10 Self-Tanners to Help You Get That Summer Glow

Self-tanners have come a long way, and now the options are endless. We’re here to help you make the right choice

It’s no secret that the sun damages our skin, but many women (and men!) still like to have a beautiful bronze glow during the summer months. Luckily, self-tanners are here to help. Most women can remember the disaster that was their first time using a self-tanner—it only takes one instance of turning orange and streaky to be afraid to use it for life. But self-tanners have come a long way, and now the options are endless.

We’re here to help you make the right choice (just don’t forget to exfoliate and use a tanning mitt for the best results!)…

 

1. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water

Water? That gives you a tan?! Ah, the magic of modern science. After exfoliating and moisturizing hands, feet, knees, ankles and elbows, just mist this weightless formula all over and your tan will develop within six hours. It comes in three intensities, all with lovely scents. This product can help you avoid streaks, smells and orange tones! It’s even sulfate- and paraben-free!
$30, Sephora

 

2. Jergens Natural Glow Sunless Tanning Mousse

This is the self-tanner we were always wanting—way below the cost we were ever expecting. Apply the mousse onto skin (again, use a mitt for best results!) and expect a quick drying glow. It comes in three shades and doesn’t carry a harsh scent.
$10, Walmart

 

3. The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil

OK, we’re cheating a bit with this one (it’s not actually a self-tanner), but it’s such a great product we had to include it. This wonderful smelling dry oil will leave you shimmering and glowing, without the intensity of typical self-tanners. Pair it with another self-tanner for deeper colour, and live your best (faux) sun-kissed life.
$26, The Body Shop

 

4. Kate Somerville Face and Body Tanning Towelettes

If you don’t feel like purchasing a tanning mitt, this is a good option. Just open the package, wipe over skin, and the formula will gradually darken and give you a natural-looking tan.
$48, Kate Somerville

 

5. Tarte Brazilliance PLUS+ Self-tanner & Mitt

This is an awesome update of Tarte’s OG Brazilliance self-tanner. It has natural exfoliators and moisturizers, so that your skin glows, looks smooth, and stays hydrated. An added bonus is that this comes with a mitt, so you can get the most even tan possible.
$48, Sephora

 

6. Beauty by Earth Self-tanner

This is an Amazon bestseller for a reason! This self-tanner is not only vegan, but also skips harsh chemicals and opts for natural ingredients like coconut oil and green tea. You can take our word for it, or check out the 200+ excellent reviews that it has. $37, Amazon.ca

 

7. St. Tropez Tanning Essentials

Applying regular self-tanner to your face is risky business, so it’s best to grab something like St. Tropez’s face mist. Taking lightweight to a whole new level, this mist can go under or over makeup and will give you a natural, streak-free tan. It’s also paraben- and cruelty-free!
$49, Sephora

 

8. Pacifica Mineral Bronzing Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is the best thing you can do to prevent your skin from aging, and this great product allows you to protect your skin and get that glowy look all at once. It is water-resistant, free of harsh chemicals, and contains ingredients your skin will love.
$16, Pacifica Beauty

 

9. Charlotte Tilbury Overnight Bronze & Glow Mask

This is another great self-tanner for your face. With blackcurrant seed oil acting as a skin conditioner, this product claims to even skin tone and reduce redness. Apply in the evening, and build over the course of a few days depending on how dark you’d like to be.
$65, Charlotte Tilbury

 

10. Tan-luxe Wonder Oil

This is the world first true oil-based self-tanner. The oil is infused with six pure plant and omega oils which is sure to leave you glowing. It includes a roller ball applicator, and is said to improve skin elasticity (firming benefits are thanks to caffeine!).
$79, Tan-luxe

 

BONUS: Rose Glow Self-tanning Mousse

Looking for an all-natural alternative? This is an amazing local find! Made in Kelowna, Rose Gold Skin has created a self-tanning mousse featuring organic ingredients, including soothing aloe and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Beyond the beautiful packaging, Rose Glow provides a natural tan (i.e. not orange) without a harsh scent. Currently available in light for fair-skinned people, the mousse dries clear and absorbs into the skin without leaving a sticky residue.
150 ml $39.99 and 50 ml $14.99, Rose Gold Skin