You Can Use These Self-Tanners on All Skin Tones, and We Have Pics to Prove It (2024)

Ask any dermatologist for their number one skincare tip, and we bet they'll say that applying a broad-spectrum SPF daily is the best thing you can do for your complexion. If you're still yearning for a slight bronzy glow, a self-tanner is your best bet. Whether you have fair skin and are looking for a tan or already have a deeper tone and want to have a more glowing and even complexion, everyone can use self-tanner. And these days, there's a formula to suit every desire, from body lotions that offer quick and easy results to foaming mousses that give you professional-looking tans at home.

"These products are an excellent alternative to traditional harmful tanning methods," says Nadia Kihiczak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. When applied to the skin, the active ingredient—DHA—triggers what's called a “Maillard reaction” when it contacts the dead cells in the skin's outermost layer, explains Kihiczak. This reaction generates pigments that temporarily darken the skin and simulate a tan—usually within a few hours of application, but sometimes almost instantaneously. Then, as the dead "browned" skin cells naturally shed over the course of three to seven days, color fades accordingly.

How to apply self-tanner

To ensure a long-lasting and streak-free finish, Kihiczak recommends exfoliating prior to application using a gentle washcloth or loofah in the shower. Once completely dry, slather on a thin layer of moisturizer, paying attention to areas of thicker skin, like the elbows, knees, and ankles, says Michele Silva of Holy Tans. Apply the self-tanner in sections, typically from the bottom up, in circular motions. Avoid applying too much tanner on "shade areas," which Silva calls areas that naturally crease, such as under the breasts, under arms, or necklines, because those areas are already naturally darker. You can also apply lotion to those creases using a Q-tip so the skin is well-moisturized and doesn't absorb as much tanner, she suggests.

If applying to your face, avoid the lips, eyes, and nostrils, to prevent discoloration. Once done, gently buff the elbows, knees, and ankles with a damp washcloth and wash your hands immediately with gentle soap and warm water to prevent an uneven tone. Then let the self-tanner dry for at least 10 minutes before getting dressed, and, if possible, avoid sweating or rewetting your skin for several hours following application. Ahead, shop over-the-counter sunless tanners for the face and body to offer a beautiful glow.

The experts:

• Nadia Kihiczak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City
• Michele Silva of Holy Tans

In addition to giving your skin a bit of glowing color, the formula infuses caffeine and pea extract to help improve circulation, firmness, and elasticity. “The best thing about this tanner is there was absolutely no weird cookie smell on my skin after application," says Rosie Hopegood, Oprah Daily deputy health editor. "It went on smoothly and easily, too. The effect was pretty light but did give me a nice hint of tan and a bit of a glow. Overall, it’s a nice natural, gradual tanner for your body, but it definitely isn’t going to make you look like you’ve just come back from the Bahamas.”

Oprah Daily deputy health editor Rosie Hopegood shows the before and after photos of her arm after using the Coola Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion.

"I’ll be honest: As a Black woman with cocoa-colored skin, I’ve never really thought about using self-tanner. Yes, I have friends with my complexion who have tried it, and I do love a safely procured sun-kissed glow, but using self-tanner hasn’t topped my beauty to-do list, so this was a fun experiment in uncharted territory," explains Holly Carter, contributing lifestyle editor. "The mousse consistency made it easy to slather on in sweeping motions with the glove that’s included, as the instructions suggested. I left it on for about an hour and focused on my legs and arms. While I didn’t notice a big color difference, the tan lines from my bathing suit are now nicely evened out. I hopped in my car that has beige seats and the color didn’t transfer, thank the Lord. And I feel pretty sun-kissed—sans the sun!"

Oprah Daily contributing lifestyle editor Holly Carter shows off the application process of the Tanologist Express Tan 1 Hour Self Tan Extra Dark Mousse.

