The 14 Best Self-Tanners For a Year-Round Glow

Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Lotion ($11, originally $12)

This affordable option is perhaps the most well-known drugstore self-tanner. The daily lotion builds up over time and also keeps you moisturized. Our tip: if you want an even more gradual glow, mix it with your regular body lotion. While it does have a slight self-tanner smell, it's far less pronounced than other competitors on the market.

Tanologist Self Tan Mousse ($17, originally $18)

If you're looking for a clean and affordable option, try this self-tanning mousse. You can feel good about the vegan, organic, and cruelty-free choice without breaking the bank, and the easy-to-use formula is great for beginners.

Miami Gorgeous Self Tanning Mousse ($24)

If you're looking for a bestseller that's under-$30, get this popular option. With more than 1,800 reviews (and great before-and-after photos), it's a reliable and affordable buy. Unsurprisingly, it's also an editor-favorite choice. For more details, read our Miami Gorgeous Self Tanning Mousse review.

Editor Quote: "Miami Gorgeous is a tinted mousse, which I personally prefer over clear formulas, because it's easy to tell if I have missed any spots when applying. I also appreciate that the product doesn't have that overwhelming 'fake tan' scent." — Michaella Saffer, former PS contributor

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam ($28)

Get a bronzed look with this classic self-tanner. It currently boasts more than 31,000 reviews from Amazon customers and has a 4.5 rating. Reviewers say its lightweight texture gave them an instant glow.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water ($32)

If you're looking for a self-tanner that isn't a mousse or lotion, a lightweight spray might be for you. This popular option is a favorite: just mist it on and blend, and you'll have a glow overnight. It comes in three different skin-tone options, and it even has eco-friendly hand refills.

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Oil Mist ($32)

This oil-based self-tanner is so good that it won a POPSUGAR Beauty Award. It has a quick-drying formula and an ultra fine spray, which our editors say allows you to tan your whole body in just two minutes.

Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse ($33)

Looking for a choice you can apply quickly? Customers love this self-tanner for its lightweight, fast-drying application. It has a light floral scent that doesn't smell like an instant tanner, so you can wear it throughout the day. It has more than 6,000 reviews and a 4.5 rating, so it's well vetted.

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse ($44)

If you have mousse in mind, get this beginner-friendly option. It's a bestseller, with customers praising its easy application. It also dries quickly and doesn't smell too strong. It's especially good for minimizing the look of uneven textured skin.

James Read Gradual Tan Drops ($38)

If you're looking for the best self-tanners for your hands that won't leave you streaky or the wrong color, try these self-tanning drops. Use leftover product from your arms and gently buff it onto your hands.

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam ($38)

This self-tanner is gaining popularity for being a lightweight foam that can be applied easily and without creating a streaky look. The forgiving formula is not only easy to apply, but it also gives you a natural-looking tan, so it's a fantastic option for beginners. It comes with a mitt for application, is available in three shades, and also offers a bit of hydration to keep your skin moisturized.

Lux Unfiltered No. 12 Bronzing Face Drops ($42)

If you've been searching for the perfect self-tanner for your face that won't leave you looking orange or streaky, this product is for you. One of our editors even gave up foundation after realizing this product gave her the most natural looking glow year-round. Read her full review of Lux Unfiltered No. 12 Bronzing Face Drops.

Editor Quote: "I always notice a healthy glow immediately after applying, but the true radiance can be seen about eight hours after application, and I honestly need to shout it from the rooftops: this is hands down the best face tanner I have ever tried. No 12 gives me an even, subtle color that looks like I'm either wearing a super light layer of tinted moisturizer — or I just so happened to get the perfect tan on vacation." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer, Beauty

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Intense Glow Pad Self-Tanner For Face ($37, originally $39)

These self-tanning wipes not only give you a glow, but they also help exfoliate your skin and keep it feeling fresh. It comes with 20 towelettes, and reviewers say it leaves a subtle glow without the intense self-tanning odor.

Dolce Glow Des Nuda Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion ($50)

Dolce Glow Des Nuda Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion isn't just editor-loved, it's also Miley Cyrus's favorite self-tanner. If that doesn't get you on board with this lotion, we're not sure what will. Read our full review of Dolce Glow Des Nuda Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion for more.

Editor Quote: "One of the things that struck me about this product immediately after using it was how moisturizing it is. While most tanning products leave my skin feeling dry, I found the opposite to be true when using the Des Nuda Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion. The ingredients make it extremely hydrating, so I didn't feel the need to apply lotion on top of it. Once I rub it into my skin, I'm good to go for the entire day." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer, Beauty

Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops ($60)

Formulated with ingredients like vitamin E and aloe vera, this self-tanner will keep you moisturized and glowing all year long. Just mix anywhere from two to six drops into your daily moisturizer and wait for your instant glow to start showing. Be sure to apply it in a circular motion so you get the perfect finish.

"People always get the hands wrong," says James Read, founder of James Read Tan. "I recommend you work the excess tan using a tanning mitt from the arm and stop just as you come to the hands. Then, using a small amount of moisturizer, lightly buff to blend over the hands. Then, using a tanning mist, spray over the hands, then buff again using a mitt. I always do two coats — don't forget to do the Gaga claw."

The most common questions experts get are how to fix a mishap if you happen to get wet or sweat before it's time to rinse your tan. There are options, but the timing is crucial.

"How much time has passed will determine the best course of action," says Veronique Munro, founder and CEO of Infinity Sun. "If it happens within an hour of your spray tan, it may be best advised to rinse off and respray. If several hours have passed, it is likely that the tan has begun developing enough to when you take your first shower and remove the cosmetic bronzer, your tan will be even." (Most airbrush tans include a cosmetic bronzer, which produces the immediately tanned look while the actual tan is developing and washes off in the shower.)

"A common tanning mistake for beginners is applying too much tan to drier areas, such as hands, elbows, knees, and feet, which results in an uneven finish," says Clara Anderson, head tanner of Vita Liberata. "To avoid this, apply a light layer of an oil-free moisturizer to those areas prior to tanning and use a makeup brush to buff product lightly over the skin. Don't forget to wipe the knuckles and the palm of the hands clean when you're finished to remove any excess product, giving the most natural finish."

Anderson also suggests wearing loose-fitting pants instead of a skirt, dress, or shorts so the tan doesn't move if your legs rub together. "This will help the guide color remain even on the skin as well as ensure you don't rest your hand on your leg and have the product develop on your palm," she says.

Krista Jones is a former editor of commerce at PS.

Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.