxidants: (Niacinamide, Resveratrol, Coenzyme Q10, Ferulic acid, Copper, Zinc, Selenium)
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Aloe vera
- Vitamins A, C, and E
What to Do Before Applying Self-Tanner
“The biggest mistake you can make when using self-tanner is not prepping the skin,” says Johnson. Here are some steps to prep your skin for the best self-tanner results.
Dry-brush your whole body. Yes, dry brushing can stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, but it’s also worth it simply for the exfoliation factor. Just brush in broad strokes toward your heart—gentle pressure and sloooow movements are best.
Do a body scrub. According to Johnson, “Skipping exfoliation can lead to uneven application and patchiness. Avoid chemical exfoliants like AHA, BHA, and retinol before and after tanning as they will make your tan fade faster.” Buffing away excess dead skin cells with a gentle body scrub helps the results last longer.
Do an everything shower. An indulgent shower routine feels like a luxury, but before you self-tan, it’s a necessity. Since you can’t shower for 8-12 hours after application, the best at-home self-tan starts in the shower. Focus on replenishing your skin’s moisture with nourishing ingredients. For extra exfoliation, I love using the Esker Body Plane with a lightweight body oil to really wick away dead skin while sealing in moisture.
Moisturize. After your everything shower, dry off and use a deeply moisturizing lotion all over your body. Make sure you get your hands (and in between your fingers), your feet, ankles, knees, and elbows extra moisturized.
Prep your face. Just like your body, a smooth canvas makes for better application. Use a gentle (physical!) exfoliator and, depending on the instructions for your self-tanner of choice, moisturize deeply.
Hydrate from the inside out. This is key to maintaining an even tan for as long as possible. Prioritize naturally hydrating fruits and veggies, experiment with DIY spa waters, or consider adding electrolytes to your H20.
How to Apply Sunless Tanners
Though applying a self-tanner at home can be intimidating, a few tips and tricks go a long way toward achieving an even, natural glow that suits your skin tone. McNabb takes us through her top tips for streak-free, sun-kissed skin.
Start small. It’s always smart to test the product on a small part of your skin before applying to your whole body to make sure you like the color.
Work your way around. Whether applying with your hands or a glove, do it in small sections. Blend in circular motions and pay extra attention to the ankles, toes, knees, and elbows, as these areas can be tricky to blend.
Don’t forget the SPF! Some people apply self-tanner and forget additional sun protection. Don’t make that mistake.
The Best Self-Tanners, Tested and Reviewed
Thankfully, finding the right self-tanner has never been easier—and you don’t have to risk turning orange in the process. “Each product offers different benefits, so consider your skin type, desired outcome, and any skin sensitivities when choosing a self-tanner,” says Johnson.
If you’re standing in the self-tanner aisle or toggling between product types, consider this your definitive guide to the best self-tanners.
The Takeaway
Finding your self-tanner match is a little like finding the right foundation. It takes some trial and error, but once you’re there, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it. Whether you’re easing in with a gradual formula or going full bronze, the most important thing is the prep. Do that right, and the rest is easy. Summer skin, sorted.
This post was last updated on May 12, 2026, to include new insights.