Best fake tan

The best fake tans from our tests

If you want a natural and subtle tan then our best gradual fake tan, the Tan-Luxe Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion, is one to add to your beauty stash. The lightweight gradual tanner only needs a couple of reapplications throughout the week and as it's a lotion, you can forgo a tanning mitt (just remember to wash your hands after applying it). 

Testers with a medium or deep skin tone may find the Tan-Luxe lotion doesn't pack a punch. For a deeper tan that's half the price, the Skinny Tan Self-Tanning Whip has a glowy finish and suits a wider range of skin tones. 

Compare our results and prices at a glance in our table below or read on for our full reviews.

Best Buy: Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion 250ml

Pros

• Natural finish
• Easy to apply
• Absorbs quickly into the skin
• Pleasant scent
• Fades naturally so doesn’t require intense removal
• Our testers’ favourite

Cons

• Needs regular reapplications
• Only one shade – not the best for medium to dark skin tones

Our verdict Best gradual tan we tested

Type Gradual lotion

Shades One shade

This gradual tanning lotion was a hit with our testers. Most of them chose it as a favourite out of all the fake tans tested, so it's our top Best Buy recommendation and best gradual fake tan.

The lightweight self-tan lotion absorbed quickly into the skin and can be applied without a tanning mitt (just remember to wash your hands after rubbing it in). 

Our testers praised its subtle scent that didn't linger, unlike some of the gradual tanners that were tested. 

It has quite a natural finish and required regular top-ups throughout the week, so it may not be the best option if you're looking for a deep tan with little upkeep. If you like more of an intense tan, we'd recommend topping it up every day for the first few days. 

If you prefer a natural finish, one or two reapplications throughout the week should be enough. 

Our tester who has a medium skin tone found that the colour wasn't as dark as other tans they tested, even after topping it up throughout the week. They would have liked to see different shades to choose from, as with some of the others we tested.  

Best Buy: Skinny Tan Self-Tanning Whip 150ml

Pros

• Glowy and even finish
• Easy to apply
• Subtle coconut scent
• Easy to remove
• Liked by our testers

Cons

• Patchy for some at the end of the week
• Nozzle can be tricky to control

Our verdict Best instant tan we tested

Type Mousse

Shades Medium, dark

This Skinny Tan tanning mousse left a glowy and even finish on our testers' different skin tones. It was a popular favourite with our testers, so it also earns our Best Buy recommendation. 

The mousse was surprisingly easy to apply, considering how thick it was. It absorbed quickly into the skin, so you won't need to wait too long before getting dressed. As with most tanning mousses, you'll need to leave the colour to develop for six to eight hours before washing it off. 

The nozzle (which works a bit like a can of whipped cream) dispensed a lot of product with each pump, so take care when applying. 

It has a subtle coconut scent when you first apply it, which some of our testers enjoyed, but the scent also had a tendency to linger on clothing. If you're not a fan of fragrance, the smell should disappear from your skin once you rinse the tan off. 

For some of our testers, the tan faded naturally, but others found it a bit patchy by the end of week. Nonetheless, none of the fake tans had fantastic staying power and by this point it was easy to scrub off with an exfoliating mitt.

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Filter by Molly Mae Tanning Mousse 200ml

Available from Boots(£21) and Filter by Molly Mae(£22)

Pros

• Glowy finish
• Very easy to apply
• Easy to remove
• Good shade range

Cons

• Strong scent
• Slightly orange on fairer skin tones
• Lots of excess packaging

Our verdict Almost gets our Best Buy recommendation

Type Mousse

Shades Medium, dark, extra dark

If you like a deeper tan, the Filter by Molly Mae tanning mousse has excellent colour pay-off. Our testers particularly appreciated the shade range that catered to medium to dark skin tones. 

Those who tried the extra dark shade were impressed with the golden colour and streak-free finish. However, some of our testers that have a fairer skin tone found it a little on the orange side.

It was a breeze to apply with a tanning mitt and a little went a long way. One of our testers was able to tan one leg with just one pump of the tanning mousse. 

