The Best Fake Tans For A Non-Streaky Glow

13th September 2024 | By Tamara Corin

We all know to go faux is a much healthier way to tan, and with improved formulations and advanced technology, there is seriously no excuse not to turn to self-tan for a golden glow.

Patches, streaks, orange undertones and biscuit-y scents are so yesterday, meet the new gen tanning heroes giving off convincing bronzed vibes all-year round – from gradual and instant formulas to tanning drops. Before you start, you might want to prep ahead and read our guide to fixing fake tan mistakes.

The Tanning Drops

1.
This brand never disappoints. Simply mix the drops into your day or night cream, (the more drops the deeper the tan) and watch as your skin radiates with a honey hue colour in just a few hours.
Skinny Tan Cherry Face & Body Drops, £14
2.
If you’re often put off by the biscuity smell of fake tan, this cherry fragranced formula will be heaven scent (see what we did there?!) Works just as well mixed in with your face cream as it does your body lotion.
3.
Packed with skin glowing ingredients that gives a flawless finish and an extreme holiday glow that benefits skin long after application.
ISLE OF PARADISE SELF-TANNING DROPS - LIGHT 30ML
4.
Featuring colour-correcting actives to help brighten skin and achieve a light, sun-kissed glow. You just need to decide which of the three strengths to choose from depending on the tan you want.
5.
These new tanning drops are infused with radiance-boosting, skin-plumping, hydrating skincare ingredients. Use under, mixed with or on top of your moisturiser for a golden glow.

The Gradual Tanners

Tan Luxe The Butter, £25
6.
If your legs tend to be the last place that catches colour, this quick-drying formula will be your go-to all-year round for beautifully bronzed limbs. Enriched with a ‘Cellutone Complex’ (a combination of caffeine and palmitoyl) this brilliant butter reduces the appearance of cellulite and firms skin while your tan develops.
7.
Achieve a natural-looking glow with this self-tanner, made up of hydrating and non-toxic ingredients. This is a great choice if your skin is a little extra sensitive.
8.
Packed full of skincare benefits, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin B5 to hydrate and firm the skin. This builds quickly into a natural shade which can easily pass for a long weekend spent in sunny climates.
9.
Super speedy to dry with colour appearing within four hours. Choose fair and medium for a subtle shade while dark works best for maintaining that post-holiday glow.
10.
Vegan, organic and freshly scented, this tanning lotion punches way above its weight ticking all the self-tan boxes.

Apply your tan in circular motions to ensure you’re getting a perfect blend every time. I like to use a tanning application brush to finish to buff in the tan around the more difficult areas like ankles, wrists, hands, and the hairline, not forgetting the ears too! A brush enables you to really blend in the tan for a flawless natural finish.”_Claire Lambert, Skinny Tan Resident Tanning Expert.

The Instant Formulas

11.
In a hurry to refresh your legs pre-party? Well, this is your answer. This lightweight formula glides on effortlessly and adds just the right amount of colour for a hint of tan.
12.
Loving Tan’s formula is organic and filled with skin-enriching ingredients that soften your skin while giving you that ‘just got back from a week in St Tropez’ glow.
13.
Fast-absorbing, sweat-proof, waterproof, basically everything proof – and won’t stain your bedsheets either.
14.
Consider this an Instagram filter in a bottle. Choose from five shades to get your desired look but be warned a little goes a long way and results are immediate. Start light, then build up accordingly.
15.
Enriched with deeply nourishing, collagen boosting skincare ingredients this new tan cream is both skin-perfecting and bronzing — it evens skin tone instantly.
16.
This self-tanner hydrates and protects skin while also leaving a radiance veil in its path within just two hours of application. It’s buildable, streak-free, and hard to fault – apart from its price tag!

The Applicators

17.
Unless you have a very willing partner or a fabulous friend that doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty (quite literally!) then this back applicator is a must for a top-to-toe flawless finish.
18.
Whatever brand of tan you choose to use, it will spread evenly on this super-soft mitt making tanning mistakes less likely.
19.
Created by the king of faux glow, Jules Von Hep, this easy-to use brush will gently blend, buff, and smooth your favourite tanning products to perfection.
20.
Get more for your money with this double-sided mitt that can be used for both exfoliation (a must pre-tan) and self-tan application.

The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.


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