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The summer solstice is my Super Bowl. I was born in the summer, and my name literally means ‘sun’. When the weather gets warmer, I defrost. I love al fresco dining, summer dresses, and the smell of coconut and vanilla (my signature summer scent). As a Black woman, I was surrounded by beauty standards that valued light skin and told me to stay out of the sun. But for years, I exposed my skin to the sun in search of my summer shade. I always feel most like myself after a sun-drenched day.
A decade later, and I’m repaying my devotion with endless bottles of sunscreen and stacks of protective clothing. While I still enjoy a healthy amount of sun exposure — my serotonin depends on it — finding the best self-tanner has proven to be the solution for my sun-obsessed self. Luckily, the past few years have transformed the self-tanner industry into a certified skin care category. From skin-first formulas to high-end options for all skin tones, sunless tanners are a prime solution for glowing skin year-round.
How to Choose the Best Self-Tanner
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been burned by self-tanners. Thankfully, these days, gems are in abundance. To find the best self-tanners, we went to the experts. Ahead, Sabrina Johnsonspray-tan stylists and estheticians, and ashley mcnabbMakeup Artist and Founder ashley mcnabb artistryShare everything you need to know about the best self-tanners.
Best self-tanner ingredients
To maintain your glow, avoid anything that will dry out your skin and ruin your skin preparation. “Avoid self-tanners with harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates,” Johnson advises. Alcohol, found in many quick-drying formulas, can also be harmful, but it can increase dryness and dehydration.
Look for the following ingredients in your self-tanner:
- Antioxidants: (Niacinamide, Resveratrol, Coenzyme Q10, Ferulic Acid, Copper, Zinc, Selenium)
- hyaluronic acid
- glycerine
- aloe vera
- Vitamins A, C, and E
What to do before applying self-tanner?
“The biggest mistake you can make when using self-tanner is not preparing the skin,” says Johnson. Here are some steps to prepare your skin for the best self-tanner results.
Dry-brush your entire body. Yes, dry brushing can stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, but it’s also worth it for the exfoliation factor. Simply brush in broad strokes toward your heart – light pressure and going slow is best.
Do body scrub. According to Johnson, “Skiping exfoliation can lead to uneven application and patchiness. Avoid chemical exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, and retinol before and after tanning as they will cause your tan to fade faster.” Removing excess dead skin cells with a mild body scrub helps the results last longer.
Bathe everything. A relaxing shower routine feels like a luxury, but before you can tan yourself, it’s a necessity. Since you can’t shower for 8-12 hours after application, the best self-tan at home starts in the shower. Focus on replenishing your skin’s moisture with nourishing ingredients. For extra exfoliation, I like to use eschar body plane With a light body oil to remove dead skin while retaining moisture.
Moisturize. After showering, dry your body and apply a deeply moisturizing lotion all over your body. Make sure you keep your hands (and between your fingers), your feet, ankles, knees and elbows extra moisturized.
Prepare your face. Like your body, a smoother canvas makes for better application. Use a gentle (physical!) exfoliator and, depending on the instructions on your self-tanner of choice, moisturize deeply.
Hydrate from the inside out. This is the key to maintaining an even tan for as long as possible. Prioritize naturally hydrating fruits and vegetables, experiment with DIY spa water, or consider adding electrolytes to your H20.
How to apply sunless tanners
Although applying self-tanner at home can be intimidating, a few tips and tricks can go a long way in achieving an even, natural glow tailored to your skin tone. McNabb tells us her top tips for streak-free, sun-kissed skin.
start small. It’s always smart to test the product on a small part of your skin before applying it to your entire body to make sure you like the color.
Do things your way. Whether applying with your hands or gloves, do it in small sections. Blend in circular motions and pay extra attention to ankles, toes, knees, and elbows, as these areas can be difficult to blend.
Don’t forget the SPF! Some people apply self-tanner and forget about additional sun protection. Don’t make that mistake.
Best self-tanners, tests and reviews
Thankfully, finding the right self-tanner has never been easier – and you won’t have to risk turning orange in the process. “Each product offers different benefits, so consider your skin type, desired results, and any skin sensitivities when choosing a self-tanner,” says Johnson.
If you’re standing in the self-tanner aisle or swinging between product types, consider this your definitive guide to the best self-tanner.
takeaway
Finding your self-tanner match is a bit like finding the right foundation. It requires some trial and error, but once you get there, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it. Whether you’re getting comfortable with the gradual formula or going full bronze, the most important thing is preparation. Get this right, the rest is easy. Summer Skin, Sorted.
This post was last updated on May 12, 2026 to include new insights.
