Choosing the best fake tan for your face isn't easy. Think of it like this, you wouldn't use the same moisturiser for your face that you do on your body, so why use the same tan?
Luckily, lots of brands have created tanning products that are specifically designed for your face, and some are even filled with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin c.
We've rounded up our favourite fake tans for your face, and included lots of information on how to apply them for a natural-looking glow. For more inspiration, don't forget to check out our guides to the best gradual tanners and the best instant tans. Summer, we're ready for you.
How did we test the best face tan?
When trying out different fake tans on our face, we took the below criteria into account:
- How easy is it to apply?
- Is it worth the money?
- Does it leave us with a natural-looking tan?
- Does it have any skincare benefits?
9 of the best fake tans for your face
1. Bali Body Face Tan Water
If you're new to the world of fake tan, you can't go wrong with this product. It is so simple to use, all you have to do is add a few drops to a cotton pad and apply all over your face like a toner. The results? A natural tan that develops within four to six hours.
2. Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum
For a tan that goes the extra mile, say hello to Tan-Luxe's serum. This product contains hyaluronic acid to help moisturise the skin, and it also contains SPF 30. A win win if you ask us.
3. Oskia Adaptive Tan Drops
If luxury is what you're after, we recommend the Oskia Adaptive Tan Drops. Add a couple of drops into your daily moisturiser for that 'just got back from holiday' glow. Yes, they are more of an investment, but trust us, a little goes a long way.
4. St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Face Serum
St. Tropez are always a go-to brand for us when it comes to fake tan. Their vitamin-enriched face serum gives you a natural glow, that develops over four to six hours. You can apply the product directly to the face, but you can also mix it in with your moisturiser for an even more natural finish.
5. Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived Face Cream
If you don't want to splurge, this Dove tan is only £3.99. What a bargain. The face cream will give you a healthy looking glow that you can build up over time.
6. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
These clever Isle of Paradise drops give you full control over your tan. All you have to do is add as many drops as you want into your face moisturiser to achieve the desired results. The formula even contains colour correcting actives to keep unwanted tones at bay. That's right, this tan is really smart.
7. Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze Gradual Self-Tanning Drops
Can Beauty Pie do no wrong? The brand's self-tanning drops give you a sunkissed look after one application. Although they are similar to the Isle of Paradise drops, instead of mixing in with your moisturiser, the brand recommends applying them after cleansing and exfoliating, but before applying serum or night cream.
8. Bare By Vogue Face Tanning Serum
We recently tried the Bare By Vogue Williams Face Tanning Serum and couldn't believe how easy it was to get an even tan. All you have to do is apply one to two pumps to the face, massaging in with circular motions. It's worth noting that the brand doesn't recommend using the product on sensitive skin.
How to apply fake tan to your face:
Each individual product will come with its own set of instructions, however, after trying out our fair share of formulas, there are a few steps that we never skip.
First of all, make sure to remove all your makeup and cleanse your skin before applying any tanning products. Most tans will react best to a clean, dry base, so hold off on applying any moisturisers or serums beforehand.
That being said, if you go for something like tanning drops, they can sometimes be mixed in with your moisturiser, so make sure to check the instructions.
We recommend blending the tan down to your neck for a more natural finish, and if you haven't used a mitt, make sure to wash your hands afterwards!