11 Best Self Tanners For Fair Skin, According To Reviews – 2023
Turn your fair skin to tined pink and neutral shades to get the sun-kissed look!
Expertise: Dermatology
Experience: 11 years
Dr. Enrizza Factor is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc. She is also a member of the Philippine Academy of Cutaneous Surgery and an Associate of ... more
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Looking for the best self-tanner for fair skin? We have just what you need. While finding a foundation or powder is easy for a lighter skin tone, choosing a tanner is where the real challenge kicks in. Fair skin turns pink on getting tanned, and going for shades of brown will only make you look unnatural. If you have been struggling to choose a tanner shade that compliments your undertone, we are here to help. Go through these 11 self-tanners specially crafted for fair skin.
Dr. Enrizza Factor, a certified dermatologist, says, “If you’re on the paler side, self-tanners are a great way to safely give your body a beautiful glow. Most are easy to apply and dry within minutes, making the process of having a tan before a big event or island vacation easier than expected. Start out by spending 10-15 minutes a day laying out in the sun. Wearing sunscreen (always) with a minimum of SPF of 30. After a few days, increase to 15-20 minutes. After about a week, cap out at 30 minutes. The golden rule with fake tan is to never go so dark that it looks well, fake. If you have red hair and fair skin, we recommend two to three shades darker than your natural skin tone.”
In This Article
11 Best Self-Tanners For Fair Skin
1. Best Vegan: Best Vegan-Friendly: Beauty By Earth Self Tanning Lotion
Image: Beauty By Earth The Beauty By Earth Self Tanning Lotion is a vegan-friendly, cruelty-free self-tanning lotion. It is completely organic and does not come with the risk of skin cancer, sunburns, or early aging. This self-tanning lotion gives a nice sun-kissed glow to the skin without any streaks, orange hues, dark spots, or blotches. It contains ingredients like organic coconut oil, Japanese green tea, and shea butter that care for your skin and offer a healthy-looking tan on fair skin.
This natural-looking tan for fair skin imparts a beautiful, healthy tan without you having to expose your skin to the harmful UV rays or dangerous chemicals. The buildable self-tanner offers visible results and can help you achieve the right shade of tan for your skin. It does not contain parabens, phthalates, and other chemical-based ingredients. Instead, it contains non-nano minerals that protect the skin. Make sure you moisturize your skin before applying the tanning lotion. You may check more about this product via the reviewer’s experience shown in this video.
Pros
- Leaves skin with a natural tan
- 100% organic
- No streaks
- No blotches
- No marks
- No orange skin
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No harsh chemicals
Cons
- Smells after drying
- Fades away fast without reapplication
- May splotch after showering the next day
Pro Tip2. Best Coconut Fragrance: Tanceuticals Self Tanning Lotion
Image: Tanceuticals The Tanceuticals Self Tanning Lotion is one of the top self-tanning lotions on the market. It has an exclusive formula that leaves a natural and smooth tan over the skin. It leaves no streaks, blotches, or orangish hues. This tanning lotion uses acai berry, mango butter, and vitamin E to moisturize your skin and leave it glowing.
This light self-tanner for fair skin is easy to use and dries fast without leaving any marks on clothes or bedspreads. It lasts for a week without any need for reapplication. It does not contain any parabens or mineral oils and is not tested on animals. It has a coconutty fragrance and doesn’t use any artificial coloring. Apply the product on dry skin and massage in a circular motion for best results. Check out this video to learn more about the reviewer’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Leaves skin with an even tan
- Smooth skin
- No streaks
- No blotches
- No transfer stains
- Uses natural ingredients to moisturize the skin.
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Not tested on animals
- Coconutty fragrance
Cons
- Can be splotchy
- Packaging issues
- Might be diluted
3. Best Anti-Aging: Golden Star Beauty Self Tan Serum For Face
Image: Golden Star Beauty The Golden Star Beauty Self Tan Serum imparts a natural golden bronze tan to your face. This tanner also moisturizes the skin and gives a subtle tan on fair skin. It doesn’t leave any streaks or blotches and has no artificial smell. It also doesn’t turn skin orange and shows visible results. It is not greasy and leaves the skin feeling hydrated. It has anti-aging and rejuvenating properties that help nourish the skin and improve its elasticity.
This subtle self-tanner for fair skin is also non-comedogenic and doesn’t cause acne. It contains USDA-certified oils and extracts, vitamin B5, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and intense moisturizers. The product is paraben-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. When applying the lotion, avoid the lips and the hairline. Do not apply any makeup products before or after application.
Pros
- Leaves skin with a golden bronze tan
- No streaks
- No blotches
- Not greasy
- Doesn’t turn skin orange
- Non-comedogenic
- Uses USDA certified oils and extracts
- Clinically-tested
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to apply
- Anti-aging
- Improves skin elasticity
Cons
- May cause breakouts
- Packaging issues
Pro Tip4. Best Natural-Looking Tan:Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner
Image: Alba Botanica The Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner has a no-nonsense, quick-drying formula. The hydrating formula is enriched with a mixture of shea butter, orange peel oil, and almond oil that makes your skin feel soft and smooth. This self-tanner with fair skin undertones helps achieve a golden glow effortlessly. Plus, it’s non-streaky and glides smoothly over the skin to give you that gorgeous, sun-kissed glow without sun damage. However, for the best use, testing the self-tanner on a small area of your skin would be the best for safe and prolonged use.
