The 12 best fake tans that have never let any of our editors down

These self-tans recreate sunshine

Best fake tan: A woman on the beach, wearing a striped blue and white bathing suit, with her arms behind her head looking up to the sky
(Image credit: Getty Images/Catherine Falls Commercial)

Lay to rest the fluro orange ghosts of self-tans past. Formulas have dramatically improved since those streaky, biscuit-tinged bronzing mousses. Scratch that. They’re infinitely better, with less DHA and more skin-loving, moisturising ingredients so you look glowy, not half-baked. Proof is our pick of the best fake tan for 2023.

Think foams that give a natural sun-kissed finish, creams that build gradually and even serums that combine the best in skincare with tanning agents.

Before you get to the products, though, you need to first follow our fool-proof fake tan tips. Then select the right self-tan for your skin type and tone to get the most convincing coverage.

Types of fake tan

There are only three golden rules for choosing a self-tan.

Namely, opt for a gradual tan if you have pale skin or are a complete self-tanning novice. These contain less tanning agent than regular fake tans to steadily boost your colour. Use daily and you can control how dark you go.

Consider your skin type. If you suffer from dry skin, chose a self-tan lotion or serum. Tanning water, which you spray on much like a face or body mist, also promises hydration alongside a sun-kissed glow.

"Gels offer oily skin the added bonus of a quicker tan result," says Michaella Bolder, tanning and skincare expert. "While mousses and multi-angle spray tans work on everyone."

Fake tan mousses also come with the benefit of immediate results; there’s often a guide colour, meaning you can see where you have and haven't bronzed up. Just remember to use a mitt and work fast as mousse tans have quick-drying formulas. You’ve been warned.

And finally, use a different fake tan for your face than your body.

The skin on your face requires a completely different formula as it's far more sensitive.

"It also has a tendency to go a little darker as your PH balance is higher," says James Read, the man responsible for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Lady Gaga’s tans. "Facial self-tans contain humectants and anti-ageing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and are formulated to be slightly lighter."

Tanning drops, which you add to your face cream, are a good option, too, as the tanning agent is diluted in a nourishing base and you can customise your colour with the preferred amount.

The best fake tan for your skin tone

Here's some breaking news for you: everyone’s skin benefits from a slick of self-tan. In the same way that the pale-skinned among us love a hint of bronze, many women of colour want a deeper glow, too.

Pale skin

"If you have a fair skin tone and you freckle in the sun, then a red-based tan will compliment your colour. It will also counteract an orange look you sometimes get," says A-list tanning pro, James Harknett. A gradual tan like Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk, is a good example of the best fake tan for pale skin.

If you're going for a spray tan, ask your tanner for a tan with DHA (the sugar-cane derivative, which makes you tan) levels between 2% and 5%, so that you don't look like you've overdone it. In fact, Tan-Luxe founder Marc Elrick believes four per cent is the sweet spot for tanning actives, especially when talking about lighter skin tones.

"The ethos behind Tan-Luxe is that it starts life as a skincare product," he says.

"We then work backwards to incorporate the tanning actives. You get glowing results from 4% DHA after the first use, but the effect is much more subtle. Plus you can really enjoy the skincare benefits as you gradually build up the colour with each application."

Olive and dark skin tones

"Olive skin tones and those who tan well on holiday should choose a green base to counteract an orange tinge," says Harknett.

Black skin can push the boat out with the darkest fake tan. These contain around 18 per cent DHA and, says Harknett, "effectively cover up blemishes and even-out skin tone."

The best fake tan to buy now

We've tested all of the below tans and can confirm that they made it into our favourites for 2023. For more information on how we test products that make it into our edits, don't forget to check out our in-depth guide. 

The criteria for a tan to make it onto the list is as follows:

  • It must be easy to apply
  • It can't leave streaks when application is correct
  • It can't smell terrible
  • It has to deliver a convincing tan that looks real

1. Bondi Sands Aero Aerated Self-Tanning Foam Ultra Dark

Bondi Sands Aero Aerated Self-Tanning Foam Ultra Dark - best fake tan

(Image credit: Boots)

Bondi Sands Aero Aerated Self-Tanning Foam Ultra Dark

Best ultra-dark tan

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Gives a deep tan

Reasons to avoid

-
Takes a little getting used to

The darkest colour in the range, this foam sets fast and leaves you with a deep hue when buffed into the skin with a mitt. The formula is thick, meaning it doesn't slide around the mitt or result in drips. It's non-messy, leaves an easy-to-follow guide colour and leaves a beautifully deep tan (meaning it's good for those with dark skin, too).

2. Bare by Vogue Self Tan Foam Medium

Bare by Vogue Self Tan Foam Medium - best fake tan

(Image credit: Very)

Bare by Vogue Self Tan Foam Medium

Best self-tanning foam

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Includes skin-smoothing peptides

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the prettiest packaging

As well as making your limbs look like they were dipped in caramel, this self-tanning foam also boasts skin-smoothing peptides and antioxidants including goji berry and pomegranate. Ask any beauty editor and they'll tell you this is one of the best fake tans that money can buy.

3. He-Shi Overnight Hyaluronic Tan Balm

He-Shi Overnight Hyaluronic Tan Balm - best fake tan

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

He-Shi Overnight Hyaluronic Tan Balm

Best fake tan balm for face

Reasons to buy

+
Allows you to build your tan gradually overnight
+
Smells of relaxing lavender 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not best for instant results

This fake tan for the face allows you to dip your toe in gradually. Slowly build up your confidence and colour while the relaxing scent of lavender helps you get a good night’s sleep. What’s not to love?

4. Dove Visible Glow Body Lotion Medium to Dark Gradual Self Tan

Dove Visible Glow Body Lotion Medium to Dark Gradual Self Tan - best fake tan

(Image credit: Sephora)

Dove Visible Glow Body Lotion Medium to Dark Gradual Self Tan

Best affordable gradual tan

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Can build up your tan as much as you want

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the prettiest packaging
-
Not the best for instant results

The original. The classic. The one we all start our tanning journey on. And guess what? Just because it was our intro into DHA, does not mean that it isn't a really decent product. Use this every three days in place of your normal body moisturiser for round-the-clock glow.

5. Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum

Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum - best fake tan

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum

Best facial tanning serum

Reasons to buy

+
Combines tanning and skincare
+
Leaves you looking naturally sun-kissed
+
Easy to apply

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

Not only is it your daily dose of glow, but it's also packed with hyaluronic acid, the gold standard ingredient for drawing moisture into the skin that you usually find in expensive facial formulas. The result is touchably soft skin and a glowy, sun-kissed colour that’s cool-toned. Every beauty editor we know adores this product. Once you try it, you won't want to use anything else.

6. Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Butter

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Butter - best fake tan

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Butter

Best fake tan butter

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to apply
+
Affordable
+
Leaves you with a gorgeous glow

Reasons to avoid

-
Make sure you blend properly to avoid streaks (there's no guide colour)

Whilst you might think that this looks like just another gradual tanner, you would be wrong. It is in fact much more than that. Because, you see, you only need to apply it twice to get a tan that looks like you've been on a two-week holiday and done nothing but lie on a sun lounger. It is, essentially, a buttery cream that you apply much like a normal moisturiser (but we still recommend using a mitt). 

7. St Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse

St Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse - best fake tan

(Image credit: Very)

St Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse

Best ultra-dark fake tan mousse

Reasons to buy

+
Doesn't leave skin feeling dry thanks to the mousse formula
+
The darker colour helps you to see where you have applied it

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

Each summer, beauty bloggers of colour give this classic St Tropez tan a shout out. It’s rated one of the best as it’s specifically formulated to react well with the natural melanin in black skin. Another bonus: as Black skin tends to be oilier, a mousse formula won’t dry it out.

