Tanning mousses, tanning lotions, and tanning creams are all familiar formulas in the world of fake tan, but in the last few years, tan has become one of the most innovative beauty categories out there. With something now available for all skin types, from dry and sensitive to skin that’s a little breakout-prone, it has never been easier to get your glow on with the help of some of the best self-tanning products.
Whether you prefer tanning mists, gels, or 1-hour express mousses with either a subtle or deep bronze, there are plenty of glow-giving options to choose from. Scroll down to discover the best self-tanning products we’ll be reaching for this summer, as tried, tested, and approved by our very own BEAUTY BAY shoppers.
The Best Self-Tanners With 5* Reviews
When it comes to self-tanning, why trust anything less than the best? These top-rated products have earned glowing reviews from our BEAUTY BAY shoppers for their flawless results, hydration, and long-lasting bronzing abilities. Whether you’re looking for a quick tan, a gradual build, or an ultra-natural finish, this sun-kissed lineup is sure to impress.
1. By BEAUTY BAY Future Bronze Body Base
Why we love it: Mattifying and moisturising, it instantly blurs, bronzes, and evens out the skin tone.
Our favourite 5* review: “This was perfect for making my natural tan look even and better. It gives that bronzed goddess look. Smells lovely too” – Sonia K.
Get flawless skin with the By BEAUTY BAY Future Bronze Body Base. This blurring, lightweight body makeup gives an instant tint of tan whilst evening out the skin tone. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, castor oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil, it leaves skin matte, moisturised, and flawlessly bronzed.
2. SOSU Cosmetics Dripping Gold Tanning Mousse
Why we love it: Packed with hydrating ingredients, this tan creates a streak-free, golden glow.
Our favourite 5* review: “I religiously buy this tan. Compared to the others I have tried this one works the best for me. It also dries pretty fast! Highly recommend.” – Mel. C.
Get ready to glow like a golden goddess with SOSU Cosmetics Dripping Gold Mousse. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like vitamins A and E, hyaluronic acid, and goji berry, this lightweight, streak-free formula glides on effortlessly for a flawless, sun-kissed tan – no rays required.
3. Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops
Why we love it: These drops deliver a customisable, hydrating glow while seamlessly blending into your skincare routine.
Our favourite 5* review: “LOVE this! Does exactly what it says on the tin, a subtle tan to mix in your with your moisturiser and looks so natural!” – Jennifer…
A few drops of the Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops turns your favourite night cream or body moisturiser into a bespoke self-tanner that builds colour subtly, giving you the kind of tan you can pass off as your own. Providing all the results with half of the effort, it’s ideal for beginners and gives skin a noticeable glow in just one use.
4. Bondi Sands Technocolour 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam
Why we love it: Designed to enhance your unique skin tone, this tanning foam hydrates and bronzes your skin in just one hour.
Our favourite 5* review: “Amazing tan, lasts such a long time, looks so natural and glowy!” – Chloe.
Gone are the days where your fake tan doesn’t complement your skin tone. The Bondi Sands’ Technocolour 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam not only develops in just one hour, making it perfect for those last minute plans, but each shade works to enhance your natural skin tone rather than change it. The result? Your best, most natural-looking bronze yet.
5. EFFN Tanning Foam
Why we love it: This foam is quick-drying, non-sticky, and leaves skin with a customisable glow.
Our favourite 5* review: “The best! Tried so many but this one has pretty much no smell and dries to such a natural colour on me! It’s not super sticky either” – Hannah R.
Tailor your tan to your bronzy preferences with the EFFN Tanning Foam, featuring colour guidance to give you an idea of how glowy you’ll be left looking. Quick-drying, non-sticky, and hydrating, becoming your summer-ready self has never been easier.
6. Loving Tan 2 HR Express Deluxe Bronzing Mousse
Why we love it: This fast-developing mousse delivers a flawless, streak-free tan that develops in just two hours.
Our favourite 5* review: “Favourite tanning product! I have been using this for years and love it. It gives the best colour and lasts really well. Application is quick and easy with great results” – Kirsty
Get your glow on with Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse, delivering a natural, post-holiday tan in just two hours. With immediate colour that deepens for a flawless finish, this quick-drying, streak-free formula makes tanning a breeze. Plus, it smells amazing and lasts for at least five applications.
7. Tan-Luxe The Gradual
Why we love it: This gradual lotion creates a buildable glow that leaves skin soft, smooth, and subtly sun-kissed.
Our favourite 5* review: “Amazing product. It leaves no marks and the colour looks really natural, no orange tones. Totally recommend” – Calina
Tan-Luxe is a tanning favourite, constantly innovating with new products, but we’re still obsessed with their bestseller, Tan-Luxe The Gradual. With a lower pH for a more natural-looking tan and less DHA odour, it’s also packed with hydrating raspberry seed oil, glycerin, and vitamin E to keep skin soft and help your tan last longer.
8. The Fox Tan Gradual Body Lotion
Wake up to your bronzed skin of dreams with The Fox Tan Gradual Glow Body Lotion. Packed with pomegranate, passionfruit, and a blend of skin-loving oils, this lightweight lotion hydrates and nourishes while building you a perfectly sun-kissed tan. From head-to-toe, this lotion provides the ultimate glow-up.
9. Tanologist Self Tan Mousse
Why we love it: This dreamy mousse delivers a quick, streak-free glow that’s ultra-hydrating, transfer-proof, and lasts up to a week.
Our favourite 5* review: “Beautiful. Honestly gives you the most beautiful natural glow. 100% recommend” – Louise K.
If you’re still feeling loyal to old-school mousse formulas, opt for this Tanologist Self Tan Mousse – it’s a water, but it dispenses in mousse form rather than as a mist. There’s no need to rinse off because there’s no residue, so you’ll have an even, streak-free, golden tan in 1-4 hours. One coat will give you a subtle, natural wash of colour which can be layered on daily to build the intensity.
FYI: This article was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated
