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The summer solstice is my Super Bowl. I was born in summer, and my name literally means ‘Sun.’ When the weather starts to warm, I melt. I enjoy al fresco dining, summer clothes, and the smell of coconut and vanilla (my signature summer scent). As a Black woman, I grew up surrounded by beauty standards that made skin light and told me to stay out of the sun. But for years, I exposed my skin to the sun in pursuit of my summer shade. I’ve been feeling great after a day in the sun.
It’s ten years later, and I’m paying for my devotion with endless bottles of sunscreen and piles of protective clothing. While I still enjoy a healthy amount of sun exposure—my serotonin depends on it—finding the best tanner has been my solution to sunburn. Fortunately, the last few years have transformed the tanning industry into a certified skin care category. From original skin formulas to advanced options for all skin types, sunless tanning is the foundation for glowing skin year-round.
How to Choose the Best Self-Tanner
Raise your hand if you’ve burned—maybe literally—a tanner. Thankfully, these days, gems abound. To find the best student guides, we’ve gone to the experts. Ahead, Sabrina Johnson, spray-tan stylist and esthetician, and Ashley McNabb, makeup artist and founder of Ashley McNabb Artistry, share everything they know about the best tanners.
The best ingredients to sweeten yourself
To keep your glow going, avoid anything that will dry out your skin and postpone your skincare routine. Johnson advises, “Avoid sugaring your skin with harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.” Alcohol, found in many instant drying formulas, can be harmful, but it can increase dryness and dehydration.
Look for the following ingredients in your self-tanner:
- Antioxidants: (Niacinamide, Resveratrol, Coenzyme Q10, Ferulic acid, Copper, Zinc, Selenium)
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Aloe vera
- Vitamins A, C, and E
What to Do Before Applying Self-Tanner
“The biggest mistake you can make when using a self-tanner is not conditioning the skin,” says Johnson. Here are some steps to prepare your skin for the best self-tanning results.
Dry-brush your entire body. Yes, dry brushing can stimulate blood flow and lymphatic flow, but it’s also worth it just for the exfoliation aspect. Just blend in broad strokes toward your heart—gentle pressure and sloooow movements are best.
Cleanse the body. According to Johnson, “Skip exfoliation can lead to uneven application and patchiness. Avoid chemical exfoliants like AHA, BHA, and retinol before and after tanning as they will make your tan fade faster.” Removing excess dead skin cells with a gentle body scrub helps the results last longer.
Clean everything. A pampering shower system sounds like a luxury, but before you shower yourself, it’s a necessity. Since you won’t be able to shower for 8-12 hours after applying, the best home moisturizer starts in the shower. Focus on replenishing your skin’s moisture with nourishing ingredients. To exfoliate more, I like to use Esker Body Plane with a lightweight body oil to slough off dead skin while sealing in moisture.
Moisturize. After washing everything, wipe and apply a deep lotion all over your body. Make sure you get your hands (and between your fingers), your feet, ankles, knees, and elbows with extra moisture.
Prepare your face. Like your body, a smooth canvas makes a better application. Use a gentle exfoliator (a physical one!) and, depending on your chosen exfoliator’s instructions, exfoliate deeply.
Hydrate from the inside out. This is the key to maintaining an even tan for as long as possible. Prioritize naturally hydrating fruits and vegetables, use DIY spa water, or consider adding electrolytes to your H20.
How to Apply Sunless Tanners
While using an at-home tanner can be intimidating, a few tips and tricks go a long way toward achieving an even, natural glow that suits your skin tone. McNabb takes us through her top tips for flawless, sun-kissed skin.
Start small. It is always wise to test the product on a small part of your skin before applying to the rest of your body to make sure you like the color.
Work your way around. Whether you put on your hands or a glove, do it in small sections. Incorporate circular motions and pay special attention to the ankles, toes, knees, and elbows, as these areas can be difficult to engage.
Don’t forget the SPF! Some people apply self-tanner and forget about additional sun protection. Don’t make that mistake.
The best Self-Tanners, tested and reviewed
Thankfully, finding the right tanner has never been easier—and you don’t have to risk turning orange in the process. “Each product offers different benefits, so consider your skin type, desired outcome, and any skin sensitivities when choosing an exfoliator,” says Johnson.
If you’re stuck in the tanning aisle or switching between brands, consider this your definitive guide to the best tanners.
The Takeaway
Finding your perfect match is like finding the right foundation. It takes some trial and error, but once you get there, you’ll wonder how you got on without it. Whether you’re going easy on a slow formula or using full copper, the most important thing is preparation. Do that right, and the rest is easy. Summer skin, sorted.
This post was last updated on May 12, 2026, to include new information.
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