The 8 Best Fake Tans for a Sun-Kissed Glow All Year Round
Words by Bella Backwell
7th September 2026
A golden glow has long been beauty’s ultimate shortcut for radiant, healthy looking skin. But with our increased understanding of the harmful effects of UV rays on our skin, sunbathing has fallen a touch out of favour – meaning that often the most enviable bronze is achieved with a bottle rather than a beach.
Luckily, today’s self-tan formulas have mastered the art of imitation, pairing cutting-edge skincare with a believable, luminous glow.
Read on for our edit of the best self-tanners for a sun-kissed finish that lingers long after summer signs off.
The Best Fake Tans for Body
Best Tan Extender
Lancaster Golden Tan Maximiser After Sun Oil
While the sunshine may be behind us, your tan doesn’t have to be. Lancaster’s Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Oil is designed to help extend that coveted post-holiday glow, thanks to a blend of nourishing and soothing ingredients that hydrate skin and help reduce peeling, allowing your tan to linger for longer.
Best Natural Tan
Sensai Silky Bronze Self Tanning for Body
Self-tan has come a long way since the streaky formulas and unmistakeable orange tints of years gone by. But when it comes to achieving a truly believable glow, Sensai still stands apart. The silky gel-cream formula glides on effortlessly, while the brand’s signature skincare expertise ensures skin feels as good as it looks. The result? A lit-from-within radiance that mimics a week spent by the sea, no passport required.
Best Instant Tan
By Terry Tea to Tan
Sun-kissed looking skin in seconds? Sign us up. Both editor-approved and TikTok-viral, the By Terry Tea to Tan is the ultimate shortcut when last-minute plans call for a little extra radiance. Lightweight, refreshing and impressively long-wearing, this formula is packed with 97 per cent naturally derived ingredients, plus a blend of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants.
Best Nourishing Tan
St. Tropez Luxe Body Serum
Heatwaves, overzealous air conditioning and sweaty summer commutes can leave skin crying out for a little extra TLC. Enter St. Tropez’s multi-tasking hero. Powered by skincare saviours, including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and collagen, this hard-working hybrid nourishes, hydrates and reduces redness in one effortless swipe. Lightweight and luminous, it leaves behind a glossy, healthy-looking radiance usually reserved for post-holiday skin.
The Best Fake Tans for Face
Best Skincare-Infused Tan
Dr. Barbara Sturm Everything Bronzing Drops
Few names in skincare carry the same cachet as Dr. Barbara Sturm. A mainstay on beauty insiders’ wishlists, the brand has built its reputation on high-performance formulas that deliver. The Everything Bronzing Drops are no exception, blending skincare expertise with instant radiance. Infused with light-reflecting pigments, cocoa seed and red clover extract, they leave skin looking smoother, brighter and naturally sun-kissed.
Best Make-Up-Tan Hybrid
Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops
If a Jennifer Aniston-level glow is the goal, consider this mission accomplished. Inspired by the actor’s enviable Californian complexion, these bronzing drops are designed to deliver instant summer skin. This lightweight formula pairs an amino-infused complex with carrot oil to help hydrate, nourish and firm the skin. And when it’s brand founder Gucci Westman’s desert island beauty pick, you know it’s worth the hype.
Best Moisturising Tan
Sisley Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care
Beloved by those in the know, think of the Sisley Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care as golden hour in a bottle. As the natural-looking colour develops, the moisturising formula gets to work behind the scenes, flooding skin with lightweight hydration, while helping to shield it from environmental aggressors.
Best Gradual Tan
Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist
Bottling the easy-going glow of an Australian summer, this face tan mist is a staple you’ll reach for on repeat. The lightweight spray delivers an even veil of coverage while helping to hydrate and smooth the complexion. Simply spritz, blend and get ready for a gentle faux glow.
The Best Pre-Tan Skin Prep
Best for Exfoliating
Loewe Tomato Leaves Body Scrub
Every great fake tan begins with proper prep, and Loewe makes the process feel decidedly more chic. This exfoliating body scrub buffs away roughness, leaving skin silky smooth and ready for even application. Infused with the brand’s cult-favourite Tomato Leaves scent, it instantly elevates your tanning ritual.
Best for Removing Build-Up
Three Warriors Exfoliating Glove
Consider this the unsung hero of your tanning routine. Three Warriors’ Exfoliating Glove polishes away roughness and dry patches, ensuring your self-tan glides on effortlessly. Better still, it’s thought to help improve circulation, boost collagen production and enhance overall skin texture.
Best for Clarifying
Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cleansing Balm
Beauty fanatics will already be familiar with Elemis’ best-selling Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, and now the brand has brought the same beloved formula to the body. Enriched with British botanical oils, this cleanser helps replenish moisture and strengthen the skin barrier, creating the ideal canvas for a streak-free tan.
Best for Smoothing and Firming
La Prairie Cashmere Body Cream
Think of this as the cashmere jumper of body creams. Rich, comforting and undeniably luxurious, it melts effortlessly into the skin without ever feeling heavy. Powered by ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and shea butter, it leaves skin silky smooth and perfectly primed for a flawless tan.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ultimate fake tan does more than bronzing alone. The standout formulas are easy to apply, streak-free and deliver a convincing glow, ideally with ingredients that help hydrate and smooth the skin beneath.
For mature skin, seek out products that pair a subtle glow with serious skincare benefits. Think hydrating ingredients and barrier-supporting actives to revive skin that feels dry or lacklustre, leaving a radiant finish.
For the most believable result, opt for a gradual tan that allows you to build colour slowly, creating a soft warmth over time. Plus, proper prep helps keep any telltale patchiness and streaks firmly off the agenda.






