Don't Want People to Know Your Tan Is Fake? Let Me Introduce You to These 10 Gradual Self-Tanners
I've said it before, but I'll say it again: Self-tanner doesn't have to look fake, people! IMO, we've entered a golden age when it comes to the glow-inducing product. There are now so many great self-tanners out there that never look streaky, orange, or patchy. We have evolved and I couldn't be happier about it.
I'll admit that as a Brown woman, I don't use self-tanner too often, but there is one particular type of tanning lotion that I do use to give my skin a natural sun-kissed glow year-round. IMO, gradual self-tanner is the way to go. It provides all that without making me look like a melted orange popsicle. Lux Unfiltered founder Sivan Ayla also gets it. She has nothing but a five-star review for gradual self-tanner. "Gradual is different from other self-tanning formats in that the tan builds slowly with every application," she says. "To me, a gradual is the perfect way to enter the self-tanning world if you’re new or intimidated by the process. If you’re simply looking to maintain a subtle and healthy dose of color daily, a gradual is the way to go."
Both Ayla and I have picks to share when it comes to the best gradual self-tanners. For our faves, along with highly-reviewed other options, keep scrolling.
Our Top Picks
1. Lux Unfiltered N°32 Hydrating Gradual Self Tanning Lotion ($36)
2. Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk ($21)
3. Tanologist Hydrating Gradual Tan Lotion ($16)
4. St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Firming Lotion ($29)
5. Luna Bronze Glow Gradual Tanning Moisturizer ($34)
6. Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion ($34)
7. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer ($13)
8. Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion ($27)
9. Norvell Venetian Sunless Self Tanner Gradual Color Extender ($33)
10. Bali Body Everyday Gradual Tan Body Moisturizer ($26)
Pros: Can replace your regular body cream, infused with hydrating oils that boost your skin's natural glow
Cons: Has a distinct smell
"I personally prefer a gradual for day-to-day tanning since it's so low maintenance. Our N°32 gradual replaces your regular body cream since it’s hydrating while also building your color, which eliminates any additional steps in our already lengthy skincare routine." — Ayla
Starring review: "Omg!!! I have absolutely loved using this as my daily moisturizer. Used with their other tanning products this has completely made my self-tan stay much longer. I always feel like I have a fresh tan!! Love!"
Pros: Dual action formula that acts as a hydrating daily lotion and gradual self-tanner, nourishes dry skin, works quickly
Cons: Can appear orange if you use too much at once
This dual-action formula from Bondi Sands acts as a hydrating daily lotion and gradual self-tanner in one. It contains nourishing ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, and cocoa butter to wrap skin in hydration while slowly giving you a glow over time.
Starring review: "LOVE this product! Gets you tan in about 2 uses so it's perfect for maintaining a tan or building a natural-looking tan for the weekend! Doesn't get dark and crusty on the elbows or the knees, blends great and gives a PERFECT not orange tan!"
Pros: No tacky residue, lightweight, buildable, dries quickly
Cons: May not be suitable for sensitive skin
This formula from Tanologist is great for a variety of skin tones since it comes in two shades: fair/medium and medium/dark. Reviewers love how natural this one looks on the skin and the more you apply it, the deeper your tan will become.
Starring review: "I love this stuff!!! I haven’t used self-tanner in decades and I have nothing but negative stories to tell. But this stuff….its a gel-cream consistency and you only need a little for each limb and torso. It dries so quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky film on the skin. I can dress within 10 minutes usually. There was a slight smell on the first day but I didn’t notice it again after that. I love the natural color and I can’t seem to notice any streaks. It’s truly magical and I keep getting compliments on my tan. This is a daily moisturizer. You could use it at night or in the morning."
Pros: Contains protective antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and brighten the skin, improves skin's texture and firmness, streak-free
Cons: May be too dark for some
This hydrating and firming lotion protects against environmental damage while providing a medium-to-dark gradual tan that only gets better over time.
Starring review: "Nice gradual tan. I got this from a retail store, and oh my GOSH I love it so much! It gives such a great tan with 0 orangeness. Coming from a pale redhead, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRODUCTS!"
Pros: Contains organic ingredients and hydrating oils, soothing and gentle on skin
Cons: Contains essential oils and may not be suitable for sensitive skin
Luna Bronze's Glow Gradual Moisturizer is a great multitasking option that delivers a realistic-looking tan over one to three applications. It's a great option for fair to medium skin tones.
Starring review: "The gradual tanning moisturizer was easy to apply, no mess, and gives a natural-looking tan. The fact that it also moisturizes is a bonus… my skin is soft and smooth!"
Pros: Helps tone and firm the skin, provides deep hydration with aloe vera and raspberry seed oil, light, subtle scent, great for darker skin tones
Cons: None
This is a great option for my fellow Black and Brown girls who just want to add a nice bronze glow to their skin. It also deeply hydrates with raspberry seed oil and aloe vera.
Starring review: "I am a black girl, medium brown skin tone and this gave me a nice bronze glow. This is nice if you want to add a bronzy tint to your melanin without a dramatic shade change. I used two nights in a row and saw about a half a shade difference. Their drops are great uf you want a true tan."
Pros: Affordable, creates a natural-looking tan, comes in two different shades
Cons: Strong smell
This drugstore option from Jergens comes in two different shades that suit a variety of skin tones. It creates a subtle, natural-looking glow and reviewers love it for its reliability and how buildable it is.
Starring review: "There are a lot of self-tanners on the market, and from those that I've tried, this is a very reliable product. It is a nice lotion to put on your skin, and it works as a tanner. The best thing about it, I have never had those obvious tanning marks that can come with self-tanners. Or you wind up with your palms brown into your cuticles. It's great that you can choose how deep a tan you want when you buy it. You don't have to worry that maybe you put on too much. I find the tanning very even. When summer comes along I reach for this Jergens self-tanning lotion. It works for me, and hey, you can use it in winter too!"
Pros: Streak-free application, contains organic ingredients, delivers a natural bronze look in just a few hours
Cons: None
This organic option from Beauty by Earth is classic. While it might be a less intense option than traditional self-tanners, it does still work pretty quickly as you'll see results within hours.
Starring review: "This goes on like a lotion and the results are amazing and last several days. There is no residue or greasy feeling either. Color is even and gives your skin a nice glow (no orange color)."
Pros: Noncomedogenic, creates a gradual tan and instantly illuminates, doubles as a CC cream, moisturizes, brightens, and firms skin
Cons: None
This formula is unique because it instantly illuminates skin, moisturizes, brightens, and acts as a CC cream all in one. The formula is also noncomedogenic and is safe to use on acne-prone skin.
Starring review: "I absolutely love this smooth tanning lotion! It gives me the perfect sun-kissed tan look without any streaks or orange undertones. The formula leaves my skin feeling hydrated and nourished. I love that it doesn't have that typical self-tanner smell and instead has a light, pleasant scent. I've received so many compliments on my tan since using this lotion and I will definitely be repurchasing. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a natural-looking tan without the harmful effects of the sun."
Pros: Customizable results, hydrates and improves skin texture, enriched with nourishing oils
Cons: Strong smell
This moisturizer and tanner in one delivers customizable results while improving hydration and skin texture.
Starring review: "I am so in love with this stuff. I stock up when there are sales. Just bought four more bottles and always have two on hand. I apply two days in a row and it achieves a lovely golden tan that lasts for six-plus days. It's so easy to apply. I apply it before bed and rinse in the morning. No staining of sheets, the smell is the only con but its not overpowering."
Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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