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Getting a natural, bronzy glow for the face need not be a harrowing experience. Gone are the orangy, streaky tanners that left a unique smell many could not place, and in their place are serums, drops, mists, and lotions whose main goal is to provide the most natural tan, gradually.
Below we have rounded up some of our favorite face tanner solutions. These are all super easy to use, have plenty of hydrating ingredients, and most importantly, are almost foolproof as they can simply be added to your daily morning skincare routine and/or combined with your favorite lotion or moisturizer.
We have included a refreshing and reviving bronze facial mist with hydrating and antioxidant protection, a daily moisturizer with SPF for protection, and an overnight mask that will have you waking up to a perfect glow and hydrated, smoothed skin.
Comparing the Top Face Tanners
TAN-LUXE The Face Self Tan Drops — Best Overall
This luxe tanner is specially formulated for the face and works with your current skincare regime to transform your favorite moisturizer, serum, or body treatment into a custom self-tanner. In addition to a bronzy glow, these drops contain hydrating ingredients including raspberry seed oil, Vitamin E, and aloe vera to work together to create a youthful, glowing complexion.
Pros
- This product is non-toxic and cruelty-free
- Will not stain your sheets or clothes
- The level of tan can be customized with the number of drops
- Does not have an unpleasant smell
Cons
- This tanner does not contain a guide color
St. Tropez Self Tan Face Mist — Runner Up
Another great easy-to-use self-tanner option is this skincare-infused self-tanner spray. It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and its lightweight formula sprays evenly and easily to create a streak-free tan with no color transfer. Infused with 100% natural tanning actives, this spray will help you achieve a natural sunkissed glow in just one application.
Pros
- This can be sprayed under or over makeup
- The lightweight formula will not clog your pores
- Includes hibiscus extract, which has antioxidant properties
- This tanner is 100% vegan
Cons
- This spray is lightly scented
Beauty by Earth Face Self Tanner — Honorable Mention
This self-tanner will transform your skin from pale to a natural glow without any streaks, orangy color, or blotchiness. Full of natural and organic ingredients including shea butter, aloe vera, and green tea, you can expect intense hydration as you tan. This is a lotion-cream formula that is lightweight, easy to apply, and can be worn with or without makeup.
Pros
- This formula contains only non-toxic ingredients and is cruelty-free
- The color is buildable with multiple applications
- Does not have an unpleasant scent
- The product is slightly moisturizing
Cons
- Easy to overapply – a little goes a long way
Jergens Tanning Moisturizer — Best Gradual Tanner
This award-winning gradual tanning lotion is also an oil-free daily moisturizer with the added bonus of SPF 20. With daily use, you can expect a gradual, natural-looking color while being protected from UVA and UVB rays. Use this natural tanner in the morning under makeup or at night before going to bed.
Pros
- This moisturizer is available in two shade ranges
- Contains SPF 20 sunscreen
- Can be used as a daily facial moisturizer
- Gradual tanning process eliminates the risk of streaks
Cons
- This moisturizer contains a slight scent
Coola Organic Sunless Tanner Serum — Best Organic Tanner
Made with only certified organic ingredients, this lightweight sunless-tan face serum is infused with a blend of argan oil, hyaluronic acid, and plant cell cultures for the smoothest, glowing skin. This is a streak-free, fast-drying formula that should be simply applied over clean skin, dry skin or can be mixed into your daily moisturizer for a more gradual tan.
Pros
- This serum contains 71%+ certified organic ingredients
- Features anti-aging skin restorative properties
- Argan oil and hyaluronic acid nourish the skin
- Has a pleasant, natural piña colada scent
Cons
- It is recommended to only use a small amount
Mystic Tan Facial Tanning Serum — Most Moisturizing
This overnight self-tanning face mask is another face tanning option that will have you waking up with a perfectly bronzed complexion. This weightless, clear serum should be applied before bed over clean skin and not only delivers a natural tan but also contains ingredients to help smooth skin and reduce fine lines as you sleep.
Pros
- This mask is ideal for all skin tones
- Tans, smoothes the skin, and reduces fine lines while you sleep
- Will not transfer color onto clothes or sheets
- Gluten-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic
Cons
- There is no guide color in the product
SOL by Jergens Tan Serum — Best Scent
Designed for all skin tones, this serum provides the ultimate customization to control the color of your tan. Add more drops for a deeper, darker color or less depending on your skin tone, and this concentrated serum is derived from natural sugars to mix with your favorite facial or body moisturizer to create your own sun-inspired color.
