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Beauty/Skin/Self Tanners

Top 10 Face Self-Tanners

Hands Down, These Are The Best Face Self-Tanners For A Natural-Looking Glow

Image credits: sephora

Summer is a social season. There are vacations, pool parties, backyard barbeques, and weddings to attend, all of which you want to put your best face forward. While it may be tempting to hit the tanning bed or lay out in the sun for a few hours to achieve that perfect sunkissed complexion, we suggest avoiding the potential sun damage and opting for a self-tanner instead.

Self-tanners come in various forms, with the most popular types being lotions, mousses, drops, and sprays. You may be wondering: What type of facial self-tanner is right for me? That answer depends on your skin type. If you’re acne-prone and oily, a mousse or water-based self-tanner is probably best. Mists are lightweight and ideal for those with combo skin, while an oil-based drop formula will provide those with dry skin some much-needed hydration—especially because this type of self-tanner is often mixed with a moisturizer for application. 

TL;DR: Self-tanners aren’t that complicated, but if you choose one that doesn’t jive with your skin’s chemistry, you’ll regret the day you bought it. The wrong shade can result in a color that’s more orange than golden, and an improper application will leave behind streaks that even the best foundation can’t fix. Don’t fret though, because we’ve rounded up a list of the absolute best facial self-tanners out there, including options that speak to a range of skin types and price points. 

How We Found The Best Facial Self-Tanners

We carefully curated this list with the help of our cutting-edge algorithm, a proprietary tool that identifies products using a variety of tried-and-true data. Think beauty editor recommendations, best-seller lists, rave reviews, and more. Ahead, take a look at the best facial self-tanners for selfies, beach days, and everything in between.

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May 21, 2024

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: target
Rank & Style Approved

target

Tanologist Sunless Self Tanning Drops

Overall Score

4.55

10

Tanologist Sunless Self Tanning Drops

4.3

12201 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Clear Face Self Tanner

WHAT TO KNOW
The Sunless Self Tanning Drops are designed to be added to moisturizers, making it easy to infuse a little color into your skincare routine. Their non-comedogenic formula features pink grapefruit, goji berry, and juniper to help you achieve a glowing, smooth complexion.

APPLICATION TIP
You can use the Tanologist's Sunless Self Tanning Drops on both your face and body. Two to four drops will give you a slightly sunkissed look, while eight to 12 drops will develop into a deep bronze shade.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


B.Tan Self Tan Drops

Overall Score

4.6

09

B.Tan Self Tan Drops

4.07

2421 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Face And Body Self Tanner

WHAT TO KNOW
B.Tan's Self Tan Drops provide buildable color for both the face and the body. Add them to your everyday lotion for effortless blending and watch what happens overnight. Heads-up: A handful of reviewers say the bottle is prone to tipping over, so make sure you replace the cap between uses.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I am in love with this stuff! I have ordered it about five or six times now. It gives the most natural glow and it's easy to adjust how dark you would like it. I have gotten so many compliments on my “tan” with people even asking if I’d gone on vacation. Easy to use and good results."

More Colors

More Colors


Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum

Overall Score

4.6

08

Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum

4.48

2205 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

2

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Face Self Tanner For Mature Skin

WHAT TO KNOW
Coola’s face serum is a twofer that naturally tans the skin and addresses signs of aging. Its reef-safe formula is made with a beet-derived DHA that illuminates, while Centella Asiatica, a staple in K-beauty products, reduces the appearance of fine lines. 

APPLICATION TIP
Wait two to four hours to see a visible difference, and if you want a subtler glow, mix it with your moisturizer instead of using it alone.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops

Overall Score

4.65

07

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops

4.3

9591 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Face Self Tanner

WHAT TO KNOW
These tanning drops are a perfect companion for your moisturizer thanks to the hyaluronic acid-rich formula—free of fragrance and dermatologically tested, btw—that hydrates and brightens the complexion. Plus, they may be amongst the best tanning drops for fair skin (check out the review below for evidence).