Pros
- Quick absorbing
- Nourishing formula
- Non-greasy
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfates-free
- Phthalates-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
5. Best Vanilla Fragrance: Existing Beauty 1 Hour Express Dark Self Tanning Mousse & Moisturizer
Image: Existing Beauty The Existing Beauty Self Tanning Mousse leaves a bronze finish with a glow. It sets within a day and is the darkest on the second day. It does not leave any blotches, marks, or orangish hues. This bronze mousse for cool-toned fair skin has a vanilla fragrance and uses an exclusive formula to leave the skin feeling revitalized.
It is formulated with natural ingredients of the highest quality and can be used by people of all genders and ages. Once applied, if you want a medium or light tan, wash off the mousse after 30 minutes. Apply it to clean and moisturized skin for a golden tan on fair skin. Various reviews suggest that the product offers visible results of a naturally tanned look.
Pros
- No blotches
- No orange-colored skin
- Sweet vanilla fragrance
- Keeps skin moisturized
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May dry your skin out
- May leave streaks
- May cause an allergic reaction
Pro Tip6. Best For Glow:Jergens Natural Glow In-shower Lotion
Image: Jergens The Jergens Natural Glow In-shower Lotion is a quick-drying formula that imparts an otherworldly glow! This hydrating self-tanner for fair skin creates a flawless, natural-looking faux tan and can be used on wet skin for a sun-kissed look. It is enriched with shea butter that deeply moisturizes the skin to make it soft and supple. The tanning lotion has a light, fresh scent that invokes wide-awake feelings. Additionally, ensure that the lotion is tested beforehand on your skin to avoid any cases of skin problems.
Pros
- Hydrates
- Pleasant fragrance
- Fast-drying
- Streak-free
- Transfer-proof
Cons
- May turn slightly splotchy on the skin.
7. Best Hydration: Coola Self Tanning Oil Mist
Image: Coola The Coola Self Tanning Oil Mist aims to give a dewy but natural-looking tanned glow. Each application lasts up to three days. It leaves the skin feel soft and smooth. It tans the skin in a light bronze shade. You can add in more layers of application to darken the tan. The oil mist gets absorbed quickly and dries fast. This mist works wonders on the skin to create an even tan.
The main ingredients are argan oil, hibiscus, and aloe vera extract that offer a natural glow to fair skin. Argan oil contains fatty acids and vitamin E that help moisturize and deep condition the skin. The aloe vera extract provides hydration to the dehydrated skin. Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and amino acids that smooth wrinkles. The tanning oil mist also contains red raspberry seed oil, cocoa seed extract, buriti oil, linseed oil extract, and prickly pear extract, which are rich in antioxidants.
Hold the bottle two to four inches away and spray the micro mist over your skin. Rub the oil over the skin in a circular motion and leave it to dry. If you want a darker shade, reapply the mist. It is recommended to moisturize your skin before applying the tanning oil.
Pros
- Makes the skin soft and smooth
- Can be layered over other self-tanners
- Dries fast
- Moisturizes skin with natural emollients
- Anti-wrinkle
- Lightweight
- Reef-friendly
Cons
- May leave streaks
- May leave orange hue
- Difficult to maneuver the bottle
- May cause an allergic reaction
8. Best Fragrance-Free: Famous Dave’s Self Tanning Lotion
Image: Famous Dave's Tanner Famous Dave’s Self Tanning Lotion for pale skin can be applied to the face, legs, and hands. It develops color faster on the face and legs. It contains aloe vera, sesame, and jojoba, which moisturize and soften the skin and impart a healthy glow. The lotion is fragrance-free and does not turn the skin orange as it does not use stearic acid, triethanolamine, or mineral oils.
This lotion gives a natural sun-kissed tan. It dries fast and leaves your skin glowing. Apply this tanning lotion after a shower. You will have to rub it into your skin, and it dries quickly. It uses DHA to naturally tan your melanin cells at the top layer, leaving you with a light tan.
Pros
- Doesn’t leave the skin orange
- Dries fast
- Stearic acid-free
- Triethanolamine-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Moisturizes the skin
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May streak
- May have packaging issues
9. Best Non-Streaky: Best Drops: Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Image: Tan-luxe Tan-Luxe uses caffeine to firm and tone the skin. It helps your skin develop a natural-looking radiant glow. It evens out the skin tone and helps soothe any redness. It contains naturally derived raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E that moisturize the skin and gives you a flawless finish. It also contains Cellutone Complex that firms the skin and reduces cellulite. You can use this self-tan concentrate with any moisturizer or body butter for visible results in the form of a natural-looking, golden tan.
