Like the rest of the tanners on this list, for testing, I applied it before bed and after my skin-care routine. Come morning, a soft, golden glow had appeared. The lightweight water-based formula is infused with hibiscus extract and green mandarin water, so it feels refreshing and like a tall glass of water for the skin. I can’t lie: Sometimes I just leave this bottle at my desk and if I’m feeling dehydrated and dull, I spritz it on. By the time the work day is done, it looks like I just landed from a Caribbean vacation.
Type: mist | Key ingredients: hibiscus extract, green mandarin water, hyaluronic acid | Shades: 1 | Development time: 4-8 hours | Fragrance: tropical, fruity scent | Lasts up to: 3-4 days
Best Shade Range: Isle of Paradise Face Self-Tanning Glow Drops
Choose your own adventure: You can add some of the Isle of Paradise Mini Self-Tanning Glow Drops into your moisturizer or just apply it directly to the skin—that’s how moisturizing these drops are. To thank for that is the blend of coconut, chia seed, and avocado oils in the formula. The glow this cocktail gives makes it feel like skin care, making the bronzing hue (I use the shade Medium because I have a olive skin tone) it leaves behind seem like a bonus. There is a slight tan smell, but I overlook it because of how beautifully the tan developed overnight.
Type: drops | Key ingredients: coconut oil, chia seed oil, avocado oil | Shades: 3 | Development time: 4-6 hours | Fragrance: light, clean scent | Lasts up to: 5 days
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Dolce Glow Goccia di Sole Hydrating Self-Tanning Serum
The Dolce Glow Goccia Di Sole Hydrating Self-Tanning Serum includes some of my favorite ingredients, including hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C, and my absolute favorite, niacinamide, which is key for me. I always find that when I self-tan my face over any active acne, the blemish spots come out darker than the rest of my skin, the niacinamide helps even it all out so there’s no patchiness. In addition, the scent is subtle and fresh, not overpowering at all, and doesn’t linger as it develops. After applying it at night, the tan lasted about five days before fading evenly, and my skin felt hydrated the entire time.
Type: serum | Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide | Shades: 1 | Development time: 4-8 hours | Fragrance: fresh, subtle scent | Lasts up to: 5 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to put body self-tanner on my face?
While there are overlapping ingredients in facial self-tanner and body self-tanner, David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, advises against using them interchangeably. “I would not use body self-tanner on the face,” he tells Allure. “It’s much more comedogenic and oily and can often break you out.” Plus, facial self-tanners often include ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that specifically benefit your face’s skin, so if you use body self-tanner on your kisser, you’d be missing out.
How do I apply a facial self-tanner?
Facial self-tanner goes on easily but, ideally, requires a little prep leading before you uncap the bottle. “Preparation starts with gentle exfoliation the day before ensure skin is smooth and free of dry patches, which can make color uneven,” cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos tells Allure. “Cleanse skin to remove makeup and traces of oil just before applying the self-tanner. Pay extra attention to blending around the hairline and avoid the eyes area and lips. Be sure to wash your hands if you’re not using some sort of applicator like a mitt,” she adds.