The best instant tan for a speedy glow-up: eight formulas for every budget

A natural looking tan in minutes? Yes please!

woman touching legs - best instant tan
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The wonderful thing about fake tan is that it holds this incredible transformative power. Once applied, it can boost your confidence levels and make you feel incredible. The trouble is, that some formulas take a bit of time to develop. For those moments when you need an immediate mood-lifting hit, the best instant tan is the perfect go-to.

Within seconds you can envelope your body in bronze goodness. It's the ideal accompaniment for nights out when only certain parts of your body are on show (such as all those upcoming spring weddings and summer parties).

How to use instant tan

The key thing to remember about an instant tan is that it's a little bit like Cinderella's ballgown. It looks good, but for a limited time. (If you're after a long-lasting tan, you want to opt for something like the best gradual tan.)

So, we spoke to Claire Lambert, expert tanner for Skinny Tan, about how to get the best results. Lambert says that instant tans are great for beginners, as you can really practise your application techniques. She recommends applying the product with a body brush, such as the Skinny Tan Miracle Brush, for a perfect finish.You can also use a tanning mitt or your hands, just remember to wash your hands straight after using.

Remember, always exfoliate ahead of tanning, like you would with normal tan, and simply wash it off at the end of the day in the shower.

The best instant tan is a little bottle of confidence and we wouldn't be seen without ours.

The best instant tan to buy now:

Here at Marie Claire UK, we've tested our fair share of fake tan formulas, and these instant tans always come out on top. For more information about how we test the products that make it into edits, give our guide a read. Now, keep on scrolling for the best instant tans to buy now...

1. Vita Liberata Body Blur

Vita Liberata Body Blur - best instant tan

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Vita Liberata Body Blur

Best for overall results

This is like an Instagram filter in a bottle. Skin looks bronzed, smooth and more even. It's tempting to use a lot of it, but a little goes a long way. We recommend using a mitt for application for a streak-free look. There are five shades to choose from and we promise you won't be disappointed.

2. Rimmel Sunshimmer Water Resistant Wash Off Instant Tan

Rimmel Sunshimmer Water Resistant Wash Off Instant Tan - best instant tan

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

Rimmel Sunshimmer Water Resistant Wash Off Instant Tan

Best affordable instant tan

Rimmel's iconic instant tan comes in two finishes - shimmer and matte - and three shades - light, medium and dark. So no matter your preference, you'll find your match.

3. Tanologist Instant Tan Lotion

Tanologist Instant Tan Lotion - best instant tan

(Image credit: Sephora)

Tanologist Instant Tan Lotion

Best for a night out

This creamy formula goes on like your everyday body cream, it's fast-absorbing, meaning it's transfer-proof. It's also sweat and water-resistant, making it ideal for a night of dancing til dawn.

4. Isle of Paradise Disco Tan

Isle of Paradise Disco Tan - best instant tan

(Image credit: Lookfantastic)

Isle of Paradise Disco Tan

Best for everyday

Isle of Paradise is a consistently good tan brand. We cannot get enough of its tanning drops and we love its instant tanner too for giving a healthy natural-looking glow. You can easily wash it off, but it can also be built up over the days for a deeper colour.

5. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Lotion

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Lotion - best instant tan

(Image credit: Sephora)

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Lotion

Best for evening out skin tone

Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs spray was huge in the 00s. Every university dorm room had one. But the spray was a little tricky to use. The lotion on the other hand makes for easier application and steak-freak results.

6. This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle

This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle - best instant tan

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This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle

Best for pale skin

This body serum is aimed at the legs but works beautifully on the whole body. It has a light caramel colour to it, making it perfect for those with fair complexions. Great for everyday hydration too.

7. St. Tropez Instant Glow Body Bronzer

St. Tropez Instant Glow Body Bronzer - best instant tan

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St. Tropez Instant Glow Body Bronzer

Best St. Tropez option

When it comes to fake tan, you can't beat a bit of St. Tropez. The Instant Glow Body Bronzer is a cream-to-powder formula that blends seamlessly into the skin and gives a transfer and water-resistant finish. What more could you want?

8. Skinny Tan 1 Day Instant Tanner

Skinny Tan 1 Day Instant Tanner - best instant tan

(Image credit: Skinny Tan)

Skinny Tan 1 Day Instant Tanner

Best scented option

This instant tan has the most delicious, holiday-like scent that lasts all day. Not only that, but it's super easy to apply and leaves you with a gorgeous glow. With a quick-drying, splash-resistant formula, it's definitely a winner.

As you can see, there are lots of choices when it comes to the best instant tan. Give one of the above options a go and see what all the fuss is about. Remember, follow our top application tips for the best results!

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.

With contributions from