The Best Self Tanners to Maintain your Summer Glow

Whether it’s from holidaying in the med or from a bottle of St Tropez, a fading tan is often one of the first signs summer is over but who said we can’t enjoy a golden glow all year-round (assuming we do it safely of course)?

A natural looking sun tan is always flattering, providing an extra cloak of confidence and lit from within glow. But for those still traumatised by noughties, when orange skin was the look de rigueur, we’re here to reassure you that self tanners of today are a long way from the fake tanners of yesteryears.

No longer a one bottle suits all situation, the new breed of self tanners feature innovative formulas designed according to specific skin-tones, age and gender, ensuring you can achieve the most natural looking tan for you.

It has never been easier to achieve a streak free, natural looking tan using a self tanner at home with these new breed of game-changing formulas. What’s more, because you are not damaging your it with harmful UV rays, your skin will not only look healthier and more youthful, it will be healthier and more youthful.

The key to ensuring a streak free natural looking tan is ensuring your skin properly prepped before any self tanner. If shaving or waxing, wait 24 hours before your applying tanning treatment to avoid the dark pores or shaving streaks. On the day of tanning, apply moisturiser to the hands, feet, elbows and knee, and hold off on apply any deodorants or perfumes. Always apply with a mitt, essential for a steak free tan no matter what the formula, with extra blending around the hands, knees, ankles and elbows (we recommend using a kabuki brush for extra precision and buffed out colour).

Its important to also consider your natural skin tones, when picking a self tanner. Those with pink/red undertones, need to look for more of a green-based tan to counteract the redness. While darker or olive skin toned beauties should go for more of a violet-based tan to cancel out yellow undertones.

The final thing your want to think about is formula. Do you prefer a spray, moose, lotion or serum, guided tint or a clear formula, a once a week application or a gradual tanner. While one formula isn’t better than the other, you might find one works better for your skin type or needs.

Top tip: Allow tan to fully dry before applying any clothings. To speed up the process blasting your body with a blow dryer on a cool setting.

Ready to get tanning? Discover the Editor’s Beauty approved list of best self tanners to prolong your summer glow.

Best Self Tanners

Best Self Tanning Oil

ISLE OF PARADISE Self-Tanning Oil Mist £19.95

Supercharged with hydrating heroes- hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane plus a vitamin rich sea kelp base, this bi-phase self-tanning body oil is clinically proven to lock in moisture for up to 24hrs .

When shaken, these powerful actives combine with 7 nourishing oils including argan, grape seed and avocado, for a fool-proof natural looking, longest-lasting glow. . With colour correcting actives to give the ultimate bronze

Best Gradual Self Tanner

GATINEAU Golden Glow Gradual Tan Cream £52

This French favourite features a fast absorbing cream-gel formula, instantly hydrates the skin to create an even, sun-kissed, buildable tan just four hours from the first application.

With delicious top notes of Pear and Mandarin and an elegant base notes of Sandalwood and Musk, you don’t need to worry about any whiff of biscuit smell while Coconut Oil. Soy Oil and Vitamin E work to nourish, soften and protect the skin.

Best Express Tan

BONDI SANDS Technicolour 1 Hour Express £19.99

Specially designed to counteract tell-tale orange tone using innovative jewel-inspired undertones — from emerald to sapphire — Technocolour 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam works in harmony with your skin tone to counteract tell-tale orange hues and create deep, even, natural-looking colour. Simply sweep on this spreadable foam with a mitt for a believable streak-free bronze in just 60 minutes.

Best for Face

SCIENTIA Sunshine and Sea + Vit D Tanning Serum £21

Whether you’re 16 or 60, this Aqua Tanning Tanning serum will transfrom tired, dull and stressed-out complexions. Pumped with hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich vitamin D, Scientia’ supercharged formula works to plump and protects your complexion while encouraging a delicate, natural-looking glow all year round.

Best for Body

ST. TROPEZ Self-Tan Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse £35

Boosting the skin with Niacinamide, High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid, Echinacea and Vitamin E to increase hydration, reduced redness and improve tone, all whilst delivering the ultimate natural looking glow, it’s no wonder St Tropez has developed a reputation as the ultimate fake tanners.

Whats more, this easy-to-apply tinted lotion-to-mousse formula produces immediate instant results, that dry’s in seconds, for longe lasting results that fade gradually and evenly.

Best Self Tan Drops

TAN LUXE Self Tan Drops from £36

With four options to choose from, Face, Body, Face Anti-age and Instant, Tan Luxe’s tanning drops are designed to be dropped into your favourite moisturiser, serum or oil, for a beautiful bronzed glow while allowing full control over the intensity of your tan.

Best for Body Prep

SIENNA X Perfect Self Tan Primer £9

Don’t let your lack of prep be your undoing. When it comes to achieveing a flawless tan at home priming the skin is essential and this 100% natural Perfect Self Tan Primer by Sienna X will reduce any tell-tale signs of a self tan whilst helping to prolong its staying power.