The most highly reviewed fake tans you can buy right now
IMAGE VIA @theisleofparadise/INSTAGRAM
Words by Jackie Zhou
For streak-free self-tanning.
As we approach the warmer months, some of us want nothing more than glowy, bronzed skin while soaking up some very much-missed sun. But as a country with the highest rates of melanoma in the world, sunbaking is best to be avoided. Luckily, there’s no better product for an instant summer glow than a fake tan.
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Whether you’re new to the world of fake tan or you’re a regular self-tanner, most of us would like to avoid streaks and stains (rest in peace white bedsheets). To find the most foolproof fake tan formulas, we’ve scoured the best beauty retailers and collated the most highly recommended products.
Tan Luxe The Face Self Tanner
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Star rating: 4 from 463 reviews on Sephora
Tan Luxe’s Self Tanner is made to be mixed into your moisturiser, oils or serums for seamless integration into your pre-existing skincare routine. Available in the shades light/medium and medium/dark, the self-tanning drops deepen the skin’s tone while nourishing it with ingredients like antioxidants, BHAs and vitamins.
Retailing for a fairly pricey $61, reviewers say it gives them a natural and subtle tan with easy application. One reviewer gushes that “This is my holy grail product. It doesn’t transfer and you can choose how dark you want to go. The smell is not bad and it leaves me perfectly glowed”.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
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Star rating: 4.4 from 395 reviews on Mecca
Featuring a shade range of dark, medium and light, Isle of Paradise’s self-tanning drops are made with coconut oil, chia seed oil and avocado oil in order to hydrate the skin when applied with your normal moisturiser. Promising a hypoallergenic vegan formula, this Mecca Beauty Election Finalist deepens skin tone depending on how much you choose to use.
Setting you back $43, most reviewers say they’re happy with their natural, streak-free glow and that it’s a great introduction to fake tan. One reviewer shares that “This product is a must-have for any kind of tanner, beginner or experienced”.
Luna Bronze Glow Gradual Tanning Moisturiser
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Star rating: 4.5 from 140 reviews on Mecca
Luna Bronze’s vegan cruelty-free formula offers a natural tanning experience. The moisturiser is formulated for everyday use that gradually builds to a dewy complexion with even coverage. Containing vitamins A, B and E, as well as coconut, rosehip and jojoba oil, the Glow Gradual Tanning Moisturiser, aims to improve skin texture and hydrate your skin in the hotter months.
Glow Gradual Tanning Moisturiser comes in a 200ml tube for $32.95, or if you’re confident in your purchase, it’s also available in a 500ml pump bottle for $56.55. This tanning moisturiser is praised for its natural finish and fades gradually rather than in patches. One reviewer claims they’re “… Very impressed at how quickly [the] tan develops and how natural it is. No embarrassing dark blotches, orange hands or missed spots. Great product!”.
Eco Tan Face Tan Water
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Star rating: 4.5 from 635 reviews on Adore Beauty
Known for its organic ingredients, Eco Tan’s Face Tan Water is non-comedogenic and vegan. Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, this product promises a tan that also provides anti-ageing benefits (and all without any nasties).
Available for $39.95, this lightweight formula is loved for its gradual bronze that promises a light splash of vacation glow. One reviewer says it’s an “Easy to use face tanner which doesn’t ‘overtan’ or give you an orange hue – just a subtle, been-outside-today-glow.”
Mecca Cosmetica Sunless Goddess Self-Tanning Drops
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Star rating: 4.5 from 154 reviews on Mecca
Crowned the best fake tan in the 2020 Mecca Beauty Election, this year-round lightweight formula is made to be used in your everyday skincare routine. Mixed with a body moisturiser, serums or oils, Mecca’s self-tanning drops give you a gradual holiday glow while nourishing and hydrating your skin with jojoba seed oil, hemp seed oil and avocado oil.
Priced at a fairly affordable $34, reviewers love the healthy complexion this product offers. One reviewer says they “Wanted some glow and warmth to my skin that was subtle and this product did just that! Great price as well”.
Looking to get the most out of your fake tan? Try these tips.
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