Most of the tanning mousses on test had a subtle scent, but the scent of this self-tan was more overpowering. One tester was able to smell it through her tights while sitting at her desk during the day. 

It also wasn't as widespread a favourite with all of our testers, which is why it falls just below our top Best Buy recommendations.

St.Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse 240ml

Pros

• Glowy finish
• Easy to apply
• Pleasant scent
• Easy to remove

Cons

• Lacks staying power
• Only one shade

Our verdict A good all-rounder 

Type Mousse

Shades One shade

Like all of the fake tans that were tested, the St.Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse provided a lovely boost of colour to the skin without looking orange. For most of our testers it didn't last the full week, and for those that it did, it was patchy by the end of the week. 

The pump made it easy to control how the tanning mousse was dispensed, and once applied with a tanning mitt, it easily absorbed into the skin. 

Our tester with a medium skin tone commented it would be helpful if it offered a shade range, as the one-size-fits-all shade didn't give a deep tan. 

Great Value: Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived Self Tanning Body Lotion 200ml

Pros

• Very easy to apply
• Good shade range for a gradual tan
• Easy to remove

Cons

• Needs regular reapplications
• Some testers didn’t get on with the scent

Our verdict Beautiful finish let down by scent

Type Gradual lotion

Shades Fair to medium, medium to dark

The subtle, glowy finish of this gradual tanning lotion was just as impressive as that of our top scorers, but for a fraction of the price. 

As with all gradual tanners, it's more of a high-maintenance tan, as you'll need to build the colour throughout the week with reapplications. Fortunately, this is easy to do, as the moisturising formula beautifully sinks into the skin. 

Most of the gradual tanners that were tested had just one shade, so our testers of different skin tones appreciated being able to choose between two shades. 

While its scent wasn't unpleasant, it was noticeably stronger than that of the other fake tans tested and lingered on the skin for some of our testers.  

Bondi Sands Self Tan Foam 200ml

Pros

• Glowy finish 
• Very easy to apply
• Easy to remove
• Subtle scent
• Wide shade range

Cons

• Colour transfers
• Lacks staying power

Our verdict A decent instant tan

Type Mousse

Shades Light/medium, dark, ultra dark

This light, airy foam formula is easy to apply with a tanning mitt, with a strong guide colour so you can see if you've missed any spots. Don't worry about being left with an orange tan though - the guide washes off to leave a golden and subtle glow. 

The tanning mousse didn't last as well as our top scorers, but it's very easy to remove if you want to apply a fresh layer of self-tan at the end of the week. 

It was the only fake tan we tested where some of our testers noticed the guide colour transfer to their clothing. While this washes out of clothing, we'd recommend not wearing anything that you're worried about staining while the guide colour develops. 

 St Moriz Professional Tanning Mousse 200ml

Pros

• Glowy finish with good colour pay-off 
• Easy to apply
• Subtle scent 

Cons

• Some found it patchy after application
• Lacks staying power

Our verdict A good-value instant tan

Type Mousse

Shades Medium, dark

For less than half the price of some of our top scorers, this tanning mousse had good colour pay-off and a fruity scent that wasn't too overpowering. 

Some of our testers found it a little patchy after application, particularly around the knees. We'd recommend applying the self-tan on the rest of your legs and using the residue left on the mitt for your ankles and knees – this should help you avoid any patchiness.

It's not a super long-lasting fake tan and there wasn't much of it left by the end of the week. However, for any bits that were left, some of our testers struggled to remove it, so we'd suggest a decent exfoliating mitt. We used the Bondi Sands Exfoliating Mitt while we were testing (SQUIRREL_TEXT_50013795). 

 Vita Liberata Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion 200ml

Pros

• Good colour pay off
• Easy to apply with tanning mitt
• Pleasant scent
• Easy to remove

Cons

• Lack of application instructions
• Formula doesn't absorb quickly into the skin
• Patchy for some testers
• Needs regular reapplications
• Only one shade

Our verdict We found better for less

Type Gradual lotion

Shades One shade

Most of the gradual tanners we tested can be applied by hand. But Vita Liberata recommends applying its lotion with a tanning mitt. Some of our testers found that it wasn't as absorbent as the other tanning lotions tested and left a damp feeling on their skin. So you may need to allow some time for it to dry before getting dressed. 

