2019 Self-Tanning Products: Rated

Everyone loves getting a tan. There’s no denying it. Being tanned is always a flattering look, not to mention that somehow it makes you look like you’ve put in a load of effort into your getup even if you haven’t. But unfortunately, some of us aren’t as prone to naturally tanning as others. If we were to wait to get a natural tan we’d either become very burnt lobsters or still be just as pasty in a million light years. This is where fake tanning comes in. People often look down on tanning products as too, well, fake, much in the same way that people are judged for getting Botox. But there’s no shame whatsoever in obtaining a nice golden glow no matter how you’ve acquired it. With such a wide range of fake tan options out there, however, it can be hard to know which is the right one to choose. Which is why we’ve compiled a list of some of the self-tanning products available at the moment, and which ones are the right ones if you want to get a dark, even, glow.

1. Professional Self Tan Mousse- St. Moriz

St. Moriz‘s self-tanning series is a perfect example of a budget tan that actually works really well. This tan gives you a lovely long-lasting dark colour, that really is streak free. The only issue is that it can go patchy after a week or so, and it does have the tendency to develop a slightly green tinge after being left in the bottle for a while.

Rating: 3/5

2. Self Tan Dark Mousse- St.Tropez

Price- wise, St. Tropez is slightly less of an ideal buy, but with good reason. This gorgeous mousse gives you completely even coverage, and a more golden, but still dark colour, which really does look so natural it’s almost perfect.

Rating: 4.5/ 5

3. Self Tanning Foam- Bondi Sands

Even if you’re not a tan guru yourself, Bondi Sands will be one you’ve heard of: a thick foam that comes in a whole range of shades, (though most famous for its dark and ultra dark colour finishes). The dark golden glow you get from Bondi Sands is almost as divine as the final effect you get from St. Tropez, but significantly more affordable. And if you’re not sold by the price tag, you 100% will be by the positively addictive coconut fragrance.

Rating: 4.7/ 5

4. DermaSpa Summer Revived Lotion- Dove

Dove‘s “DermaSpa Summer Revived Lotion” is another product that smells amazing, embued with caramel extract. This is a gradual tanning moisturiser, so a perfect choice if you want to build a more natural, less intense looking tan up slowly.

Rating: 3/5

5. Self- Tanning Water- Isle of Paradise

The Isle of Paradise tanning brand is certainly one you can trust- created by celebrity spray tanner and famous tan expert Jules Von Hepp. Not only does it give you very even coverage, its ingredients include colour correctors, so it both tans you and corrects the pigment in your skin. The Isle of Paradise tanning line gives your skin a colour which is slightly lighter than the Bondi Sands dark range, but is perfect if you want a deep glow. We especially love their “Tanning Water”, due to the fact that it is both clear and quick-dry, so that it doesn’t come off on bed-sheets/ pyjamas- which is ideal for those of us who are used to orange-stained duvets!

Rating: 4.5/ 5

6. Summer Body Gradual Tan Moisturiser-Garnier

Garnier‘s “Summer Body” range is another gradual tanner that comes in the form of a moisturiser. It isn’t the best product for a very dark tan, but if you want a slight glow it is good at evening out blotchiness and ensuring that you aren’t too pasty- plus, it has a delicious peach fragrance. The only issue is that the finish can be slightly orangey, rather than the bronzed glow you can get from other tanning products.

Rating: 2/5

7. Body Tinted Lotion Clinique

The great think about this Clinique tanning lotion is that it is probably the product with the least patchy finish- leaving barely any patchy areas on your skin at all. It has a smooth, light finish, with a citrusy smell and a slight shimmer to it, plus it is super easy to apply! The only issue is that even the darker shade has a lighter finish compared to other tanning products, so this isn’t the best product when it comes to wanting a deep, long-lasting tan.

Rating: 4/5

8. Flawless Self Tan Liquid- Fake Bake

Fake Bake Tanning Products are ones that a lot of YouTubers especially absolutely love, due to its splotchy, even coverage, and the fact that it blends very well. Plus, this product actually comes with the mitt included which is truly fantastic! The finish is a bronze colour, which is dark, but not as dark as some of the Bondi Sands and Isle of Paradise products.

Rating: 4.2/5

In conclusion, then, our favourite product has to be the self-tanning foam from Bondi Sands; the price to quality ratio is fantastic, and, what can we say? That amazing smell won us over! Our close seconds would be the St. Tropez and Isle of Paradise tans, followed by the Clinique and Fake Bake products. St Moriz will always be a great way to get a good tan for cheaps, and Dove is a lovely way to develop a light, natural tan. Garnier’s tan would be our least favourite, but with the easy application and peachy smell, it’s still a relatively good buy.