Choosing a self-tanner is very personal. The three main considerations when shopping for a self-tanner are the color you’d like to achieve, how much you want to spend, and how you want to apply it. All three of these factors depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences, so we’ve reviewed a variety of self-tanners to help you pick a product you’ll love. Let’s get right to it.
Features
Fake Bake is synonymous with self-tanning in the US. Whether you’re new to self-tanning or an aficionado, you’re probably familiar with this popular brand. It offers a wide range of self-tanning sprays and lotions for every skin color, plus cosmetics and body lotions.
The Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid includes a mitt for application. It comes in one shade—Luxurious Golden Bronze—which is appropriate for any skin tone. Its streak-free formula is easy to apply, because you can instantly see the color appear on your skin. It dries quickly and absorbs in seconds, which prevents it from staining your clothing and other fabrics your skin may come in contact with throughout the day.
One of our favorite things about the Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid is that it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals, parabens, or artificial preservatives. Instead, it uses DHA, DMI, and Erythrulose. It also has a relaxing tropical scent.
If you have ever seen someone’s self-tanning gone wrong, you know too well that this is a nightmare to both the individual and people around them. Anyone using these products wants that blended-in, bronzed look and failing to achieve it can be frustrating. But the worst thing is dealing with the strikes and stripes that result from self-tanning done the wrong way. You need to look great and feel confident, so don’t let the slightest mistake ruin your day. All you need to do is be keen on several things.
When shopping for a self-tanner, make sure to get the right tinting. This kind of tanner will be easy to apply straightaway after a refreshing
bubble bath. Several other options out there will offer almost the same results, but you will have to wait for a chemical reaction with the skin for the effect to set in.
The scent in these tans is yet another aspect to be keen on when shopping. Some tans come with a strong scent that could last for hours on your skin or clothes. Whether you want a scented or non-scented tan, there are a number of options in stock for you; it is a matter of personal preference. What you should consider when looking for the right tan is whether it can stain your towels, bed linen, or carpets. So, if you don’t want to live the horror of discarding your favorite outfit due to stains, then you need to make sure you get the perfect tan for your needs.
Self-tanning is fun and a perfect way to get the best skin that will make you proud. You, of course, have
sunscreen in your arsenal of beauty products as you know the damaging effects the sun can have on your skin. If you want to stay looking your best, you should definitely consider a self-tanner as well.
While at it, there’s the brand
Banana Boat that has quality self-tanners that will also help give your skin that sun-kissed glow. Make sure to look at our selection of top five tans, but, before you even think of picking up a bottle, you need to check the features first.
Price
Considering all that self-tanners have to offer, you would think they fetch a high price. However, these products are moderately priced, with most of the offers on the market within the price range of $15 and $40.
Generally, the ingredients and ease of use is what will affect the price of a self-tanner. If you want to go for the one with natural extracts, then be ready to spend more for the quality, as these are effective and safe for your skin. If your tanner of choice has what it takes to be easily used in a DIY setting, then the price will most likely be on the higher side as well.
The brand affects the price as well. So, if you are looking for the brand everyone in the market is going for, you will get quality products; but be ready to spend more for it. However, what you need to be more concerned about is some cheap self-tanner offers on the market. These might seem enticing, but do not go that way if you know what you need. Such offers can be low-cost, but the products could lack the essential qualities for easy use and efficiency such as blending well in your skin.
Features
If you want a good self-tanner, there are several features to consider. Each tanner offers a variety of qualities that really make it stand out.
These are some of the features to look out for:
- Type – First, self-tanners come in a variety of types: lotion, gradual, mousses, and liquid ones. All these offer different features for users, so you can always make the most of the variety and get yourself a great self-tanner for your skin.
- Shade(s) – The other interesting feature in most self-tanners is the shades, which come in a wide variety of options too. Whether you want a medium (buildable), a classic, or a luxurious Golden Bronze, you will get them all on the market. If it suits your fancy, you can also get the Golden Standard (Buildable) option.