It provided a deep colour, even for our medium-skin toned tester, but for some of our testers it went a little patchy as the week went on. 

If you like a gradual tanner, take a look at our Great Value recommendation that is around half the price.   

Tanologist Clear Self Tan Mousse

Pros

• Glowy and subtle finish
• Pleasant scent
• Easy to remove

Cons

• Lacks staying power
• Some testers didn’t get on with applying the clear mousse

Our verdict Disappointing

Type Gradual lotion

Shades Light, medium, dark

This unique clear formula dispenses without a colour guide, which Tanologist claims won't block your pores or transfer to your sheets or clothing. We can certainly attest to its transfer-free claim, although most of the fake tans we tested didn't transfer colour onto clothing or bedding. 

The mousse absorbs quickly into the skin but some of our testers missed having a guide, as they weren't sure what areas they had missed. The colour wasn't very long lasting and for some testers it had worn off by the middle of the week. 

No7 Naturally Sun Kissed Gradual Body Tan 200ml

Pros

• Easy to apply
• Easy to remove

Cons

• Lacks strong colour
• Lingering scent 
• Needs very regular top ups
• Only one shade

Our verdict A high-maintenance tan

Type Gradual lotion

Shades One shade

The finish of this gradual tanning lotion failed to impress our testers. The colour was too subtle at the start of the week, even for our fairer-skinned testers, so regular reapplications are needed for a decent boost of colour. 

It also had a slight biscuity smell that you often find with self-tanners. If you're looking for an affordable tanning lotion, check out our Great Value recommendation.

How we test fake tans

We choose the top selling fake tans at UK retailers and enlist testers with a variety of skin tones to try them over a few months. We buy all of the fake tans that we test and put both tanning mousses and gradual tanning lotions to the test. 

Our testers try each fake tan for a week and rate them on the factors below. Instant tans are applied once at the start of the week, while gradual tans are reapplied at the start and mid-way through the week given their buildable formulation. After testing all the fake tans, our testers choose their favourites. 

We regularly revisit the fake tans on sale to see if there are any more popular products that need testing and when we find them we do. 

• Finish Our testers rate how the fake tan looks on their skin at the start, mid way and at the end of the week. Most give a golden glow at the start of the week but none have fantastic staying power. The difference we find is that some fade naturally whereas some crack or turn patchy.  
• Ease of application Each tester rates how clear the application instructions are, how easy the fake tan is to apply and how quickly it absorbs into the skin. Most are a breeze to apply with a tanning mitt and some lotion formulations can even be applied with your hands - just remember to wash your hands afterwards. 
• Scent After application, testers rate the scent of each fake tan. They look for pleasant, subtle scents and mark those down that have a lingering, biscuity smell. 
• Transfer Testers also check if any fake tan transfers to their clothing or bed sheets after application. We're pleased to see that all but one of the self-tanners we test doesn't transfer. 
• Ease of removal At the end of the week, our testers remove the fake tan with an exfoliating mitt. They assess how easy this is to do and if there are any stubborn patches that are hard to shift. You won't need to spend too long scrubbing your tan at the end of the week as none of the formulations we tested were super difficult to remove.

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How to remove fake tan

If you're wondering how to get fake tan off, we've put two different methods to the test. Fake tan will naturally fade from your skin over one to two weeks, but if it's looking patchy or you want to apply a fresh layer you can try the methods below.  

1. Use an exfoliating mitt

A textured exfoliating mitt works by physically exfoliating the dead skin cells, which will also remove any fake tan on the skin. During our testing we buffed the skin with the Bondi Sands Exfoliating Mitt (SQUIRREL_TEXT_50013795), which worked well to shift any leftover fake tan and provide a smooth base for reapplication. 