If you're a newbie to the self-tanner world or simply hate process of waiting for the tan to develop, you'll love this instant formula. It comes in seven shades, ranging from fair to deep, and gives your skin a light coat of color that evens out your skin tone and adds a little bit of color. “This is by far the quickest, mess-free ‘tan’ I’ve found," says Kate Sandoval Box, Oprah Daily beauty director. "I swear you can’t mess up—I’ve sprayed my legs as I’m walking out the door. I like that it’s subtle—enough to even me out but not so much to make my legs an entirely different shade.”

Oprah Daily beauty director Kate Sandoval Box applied the AllEven Colour Shield on one of her legs in the office to show how quick and easy it is to use.

A few spritzes of this vegan, cruelty-free self-tanning mist gives you a soft and subtle glow. "I'm someone who tans very easily, but I noticed that the one place that tans least is my face. I love that this one is simple to use and refreshing," says Mandie Montes, Oprah Daily social media editor. "I spritz the product a couple of times on my face in the morning and in the evening as my last step in my skincare routine. The results are subtle, but I think it has rejuvenated my skin and given me the natural summer glow I've been looking for! I'll definitely continue to use it, as it's low-lift and user-friendly."

Oprah Daily social media editor Mandie Montes shows her before and after photos after using the Isle of Paradise Day Dew Self-Tan Face Mist.

This innovative formula gets its glow from sugar beets and lasts a few days, according to Oprah Daily fashion editor Sara Klausing. “Whenever I use the Suntegrity self-tanner at night, I receive continuous compliments throughout the following day," says Klausing. "If you’re looking for noticeable results after just one use, the Suntegrity glow is for you. The product itself feels like a luxurious moisturizing lotion. There’s also a nice, light fruity scent that’s a delightful alternative to the faux-sun aroma that you might expect from other self-tanners. It’s worth noting that I have combination skin, and with each use, I awoke to a gorgeous and even glow."

Before and after photos of Sara Klausing, Oprah Daily fashion editor.

A self-tanner that gives quick, mess-free results and nourishes skin all in one, this luxurious serum contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, niacinamide to even skin tone, vitamin B5 to soothe, and a collagen-enhancing complex. It delivers an island-kissed look in just four to eight hours and requires no rinsing.

Get transported to an Australian beach with this sweet coconut-scented formula. It also contains aloe vera to soothe and hydrate skin. The lightweight foam is available in light/medium, dark, and ultra-dark shades, and it develops in six to eight hours.

If you're a beginner looking to dip your toe into self-tanning formulas, this is perfect for you. It's a noncommittal formula that gives you a matte tan that washes away in the shower. It also hydrates the skin, thanks to hyaluronic microspheres, ceramides, shea butter, and aloe leaf extracts.

An oil-meets-lotion hybrid that's suitable for offering lightweight hydration for all skin types. It also gives a gradual tan that doesn't appear blotchy and has a cellutone complex that helps firm and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

You don't need to spend a fortune on a quality formula. This daily moisturizer is readily available at drugstores and is formulated with collagen and elastin to leave skin firmer, hydrated, and delicately tanned. Apply it on like body lotion and get a subtle yet radiant glow.

To build a natural-looking glow on your face, add three to four drops of this fragrance-free formula to your moisturizer. It's easy to apply and offers healthy and radiant results. The formula also has aloe vera and glycerin to hydrate and soothe skin.

This sweetly scented beauty oil delivers a translucent chocolate sheen that's just right for medium and dark skin tones. It's also nourishing for dry skin types. Note: It lasts only until your next shower.

This drugstore mainstay is popular for a reason: The droplets are nonsticky, fragrance-free, and supremely buildable. Plus, they work on all skin types, are infused with skin-loving hyaluronic acid, and can be added to nearly any moisturizer or serum.

Adam Glassman, creative director of Oprah Daily, loves this formula. It adds beautiful warmth and glow to the face without feeling sticky or being difficult to blend. It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and niacinamide to even out skin tone over time. You can use it on its own or underneath your moisturizer or makeup for a long-lasting, sun-kissed look.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with experts to learn about self-tanners and how they work. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.