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This product makes me look like I came straight from Hawaii in the middle of summer, even though I live in the snow and never see the sun. All these years of looking like a pale fish in the winter when I could have been using this all along! [...] Also, I have rosacea, and this product does not irritate my skin at all! Will definitely be purchasing again."


Beauty By Earth Face Self Tanner

Overall Score

4.75

06

Beauty By Earth Face Self Tanner

4.39

24484 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Fast-Acting Face Self Tanner

WHAT TO KNOW
With shea butter, aloe vera, argan oil, and Japanese tea tree, Beauty by Earth's Face Self Tanner isn't lacking any skin-nourishing ingredients. As the name suggests, this product is meant to be used on the face (not the body), but you should apply it to your decolletage to create a seamless-looking tan.

APPLICATION TIP
For the best results, gently exfoliate your face before applying this product. Apply the tanner to your face and neck using a mitt to prevent color transfer. Then, wait at least six hours for the color to develop before adding more.

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

Overall Score

4.8

05

Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

4.47

1554 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Clean Face Self Tanner

WHAT TO KNOW
Half self tanner, half skincare serum—that's the idea behind Lux Unfiltered's N°12 Bronzing Face Drops. Packed with powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, pomegranate extract, coconut water, and vitamin E, the drops will help you glow from within while adding a tinge of tan to your complexion.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This will be a staple in my daily/weekly routine. I love the finished tanned look. I hardly wear foundation and these drops give a great tanned look. Giving the look of foundation. The product is lightweight. I mix with my serum or face cream. I apply it all over and down my neck. I also use their lotion for all over body. Highly recommend!"


Coco And Eve Bronzing Face Drops

Overall Score

4.8

04

Coco And Eve Bronzing Face Drops

4.57

2065 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Face Self Tanner For Dry Skin

WHAT TO KNOW
When adding products into your daily routine, breakouts probably top your list of concerns. If that’s the case, you'll love these drops—the formula is rich in natural ingredients (banana, coconut water, dragon fruit), and the natural DHA delivers a tan in just two hours and lasts for days.

APPLICATION TIP
Add just two to three drops to your moisturizer and use it once a week to maintain your glow.

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


St. Tropez Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

Overall Score

4.85

03

St. Tropez Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

4.36

10099 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Face Self Tanner Mist

WHAT TO KNOW
St. Tropez is basically the Rolls Royce of self-tanning products, with a range that includes foams, lotions, mists, and more. This tropically scented face mist is a user-friendly option that also protects the skin from environmental stressors with hibiscus flower extract. 

APPLICATION TIP
Spray in a downward motion over the face and neck before applying makeup or moisturizer. It can be used daily or until you achieve the color you want.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Isle Of Paradise Self Tanning Drops

Overall Score

4.9

02

Isle Of Paradise Self Tanning Drops

4.28

12552 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Face Self Tanner For Uneven Skin

WHAT TO KNOW
Think of this less as a self-tanner and more as a color corrector. Available in three shades, the formula works with your natural tone to tamp down redness and even things out to a glowy complexion that's uniquely you. It’s also to your face what conditioner is to your hair, giving it plenty of moisture via coconut and avocado oils.

APPLICATION TIP
Add anywhere from two to 12 drops to your moisturizer. The more drops, the deeper the glow.

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Overall Score

4.95

01

Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

4.29

6191 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Face Self Tanner Overall

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Tan-Luxe’s award-winning Self-Tan Drops are renowned for their skincare-first formula, which addresses dryness and uneven texture with organic tanning actives and moisture-rich ingredients. It can be used in conjunction with your moisturizer or serum and provides results within hours.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
“I am addicted! I love to have a healthy tan in the summer, but I want to protect my face from wrinkles, and this is the solution. Also, when I tan, my face always fades before my body. Not anymore with this self-tanner!”

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty

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