The best fake tan for sun-kissed skin

Zero-streak, long-lasting, whiff-free and easy-to-apply – the best self-tans create sublime sun-kissed skin without any fuss. Better yet, the next-level fake tans come loaded with skin-soaking ingredients so that they can simultaneously nourish your skin. If you’re not sure how to choose between lotions, drops, sprays or mousses, our definitive guide to all things sunless tan is on hand to help.

If you love a home tan but hate the faff, tanning boosters – such as a gel or moisturiser – offer instant radiance. Tanning drops can also be used to give you all the glow of a gradual self-tan; combining them with your favourite high-performance moisturiser allows you to soothe and hydrate skin as usual, while also adding warm tones with low-dosage dihydroxyacetone (DHA, the active ingredient that darkens skin).

The OG fake tans, overnight formulas bestow skin with a deep golden glow while you snooze. Apply before bed, rinse off after eight(ish) hours’ development time, and you’ll look like you’ve spent two weeks in the Caribbean.

Not sure whether to go for lotion or mousse? A lotion has a richer consistency that’s best for dry skin, while a light, fluffy mousse will glide easily over your whole body.

Not keen on sleeping in self-tanning products? Superfast express tans take between one and three hours to develop, and come in a range of strengths. Simply apply, set a timer, then rinse off after the allotted time to reveal your envy-inducing ‘have-you-been-on-holiday?’ glow.

Like a booster, but without the need for a separate moisturiser, a gradual tan fits seamlessly into your morning post-shower routine. As there’s no guide colour with this type of tan, use a mitt and apply in circular movements all over your body to build up evenly. Wait until your skin is dry to the touch before getting dressed.

Massaged onto a well-cleansed and exfoliated face, the best fake tans for the face are flawless, super-customisable and easy to use. For a gorgeous lit-from-within radiance, we suggest you try Charlotte Tilbury’s new Beautiful Skin Island Glow Tanning Drops. 

For last-minute plans there are instant tans: your fast track to sun-kissed skin in three minutes flat. Use a mitt even for wash-off versions, and be sure to rinse product off your skin before bed. St. Tropez’s Express Bronzing Mousse develops within an hour, while the cult Clarins Instant Gel, which contains naturally-sourced DHA, works immediately. 

The secret to applying self-tan like a pro? To prepare skin and extend a blotch-free bronze, the experts keep these in their tanning kits… 

Accidentally had a Ross Geller ‘I’m an eight!’ tan? It happens to the best of us. St. Tropez Tanning Expert Michaella Bolder reveals how to apply (or remove) your fake tan for the best results.

1. Always exfoliate a few hours before you apply a new layer of self-tan and ensure you avoid any oil-based shower gels. 

2. Love the gym, but don't love sweating off your sunless tan? Use a large fluffy brush to apply talc post-tan and pre-workout to prevent colour transferring onto your clothes.

3. As some of the driest parts of our body, our hands and feet should be treated differently when tanning at home. For hands, make a claw with the hand and mist St. Tropez Purity Face Mist over the area. Alternatively, use the residual self-tan product on the mitt to glide over both hands and feet.

4. If all else fails, removal can be the best solution. It doesn’t need to be a hassle; saviour products such as St. Tropez Tan Remover are quick and easy to use.