While the wise among us never skip sun protection, there is no denying that many feel happier and healthier with a tan. The allure of sun-kissed skin remains a summer staple, and with innovations like tanning waters, wipes, instant tans, and gradual moisturisers, achieving a faux glow has never been easier.
There is also a growing demand for multitasking beauty products, so the newest fake tan formulas often incorporate skincare benefits alongside the bronze. Self-tans infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C hydrate, nourish, and protect much like your usual body cream or facial serum.
As with all skincare, there is no one-size-fits-all solution; what works for you depends on your skin tone and type, as well as the time you have to perfect your glow. While clear tanning waters and fast-drying mousses are excellent for developing a golden tan overnight, express options like serums or drops allow you to achieve a post-holiday-worthy glow in just a few hours.
Gradual tanners, the hydrating moisturising lotions that dominate the budget self-tan category, are perfect for beginners. They let you build your glow slowly—apply Monday to Friday, and by the weekend you will have beautifully bronzed skin. To help you choose, I tested my way through the noise to find the products that deliver a seamless sun-kissed colour.
At a glance
- Best fake tan overall: Bare by Vogue Williams clear tan water, £22.50 for 150ml at Next
- Best budget fake tan: Boots Glow tanning milk, £6 for 300ml at Boots
- Best fake tan drops: Caudalíe Self-Tan sun drops, £19 for 15ml at John Lewis
- Best fake tan for mature skin: St Tropez Luxe body serum, £17.50 for 200ml at John Lewis
- Best gradual tan: This Works Perfect Legs gradual tan, £42 for 150ml at M&S
- Best fake tan with a mitt: Bali Body Deep Violet self-tanning mousse, £23.24 for 200ml at Boots
Why you should trust me
I am an experienced beauty and lifestyle journalist who has reviewed everything from LED masks to mascaras, but I still fear applying fake tan. I love the sun-kissed look, so gradual tanning moisturisers and drops have become my go-to. I have tried them all in my quest to replicate that holiday glow at home. As a busy mother of two young boys, my skincare routine must work without fuss. If I have found these products foolproof, I am sure most others will too.
How I tested
I spritzed, sprayed, and slathered myself in more than 20 self-tan products over five weeks. I considered everything from ease of application to colour payoff and staying power, while also noting each product's texture, fragrance, and cost. These are my top recommendations.
The best fake tan for sun-kissed skin
Best fake tan overall: Bare by Vogue Williams clear tan water
Price: £22.50 for 150ml at Next, £23 at Boots
What we love: Hydrating, non-sticky formula and even tan
What we don't love: Colourless, quick-drying foam means applying swiftly
Bare by Vogue Williams' tanning products have garnered hundreds of five-star reviews since launching in 2019. The clear tan water, a bestseller, can take you from winter-worn to suitably summer in as little as four hours. I loved its light, subtle scent and surprisingly hydrating formula, thanks to fruit extracts and aloe vera. Skin feels smooth rather than sticky, and the lightweight formula dries quickly with no need to wash off. The tan developed evenly over four hours, and three days later, I still sported a gorgeous, even golden glow without dryness. It is a shame it does not come in a bigger bottle.
Suitable for: All skin types; those looking for a no-rinse tan
Development time: Four to eight hours
Is it vegan-friendly? Yes
Best budget fake tan: Boots Glow tanning milk
Price: £6 for 300ml at Boots
What we love: Easy to apply; light tropical scent is not overpowering
What we don't love: Possibly too subtle for medium-to-dark skin tones
Big-name brands like Dove and Garnier dominate the gradual tanning category, but this excellent budget-friendly tanning milk from Boots gives them a run for their money. Designed to be applied like a normal body lotion, this light, milky formula melts into skin, leaving it feeling soft and nourished with a slight honey hue. The uplifting coconut scent on application transports you to sunnier climes, and it dries almost fragrance-free. Just one application yields subtle results, making it great for beginners or pale skin. For a deeper bronze, continue daily. At just £6 for 300ml, this budget buy is hard to beat.
