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Editor’s Note: Updated on March 15, 2024.
I don’t know about you, but I love it when my skin has a bronzed sunkissed glow. Unfortunately, living in New York City doesn’t present many opportunities to lie on a beach outside of the summer months. Since moving to a tropical climate isn’t ideal at the moment, I use self tanner whenever I’m in the mood to achieve a radiant glow for the rest of the year.
After tons of trial and error, I know a thing or two about which self-tanning products make you darkest, which ones achieve your desired glow the quickest and which ones have helpful skincare ingredients. I’ve been through the wringer when it comes to tanning, so my friends often turn to me for guidance. Without further ado, here are my top self tanner picks from Amazon — all under $50!
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops
When I’m in the mood for a more subtle tan, I opt for the L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Facial Drops. Not only does it deliver a bronzed glow, but it’s made with hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin. Gotta love it when tanning meets skincare!
Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam
When it comes to testing out new self tanners, I always look to customer reviews for help. The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam has over 25,000 perfect five-star reviews on Amazon, so I was excited to try it out and it lived up to the hype. This lightweight foam kept my skin bronzed and streak-free.
b.tan Love at First Tan Darker Self-Tanner
I discovered this b.tan tanning mousse at the beginning of the pandemic, and it single-handedly saved me when I couldn’t get spray tans during quarantine. This particular shade (Love at First Tan) has a violet base that leaves your skin with a gorgeous brown tan. If you want dark color at an unbeatable price, then b.tan is your best bet!
Tan-Luxe The Crème
I’ve always had trouble tanning my hands and feet with regular self tanner — somehow the result always appears orange and splotchy. This Tan-Luxe crème is the perfect solution, gradually developing color and hydrating my skin at the same time.
Loving Tan 2-Hour Express Mousse
Need to get tan in a pinch? This Loving Tan Express Mousse is great on the go! Simply apply the mousse and shower off after two hours. Plus, Paige DeSorbo said it’s the “holy grail” of at-home spray tans!
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Body Butter
Sometimes, I’m not in the mood to rub sticky self-tanner all over my body and avoid light-colored surfaces for the following four to 12 hours. In those instances, this Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Body Butter is a lifesaver. The creamy formula nourishes my skin without staining my sheets.
Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Self-Tanner
The OG self tanner! This Jergens lotion is tried and true. Plus, the firming formula tightens skin to cover up cellulite.
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops
Don’t forget about tanning your face! Mix these Coco & Eve bronzing face drops in with your moisturizer for a natural color that blends in with your body. Bonus points for a delightful coconut smell!
