Beauty

Eight Great Self-tanners for the Perfect Faux Tan

Top picks for foolproof, streak-free, not-a-hint-of-orange sunless tanning products

By Catherine Tse /

Credit: Vita Liberata

Just because you love your sunblock doesn’t means you need to give up the tan

Here are eight self-tanners that will give you a streak-free, UV-free bronze glow, head to toe. Transform winter-white skin into sun-kissed hues in minutes, hours or days. The convenience of a tan-in-a-bottle has never been more sophisticated or easier. These top-picks offer a variety of formulas and promises, and all are top performers that will keep you happily baring your arms and legs all summer.



Credit: Vita Liberata

Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse

Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse, starting at $30

Vita Liberata is a luxury product line that combines advanced suntan technology with pampering skincare benefits. Their pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse is entirely organic and made without parabens, sulfates or phthalates.

The mousse texture is extremely light and airy, making it easy to apply and quick to dry. Using a mitt is advised for foolproof application and to protect your hands because it’s so fast-acting. It’s not entirely fragrance-free, but almost, with a faint, pleasant cucumber scent.

You’ll need to apply it at least three times to achieve a good colour. And while it doesn’t last three weeks, its staying power is still impressive.

Available exclusively at Sephora.



Credit: Clarins

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster, $30

This is hands-down one of the best self-tanners for the face. One of the great things about it is that you don’t even have to interrupt your usual routine. Simply add a few drops of this concentrated bronze-coloured elixir into your daily moisturizer and apply to your face. By the third day you’ll notice a healthy, natural-looking glow develop. Continue daily use until you’ve achieved your desired “tan” then use one to two times a week for maintenance. Plus, it’s absolutely fragrance-free, a small miracle in the world of self-tanners.

You can easily control the depth of colour and speed of development by adjusting the amount of product you use: three drops for a subtle glow, five for something deeper. The packaging itself is simply genius: the elegant glass vial has a plastic “button” on the bottom. When you invert the bottle, just lightly tap the button to dispense exactly the number of drops you want.

Works well on all skin types including oily and sensitive.

Available at Clarins counters and Sephora.



Credit: Avène
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Avène, Moisturizing Self-tanning Lotion

Avène, Moisturizing Self-tanning Lotion, $28

Avène’s Moisturizing Self-tanning Lotion is a lovely, effective self-tanner that’s an excellent choice for those with sensitive or dry skin. In fact, it’s so cosmetically elegant and skin-friendly that you can use it on your face.

Like the rest of Avène’s super-performers, this lotion comes in a humble exterior (squeeze-tube here) that contains a superior product. This self-tanner is emollient (but not greasy), dries extremely quickly and has a light baby powder scent. Full colour develops within three to five hours after application.

Available at London Drugs and other select retailers.



Credit: Lancome

Lancome Flash Bronzer Dream Legs

Lancome Flash Bronzer Dream Legs, $38

For instant colour, Lancome’s Flash Bronzer Dream Legs gives legs a golden glow with the ease of an aerosol application. While you get the precision and hands-free convenience of a spray, this is definitely one you’ll want to use in the bathtub to contain errant droplets. Dries quickly in a few minutes and has a light, pleasant gardenia scent.

This formula contains 3 per cent caffeine, the same amount used in many body-contouring products, helping to promote microcirculation and fluid drainage to give legs a smoother appearance.

Available at all Lancôme counters and lancome.ca



Credit: Fake Bake

Fake Bake Self-Tanning Mousse

Fake Bake Self-Tanning Mousse, $28.95

Fake Bake’s Self-Tanning Mousse is a great choice for those looking for a subtle, realistic glow. Plus, the mousse’s texture is ideal for those with oilier skin. You’ll definitely want to use the mitt that comes with it – applying it with your hands is a bit difficult as the texture becomes watery during prolonged application. Using a mitt makes the process a lot faster and distributes the product more evenly.

You’ll need at least three applications before seeing results, and more if you want a deeper tan. After application, you’ll need to give yourself enough time to let this one completely dry – but results are worth it!

Available at select spas and online retailers.



Credit: Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Milk for Body

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Milk for Body, $34

There’s a refreshing, simple honesty to Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess tanning milk. It’s a light, milky lotion that comes in a simple plastic bottle that dispenses cleanly. And it delivers what it promises: after an hour of application, you’ll see your skin turn into a warm, sun-kissed hue worthy of any goddess.

It’s dead easy to apply and control, gliding on effortlessly. It dries very quickly and has a light, beachy scent.

Available at Estée Lauder counters and online at esteelauder.ca



Credit: St. Tropez

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, starting at $22.50

St. Tropez has long been the go-to brand for self-tanners, and their Bronzing Mousse makes achieving the perfect golden glow that much easier. The canister has a pump dispenser that releases a dark chocolate coloured foam, so you know exactly where you’re applying it. You’ll want to use a mitt for this as it dries very quickly. It has a light, pleasant fragrance that dissipates quickly. It also fades evenly, never leaving you with uneven patches.

Available at London Drugs and other select retailers.



Credit: La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay Autohelios Moisturizing Self-Tanner

La Roche-Posay Autohelios Moisturizing Self-Tanner, $25

La Roche-Posay’s Authohelios is another phenomenal French pharmacy product that delivers an effective self-tanner that’s gentle enough to use everywhere including your face. The cream-gel formula is extremely hydrating, leaving skin moisturized and supple all day. This is an excellent choice for those with dry or sensitive skin.

When applying, it’s best to work with thin layers massaged well into the skin in a circular motion. This self-tanner takes a bit longer to dry – you’ll want to give yourself 15 minutes drying time before putting clothes on. The colour develops in a couple of hours and lasts for about two days. This product is probably best for those who have a fair to medium skin tone.

Available at London Drugs and other select retailers.