As summer 2025 approaches, the era of lying in the sun for a tan is long gone. Today, the savvy choice is to achieve that sun-kissed look with self-tanners, ensuring skin safety by avoiding harmful UV exposure that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Thanks to remarkable advancements in formulations, achieving a flawless, even tan has never been easier, with options that eliminate streaking, odors, and transfer onto clothes.

According to leading tanning expert James Read, known for his work with celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Victoria Beckham, the latest self-tan products are not only bronzers but are infused with nourishing ingredients that are customizable for every user, making them ideal for both novices and pros alike.

Tanning Drops

Tanning drops are perfect for beginners and allow for customizable color depth. Expert James Harknett advises starting with a drop or two to align with your natural skin tone and gradually building up to your desired shade by mixing with facial serum or moisturizer and applying nightly.

Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops, £20

Originating from Australia, these drops boast hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and marine collagen, along with bioactive Pentavitin, which enhances the skin’s barrier.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Drops, £20

This iconic brand offers a hero product that is both alcohol and fragrance-free, ideal for delicate skin. Enriched with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and azelaic acid, it helps minimize breakouts while providing a beautiful glow.

Caudalie Self-Tan Sun Drops, £19

More of a complexion enhancer than a dark tanner, these drops add warmth with their organic grape water infusion, keeping skin hydrated and soft throughout the day.

Mists and Serums

For a gentler, more subtle tan while also nurturing the skin, mists and serums are recommended for nighttime use before bed. Utilizing a complexion sponge ensures an even application, followed by an oil-free moisturizer to uphold the tan.

Nuxe Prodigieuse Boost Self-Tanning Serum, £38

This weightless serum does not leave a sticky residue and boasts a pleasant aroma, delivering a natural-looking tan while hydrating the skin effectively.

Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Face Serum, £42

This beloved gradual tanning solution is revamped with improved ingredients such as marine bio-retinol and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, promoting skin firmness and a natural glow.

Whind Marrakech Sun Bronzing & Hydrating Body Mist, £35

A quick spray of this mist revitalizes dull skin, enhancing its natural appearance with hydration from ingredients like DHA, prickly pear, and aloe vera.

Mousses

Though they may seem intimidating, self-tanning mousses are user-friendly, gliding on smoothly and often featuring a color guide for precision. Harknett recommends using a mitt and applying in circular motions to avoid streaking.

Kopari Gradual Self-Tanning Mousse, £34

This quick-drying mousse prevents unwanted orange stains on linens and combines clarity with fast applications, but caution is advised due to its transparent nature.

BaliBody Deep Violet Self Tanning Mousse, £31

This violet-infused formula neutralizes undesirable yellow and orange tones, providing a deep olive bronze, preferred by more experienced self-tanners.

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Express Tanning Antioxidant Mousse, £29

With fragrant notes of coconut and mango, this mousse offers a beautiful dark tan that develops overnight, with a fast formula that can be rinsed off after just one hour while continuing to develop throughout the day.

Gels and Lotions

Ideal for sensitive or dry skin types, gels and lotions provide hydration while tanning, with the added advantage of time for seamless blending. Harknett emphasizes the need to carefully treat areas prone to uneven color, such as knees and elbows.

Dior Solar The Self-Tanning Gel, £59

Offering a luxurious amber glow reminiscent of sun-soaked weekends in the French Riviera, this gel promotes a smooth and radiant tan.

Loving Tan 2 HR Express Tanning Lotion, £32

This lightweight lotion includes a color guide for flawless application and develops a natural tan visible within 24 hours after a quick rinse.

Skin & Tan Face Glow Deep Hydration Sleepover Tan Mask, £20

This gradual tanning mask is more akin to a silky lotion that enhances skin hydration overnight, resulting in a naturally radiant complexion.

Instant Tanners

Instant tanners provide the quickest way to achieve a summer glow and easily wash off, making them ideal for topping up an existing tan for enhanced depth.

Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow, £22

This contouring liquid, favored by Kim Kardashian’s tanning artist Isabel Alysa, offers easy application with its user-friendly design that sculpts and gradually tans.

Filter by Molly-Mae Tan Tonic Express, £21

Ideal for immediate application, this tanning water for face and body provides a natural glow quickly, being transfer-resistant for worry-free wear.

Sculpted by Aimee Body Base Instant Body Tan Shimmer, £16

This shimmer lotion adds a festive touch for special occasions, providing a radiant finish while also being available in a matte version.

Expert Tanning Tips

To prepare your skin, exfoliate a few days prior with scrubs containing AHAs, BHAs, or retinol for the best results. It’s crucial to focus on areas where self-tan may cling, like under the breasts and strap lines.

When applying tan, do so in a cool, humidity-free environment, steering clear of immediate post-shower application. A layer of Vaseline on the eyebrows can prevent discoloration there.

For tan removal, a dip in the pool or a session in the steam room can expedite the process, followed by gentle exfoliation to get rid of remaining color.

For difficult areas like the hands and feet, consider using self-tanning mists. If using creams or mousses, a makeup brush can help blend those challenging spots.

To avoid streaks, apply in thin layers for an even appearance, as over-application can lead to unevenness. After tanning, wait before putting on your bra to prevent strap lines.

Finally, avoid applying self-tanner before hair treatments, as they can strip away color, and ensure at least 48 hours pass after waxing or 24 hours after shaving before tanning.

To extend your tan’s longevity, moisturize daily and take warm showers, gently patting your skin dry without scrubbing.