Pros
- This is an oil-free formula and works with any moisturizer
- Control the level of tan with the number of drops you use
- Cruelty-free and dye-free formula
- 1oz bottle is convenient for traveling
Cons
- May come out oranger than other self-tanners
Buying Guide: Face Tanners
Face tanners are a skin saver. Not only do they allow you to have a summer glow regardless of the season, but they don’t cause wrinkles, sunspots, or dry out your skin. The trick is to get the right glow for your complexion. Although using a face tanning cream will eliminate sun damage, it can also result in a fake look if not applied correctly. We’ve got your back. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the highest-rated face tanners in 2024 to avoid the Oompa-Loompa look.
Instant vs Gradual Face Tanners
When choosing a face tanning product, it is best to use a gradual cream. These products are labeled as ‘gradual self-tanner' or ‘daily face tanning cream’ and act as a face moisturizer with a small amount of tanning pigment. They are ideal since they allow you to achieve the most natural color without overdoing it. Since it applies like a moisturizer it also prevents you from layering too many products on your skin which can be problematic for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
If you’re tight on time and need a little extra glow on short notice, you can opt for a different solution. Tinted face self-tanning creams generally develop their full color within two to three hours. They show a slight glow instantly which helps with even and streak-free application and then become darker once applied.
Face vs Body Tanning Products
When using a tanning product on your face make sure it is specifically designed for facial use and that it is labeled as non-comedogenic. Facial products that are noncomedogenic won’t clog your pores.
Body tanning products are generally too harsh to use on your face and because they are darker than face tanners they can make the sensitive and thin skin on your face appear muddy, cause breakouts, and trigger other sensitivities. Opt for a product with a combined SPF since applying SPF separately over the face tanning cream may change the color or cause streaks.
Face Tanner Shade
Self-tanners for facial use come in the form of a tinted cream, a spray, or can even be a clear mousse that develops its color once applied. Facial tanning products are usually lighter than body tanners, which is another reason to avoid using body tanner on your face.
When applying a gradual tanner as part of your daily routine it will slowly become deeper allowing you to stop or keep applying until you reach the desired shade.
Skin Preparation
Regardless of the artificial tanning method you’re using, preparing your skin before applying any product is essential.
To prepare your skin, use an oil-free cleanser to clean your face. If you are tanning your neck, make sure to clean the area as well. Oil-based cleansers can prevent the tanning lotion from being absorbed evenly.
Once cleansed, gently exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin and residual products with an exfoliating mitt or similar. However, you don’t want to do this right before applying the tanning product, so leave some time between exfoliating and tanner application. Avoid using any other skin products on your face before or straight after applying the tanning product to ensure optimal absorption.
The next step in preparing your skin is to use a cold washcloth or ice cube to cool your face. This causes the pores to close and will prevent tanning products from clogging the pores. Make sure to dry your face completely before applying any product.
To protect your eyebrows you can dot a small amount of moisturizer directly around the eyebrows, preventing the tanning product from saturating the skin in this area. A great time to apply facial self-tanner is in the evening so it has plenty of time to develop on your skin.
How to Apply Face Tanner Products
Facial self-tanning cream
Use your fingers to evenly massage the cream into your skin and make sure to cover all areas evenly including up to the hairline, fully around the front, sides, and back of the neck, and around the ears and earlobes.
Spray tan mist
If you are using a mist, hold it 4 inches from your face when spraying. Spray it in a downward direction on the middle and sides of your face.
Pigmented self-tanner
Using your fingers or a makeup brush you can contour the product to add dimension and lightly sculpt your face to accentuate certain features. Here you want to focus on areas that the sunlight will naturally catch such as your cheekbones, arches of brow bones, and your jawline.
Post-Tan Face Care
To keep your tan natural-looking and allow it to last, avoid exfoliating your face for a few days after application. Mist your face with a lightweight serum to hydrate your skin, or if using moisturizer for the days following tan application, opt for an oil-free type. Use a light sunscreen and avoid creams with retinoids as they may limit the facial tanner and promote drying of the skin.