Suitable for: Pale skin tones; those looking for a buildable tan
Development time: Up to eight hours
Is it vegan-friendly? Yes
Best fake tan drops: Caudalíe Self-Tan sun drops
Price: £19 for 15ml at John Lewis, Lookfantastic
What we love: Hydrating formula gives even tan; sits well under makeup
What we don't love: Some may need more product to reach desired tone
With zero odour, these brilliant and gentle fake tan drops from Caudalíe provide a sunning-it-up-on-a-yacht glow with no stickiness, patchiness, or marks on your pillow. Lightweight and easy to incorporate into your routine—just add two to six drops to your usual moisturiser—you will have an even, radiant glow by lunchtime. Infused with grape water for extra hydration, this formula is the perfect base for makeup. I found two drops subtle, four perfect, and colour faded naturally over a couple of days despite using acids in my evening routine.
Suitable for: All skin tones; those who prefer a natural-looking finish
Development time: Three to four hours
Is it vegan-friendly? Yes
Best fake tan for mature skin: St Tropez Luxe body serum
Price: £17.50 for 200ml at John Lewis, £26.99 at Amazon
What we love: Lightweight and nourishing but not greasy; dries quickly
What we don't love: Takes longer to develop compared with others
Trust the OG of fake tan to produce another outstanding product. St Tropez's feather-light serum blends niacinamide with a collagen-enhancing complex to feel super hydrating and deliver a beautiful, natural-looking finish. From its lightweight, non-greasy texture to subtle floral scent, the Luxe body serum is a dream to apply. Infused with active ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5, it hydrates, firms, soothes, and evens tone, making it great for mature skin wanting to improve elasticity. The serum pumps out beautifully, with a lightly golden colour guiding application. It blends seamlessly and dries quickly without tackiness. My skin looked natural bronze and felt well nourished.
Suitable for: An overnight tan; those who want a no-rinse formula
Development time: Eight hours
Is it vegan-friendly? Yes
Best gradual tan: This Works Perfect Legs gradual tan
Price: £42 for 150ml at M&S, This Works
What we love: Gorgeous scent; leaves skin looking and feeling luminous
What we don't love: Expensive
If you want to ease into the bronzed life, a gradual tan lotion is the best way. This moisturising formula from This Works packs shea butter, natural caramel, and vitamin C to hydrate and nourish as it works on colour. Don't let the deep caramel colour deter you—it blends beautifully, giving an instant subtle tint that darkens over time. The sumptuous formula absorbed quickly, leaving skin soft and velvety. The combination of geranium and sweet orange oils gives a pleasant scent, and the slight shimmery finish blurs blemishes.
Suitable for: All skin types; those who want a blemish-blurring instant glow
Development time: Four to eight hours
Is it vegan-friendly? Yes
Best fake tan with a mitt: Bali Body Deep Violet self-tanning mousse
Price: £23.24 for 200ml at Boots, £31 at Asos
What we love: Great colour payoff; easy to apply; non-drying formula
What we don't love: Pricier than some mousse tans; might not work for beginners
Sometimes you cannot beat the classic mousse and mitt combo. The Bali Body Deep Violet self-tanning mousse is a velvety, whipped formula that is easy to apply and gives a rich, olive-toned colour in six to eight hours. Formulated with a violet base to counteract yellow and orange undertones, it is enriched with nourishing oils and tanning boosters for longer-lasting results. The mousse glides on effortlessly with the mitt and absorbs in minutes. It is free of unpleasant chemical or biscuit-like scent and promises up to seven days of bold, even colour—four days later, it was still going strong. No orange, no streaks; just a perfect golden glow.
Suitable for: Medium complexions with yellow or orange undertones
Development time: Six to eight hours
Is it vegan-friendly? Yes
The best of the rest
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads
Price: £46 for eight at Cult Beauty, £49 at Space NK
Best for: An express tan for special occasions
These multitasking pads allow you to exfoliate and tan in one step. Infused with glycolic and salicylic acids, vitamin E, and phospholipids, they smooth, polish, and hydrate as they tan. The formula dries quickly and produces a gorgeous, even colour without streaks. However, the wipe format is not the easiest or most sustainable, and some areas may be missed. At up to £49 for eight wipes, it is also expensive.
