8 best self-tanners that even a beginner can handle

Updated: 09/02/2020 Self-tanning is a cosmetic product that allows you to get a beautiful and aesthetically attractive tan without exposure to sunlight. The substances in its composition make the skin visually smoother, moisturize and retain the selected color for a long time. You don't have to leave your home to perform the procedure. The main thing is to choose the appropriate composition and check if there is an allergic reaction to its components.

People first started talking about self-tanning in 1950, when the unique properties of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) were discovered in the USA. As soon as the substance hits the skin, it reacts with the upper layer of the epidermis, after which melanoidin is produced, a dye that gives the skin a tan. It is dihydroxyacetone that is added to all self-tanning products (no more than 5%).

What you should pay attention to when purchasing:

• Ease of application.
• Drying speed.
• Degree of saturation.
• How long does the color last?

An important characteristic of self-tanning is color and intensity. The product comes in light (Light, Clair), medium (Medium, Moyenne), dark color (Dark, Fonce). Manufacturers mark this information on the packaging.

Intensity is how natural the tan looks. There are products on sale with a light tone. It is suitable for fair skin. Among those with normal and dark skin, products with bright and intense shades are popular.

How long does the result last?

The duration of the effect depends on the individual characteristics of the skin, the frequency of water procedures, and the quality of the chosen product. On average, the lasting effect lasts 4 days. After which the self-tanning cream begins to gradually disappear. This happens because the product acts only on the upper layer of the endometrium; skin cells die and are renewed every day. That is, there is no way to avoid the disappearance of a pleasant shade. But, based on reviews, self-tanning with high-quality expensive cosmetics can last about 2 weeks.

What types of self-tanning are there:

• Spray.
  Difficult to apply (designed for professionals), dries quickly (10-15 minutes), color lasts less than other products.
• Gel.
  Used as a shower product, if used regularly, it will maintain a tan for a long time.
• Lotion.
  Easy to apply and spread over the body, dries in about 30 minutes, if you use a moisturizer first, the color will be brighter.
• Milk.
  The properties are identical to the lotion; if you apply it for several days in a row, a spectacular color is guaranteed.
• Mousse.
  It's easy to apply because it doesn't run, it moisturizes best and makes the skin smooth, it takes a long time to dry (30 minutes) but also holds the color for a long time.
• Napkins.
  It applies quickly and dries quickly, so a bad color will be difficult to correct.
• Cream.
  Easy to apply (even a beginner can do it), dries in 30-40 minutes, and when paired with moisturizer it gives a natural shade.
• Oil.
  It has a hard texture, which makes it difficult to apply, takes a long time to dry, but also holds the color longer and has a pleasant aroma.

To ensure your tan goes on evenly, you need to follow the tips. Before application, the skin is thoroughly cleansed. The surface is scrubbed and then moisturized with cream. After 30-40 minutes the product is applied. If everything is done correctly, the self-tanner will lie evenly, and the chosen shade will last longer. There are special mittens for easy application.

Introducing the 2022 Self Tanning Rating. The top 12 products that were selected by our experts based on user reviews and ratings.

The rating included products with a number of useful properties. Each product is of high quality and safe for the skin. To enhance the properties and results, manufacturers have added components with a lifting effect, moisturizers and fragrances with an unobtrusive odor.

Benefits and harms

Self-tanning is a procedure to give a bronze, golden hue to your skin. And as we know, any procedure has its positive and negative qualities. Let's look at this using the example of the benefits and harms of self-tanning.

Benefit:

• the ability to give the skin any shade , without the participation of ultraviolet radiation at any time of the year;
• some products include beneficial ingredients with nourishing oils, and serve to protect and soften the skin;
• bronzer in the composition provides radiance from within and self-confidence.

Harm:

• Some products consist of synthetic fibers, making it difficult for the skin to breathe, which leads to dehydration and flaking in the future.

If you purchased an inexpensive self-tanner and doubt its quality, you can add moisturizers without nourishing oils to it. Then you will protect your skin from drying out and dehydration.

The best self-tanning gels

Funds from this category are considered universal. They are water-based, so they are easily absorbed, dry quickly, and do not leave a sticky feeling. The gel is suitable for any skin (doesn't dry out like a spray and doesn't make it greasy like a cream). Even a beginner can handle the application.

