Glamour’s Kilkeary also relies on this water mousse if she’s in a pinch, as it’s quick to apply and never leaves streaks behind. “I really love the dry-down transparent formula. Although it may seem scary (as you can’t really see where the product is during application), I’ve never had one issue with splotching or streaking for this one,” she says. “Instead, it dries down quickly and feels extremely lightweight on the skin, plus, there’s no sticky residue after the fact, or having to wait to put your clothes on. And the best part is that you can pick it up at your local drugstore for only $14.”
Best for Pale Skin: Bondi Sands Express Self Tanning Foam
Bondi Sands Express Self Tanning Foam
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Bondi Sands Express Self Tanning Foam
This express self-tanner gives you a natural-looking and streak-free tan. It’s also completely fragrance-free and lasts a long time. Simply leave it on for one hour if you want a bronze tan, or three-plus hours for a dark shade. Once applied, it looks even-toned and natural.
“This self-tanner immediately gave me a bronzed look after applying, which was great because I was heading to my friend’s lake house that same day. It doesn’t have a weird smell and as long as you rub evenly and consistently, you won’t see any streaks. Even though I have a natural tan complexion (with neutral undertones), my skin is pale so I rely on easy-to-use self-tanners. As you can see in my video, my left arm was already a gorgeous tan from the product, and my right arm in comparison was pale. After I applied it to my right arm I had a glowy color, and was ready for the weekend,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Most Popular Mousse: St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
Original video from Malia Griggs testing Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
After interviewing beauty lovers from all walks of life, it seems St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse is still the most popular self-tanning mousse. And for what it’s worth, even dermatologists love it. “Formulated with moisturizing jojoba and antioxidant vitamin E, this lightweight, easy-to-apply mousse offers a tan that lasts up to 10 days and fades evenly,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double-board-certified dermatologist at NYC’s MDCS Dermatology.
“I’ve never used a self-tanner before—my nightmare scenario is using a product that’s so dark that I look like I sat in an oven, and that it streaks and stains my towels and clothes. I’m also not someone who’s especially concerned about looking pale in winter. That said, I was curious to try St. Tropez’s mousse because I’ve heard many good things about it over the years,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “I followed the directions: exfoliated in the shower, buttered myself up with lotion, and then slid the product’s included mitt over my hand. To apply, I squirted the mousse onto the mitt and then swiped it onto my arms and legs in small, circular motions. The consistency is like a foam hand soap—very airy. It has a gray-green-brown color that I was skeptical would look good, but somehow, when rubbed into the skin, it leaves a very faint beige behind. It seems to blend with my actual skin tone. I was truly surprised! None of my fears were confirmed. My arms and legs were very faintly tanned—not really noticeably so, but in a way that I think I could build on the tan over time. My face wasn’t left looking super white by comparison. There’s no cloying perfume-y smell, and it dried almost instantly so I could put on my clothes. I look like I spent a day in the sun with SPF on, which is a nice effect to have in the dead of winter (although no one will see my arms and legs save me).”
Best for Sensitive Skin: Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
As bronzing drops continue to make waves, this Tan-Luxe product has become one of the most popular nonsticky options. “This is my favorite sunless tanner for my body. It’s completely customizable; just blend it with your own lotion,” says Glamour contributor Kristi Kellogg. Add a few drops to your daily moisturizer and apply it as usual. “The combo consistently gives me an even glow, and whenever I want to go darker, I simply add more drops,” she says. “I deal with cracked eczema, especially in the winter months, so I’m always mindful of using a self-tanner that’s appropriate for sensitive skin and that won’t be drying, which is why I’ve recently turned to this luminous tanner. It’s super lightweight and nonsticky, and it blends seamlessly into moisturizer. I haven’t had patchiness once while using this, and I’m guessing that has to do with the moisturizing raspberry seed oil and aloe vera. My skin is always very soft and smooth after using this one in tandem with a moisturizer, and I’ll be reaching for it well into the rest of winter.”
Best Gradual Lotion: Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Lotion
Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Lotion
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Lotion Jenifer Calle
Original photo from Jenifer Calle testing Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Lotion Jenifer Calle
Original photo from Jenifer Calle testing Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Lotion Jenifer Calle
Reach for this drugstore option from Jergens if you want a quick glow that develops into a natural, gradual tan. “I love that this formula has an instant tint—that way I can get the color right away and I can see what I’m doing without streaks,” says Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore. “It looks great instantly and gradually deepens into the perfect ‘I just got back from Miami’ shade.”
