10 Best Fake Tans: Plus Important Points on How to Apply It

One of the trends in the fashion world nowadays is having a sun-kissed skin basically known as tanning. However, some people don’t have time to spend under the sun; others are even scared about the harmful UV rays from sun exposure.

So, how do we achieve a perfectly tanned skin? Worry no more. The best self-tanning lotion is the best solution for that.

There are plenty of best fake tans on the market. But which one is right for you? Continue reading to find out.

Read more: 5 Best Tanning Beds That Are Healthy For You

5 Things You Need to Know About Fake Tans

Most of the best self-tanning lotions contain DHA, a chemical that changes skin color. This is commonly found in spray tan products. Though DHA is safe for the skin, this may harm our lungs when it is breathed in.

Therefore, doctors recommend to hold your breath when applying this or apply it in a well-aerated room such as the bedroom or the bathroom.

While fake tans do give your skin a sun-kissed glow, they don’t protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. Therefore, you may get sunburns while tanning.

That’s why it’s best to apply sunscreen while tanning under the sun.

There’s a good reason why fake tan manufacturers do recommend a patch test before purchasing their products.

Cosmetic products may contain ingredients that can cause you some allergies. Thus, you should be aware of the ingredients of the product if you can’t do a patch test (especially when you do online purchasing).

Aside from keeping your skin sun-kissed glow, it is also important to keep it hydrated.

Hydrating your skin is very important so as not to irritate it. Furthermore, moisturizing your skin will also help prolong your tan. Thus, apply butter lotions, body oil, or baby oil right after you shower while your skin is still wet, and then towel-dry it gently to trap in moisture in the skin.

For pregnant women, it’s safe to apply fake tan creams or lotions. Applying fake tan spray is a big NO! Inhaling the spray may harm not only the mother but also the baby inside.

Pregnancy also causes skin sensitivity towards sun exposure. So, pregnant women are encouraged to apply fake tanning bed lotions with self-tan agents.

Applying a good sunscreen even on cloudy days is also recommended due to skin sensitivity.

How to Apply Self Tanner or Tanning Bed Lotion at Home

Applying a self-tanner at home may sound very easy. However, there are some guidelines that should be followed to achieve a perfect tan without any harmful effect.

Follow these basic steps:

Exfoliating before applying a self-tanner is important to remove dead skin cells. This makes the tanning even more effective.

You may use a washcloth or an exfoliating product. Exfoliate more on the areas where your skin is thickest like the ankles, knees, and elbows.

Drying your skin before applying the self-tanner makes the tanning more even on the skin. You towel dry your skin or just dry it naturally.

Apply the self-tanner by sections – from the arms, torso, to the legs, or the other way around.

Apply it in a circular motion for fast absorption.

Washing your hands after each section application will help you avoid having orange-colored palms. Wash your hands using soap and lukewarm water.

You have to blend the self-tanner from the ankles to your feet, and from your wrists to your hands. This provides a natural-looking tan.

The skin over joints such as on the ankles, knees, and elbows absorb more self-tanner than the rest of the skin. To avoid this, you need to dilute the self-tanner when applied to these areas.

To dilute, apply a thin layer of lotion or lightly rub a damp towel right after the application.

Wait for ten minutes, before putting on your clothes. Wear loose clothes for the next three hours to avoid rubbing off the self-tanner.

Also, avoid sweating after the application.

Most self-tanners don’t contain sunscreen ingredients. Therefore, apply sunscreen that is water-resistant, with UVA or UVB protection, and with SPF 30 or even higher to avoid sunburns.

10 Best Fake Tan and Self-Tanning Lotion Reviews

Different fake tans and self-tanning lotions contain different ingredients and offer different results. Therefore, you need to read on information about the best fake tans prior to buying.

To help you with that, here are our top picks for the best fake tan lotions:

1.  Face & Body Organic and Natural Sunless Tanning Lotion by Beauty by Earth

Are you scared of the harmful chemicals that you may get from tanning your skin? Beauty by Earth’s Face & Body Organic and Natural Sunless Tanning Lotion is the perfect product for you.

This self-tanner is specially formulated with its organic and all natural ingredients, which include Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Green Tea, Witch Hazel, and Coconut Oil.  This product will leave your skin perfectly tanned while it is richly moisturized.

