Sunless Tanning Buying Guide

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Ahh, remember those days when laying out in the sun was fun and risk-free? Unfortunately, being out in the sun is not as care-free as it used to be. The skin-care industry has recently brought to light all of the seriously harmful effects of the sun's UV rays. If you're going to be out in the sun, make sure to use plenty of moisturizer  and SPF lotions.  The same danger lies in tanning booths,  as well.

But, If you want a gorgeous glow, there's no longer a need to risk your skin's health! Instead of laying out bathed in tanning oil, why not consider a sunless tanner instead? With Sunless tanning,  you can get the benefits of the sun without the sun. A bronzed body is on the way, as soon as you find the right product. Sunless tanners have become much better over the years in terms of ease of application and natural looking colour. The wide variety of textures and shades out there makes it easy for anyone to find their perfect match. Wave goodbye to those streaks and splotches and hello to a golden new you!

Choosing a Sunless Tanner

  1. Match the tanner level (light, medium, dark) to your skin tone. If you burn easily, it's best to go with a light tanner. If you don't burn as much, but still take a little while to tan, then you should go with medium. If you have olive undertones and tan easily, then your best bet is to go with a dark tanner.
  2. Select an application type. Sunless tanners come in creams, towelettes, sprays, and foams. Choose the type that's easiest for you to apply. Also, make sure to get a formula specialised for your face. Many sunless tanners designed for body are not non-comodgenic, so they may clog pores and cause breakouts.
  3. Budget Accordingly. Tanners come in a variety of prices. No matter what your spending limit is, know that the active ingredient in all products is DHA (dihydroxyacetone). No mater which product you buy, this should be the main ingredient. The more a product costs depends usually on the other ingredients found in it, such as those that make application easier, provide a more pleasant smell, and keep you looking natural.

Sunless Tanner Types

Foam

Foams  are easier to apply than most creams, so no matter how shaky your hand is, you should still be okay. Try St. Tropez Whipped Bronze Self Tanning Mousse System. 

Spray

Spray tans,  similar to those from tanning salons, will give you an amazingly even tan as long as you know how to properly apply. If you're a beginner, be careful! Consider Au Courant Instant Sunless Tanning Spray. 

Towelettes

Towelettes  are the perfect answer for touch-ups in between applications. Try Estee Lauder's Go Tan Towelettes  or L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes. 

Gradual Tans

Gradual tan lotions,  like Jergens Natural Glow,  are great for times when you don't want to look too tan all of a sudden. These are also good for maintaining a tan throughout the year. Try Coppertone's Endless Summer. 

Lotions

Sunless tanning lotions  are commonly found and work best on faces. Fast drying  ones usually take about 5 minutes to dry and are good choices for those who are used to applying fake tanner. If you don't know what you're doing, these may dry too quickly to fix your mistakes.

Application Tips

  • Always Exfoliate First. You should always exfoliate and/or shave before applying tanner in order to make sure that the product is absorbed as best as possible. If applying to the face, use toner beforehand.
  • Building is better. You can always add more colour, but you can't take away. Start out lightly, especially if you're a beginner, and gradually build up with the colour.
  • Do not apply tanner over moisturizer. For best results, your skin should be completely dry and cool when you apply your tanner. Make sure your moisturizer has completely set in and is not still slicked on your face. Alphahydroxy helps to set the tanner, but if it mixes with it, it will actually diminish the overall effect.
  • Avoid dry skin areas. Because areas like knees and feet are cracked and dry, tanner will absorb into lines and appear too dark.
  • Apply at night. Overnight, your tanner will be able to absorb into your skin completely and if there are any mistakes, you can fix them in the morning.
  • Use gloves. Plastic gloves  are a great tool if you apply often.
  • Try a makeup sponge. Makeup sponges  made out of foam are great for applying tanner to those harder to reach areas.
  • Get rid of streaks. Swiping lemon on your body will help to remove streaks, as will a 2% BHA liquid, like salicylic acid. 

Top Picks

For Face

True Blue Spa Hello, Sunshine! Self-Tanning Face Puff 

DiorBronze Self-Tanner 

Clarins Liquid Bronze 
Clarins Liquid Bron 

Murad Self Tanner SPF 15 

Build-A-Tan for Faces Sunless Tanning SPF 15 

For Body

Lancome Flash Bronzer 

Fake Bake Self-Tanning Tri-Pak 

Clarins Liquid Bron 
Sally Hansen Airbrush Sun 

St. Tropez Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion 

Decleor Aroma Sun Express Hydrating Self-tan Spray 

The Truth About Tanners

  • Tanner don't protect from UV rays, unless they contain SPF. See our guide about Sun Protection for more information.
  • Sunless tanner naturally fade over time. They also fade after showering, swimming, and shaving. Exfoliating and shaving after application will quickly remove some of the tanner.
  • Tanners can stain skin and clothes. Choose fast-drying formulas and always allow ample time for the tanner to dry before getting dressed. 10 to 15 minutes is enough time to be sure that you're not staining anything.

Related Products

Body Moisturisers

Facial Cleansers

Body Scrubs

Bronzers

Sun Protection

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Snelbruiners Shopgids