Suitable for: Dull skin lacking radiance; development time: one hour; vegan-friendly: yes
Filter by Molly-Mae tanning mousse
Price: £22 for 200ml at Selfridges, Boots
Best for: A hydrating mousse tan
This lightweight mousse has a guide colour for easy application, and any initial stickiness fades as it dries, leaving skin soft. Apply before bed and wash off in the morning for a natural-looking glow. However, it showed signs of patchiness after a few days and is not the easiest to remove.
Suitable for: Those who prefer a classic tanning mousse; development time: four to six hours; vegan-friendly: yes
Ultrasun After Sun tan booster
Price: £19.20 for 150ml at Lookfantastic, £16 at Amazon
Best for: Prolonging your holiday tan
This soothing after-sun is enriched with a gradual self-tan to maintain or build your bronzed glow. Its light texture absorbs quickly, locking in moisture without heaviness, and the final colour looks really natural. However, the colour may be too subtle for some.
Suitable for: All skin types; soothing sun-parched bodies; development time: eight hours; vegan-friendly: yes
Tropic Instant Glow perfecting leg serum
Price: £16 for 95ml at Tropic
Best for: An instant tan
This wash-off serum adapts to your skin tone for even coverage, lightly blurs imperfections, and instantly makes you look more radiant. It contains vitamin C, arnica extract, and skin-toning coffee butter. The gold shimmer is super subtle, and the product blends seamlessly without stickiness. However, a lot of product transfers to hands, so a fake tan brush is recommended.
Suitable for: A quick fix; those who want instant results; development time: instant; vegan-friendly: yes
What you need to know
How to use fake tan
How you apply your tan may differ depending on the type, but the number-one must-do is to exfoliate 24 hours beforehand to give your tan a smooth canvas. Use exfoliating gloves with your usual shower gel, as body scrubs can leave residue that blocks the tan. Before application, lightly moisturise dry areas like ankles, hands, knees, and elbows. Apply tan from the bottom up to avoid ruining your top half. Use what is left on the mitt for hands and feet, and consider a kabuki brush for an even finish. Respect the marinating time—wear dark, loose clothing and avoid going out immediately.
How to choose the best fake tan for your skin
Opt for a product suitable for your skin type to prevent irritation and ensure a longer-lasting tan. For dry skin, lotions are ideal to lock in moisture; for oily or acne-prone skin, look for non-comedogenic mousses or sprays. Gradual tans or tanning drops are great for dry skin as they have less DHA, which can be drying. Look for hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and vitamin E. For sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free options. Those prone to breakouts should consider express self-tans to minimise contact time.
How long does fake tan last?
Typically, a fake tan lasts about five to seven days. Moisturise daily with an oil-free moisturiser to keep skin hydrated and prolong the tan. Avoid chlorine and long baths. Exfoliate and moisturise 24 hours before tanning to create a hydrated base and prevent patchiness.
Should you moisturise before fake tan?
Yes, moisturising after exfoliating is vital. It prevents dehydration and stops the tan from clinging to dry patches, especially on knees, elbows, and ankles.
How to remove fake tan
The best way to lift a fake tan is to exfoliate gently and use a dedicated fake tan remover containing exfoliating acids like salicylic acid. Always wear a mitt when self-tanning and wash hands thoroughly after use to avoid orange palms.
How to get fake tan off your hands
Use a dedicated self-tan remover directly on hands, rub in, and wash off. Alternatively, soak hands in oil (baby oil, olive oil, or coconut oil) for 10-15 minutes and gently remove with an exfoliating glove.
Can you use fake tan when pregnant?
Fake tan is safe to use during pregnancy, but hormonal changes can cause sensitivity. Always do a patch test 24 hours before using a new product. If breastfeeding, avoid tanning your breasts. When in doubt, consult your GP.
Danielle Wilkins is a lifestyle journalist and former magazine editor with almost two decades of experience writing about beauty, parenting, and weddings. When she is not reviewing skincare products, running in the gym, or sitting front row at Bridal Week, she is acting as a human climbing frame for her two young boys.
This article was originally published on 28 May 2025. Reviews may be periodically updated. The date of the most recent update can be found in the timestamp at the top of the page. This article was amended on 23 April 2026; more information was added to the buying guide, and prices were updated throughout.