2.  Sunless Medium to Dark Face & Body Overnight Self-tanning Lotion by Sun Laboratories

If you prefer to have a sunless tan in just one night, then Sun Laboratories’ Face & Body Overnight Self-tanning is your perfect match. Aside from this, this product also nourishes, revitalizes, and hydrates your skin with its perfect blend of natural ingredients. It will provide you with medium to dark sun-kissed skin.

3.  Organic & Natural Face & Body Medium Self-tanning Lotion by Bahama Tan

If you are the type of tanner that prefers a streak-free self-tanner, then this product is just right for you. This product is guaranteed to be streak free and non-toxic with its organic and natural ingredients such as Monoi de Tahiti oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Argan Oil.

Also, it contains Eco Certified approved DHA. which makes it safe to use. This also provides a long-lasting result.

4.  Golden Glow to Buildable Bronzer Body & Face Self-tanning Lotion by AsaVea

AsaVea’s Body & Face Self Tanner offers a natural looking glow as if you really had an under-the-sun tanning. It contains gentle ingredients, which make it ideal for all skin types since it is not harmful and irritating.

This product provides a gradual yet even tan without any streak and blotchiness. In addition, this also prevents early signs of aging.

5.  Hypoallergenic Browning and Moisturizing Self-tanning Lotion by Sun Bum

Keeping the skin moisturized when tanning is an essential aspect that most tanners really look for. Sun Bum’s Self-tanning lotion perfectly provides these.

This product is specially formulated with moisturizing ingredients like organic Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Avocado Oil, Green Tea Butter, Marula Oil, and Kona Coffee Plant Extract.

6.  Sublime Bronze Self-tanning Lotion in Medium by L’Oreal Paris

If you want a self-tanning that also keeps your skin healthy, L’Oreal Paris’ Medium, Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion is what you need. It is formulated with Vitamin E to nourish your skin while tanning. This is non-tinted, which guarantees you to achieve a natural looking tan. This is ideal for all skin types.

7.  Gradual Build Organic Tan Lotion by VITA LIBERATA

This fake tan lotion provides an ultra-hydrating effect that gives a gradual tan. This product leaves your skin subtle with a sun-kissed glow. VITA LIBERATA’s Tanning Lotion contains organic botanicals, as well as a moisture locking system for maximum skin hydration while achieving a natural looking tan.

8.  Tan Extender Self-tanning Lotion and Daily Moisturizer by Golden Star Beauty

This product is specially formulated with pure and natural ingredients with organic oils like Argan, Olive, Jojoba, and Avocado Oil, plus a dash of Vitamins B2, B5, and B12. This product nourishes skin while keeping a natural-looking tanned skin that is extended to last long. This is also non-smelly and non-sticky self-tanner.

9.  True Color Sunless Tanner by Tan Physics

Aside from tanning your skin, this product also provides anti-aging effects which are rarely found in self-tanners. This is a streak-free self-tanner that provides a natural-looking tan. This product includes a color guide to ensure a perfect result when you use it.

10.  LaPlaya Luxe Natural Instant Bronzing Self-tanning Lotion by Miami Gorgeous

Get a perfectly tanned skin almost instantly with Miami Gorgeous’ Instant Bronzing Self-Tanning Lotion! This tanner contains natural ingredients like Rare Swiss Apple Stem Cells, Mango Extract, Jojoba Oil, Black Elderflower, and other botanical extracts that make it gentle yet very effective on the skin.

This product also revitalizes, nourishes, and improves skin elasticity as it tans skin almost naturally.

Conclusion

Getting the perfect fake tan that meets your preferences and needs is essential to achieve maximum satisfaction with its results. With the top 10 best fake tans presented here, you will surely find the perfect fake tan for you.

Among these products, our top choice is the Face & Body Organic and Natural Sunless Tanning Lotion by Beauty by Earth. This contains all natural ingredients and organic oils that keep your skin moisturized. This doesn’t contain chemicals to promote allergy-free and irritation-free while using it. In addition, this doesn’t require sun exposure, so you need not worry about getting sunburns.

Thank you for reading the whole article. If you think this one’s helpful to you, feel free to share this with others who are also interested in fake tans.

Have a great tanning day!