The best fake tans for a natural-looking year-round glow, tested by 250 women

Score: 94/100

Look like you’ve spent the summer on the shores of Australia in a matter of hours with this fast-developing and deep-tan mousse from Bondi Sands. Minus any harmful sun damage, obviously.

Only dropping six points overall, our winner certainly lives up to the ‘liquid gold’ in the name. It impressed all our testers by delivering everything you’d want in a mousse. It absorbs quickly and delivers a long-lasting, even tan. You can forget about staining your best bedsheets too, as testers were seriously impressed with how non-transferable it was.

The mousse is also enriched with hydrating argan oil, so it doesn’t dry your skin and leave it looking scaly. Plus, it’s infused with a summery coconut scent, to avoid the dreaded fake tan smell.

Ke specifications

Score: 92/100

Fake tans can be drying on the skin, but that isn’t the case with this hydrating tanning oil, thanks to the added skin-friendly ingredients. Coconut oil moisturises the skin as well as helping to keep your tan looking fresh for as long as possible.

There’s also added blackberry juice and poppyseed extract, which both work to firm and brighten the skin. And our panel noted these benefits in testing – they all said it delivered a long-lasting tan that didn’t look patchy.

It’s a great starting point for those who don’t want to jump straight into using a mousse. “I liked how easy it was to use,” said one tester. You don’t need to rinse this one off either, so you can spray it on and glow about your day as your tan gradually develops.

Key specifications

Score: 91/100

Fake tanning your face is a scary prospect, but let this lotion from Clarins soothe any fears. According to one, now-less-pasty, panellist, it leaves behind a “beautiful, natural and glowing tan.” In fact, all our testers were happy with how the shade gradually developed, without drying out their skin. The added moisturising aloe vera can probably take the credit there.

We’d expect nothing less from Clarins. It may be an investment, but when the payoff is a “golden glow that doesn’t look fake,” according to one tester, we think it's worth it.

Key specifications

Score: 91/100

Of a naturally paler complexion, Vogue Williams has always been a self-proclaimed avid tanner. The vast and varied Bare by Vogue range reflects her expertise when it comes to a seamless faux bronze. She’s clearly done her fair share of market research, so of course we had to put it to the test.

This tanning serum is specially formulated for the face, gradually building up a tan without disrupting an area that’s often susceptible to dryness and breakouts. With the help of hydrating ingredients such as moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid, and barrier-protecting oat lipids, it keeps skin looking plump while adding a natural glow.

The benefits of these skin-friendly ingredients came through on test, as all panel members agreed that it didn’t cause irritation and had a pleasant texture and consistency. One tester said it “quickly absorbed and left my skin feeling hydrated”. But how does it look? Our panellists said you can expect a naturally enhanced, sun-kissed complexion that lasts for days.

Key specifications

Score: 89/100

A week packed with social plans can leave little time for what can feel like hours in the shower, scrubbing away old tan residue. Luckily, that’s not necessary with this one. Our testers found that not only did it last well, but it also faded evenly, without clinging to skin. The instant guide colour also makes application effortless, and unlike many formulas, there’s none of that classic biscuity scent.

As with any tanning mousse, be sure to have a mitt on hand to apply and avoid orange palms. “This truly has got to be the best fake tan I’ve ever used,” said one tester, who told us she'd had lots of compliments on her fresh-from-holiday look.

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Score: 87/100

At some point in every fake tanner's life, St Tropez will make an appearance. Whether it acts as the gateway into the world of year-round bronzing, or as an occasional post-holiday top-up, it’s certainly iconic. And there’s no need to dedicate a whole evening to looking fresh from a holiday with this one, as it was the fastest to develop on test.

One panel member told us they had “a natural-looking tan” in just one hour. The longer you leave it on, the deeper the tan becomes, but it won’t get much darker after three hours. Our entire panel was also impressed with how the colour could be built up with repeated application. Last-minute plans just became a whole lot more appealing.

