The Best Fake Tans for a Natural Glow (Tried and Tested!)
Last Updated on May 1, 2025 by Amy
Looking for that perfect sun-kissed glow without spending hours baking in the sun (or turning a questionable shade of orange)? I’ve got you. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of fake tans—some brilliant, some… not so much. But the good news is, I’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re completely new to self-tanning or you’ve been faking it since the early St Tropez mousse days, this round-up has something for everyone. From gradual glows to full-blown bronzing, here are my favourite fake tans that actually deliver.
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1. Best Gradual Tan for Beginners: Tan-Luxe The Gradual (£25/$34)
If you’re new to self-tanning or just want a subtle glow, Tan-Luxe The Gradual is a perfect choice. It combines the hydration of a rich moisturiser with the tanning effect of a gradual self-tan—making it almost foolproof.
Why I love it:
Before a summer holiday, I needed something low-maintenance and streak-free, and this completely delivered. The oil-lotion formula absorbs quickly, feels like a treat to use, and gives your skin a lovely, soft finish before the colour develops.
I use it just like a body lotion (though I’d still recommend a mitt), and within an hour, I start to notice a healthy glow that deepens throughout the day.
Quick Take:
- Application: Super easy. A mitt helps avoid streaks and orange palms.
- Results: Glow appears within an hour and builds over time.
- Lasts: About 4–5 days and fades naturally.
- Smell: Barely there, so ideal for daytime use.
- Best for: Beginners or anyone who wants a gentle glow without the stress.
Where to buy
2. Best Facial Tanning Mist: utan x Jamie Tanning Water Facial Mist (£19.99)
The utan CBD Tanning Water Facial Mist combines tanning with skincare benefits, making it perfect for achieving a golden glow without compromising your routine.
Why I love it:
It fits seamlessly into your skincare routine. Just mist it on after your evening routine, blend it in with a brush if you like, and you’ll wake up to a golden, even glow—without compromising your active ingredients like retinol or acids. This fake tan routine post has more tips on adding it to your skincare routine. I’ve definitely noticed a reduction in breakouts when using this product!
Quick Take:
- Application: Mist over your face, neck and chest as the final skincare step.
- Results: Glowy skin in 4–6 hours.
- Lasts: 2–3 days, depending on your routine.
- Smell: Soft lavender—very spa-like.
- Best for: Sensitive or acne-prone skin types, or anyone who wants a quick and easy facial tan.
Where to Buy
This one might not be so easy to get if you are in the US, but it’s available in Superdrug for £19.99 in the UK.
3. Best Facial Tanning Drops: Sculpted by Aimee Bronze Base (£22)
If you want a subtle bronze for your face that also nourishes your skin, Sculpted by Aimee’s Bronze Base is a gorgeous option. It’s designed to work overnight, giving you a radiant glow by morning.
Why I love it:
This serum is packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, so it doubles as skincare. I wake up with a bronzed, even complexion that looks like I’ve just come back from a weekend in the sun.
It’s great for sensitive skin too and doesn’t cling to dry patches like some face tanners can.
Quick Take:
- Application: Apply 1–2 pumps to clean, dry skin before bed.
- Results: Natural, even bronze in 6–8 hours.
- Lasts: Up to 5 days.
- Smell: Subtle and pleasant.
- Best for: Those who want skincare and tan in one. Perfect for a bronzed-but-not-orange glow.
Where to Buy:
You can purchase the Sculpted by Aimee Bronze Base Face Tan directly from their official website for £22.
4. Best Customisable Tan: Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops (£19.95/$29)
If you want full control over your glow, these tanning drops are the way to go. Mix a few into your moisturiser and you’re good to glow—literally.
Why I love it:
I use the medium shade on my light-medium skin tone and find two drops in my night cream gives a perfect golden tan. The formula includes colour-correcting actives that help even out redness and blotchiness too.
Heads up: It can go a little patchy on my neck if I’ve been using exfoliating toners, but it’s easy to fix with a gentle scrub and reapplication.
Quick Take:
- Application: Mix into your usual moisturiser.
- Results: Customisable—from subtle to sun-drenched.
- Lasts: Up to a week.
- Smell: Slight fake tan scent after a while—best applied at night.
- Best for: Skincare lovers who want full control and a natural finish.
Where to Buy
4. Best Instant Tan: Vita Liberata Body Blur (£35)
If you’ve got last-minute plans or the sun’s made a surprise appearance in the UK (rare but glorious), Body Blur is a lifesaver. It’s more like body makeup than a traditional fake tan.
Why I love it:
It gives an airbrushed finish that hides veins, marks, and uneven skin tone without the dreaded sticky or streaky feel. I use it when I want that “I’ve made an effort” look without, you know, making loads of effort.
Pro tip: Exfoliate and moisturise dry areas like knees and elbows first so the product doesn’t cling.
Quick Take:
- Application: Use a mitt and blend with a brush on hands and feet.
- Results: Instant flawless glow.
- Lasts: Washes off at the end of the day.
- Smell: Fresh and subtle.
- Best for: Events, weddings, or bare-leg emergencies.
Where to Buy
This is another self tanner which might be hard to find in the US. In the UK, you can pick up the Body Blur and brush bundle at Amazon for £35.
5. Best Fast-drying Tan: Isle of Paradise Express Mousse (£21.95/$32)
If you’re always in a rush (aren’t we all?), this mousse is ideal. You can rinse it off after just 30 minutes for a light glow, or leave it on for longer if you want more colour.
Why I love it:
The texture is light, non-sticky and packed with hydrating ingredients like coconut oil and chia seed oil. I love that it dries so quickly and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dry.
Quick Take:
- Application: Mousse glides on easily with a mitt.
- Results: Light glow in 30 minutes, deeper tan in 2–3 hours.
- Lasts: About a week.
- Smell: Slight biscuit smell, but nothing major.
- Best for: Busy people who want a fast, fuss-free tan.
Where to Buy
6. Best Long-Lasting Tan Coco and Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam (£26/$25)
This is my go-to when I want a deeper, longer-lasting tan that still looks natural. It’s available in medium, dark, and ultra-dark, depending on how bronzed you want to go.
Why I love it:
It feels hydrating thanks to coconut, mandarin oil, and other skin-loving botanicals, and the green-grey base gives a really realistic finish with no orange undertones. It also fades beautifully—no weird patches!
Quick Take:
- Application: Easy to apply with a mitt and clear guide colour.
- Results: Golden glow develops in 2 hours; I prefer leaving it on overnight.
- Lasts: Up to 7 days and fades evenly.
- Smell: Fruity mango-guava scent—actually quite nice!
- Best for: Anyone wanting a deeper glow with lasting power.
Where to Buy
For more tips and tricks on fake tan prep and application, check out my post on How to Use Fake Tan in Winter. Let me know what your favourite self-tanner is in the comments!