3 Bielita Solaris with sea buckthorn oil

In third place in our ranking of the best self-tanning products is the product of the Belarusian company Bielita, produced in the form of a transparent gel.
The product contains sea buckthorn oil, which nourishes and moisturizes the skin, giving it a healthy and well-groomed appearance. Solaris self-tanning gel is available in 145 ml bottles; it is suitable for any skin type and allows you to get an even and beautiful tan, without sun exposure or visiting a solarium. The product is inexpensive, but has high quality, which is confirmed by numerous positive reviews.

The product promotes the production of melanin in the skin, resulting in a tan. After applying the gel to the skin, the shade begins to appear after about 4-6 hours and lasts for 7 days. After just one application, the skin acquires a beautiful golden hue. If you want to get a richer tanned skin tone, you can apply the gel twice.

The product has a light gel consistency making it very easy to use. The product is applied evenly, does not dry out or tighten the skin. Many women highly appreciated this product for its budget price and high quality. Some note their disadvantages are the sharp aroma of sea buckthorn.

Pros:

• Inexpensive.
• Apply evenly.
• Gives the skin a tan tint.
• Long lasting effect.

Minuses:

• Strong smell.

Self-tanning gel Bielita Solaris

2 Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel

In second place of the best self-tanning products produced in gel form is a product from Clarins.
It is ideal for women with sensitive skin to create an even, natural tan. The main feature of this self-tanner is its delicate texture, which ensures uniform application and rapid absorption. The gel contains caring components that allow you to maintain the tanning effect for 5 days without repeated applications. Immediately after application, the product does not stain clothes or bedding.

A unique formula based on plant extracts helps care for the skin, making it soft and silky. Thanks to the innovative DHA complex, the skin acquires a light golden tint without yellowness. The product is suitable for any skin type, does not cause inflammation or allergic reactions, and does not clog pores.

The resulting tan looks natural. To maintain the effect, it is enough to apply a small amount of gel once every 3 days. The tan fades evenly, without the appearance of spots. It is used economically and has a pleasant, unobtrusive aroma.

Pros:

• Delicate texture.
• Uniform distribution.
• Long lasting effect.
• Pleasant aroma.
• Natural tan without yellowness.

Minuses:

• Price.

Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel

1 Dior Bronze Auto-bronzing gel for face

Among the gels, the leading product is from Dior.
Not every tanning product is suitable for facial skin. Manufacturers selected the components to produce a beautiful and natural color. The caring composition is not drying or oily, it is suitable for the most sensitive skin. The tan is bright, even, and long-lasting. Unlike milk and cream, the gel has a light texture, so it does not clog pores. This effect is important for those with skin prone to comedones. When applied, it spreads easily and is quickly absorbed, leaving no streaks.

The smell is sweet, but disappears over time.

Pros:

• Safe for sensitive skin.
• Gives an even and natural color.
• Has caring properties.
• Has a wide palette of shades.
• Lasts longer than analog products.

Minuses:

• High price.
• Sweet smell.

Dior Bronze Auto-bronzing gel for face

Face and body cream Caribbean Sol Beach Colors

• Skin type: all types.
• Manufacturer: Caribbean Sol, USA.
• Price: 1,064 rubles.

This cream contains a natural auto-bronzant made from sugar cane. It gives the skin a dark tone and stimulates melanin production. The product nourishes the skin, makes it soft and velvety.

Caribbean Sol Beach Colors are very thick, are used very economically and do not leave marks on clothes. When distributed, a white emulsion is formed, which must be rubbed in thoroughly.

buy

Best Self Tanning Lotions

Lotions are suitable for those who want to achieve a light tan. These products contain no more than 1-3% dihydroxyacetone and are easy to use. If something goes wrong, you can wash it off and then reapply. That is why they are recommended for beginners as a way to get acquainted with self-tanning. In addition, lotions do not lie in layers.

Manufacturers of the products in the rating add moisturizing ingredients to their products. In addition to an even and beautiful tan, the skin gains freshness and protection from aging. Thanks to this, lotions are suitable for those who have dehydrated and dry skin.

3 Nivea Sun Touch

In third place is a product from Nivea - a self-tanner with a light formula and a large number of moisturizing ingredients.
It will allow you to get a natural tan in a matter of hours. If you wait until the product is absorbed, there will be no marks on your clothes. The lotion is used economically. The color lasts 3-4 days. To maintain the resulting shade, the product must be renewed every 4-5 days. The consistency of the lotion is not too runny. The aroma is pleasant. After one layer the color turns out smooth and natural. If a more intense shade is required, a second coat can be applied. The result is hydrated skin that looks well-groomed and healthy.