Key specifications

Score: 85/100

Mousses aren’t always the easiest to use, but of all the ones we tested, this came out on top for how effortless it was to apply. Though it doesn’t come with an extra set of hands to help tan your back (cue unimpressed partner/flatmate/child), according to one panellist the “very light foam-textured mousse was easy to apply with a mitt”, and others agreed.

It takes six to eight hours to fully develop, so we recommend applying before bed. Once you’ve smeared the coconut-scented mousse evenly across your skin, both seamlessly and stress-free (we hope), pop some pyjamas on and expect to wake up well rested and tanned.

Key specifications

Score: 85/100

When you haven’t had time to tan, a tinted lotion is perfect for an immediate dose of bronze that will also develop throughout the day. This one from St Tropez uses hydrating hyaluronic acid to help draw in moisture, and a blend of raspberry and blueberry seed oils, two antioxidants that reduce inflammation and brighten skin.

Though you’d usually apply a gradual tanner with your hands, because this one is tinted, it’s better to use a mitt to avoid extra dark palms. Generally, our panellists were happy with the colour of their tan, with one praising the “natural results that didn’t look orange”.

Key specifications

Score: 82/100

Gone are the days of horrifically stained bedsheets, thanks to gradual tanners. Certainly not if you’re using this one, anyway. All our testers confirmed it didn’t leave any marks or stains on the sheets thanks to its ability to soak into skin quickly. The cream itself also feels lightweight on application, according to our panel.

As all self-tanners will know, application is often followed by that truly unique biscuity scent. However, one tester told us: “I was waiting for the normal, horrible biscuit odour to develop, but it didn’t”, while another even went as far as to say they “loved the smell.” Eau du fake tan, anyone?

Key specifications

Score: 84/100

If anyone knows anything about fake tan, it’s a Love Islander, and this formula from Molly Mae didn't disappoint. It dispenses a dark yet natural tan that most testers said they would carry on using after the trial. The entire panel also agreed that it doesn’t dry out skin, which means there was less clinging to dry patches, too.

The fresh and delicate scent earned this one extra brownie points. “I liked the smell compared to other tans,” said one tester, while another told it us it meant they could go out after applying without having to worry about others catching that biscuit whiff. That sounds like a bit of us.

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Score 82/100

Another fake tan fear is the dreaded tiger bread look that sometimes appears after a few days. However, our testers said they didn’t experience any cracks or flaking with this tanning milk. The smooth, butter-like textured formula is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, for a much-needed dose of moisture and antioxidants.

If you’re not a fan of coconut-scented products, then this one might not be for you, as a few testers found it was rather overpowering. We recommend this one for topping up an existing tan, or building up over a few days, as it required a few applications for testers to notice a difference in skin tone.

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Score: 81/100

Gradual tan that keeps your skin intensely hydrated? Enter: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter. The brand has taken its ultra hydrating formula and combined it with tanning ingredients to make the ultimate natural glow in a bottle. It won’t dry out skin, as some fake tans do; instead, panel members told us it left the skin feeling soft.

There were a few comments about the strong scent of this one, but if you don’t mind that, for under £10, you can expect a lovely streak-free and hydrated finish to your tan.

Key specifications

Score: 80/100

Whether you want to exaggerate your holiday glow or just fancy a bit of extra colour for an evening out, this ultra-dark tan will deliver a deeper shade of bronze. It only takes an hour to fully develop, too. Simply apply with a mitt, pop on an episode of your favourite TV show, rinse off afterwards and you’re ready.

Testers did experience some transferring onto clothes and bed sheets, so to avoid staining, it might be a good idea to wear all black, or old PJs, or get yourself a handy tan sleep sac...

Key specifications

Score: 80/100

The key to a long-lasting, crack-free tan is making sure that your skin stays moisturised and hydrated. This lotion scored the highest with our panel for doing just that. “My skin felt well-nourished, and it wasn’t drying,” said one tester, which is exactly what we all want to hear about a gradual tan.

