5 Luxe Self-Tanners That Deliver a Golden Touch
Words by Maya Avram
There’s something undeniably appealing about a golden glow – it evokes late-summer getaways, effortless radiance and, yes, just the right amount of indulgence. But with growing awareness of UV damage and sunbed risks, self-tanning has become the smarter, skin-savvier alternative.
Once a quick fix, it’s now a luxury ritual in its own right. Today’s formulas are skincare-infused and impressively foolproof – it’s no wonder the category is booming and is projected to reach nearly $1.5 billion globally in the next five years, according to Reanin.
Ready to bronze without the burn? These self-tanners are the best place to start.
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Best for Boosting Radiance
Sisley Self-Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care
Highly recommended by celebrity make-up artist Zoë Taylor (@zoetaylormakeup on Instagram), Sisley’s gradual face tanner is an industry insider favourite for achieving a naturally glowing, subtly-tan visage – without the damage. The lightweight formula is creamy and easy to blend, fitting nicely at the end of your skincare routine – after SPF, of course. The best part? It’s totally buildable, allowing you to customise your desired level of coverage one layer at a time.
Best Gradual Tan
Dior Solar The Self-Tanning Gel
Dior sees the world through a prism of indulgence, and so it's no wonder that its gradual self-tanning gel delivers the most luxurious bronzing experience. From the subtle scent of rose to the lightweight, hydrating formula, this one is in a league of its own. It lends the skin a natural radiance after one single application, boasting an even glow that lasts around 96 hours without cracking or fading. The no-rinse formula also makes it easy to customise your desired level of coverage by allowing you to layer it up or down, but no matter which way you sway, expect to look divinely sun-kissed.
Best Hydrating Self-Tanner
Three Warriors Self-Tan Mousse
Hailing from the sun-soaked shores of Australia, Three Warriors has earned its cult status thanks to its expert approach to bronzing. This self-tanning mousse, for example, is formulated with hydrating ingredients like coconut and olive oils, as well as soothing aloe vera, that will leave you looking and feeling like a summer Siren.
But don’t take our word for it – tanning expert James Harknett (@jamesharknett_tan), who created Daisy Edgar-Jones’ bronzed look for the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, shares his expert application tips with Harper’s Bazaar: “In general, I apply it a night or two before an event. Seeing as Daisy is very fair, we go for a fine layer, then she leaves it on overnight and washes it off the next morning.”
Best for a Skincare-First Tan
Sensai Silky Bronze Self Tanning for Face
Skincare innovation is part of Sensai’s DNA, and so it’s no surprise that the brand brings that same approach to self-tanning. With a gel-to-cream texture, the silky smooth formula is easy to apply and quick to absorb, leaving you with a subtle, natural-looking tan that you can layer as you please. Reformulated to hydrate the skin and lend it an ultra-delicate feel, this version of the tried-and-tested staple will have you glowing in more ways than one.
Best Tan Extender
Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Oil
Few brands rival Lancaster’s expertise in sun (or in this case, post-sun) care. The French brand was famously favoured by no other than Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, who swore by its SPF and skincare lines. And while it has been some time since Ms Kelly has made that glowing recommendation, innovation at the brand is only getting smarter and better. Case in point? This oil-based tan extender. Formulated with melanin production actives in addition to soothing ingredients like calendula and macadamia oils, it can prolong your tan by up to one month, making summer last that little bit longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the result might be similar, instant and gradual tan vary from each other in how they are applied, how long it takes for them to work and upkeep. While instant tan delivers quick results, often lending the skin a bronzed appearance overnight, gradual tan takes longer to develop, and you may find yourself touching it up for a few consecutive days. However, the latter doubles as a moisturiser, eliminating the need to rinse it off post-application, and resulting in a halo effect rather than a thick coat. It’s all about personal preference.
The day before applying self-tan, exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and product build-up. Then, use an oil-free moisturiser (so that it doesn’t break down the tan) to ensure your skin is as smooth a canvas as can be.
With the right prep and post-application body care routine, your tan could last between five and seven days, as per Harknett. In the case of Edgar-Jones, he says that following those steps left her “looking as glowing as she did recently on the red carpet.”
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