Pros:

• Moisturizing effect.
• Natural tan.
• Convenient bottle and dispenser.
• No pungent odor.
• Fast action.

Minuses:

• Short-lived effect.
• Clogs pores.
• Oily film after application.

2 Self-tanning lotion St.Moriz Professional Tanning Lotion Dark

The second place is occupied by self-tanning from the British brand St. Moriz, produced in the form of body lotion.
This product gives the skin a seductive tan without streaks or blemishes. The kit includes a glove that helps you apply the product evenly to the skin. The product has a delicate texture and neutral aroma. It contains moisturizing components that help maintain the tan for a long time and prevent dry skin.

The product differs from others in that it dries instantly on the skin, without a sticky effect. Self-tanning is available in several shades of intensity, so you can choose the shade that you like best. The lotion is absolutely safe and suitable for any skin type, even sensitive. The active substance acts only on the superficial layers of the epidermis without damaging them.

After using the product, the tan appears after about 6 hours, so it is recommended to apply it at night. At the same time, you don’t have to worry about the cleanliness of clothes and bed linen - the lotion is quickly absorbed, does not smear and does not print on fabrics.

Pros:

• Uniform distribution.
• Mitten included.
• Long lasting effect.
• Moisturizing components.
• Natural shade.
• Neutral aroma.

St Moriz Professional Tanning Lotion Dark

1 Lumene Natural Bronze Shimmering Body Lotion

Lumene's product took first place for a reason.
As the manufacturer promises, this product instantly gives the skin a tan and a radiant effect, while at the same time moisturizing and caring for it. A unique feature is 90% natural ingredients and the absence of parabens. Additional properties - flickering effect. The lotion has convenient packaging - the dispenser is located at the bottom, so you don’t have to constantly press on it. The consistency of the self-tanner is not thick, but not runny either, the texture is melting. The aroma is pleasant, unobtrusive.

Pros:

• Powerful hydration.
• Instant effect.
• Skin smoothing.
• Natural shade.
• Shimmering radiance.
• Doesn't stain clothes.
• Pleasant aroma.

Minuses:

• You need to apply a thin layer, otherwise it will take a long time to absorb and stain your clothes.

Self-tanning Lumene reviews

Lumene Natural Bronze Shimmering Body Lotion

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster Face and Neck Concentrate

• Skin type: all types.
• Manufacturer: Clarins, France.
• Price: 930 rubles.

Customers claim that this concentrate is a godsend for those who want to get an even tan without harm to the skin.

The method of application differs from that usual for self-tanners. Place a little care cream on your palm, add 2 drops of concentrate, mix and apply to your face. You will get a delicate honey shade. If your goal is a luxurious bronze, you'll need 3-4 drops.

The product mixes well with creams with a light texture, is evenly distributed and does not create a mask effect. It moisturizes the skin and hides imperfections.

buy

The best self-tanning milk

Self-tanning milk is a cross between a cream and a lotion. This product, like the cream, gives a more intense shade, lasts longer on the skin than any other product, but has a slightly lighter texture. Like lotion, milk moisturizes, but it takes longer to absorb. If you neglect this, your clothes will become stained.

3 Self-tanning milk Even tan SunStyle

SunStyle tanning product manifests itself 2-3 hours after application.
Its active ingredients (Shea butter) nourish the skin, moisturize it and do not tighten it. Suitable for both face and body. If you distribute it evenly over the skin, there will be no streaks or streaks. To do this, apply the product in a thin layer. Like many self-tanning products, the milk creates an unpleasant odor on the skin. This is due to the fact that after a while, dihydroxyacetone reacts. To avoid this aroma, it is recommended to apply the product 2-3 hours before bedtime. In the morning the smell disappears.

Pros:

• Moisturizes and nourishes.
• Lasts for several days.
• Creates a natural color without redness.
• Affordable price.
• Economical consumption.

Minuses:

• Unpleasant smell.

Self-tanning SunStyle

2 L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze self-tanning milk

In second place is the self-tanning milk from the famous cosmetics company L'Oreal.
The products of this brand are loved by women all over the world due to their high quality, nice design and efficiency. Sublime Bronze milk is ideal for those women who are trying artificial tanning products for the first time. This product gives the skin a beautiful bronze tone that looks natural. It can be used on any part of the body, as well as on the face.

The self-tanner is easy to apply thanks to the delicate texture of the body milk. The tan is uniform, without smudges or smudging, even in hard-to-reach areas. The product should be applied to the skin with stroking movements; experts recommend using special gloves for this purpose. A few hours after use, a beautiful bronze tint will appear on the skin.

