Not everyone is into tanning or laying out, especially knowing how bad too much sun is for your skin. If you’re on the paler side, self-tanners are a great way to safely give your body a beautiful glow. Most are easy to apply and dry within minutes, making the process of having a tan before a big event or island vacation easier than expected. Sunless tanners like St. Tropez self-tanning lotion, Bondi Sands self-tanning foam, Coco and Eve bronzing foam and Jergens self-tanner are considered some of the best tanning lotions on the market. And Tarte Brazilliance PLUS+ Self-Tanner is the best-selling self-tanner of 2022—a great option for fair to fully fake baked skin. Plus, there are even some self-tan mousses and tanning oils that do the trick, including Isle of Paradise self-tanning glow drops, which easily mix with your favorite skincare, foundation, or body care for a sun-kissed glow. No rays, no problem!
How To Get Self Tanner Off Hands
If you don’t use a mitt to apply self-tanner, some people worry about whether self-tanning lotions, foams or oils will leave streaks or residue on their hands (or wrists or feet or ankles). Although some self-tanners might, there are a few easy ways to prevent uneven spots.
Wash Your Hands
This is self-explanatory, but use soap and water to wash your hands after applying self-tanning lotions.
Exfoliate
Use a pre-tan exfoliator, homemade sugar scrub or make a paste out of half a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of water and gently massage your palms and backs of your hands. You can even put the product on a toothbrush and scrub your fingers lightly. Rinse and repeat when needed.
Apply Lemon Juice
Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad in lemon juice and dab the spots on your skin that have self-tanner blemishes.
Use Rubbing Alcohol or Acetone
Rubbing alcohol and acetone are harsher on the skin, so use as a last resort. Rub the alcohol or acetone on your skin, let it sit for no more than two minutes and rinse it off. Should do the trick! Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
The 20 Best Self-Tanners For Pale Skin
From self-tanning lotions to oils to foams and more, we’ve got the best products to bring a sun-kissed glow to your skin.
Best Self-Tanning Lotions for Pale Skin
1. St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Daily Firming Body Lotion, $29 at ULTA Beauty
The Gradual Tan Tinted Daily Firming Body Lotion by St. Tropez is lightweight and slowly builds a sun-kissed glow while locking in moisture. The more you apply this clean ingredient-based tinted lotion, the more your tan grows. One reviewer on ULTA called it “the best self tanner I’ve tried.” St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Daily Firming Body Lotion, $29 at ULTA Beauty
3. Nu Skin Sunright Insta Glow, $25.50 at Walmart
Nu Skin’s Sunright is a favorite among reviewers, who promise it provides a natural-looking tan without the sun. Although it does have a “tanning bed” smell, Sunright leaves no streaks and a nice bronze. Like most tanning lotions, wash hands after use! Nu Skin Sunright Insta Glow, $25.50 at Walmart
4. Tarte Brazilliance PLUS + Self-Tanner with Mitt, $39 at ULTA Beauty
Tarte Brazilliance is a best seller and promises to not only tan, but firm and brighten skin. Packed with ingredients to exfoliate, moisturize and provide color, the self tanner includes maracuja for fatty acids and vitamin C, sunflower seed oil for vitamin A and the antioxidant vitamin E, citric acid for natural exfoliation, and aloe to soothe and hydrate. Plus, it comes with a soft mitt for easy, smooth application. Reviewers say it’s easy to apply and provides an even tan. Tarte Brazilliance PLUS + Self-Tanner with Mitt, $39 at ULTA Beauty
5. Beauty By Earth Self Tanner, 31.99 at Walmart
The Beauty By Earth Self Tanner is made with organic ingredients—including aloe vera and shea butter—and provides a buildable tan depending on your skin tone. And although it’s a body lotion, it can be used on the face, as well. Reportedly, it smells pretty good, too. Beauty By Earth Self Tanner, 31.99 at Walmart
6. Healthy Glow Sunless Tan SPF 40, $38 on Supergoop
This moisturizing sunless tanning spray lotion has SPF 40 – so it protects while delivering natural-looking, buildable color. Application is easy with light spray that instantly disappears into skin and leaving a healthy glow in just two to four hours. Healthy Glow Sunless Tan SPF 40, $38 on Supergoop
Best Self-Tanning Foams for Pale Skin
7. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam, $26 at ULTA Beauty
No other product will give you that Australian tan like Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam, which comes in light/medium, dark and ultra dark variations. Enriched with aloe vera and infused with a scent of coconut, this lightweight self-tanner leaves your skin glowing. It’s easily applied after exfoliation with a tanning mitt. Bondi Sand Self-Tanning Foam, $26 at ULTA Beauty
8. St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, $32 at Sephora
St. Tropez’s Classic Bronzing Mousse has a natural finish and medium coverage, ideal for fair skin. The lightweight mousse leaves a long-lasting, natural looking tan without the smell of a self tanner. It’s ultra-hydrating, and has a fragrance built in! St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, $32 at Sephora