This method of removal requires more effort and doesn't always shift very stubborn patches of fake tan. 

2. Fake tan remover

If you find physical exfoliation too abrasive on your skin or want a quicker way of removing fake tan, you can also try a fake tan remover. 

We tried the Boots Glow Tan Eraser (Available only from Boots (£5)), which has a spray formula that is a doddle to apply. If you're stuck on how to get fake tan off your hands, you can spritz this a few times over them for easy removal. 

We also tested the Bondi Sands Fake Tan Remover and the St.Tropez Fake Tan Remover - these are foam formulas that you can apply with a fake tan mitt. 

All the fake tan removers we tested work in the same way - you apply them, leave them for five minutes, rinse them off and follow with an exfoliating mitt to lightly scrub your fake tan off. 

They all did a good job of shifting most of the fake tan on our skin and when you rinse them off in the shower you can see the colour wash off. You still need to follow up with an exfoliating mitt (especially over stubborn areas like knees and ankles) but this is a lot easier than if you didn’t apply the remover.

How long does fake tan last?

Our tests show that fake tan lasts anywhere from four days to a full week. By the sixth or seventh day after application, most will fade from the skin, although you may have some odd patches left. 

Gradual tanners are designed to build colour through the week, so will need topping up every day if you like an intense tan or every few days if you like a subtle tan. If this sounds like what you're after, see our best gradual fake tan.

Instant tanners, such as tanning mousses, are designed to be applied once. Once applied to the skin, you leave them to develop for six to eight hours before rinsing off. See our top pick for the best instant tanner.

Is fake tan bad for your skin?

The active ingredient in fake tan is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of the skin, which causes the skin to darken and give the appearance of a tan. 

After a safety evaluation, the EU Cosmetic Products Regulation has said that from April 2022, self-tanning products can only contain DHA at a maximum concentration of 10%.

Fake tan also tends to include fragrance, so if you're sensitive to fragrance it's worth doing a test patch on your skin before you apply it all over. 

Even if you've applied fake tan, you still need to protect your skin from the sun. Our sun cream reviews show products that have all been tried and tested under laboratory conditions. 

How to fake tan successfully

If you want to avoid a streaky or patchy fake tan, here are some top tips from our testers:

• Choose the right shade for you If you're after the best fake tan for pale skin, our testers with fair skin found that light or light/medium formulas were the best for them. If you have fair skin with an olive undertone, as one of our testers did, these shades may be too light to notice a difference, so go for medium or dark. Those with a medium or dark skin tone should go for the dark or extra dark shades if available. 
• Exfoliate the day before you apply fake tan Tan can cling to unexfoliated patches of skin, resulting in an uneven and streaky finish. If you shave or wax, this is also the time to do this. 
• Apply your fake tan in the morning This gives time for the colour to develop before you wash it off in the evening. More importantly, there’s less chance of staining your bed sheets.
• Moisturise your knees and ankles These are typically drier areas of the skin. Moisturising these areas just before you apply the tan will prevent it from clinging and give a more even finish.
• Use a tanning mitt This will ensure that you get even coverage, that you can apply the tan over a large surface area, and that you don't end up with orange hands. 
• Wash your hands after application If you don’t have a tanning mitt handy, do this straight away after applying the tan. On the odd occasion, one of our testers was left with orange streaky hands that took a while to fade.
• Build up the tan in layers If you’re trying gradual tan for the first time, apply a light layer and add to it gradually over the week once you can see the colour developing. This will let you gauge how often you need to reapply it.
• Do your feet and the backs of your hands last Don’t dispense another pump of fake tan for these areas. Just use any leftover residue on the tanning mitt for a more natural, even tan.  

Can you tan through fake tan?

Yes. Because most fake tans don't have sun protection factor (SPF), they won't protect your skin from sun damage. If they do contain SPF, it won't be enough to protect your skin from UVB (radiation from the sun that causes sun burn) or UVA (radiation from the sun linked with premature ageing) damage. 

To protect yourself, use one of our tried and tested best sun creams and avoid these Don't Buy sun creams.