To use it, mix 2-12 drops with your regular moisturizer, serum, or oil. Spread this combination over your body to get an even tan. The more drops you add, the darker your tan will be. Two drops will leave you with a light tan, four drops will give you a natural sun-kissed tan, eight drops will leave you with a deep golden tan, and twelve drops will leave you with a bronzed tan.
Pros
- Tan can be made darker with more applications
- Revitalizes the skin
- No streaks
- No blotches
- Soothes redness
- Uses natural ingredients
- Ideal for warm-toned fair skin
Cons
- May impart an orangish hue if overused
- May cause a mild allergic reaction
10. Best Paraben-Free: St. Tropez Self Tanning Bronzing Water Mousse
Image: St. Tropez St. Tropez is a highly popular brand that is often used by celebrities. It leaves the skin with a natural golden tan. It uses a lightweight, clean water-foam formula, paired with naturally derived tanning actives. This leaves your skin tanned naturally and leave it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It doesn’t leave any orange hues and is vegan-friendly.
This bronzing water mousse gives a transparent and wearable tan. It does not transfer onto clothing and develops into a natural-looking golden tan in 4-8 hours. Apply the mousse and wait for 60 seconds for it to dry before getting dressed. It takes 8 hours for full color development. You can sport the tan without washing the mousse off. To keep the tan, apply the mousse daily.
Pros
- No need to rinse off
- Long-lasting
- Dermatologist-tested
- No transfer stains
- Dries fast
- Vegan-friendly
- No streaking
- No blotches
- No orange coloring
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- The scent may not be pleasing to everyone
11. Best For All Skin Tones: Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight Self Tanning Lotion
Image: Sun Laboratories The Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight Self Tanning Lotion is made with natural ingredients that not only impart a natural-looking golden tan to your skin but also rejuvenate and hydrate it and improve skin elasticity. This doctor-recommended product does not leave any streaks or blotches.
It is best to use this tanning lotion after a shower, exfoliation, and a shave. The aim is to remove dead skin cells before tanning the skin. As you apply the lotion, massage it into the skin in a circular motion. Wait for at least five hours before taking a shower. It takes eight hours for the tan to fully color your skin. Apply less lotion on the elbows, knees, and knuckles as they take in more color. Conduct a patch test on your skin to steer clear of any future skin adversities.
Pros
- No transfer stains
- Improves skin elasticity
- Tan can be darkened on further application
- No streaks
- No blotches
- Works for all skin tones
- Leaves the skin hydrated
Cons
- Packaging and delivery issues
- Color comes off while showering
When you are self-tanning, it is important to moisturize your skin, so the tan can be absorbed evenly. Take a shower, exfoliate your skin with a scrub, and once it is dry, apply the lotion evenly. Make sure you apply less tanner on the elbows and knees as they are dry and can absorb even very light color fast.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Self-Tanners
When purchasing a self-tanner, one of the most important factors to consider is what goes in the formula. Those made with all-natural botanical extracts with a pleasant, natural scent are undoubtedly more skin-friendly than the ones containing harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Check out the infographic below to understand which ingredients to look for while buying a self-tanner.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Self-tanners are the new rage in the market. You can easily tan your skin and make it look absolutely flawless from the comfort of your home. Many self-tanners available on the market do not come with the risk of sunburns, premature signs of aging or a condition as deadly as skin cancer. Self tanners impart a healthy glow and help in moisturizing your skin. If you prefer organic, vegan, and cruelty-free products or are a beginner to indoor tanning, go for the Beauty By Earth Self Tanning Lotion. The Tanceuticals Self Tanning Lotion dries fast and delivers an even tone, while the St. Tropez Self Tanning Bronzing Water Mousse offers the most natural golden tan. These tanners hydrate your skin cells while making sure that your skin remains soft, supple, and smooth. However, while choosing the best self-tanner for yourself, it is better to avoid the ones that fade away faster if not reapplied frequently. You can also choose professional-grade products with soothing ingredients for a naturally tanned look!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author Oyendrila Kanjilal is a certified skin care coach. Her skin care product recommendations are unbiased and well-researched. This list of best self-tanners for fair skin is compiled after comb-searching the user reviews on valid and trusted online platforms. These are A-class products that do not streak. These products give a natural tan and glow to the skin. They are also easy to use and fuss-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you use self-tanners for fair skin?
Apply self-tanner every three to five days for fair skin.
How long should I wait to put clothes on after self-tanning?
Wait for at least 10 minutes before putting clothes on after using a self-tanner.
Is self-tanning mousse or lotion better for fair skin?
A self-tanning lotion is a nourishing formula that takes a lot of time to dry. On the other hand, a self-tanning mousse is an easy-to-apply formula that dries quickly. Therefore, mousses are better than lotions.
What color makes fair skin look tan?
Deeper colors like navy blue or red perfectly contrast your fair skin and make it look tanned.
Should I get a spray tan, if I am fair?
Yes. Use a spray tan to evenly spread the color on your fair skin and achieve radiant tanned skin.
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