The milk dries quickly, leaving no greasy shine on the skin, and has a pleasant fresh aroma. After using it, you can immediately put on even light-colored clothes without fear of staining the fabric.

Pros:

• Convenient bottle dispenser.
• Uniform distribution.
• Natural tan shade.
• Dries quickly.
• Pleasant aroma.
• Doesn't stain clothes.

Minuses:

• No UV filter.

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze

1 Uriage Bariesun Silky Lotion Self-Tanning Milk

In first place is milk from the French cosmetics company Uriage.
It is ideal for sensitive skin and can be used on the face and body. The product has a pleasant unobtrusive aroma and delicate texture. It works within an hour after application, creating a beautiful, even tan tone that becomes more pronounced over time. The milk has a delicate apricot color, so it is easy to distribute in an even layer on the skin of the body and face. The product is not capable of causing allergic reactions; it does not contain parabens.

The self-tanning product contains Uriage thermal water, which permanently moisturizes the skin, prevents irritation and protects against aggressive environmental influences. In addition, the milk contains two active ingredients to achieve a golden, natural tan that will last a long time thanks to fixing agents. The product improves complexion, it can be used as a base for makeup and to prolong a natural sun tan.

Many women highly appreciated this self-tanning milk for its high quality, pleasant consistency, moisturizing properties and beautiful natural shade of tanned skin. The disadvantage is the high cost.

Pros:

• Pleasant aroma.
• Delicate texture.
• Easy to apply.
• Moisturizes the skin.
• Long lasting effect.

Minuses:

• Price.

Uriage Bariesun Silky Lotion Self-Tanning

Editor's Choice

Sisley Paris Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care Cream

Sisley Paris Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care Cream.
Photo: market.yandex.ru The title of best self-tanner can safely be awarded to this brand. It has an excellent reputation - the cream gives the skin a tanned appearance, is applied evenly, and its composition is absolutely harmless. Users also note that self-tanning gives a natural shade. If you want to make your skin darker, you can apply self-tanner in two layers after the first layer has dried a little. The cream also perfectly moisturizes, since it contains many valuable components: glycerin, extracts of hibiscus flowers, sesame and others.

Good composition, even application, moisturizing and nourishing

Wash off quickly

The best self-tanning sprays

Using the spray, you can create a beautiful, even tan without leaving home. It effectively hides skin defects (pigment spots, pimples, rashes), makes the face more expressive and the body toned. It is chosen because of its quick application and instant drying. But to achieve results, you must use the product correctly.

The spray dries almost instantly. In a short period of time, it is necessary to have time to evenly distribute the composition. It is possible to do this on your own on the legs, arms, décolleté or face; on the back, back of the thigh and buttocks it is almost impossible. For a more even distribution, you can buy special mittens.

3 Floresan bronze moisturizing self-tanning spray

In third place in the ranking of the best self-tanning products produced in spray form is a product from the Russian company Floresan.
The product is available in a convenient 160 ml bottle, suitable for all skin types. Practical, convenient and inexpensive, the spray can be used all year round to achieve a seductive bronze tan. This self-tanner is very easy to use; the bottle is equipped with a convenient dispenser. The product applies to the skin in an even layer, dries quickly, leaving no streaks or stains. Does not stain clothes or bedding. After just 4-5 hours, a uniform bronze tan appears, which looks natural and lasts on the skin for more than 5 days.

The spray contains apricot oil and vitamin E, which tone and moisturize the skin, making it firm and elastic. This product can be used to disguise severe skin pigmentation.

Women highly rate this cosmetic product in their reviews. They note the optimal combination of budget cost of the product and high quality, as well as efficiency and ease of use. However, the product also has disadvantages. Some people note the strong smell of self-tanning and high consumption.

Pros:

• Affordable price.
• Uniform application.
• For all skin types.
• Tones and moisturizes the skin.
• Long lasting effect.

Minuses:

• Strong smell.
• Big expense.

Floresan bronze moisturizing self-tanning spray

2 GARNIER Ambre Solaire Even tan

This effective product helps you get a beautiful tan within 2 hours.
The skin color is rich and natural, without yellowness or redness. The bottle is equipped with a micro-spray. The mechanism provides ultra-fine spraying (convenient for application to the face), making it possible to avoid smudges and streaks. The self-tanner goes on smoothly and dries quickly. For this reason, it is suitable for those who want an even tone, but do not like to wait or remember about tanning right before going out.