- Skin Type – Another important aspect to consider at this stage is the type of skin any tanner is ideal for, but there is a catch. The good news is these products work well with different types of skin. If your skin is dry, you will find a tanner made for that purpose. For those with medium to dark skin, there are also self-tanners designed for that purpose. Above all, if you are not sure which one is best for your needs, then you can go for one that works with all skin types.
- Ingredients – Well, self-tanners are produced from a broad range of ingredients, and all are meant to offer you the best product possible. Talk of grape seed oil, chamomile, green tea, Aloe Vera, and Gingko extract. Others include Propylene glycol, Vitamin E, and Glycerin, to mention but a few. The best thing is that most of these products are made from natural extracts that ensure the best performance without compromising your health.
- Size(s) – When it comes to the sizes, you will have something to love about tanners. The variety they come with offers something for everyone, so you can grab the one that will cater to your needs. Some of the products come in a variety of up to ten sizes per brand. Others have different sizes, ranging from 4 ounces all the way up to 13 ounces.
Construction and Design
The way any self-tanner is designed goes a long way in making this product stand out from all else. This has a lot to do with several features, and here are some of the best types to check out.
Self-tanning Moisturizer
These have low levels of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is the potent ingredient found in most sunless self-tanners. If used on a daily basis, this type offers an impressive sun-kissed tint over time. This type provides a great deal if you are looking for a tanner that you can use in sunny conditions.
Self-tanning Creams & Lotions
If you are looking for the real deal when it comes to sunless tanning, this one is for you. Since the formulas are well-tinted, it will be easier for you to spot any place you might have missed when applying your tanner. This way, things will be easier for you.
Sunless Gels and Mousses
This type is light and dries faster than most other options. Besides, layering the formulas is super easy, which gives you the opportunity to choose whether you want to customize your tanner for contouring or just seek to build coverage.
DIY Tanner Sprays
If you want a tanner that can cover large areas, then this one will not disappoint. All you need to do is apply it evenly, mostly in a circular way, from about six inches. It goes a long way in getting into the areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach, especially on your back.
Performance and Ease of Use
For any self-tanner to be effective, it has to offer a considerable level of performance. The best self-tanners will always provide you with reasons to love them.
A Good Hint of Color
In most cases, investing in any tanner and using it will be aimed at one major goal: a hint of color. Well, these tanners will give you exactly that, and, more importantly, many other advantages too. One of them is the fact that most tanners are ideal for seasoned users and novice self-tanners alike. So, whether you are a pro or are just starting out, these tanners will always have something for you.
Maintaining Your Glow
When you are on vacation, you will most likely expose your skin to a different climate. Keeping your skin at its best could be a serious challenge, but not when you have your tanner handy. What places these products among the best is that you can maintain your glow despite where you are or how different the conditions become. And if you come across tanning pads, then make the most of them as well because they will help to ensure you don’t apply too much of the product. They make the process a real breeze.
Ease of Use
The other thing you will come to love about tanners is the products' ease of application. You don’t have to be an acrobatic pro to be able to apply the tanner all over your body. Some of them have the right qualities for helping it spread to areas that may be difficult to reach. If you’re alone in the house, then going the do-it-yourself way will be the only resort, and most of these tanners are built for that.
Portability
Above all, the portability of these products makes them the real deal when it comes to using them virtually anywhere. Thanks to the ideal size and sleek designs, you can easily carry your tanner in the smallest bag along with other personal stuff, so you can use it whenever needed. What could be better than a product that you can use on the go? Well, tanners will take you there, while still offering the same performance and efficiency.
Easy Blending
Usually, blending your tanner might seem difficult if you aren’t used to the practice. But the best part is that since most tanners don’t absorb into the skin the moment you apply the product, you still have a few seconds to blend so that you can get the best results possible.
We know beyond a doubt that each one of the products we’ve reviewed today will help you obtain a natural, healthy-looking glow. But if you are not satisfied yet, make sure to check out our recommended brands for the best self-tanner offers that will give you every reason to smile all the way to the office. Good luck convincing your co-workers you haven’t been on vacation!
