The best self-tanners of 2018 offer a welcome alternative to the orange-streaking, chemical-smelling potions of yesteryear. Gone are the days when we turned ourselves Oompa Loompa shades, messed up our bedsheets, and donned scarves and socks to disguise our lack of blend.
Thankfully, today’s products are on a whole new level. And yet… we’re still a little nervous after all those past mishaps. So we reached out to some of our favorite beauty influencers to ask what the best self-tanners on the market are.
These are the products they swear by:
The organic moisturizer
“We both love COOLA’s Sunless Tanner. It’s moisturizing, looks so natural, and we love that it’s organic. We’ve been using it for years and we apply it before all our photo and video shoots. We use their sunscreen too.”
—Karena Dawn, co-founder of Tone It Up
“Don’t forget your gloves when you’re applying sunless tanner! Our #1 tip for getting an even glow is to do a little bit at a time, laying it on, avoiding the elbows, knees, and ankles. Then at the end when it’s all rubbed in, gently just rub in a tiny bit that’s left on your gloves on those spots.”
—Katrina Scott, co-founder of Tone It Up
The one for your face and body
“These drops are amazing. You can use them on your face and/or body. I love them because you can just add a few drops to your current favorite moisturizer (great if you have sensitive skin!) and customize how dark you want to be based on how much you use. It comes in three shades (I use the dark one) and never looks orange or smells weird.”
—Stephanie Ledda, beauty and lifestyle influencer
The gradual self-tanner
“This has been my favorite self-tanner for years. I use it mainly on my legs, especially during the summer months. It gives me a natural, subtle bronze glow and hydrates my skin. What I love the most is that it’s a lotion formula enriched with antioxidants and Vitamin E so my skin stays nice and firm. This gradual self-tanner also has a light scent and no streaks when you apply it.
One of my favorite TV personalities, Alejandra Espinoza, raved about it for Glam Belleza Latina magazine years ago. She would apply it on her legs right before going on set. I immediately tried a sample and I’ve been hooked on it ever since. It’s my go-to, especially when I’m traveling.”
—Mabel Martinez, community manager at Maybelline
The fast-working option
“I’m obsessed with Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam because it looks so natural and doesn’t streak. I originally found out about it through Instagram. I always try to be conscious of sun exposure and using sunless tanner has been a much healthier option in achieving the perfect bronze complexion. I just tried the new one hour express mousse tanner and it’s perfect because you don’t have to sleep in it!”
—Katie Willcox, founder of Healthy Is The New Skinny and CEO of Natural Model Management
The best self tanner for your face
“Even though I’m wearing high SPF I still like to look tan! Anyone else? I am naturally a little dark (I’m Colombian), but I also use self-tanner, especially on my face. These oil drops you mix with your moisturizer are my favorite. They don’t make you look orangey or streaky. It says to put a moisturizer on after you apply, but I found it goes on more smoothly if I mix it with my moisturizer.”
—Christine Andrew, founder of Hello Fashion and Shop Hello Fashion
The subtle glow option
“My skin tone is naturally warm, but if I’m ever looking for a natural glow or to give my skin a little pop of color, I reach for the Tom Ford Soleil. I found out about it through my best friend Chloe Morello, who spoke highly of it. I love it because it doesn’t add too much color, just the perfect subtle glow your skin needs sometimes.”
—Bianca Cheah, founder of Sporteluxe and creator of the Sporteclub