The thick, rich formula, which is boosted with hyaluronic acid and blueberry and raspberry seed oil, means we'd advise leaving a little time before you head out, so it has time to sink in before getting your glad rags on. But one happy panellist told us you can expect "a subtle and lovely tan" after a couple of applications, so it's certainly worth the wait.

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Score: 79/100

Whether you’re building up a natural-looking tan over a few days or topping up an existing real (or fake) glow, this gradual moisturiser is a welcome addition to any routine.

One tester said, “you could see the difference after one application,” thanks to the instant tint, while another found it perfect for nights out when wearing a skirt. That said, the emphasis is firmly on gradual, as a deeper, longer-lasting colour requires a few applications.

The non-greasy formula is enriched with skin-friendly ingredients such as vitamin C and E, which brighten and draw in moisture, reducing the risk of colour clinging to dry patches.

Key specifications

Score: 77/100

Whether you’re just starting out on your tanning journey and want to test out your skills, or you’re flying through one bottle after another at speed, you probably don’t want a product that costs the earth, and this St. Moriz mousse is a great, affordable option. However, you may want to pair it with some budget bedsheets and pyjamas after applying, as testers our did experience some transferring of tan residue.

Overall, though, our panellists were happy with how dark and long-lasting their tan was, so if that’s a priority, we don’t think it’s a dealbreaker. We tested the dark shade, but there’s also light and medium to choose from if this suits your skin tone more.

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How we test fake tans

The Good Housekeeping Institute experts recruited 250 at-home beauty testers to help us trial a range of the leading self-tanner products. They were looking for the formulas that leave skin looking golden and sun-kissed, with minimal effort.

We asked testers for their feedback on the following areas.

• Ease of application: We asked panellists how easily the tan came out of the packaging, if the texture made it easier or harder to apply, and whether it blended well, or left streaks.
• Patchiness: One of the downsides of fake tan is the patchiness you sometimes get a couple of days after application. Some are better than others at fading gradually though, so we asked our panellists to let us know how each tan fared over time.
• Scent: If you’ve worn fake tan, you’ll be family with that distinct ‘biscuity’ scent. New formulas have come a long way though, so we asked panellists to let us know whether the scent was a pro or con.

Back in the lab, our experts then used our specialist Digi-Eye machine to visually assess how evenly the tan faded over seven days. All the feedback and results were then collated into a final score.

What is the easiest self-tan for beginners?

Patchy hands, streaky legs, and going an unnatural shade or burnt orange are some of the main reasons people get nervous about using self-tanners.

That’s why Harknett recommends a gradual tanning moisturiser for beginners. “They contain a small amount of tanning agent and won’t bronze too heavily,” he explains. “The shade is buildable over days and the user is in control of the depth of colour they want to achieve. Many use a gradual product to top up a natural tan, or a spray tan as it starts to fade.”

How do you apply fake tan?

It can be hard to know where to begin when you have a mitt full of brown liquid that you’re supposed to smear all over your body. But Harknett says a large part of the process is in the preparation – these are the steps to follow.

Exfoliate

“A few days before you plan to apply fake tan, start by smoothing out the skin with an exfoliator,” Harknett advises. “Concentrate on areas that get a build-up of skin cells, such as under the breasts, on strap lines, and knees and elbows. These are common areas where tan often clings to dry skin.”

You can either use a pair of exfoliating gloves, one of our best body scrubs, or both, to smooth and buff away dead skin cells before you begin.

Remove hair

It’s also important to ensure all hair removal is done in advance of application.“Twenty-four hours or more before is best for shaving, but if it’s a leg or body wax, then make it 48/72 hours,” advises Harknett. “This is so the skin can renew evenly, and the self-tan has enough cells to bind with to allow the tan to react.”

For the best tools for the job, check out our list of the best hair removal products.