9. Tarte Brazilliance 2HR Express Deep Foaming Self-Tanner, $19.50 (on sale from $39) at Sephora
Another brilliant Brazilliance product by Tarte, the deep foaming self tanner gives you a color within two hours. The easily blended foam uses aloe leaf juice to moisturize and soothe skin, coconut oil to nourish it and jojoba seed oil to leave it looking supple and smooth. It is also vegan, cruelty-free and gluten free. Tarte Brazilliance 2HR Express Deep Foaming Self-Tanner, $19.50 (on sale from $39) at Sephora
10. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, $35 at ULTA Beauty
Coco & Eve’s Sunny Honey Bali self-tanner is a must-have, according to reviewers. “I am fair-skinned, redhead, freckled and super freaked out about streaking and orange-looking self-tanners. Having said all that, this one is a WINNER. I bought this in the medium tone,” one commenter wrote on ULTA. Available in medium, dark and ultra dark, the bronzing foam is said to be the world’s first anti-aging, anti-cellulite self-tan, and prides itself on being streak-free and non-smelly. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, $35 at ULTA Beauty
11. Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse, $30.95 at ULTA Beauty
Another effective self-tanning mousse, Bali Body’s tinted product comes in dark and ultra dark, has a floral scent, is easy to apply and fast drying. Made in Australia, it is paraben-free and made with soothing chamomile extract, antioxidant rich coffee seed extract and pomegranate extract. It also has color guide technology to tailor the perfect tan to your skin tone. Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse, $30.95 at ULTA Beauty
Best Self-Tanning Oils for Pale Skin
12. Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil, $24 at ULTA Beauty
Bondi Sands carries a Liquid Gold tanner that will max out your glow. It sets in quickly, growing darker over six hours. And, it lasts for up to a week—perfect for vacations. Infused with the fresh scent of coconut and hydrating argan oil, it conveniently requires no wash-off and leaves your skin smooth and sun-kissed. Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil, $24 at ULTA Beauty
13. Coola Organic Sunless Tan Dry Oil Mist, $46 at ULTA Beauty
Coola’s Dry Oil Mist leaves a dewy, natural-looking radiance with the spray of a bottle. Lasting for up to three days, the oil can be placed over your existing tan to enhance or maintain it. Certified organic, vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and Hawaii Reef compliant. Coola Organic Sunless Tan Dry Oil Mist, $46 at ULTA Beauty
14. Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Glow Drops, $32 at Sephora
These self tanning glow drops from Isle of Paradise can be mixed with your skincare, foundation or body products to enhance your glow. Plus, ingredients like glycerin hydrate the skin while avocado oil conditions, and chia seeds support the skin barrier with omega 3 fatty acids. Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Glow Drops, $32 at Sephora
15. Body Drench Quick Tan Self Tan Dry Oil, $22.75 at Walmart
Looking for a hint of shimmer? Body Drench’s oil will provide your skin with an unbeatable glow. Use your palm or mitt to apply the product to your body in circular motions, one section at a time, and be tanned and bronzed two to three hours later. Body Drench Quick Tan Self Tan Dry Oil, $22.75 at Walmart
Best Self-Tanning Face Oils and Moisturizers
16. Saltyface Tanning Water, $44 on Goop
If you’re after a glowing complexion, Saltyface’s Tanning Water will do the trick and leave your skin luminous. The product is made with a blend of botanical fruit and root extracts like tea plant, aloe vera, and cucumber, and gives you a perfect-color tan after 24 hours. Saltyface Tanning Water, $44 on Goop
17. Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self Tan Drops, $50 at ULTA Beauty
Tax Luxe’s The Face drops will leave skin radiant-looking and perfectly glowy. It minimizes imperfections and evens skin tone while developing a natural looking tan within two to four hours. Combine with your moisturizer, serum or face oil and, viola, glow! Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self Tan Drops, $50 at ULTA Beauty
18. N°12 Bronzing Face Drops, $42 at +Lux Unfiltered
Vegan, non-toxic, cruelty-free and fragrance-free, these bronzing face drops are a clean and safe way to get a sunless tan. Compatible with all skin types and skin tones, and loaded with antioxidants, just place drops into your skincare routine to glow baby glow. (2-3 Drops - Light & subtle tan; 3-4 Drops - Natural-looking tan; 4-5 Drops - Medium tan, 6+ Drops - Deep tan.) N°12 Bronzing Face Drops, $42 at +Lux Unfiltered
19. Bali Body Gradual Face Tan, $32.95 at ULTA Beauty
Bali Body’s face cream is ultra hydrating and nourishes skin while gradually building a subtle face tan. Made in Australia, it’s enriched with nourishing oils, balancing antioxidants and anti-aging properties and fragrance-free. Bali Body Gradual Face Tan, $32.95 at ULTA Beauty Next up, the best eyelash growth serums!