8. James Read Click & Glow Gradual Tan Drops

James Read Click & Glow Gradual Tan Drops - best fake tan

(Image credit: Sephora)

James Read Click & Glow Gradual Tan Drops

Best gradual tanning drops for face

Reasons to buy

+
Combines tanning and skincare
+
Easy to apply
+
Pretty packaging

Reasons to avoid

-
Not best for instant results

Enriched with skin-brightening vitamin C, soothing aloe vera and mega moisturiser hyaluronic acid, you can use the syringe-like dropper to add self-tan to your SPF or moisturiser. Prepare to look smug as your skin tone gradually deepens without the usual tanner smell.

9. Vita Liberata Tinted Tanning Mist Medium

Vita Liberata Tinted Tanning Mist Medium - best fake tan

(Image credit: Sephora)

Vita Liberata Tinted Tanning Mist Medium

Best tinted fake tan mist

Reasons to buy

+
Natural-looking finish
+
Dries in a couple of minutes

Reasons to avoid

-
Application can take a while to get used to

For a natural-looking fake tan, look no further than the Tinted Tanning Mist by Vita Liberata. The mist allows you to tailor your glow, and just one layer will leave you with a healthy-looking tan. You mist onto skin, buff in with a tanning mitt and leave for 8 hours before showering. Unlike other tanning mists out there, this one has a guide colour for easy application.

10. Skinny Tan 1 Hour Express Self-Tanning Mousse

Skinny Tan 1 Hour Express Self-Tanning Mousse - best fake tan

(Image credit: Skinny Tan)

Skinny Tan 1 Hour Express Self-Tanning Mousse

Best express fake tan foam

Reasons to buy

+
Best for instant results
+
Easy to apply

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the prettiest packaging

Express tans are great for when you're in a hurry. Start to see results from just one hour with this easy-to-apply mousse. If you want a deeper tan, simply leave it on for longer. No fuss needed.

11. St Moriz Advanced Colour Correcting Tanning Mousse

St Moriz Advanced Colour Correcting Tanning Mousse : best fake tans

(Image credit: Superdrug)

St Moriz Advanced Colour Correcting Tanning Mousse

Best affordable colour-correcting fake tan mousse

Reasons to buy

+
Neutralises any redness
+
Fast development time

Reasons to avoid

-
Has the typical fan tan smell while developing

Every time I use this tan (nearly every week), I get complimented on my glow. This colour correcting tan neutralises any redness creating the ultimate faux tan. It has no green it in at all which is a win IMO. With added chamomile to combat redness too. I apply with a mitt before bed and wash off in the morning and I'm always surprised by how natural the glow is. 

12. Coco & Eve Bali Bronzing Foam

Coco and Eve Bali Bronzing Foam

(Image credit: Coco & Eve)

Coco and Eve Bali Bronzing Foam

Best all-round fake tan foam

Reasons to buy

+
Smells unbelievably good
+
Leaves a deep, natural-looking tan
+
Doesn't streak easily

Reasons to avoid

-
Formula is a little runny

Our Acting Senior Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor considers herself a fake tanning novice, but she adores this formula. "It smells absolutely unbelievable—like tropical fruit punch. Plus, the finish it gives is second to none. I've gone through heaps of fake tans before that all leave me looking streaky (it says more about my technique than the products, mind you), but this one doesn't at all. It leaves me looking like I've spent a month on the beach. Plus, it's formulated with skincare hydrators to leave limbs looking glowing and healthy," she says.

Katie Thomas

Katie Thomas is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire UK. With over 10 years of experience on women's luxury lifestyle titles, she covers everything from the best beauty looks from the red carpet and stand out trends from the catwalk, to colonic irrigation and to the best mascaras on the market. She started her career on fashion desks across the industry - from The Telegraph to Brides - but found her calling in the Tatler beauty department. From there she moved to Instyle, before joining the Marie Claire digital team in 2018. She’s made it her own personal mission to find the best concealer in the world to cover her tenacious dark circles. She’s obsessed with skincare that makes her skin bouncy and glowy, low-maintenance hair that doesn’t require brushing and a cracking good manicure. Oh and she wears more jewellery than the Queen.