Moisturise

“Before applying, it’s important to moisturise your heels, kneecaps, elbows, hands and the tops of your feet, as these are areas self-tan is likely to cling to,” Harknett says. “A little moisture will provide a barrier for the skin and allow for more natural results.” Helpfully, our experts have found the best body moisturiser for the job.

Tan

To avoid orange palms, you’ll need to apply mousse and some gradual tanners using a mitt. Some moisturisers can be put on with the hands, but make sure to wash them afterwards to swerve the Wotsit fingers.

Here are Harknett’s top tips for an even finish:

• Start with the legs. Bend the knee to open out any creases. If you’re using a mousse, then do round circular motions to allow a smooth, even and fast application.
• As you get towards the ankles and feet, try and graduate the tan gently. Use less pressure or opt for a tanning brush, as this will disperse the tan delicately over the heel and feet.
• Many of us have probably tried tying a tanning mitt to a wooden spoon to tackle the hard-to-reach centre of the back (just us?). Thankfully, there are now products made to manage those tricky spots. Snap open back tanners allow you to work in a tanning mousse or liquid. (A snap open back tanner is essentially a fold-out arm with a mitt on the end to help you get to those hard-to-reach areas.)

How long does fake tan last?

Generally, most fake tans will look fresh for the first two to three days and begin to fade after that, but Harknett says applying a moisturiser generously and regularly is the key to prolonging its freshness and ensuring a gentle fade.

“A spray-on moisturiser is ideal and can be used on the go,” he explains. “They help avoid over-rubbing the skin too, which is a definite no-no. And instead of rubbing vigorously while drying yourself with a towel, opt for a gentle press.

“If you’re an avid gym enthusiast, try a powder in your sports bra or activewear. A cooling powder or talc on the skin will shield the tan from being rubbed by any friction from your sports bra. This is a tip I also give to all brides on their wedding day, as it allows them slip and movement in their dress.”

We also recommend wearing loose-fitting dark clothes or pyjamas to bed once applied to avoid any transferring or staining on sheets. But fear not, we also have some advice on how to remove fake tan stains if needed.

For more fake tanning tips, we recommend checking out our guide on how to apply gradual tan.

We’ve also tested the best instant fake tans for an immediate bronze, and the best facial tanning drops if you’d rather build your glow.

St. Tropez or Bondi Sands – which is better?

Both brands are market leaders in the faux tan industry, but deciding which one is best will depend on your own skin type and tan goals. In our tests, Bondi Sands Liquid Gold had the highest score with 93/100. It impressed with its natural-looking, golden glow, which didn’t transfer on to PJs or bedding. However, the St. Tropez Express Tan wasn’t far behind and is great for anyone after a speedy tan. It had the fastest development time of all the formulas we tested.

Each brand is popular for a reason, so it really comes down to personal preference.

What is the best fake tan that doesn’t turn orange?

The fake tans on our list have been slapped on and scrutinised by our panellists, who gave us very honest feedback on the finished shade. We asked them specifically about the colour pay-off, asking them to let us know if there was even a hint of orange (a no-no in our books), so rest assured that none of the products on our list would have passed if they left your skin looking too tangoed. Instead, the tans on this list give a noticeable, yet natural-looking, finish. Our winner, Bondi Sands Liquid Gold was a hit with our testers for delivering a natural-looking summer shade.

What’s the best fake tan for pale skin?

For those with pale skin, it’s a good idea to opt for light or medium shade options rather than dark or extra dark, if available. The light or medium shades will blend seamlessly into your natural complexion, instead of creating a stark contrast resembling tiger bread as it begins to fade.

Out of our tested picks, the best fake tan for pale skin would be a gradual spray or lotion, rather than a mousse, as they develop more slowly and are buildable rather than instant. The Skin and Tan Spray Oil is the runner-up on our list and left our testers with a nice natural finish, while keeping it hydrated to avoid any patchiness.

However, that doesn’t mean mousse can’t be used on pale skin – just opt for a lighter shade. Filer by Molly-Mae is available in a medium shade, which would give a more natural looking finish.