Contains apricot kernel extract and bronzing components of plant origin. The spray has a moisturizing effect. The aroma is pleasant and unobtrusive.

Pros:

• Saturated color.
• No leaks.
• Convenient mechanism.
• Nice smell.
• Lasts 5-7 days.

Minuses:

• The color fades unevenly.
• Small volume.

Garnier Even tan reviews

Self-tanning spray GARNIER Ambre Solaire Even tan

1 Uriage Bariesun Thermal Spray Self-Tanning

The leader in the rating of the best self-tanning products produced in the form of a spray is a product from the French company Uriage.
It is available in 100 ml bottles and is suitable for people with sensitive skin who are contraindicated for sunbathing. Thermal spray creates the effect of a natural tan all year round. It has a transparent color and a very light consistency. The product settles on the skin like a weightless haze. It is distributed evenly and dries quickly without leaving any stickiness, after 3 minutes you can already put on clothes. The product has a light unobtrusive aroma.

A beautiful shade of bronze tan begins to appear within an hour, after two hours the skin acquires an even tan without spots or streaks, as if you had spent several days on the beach. There is no yellowing effect, the skin tone looks natural. You can increase the tanning intensity by applying another layer of product. The effect lasts for 7-14 days.

Self-tanning contains caring components and thermal water, so it does not dry the skin, does not cause irritation or allergic reactions. Contains no alcohol or preservatives. Also, the product does not contain solar filters, so during exposure to the sun it is necessary to additionally use products with UV protection.

Pros:

• Light consistency.
• Ease of use.
• Absorbs quickly and does not stain clothes.
• Long lasting effect.
• Suitable for sensitive skin.

Minuses:

• Price.

Uriage Bariesun Thermal Spray Self-Tanning

Coola Sunless Tan Body Spray Oil

• Skin type: all types.
• Manufacturer: Coola, USA.
• Price: 3,159 rubles.

The pleasant aroma of coconut and pineapple masks the smell of self-tanning. The oil nourishes, tones, moisturizes and tightens the skin even in the most problematic areas: on the neck and inner shoulder. Suitable for anti-aging care.

Coola Sunless Tan evens out skin tone and gives it a natural bronze tone. But don't count on instant results. The tan will appear in 6–8 hours. Therefore, it is recommended to use the oil before bed, so that you can wake up with chocolate without unnecessary nerves.

buy

Which self-tanner is better to buy?

So, the rating included 12 self-tanners with different properties. To find a suitable product, you need to focus on the composition and personal preferences. The label should contain components such as dihydroxyacetone and tyrosine. It’s even better if it contains moisturizers, for example, aloe vera, vegetable oils.

To find “your” self-tanning shade, you need to determine your skin color. Otherwise, you will end up with a color that is radically different from the natural shade. It will look like a mask.

It is important to consider your own preferences: what kind of tan do you want - matte or shimmering, intense or light?
You can try 2-3 products with different textures and properties to find your option. Enjoy the shopping! Thanks to All.ru in Yandex Zen. Daily updates, subscribe, we have a lot of interesting things

Video: how to apply a tan evenly

Self-tanning is the ideal choice for those who want to tan at home as quickly as possible. The main thing is to read the contraindications, choose the most suitable product for you and learn how to apply self-tanning to your skin correctly. Only in this case will you be pleased with the final result.

• Author: marina_saad
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Which is better to choose: cream or spray?

Self-tanning cream for fair skin is categorically not recommended, because this form of cosmetic product has a dense, thick structure. This means that it is extremely rare to distribute it evenly over the surface of the body, and on light skin such flaws will immediately appear as spots, streaks, and stripes.

You should not use wipes soaked in the composition for instant tanning without the sun for the procedure. It is very difficult to treat the skin of the body evenly and without gaps; an experienced person or a professional cosmetologist will cope with this task.

When it comes to spray tanning, it is considered the best option for people with fair skin. It is applied quickly, self-distributed evenly, and does not require any specific knowledge or experience to obtain an even layer over the entire surface of the body. The only drawback of the spray that consumers point out concerns its overuse. A standard bottle is enough for a maximum of 10 uses.

Milk and lotion from the self-tanning category are available for sale; these products are also suitable for fair-skinned people. They have a light structure, are simply distributed over the surface of the skin, allowing you to create a thin and even layer of coverage. Active hydration is highlighted as an additional feature, which is important for any skin type.

Experts recommend using milk and lotion either using napkins or cotton pads (do not apply with your hands), or using a spray bottle.