Our favorite facial self-tanner is the Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops. It's simple and easy, looks natural on the skin, and can be built up depending on how many drops you use. But if you're looking for an affordable option that you can pick up at the drugstore, we love the Sol by Jergens Deeper By The Drop.
Choose Self-Tanner for Skin Type
Some self-tanners are non-comedogenic, which can help prevent blockage of pores if you're prone to breakouts. Using a self-tanner that's specifically designed for your face will typically be better suited for facial application than a tanner formulated for the body.
In an interview with Redbook, Jennifer Aniston revealed that her favourite self-tanning product is the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes, she says: "I like the L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes.
Because your face is (generally) less covered up than the rest of your body, and if you have a rigorous skincare routine, you might find that the self tan on your face fades quicker than your body.
Once applied, you can wash the tan off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper long-lasting tan leave on your skin for up 8 hours. It really is personal choice. You might have to test it out a few times to work out what suits you the best! For a deeper glow, we recommend letting your tan develop for 6-8 hours.
The active ingredient in most self-tanners, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), reacts with amino acids on the skin's surface to create a bronzed look. However, this reaction also generates free radicals, which contribute to oxidative stress, collagen breakdown, and premature aging.
Ardell Body Drench Quick Tan Instant Self-Tanner
Kim Kardashian flashed her own bottle of Body Drench when showing off her travel makeup bag — and she definitely knows a good sunless tan!
Sun protected skin is healthy skin, and a safe, natural looking glow is possible with Jergens Natural Glow Oil-Free Daily Moisturizer for Face with Broad Spectrum SPF 20.
Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. Using an exfoliating product also will help remove dead skin cells. Spend a little more time exfoliating where your skin is thickest, on the elbows, knees and ankles. Dry your skin.
If your skin isn't sensitive or prone to breakouts, you can use a self-tan formulated for the body — but Evans recommends diluting it with your favorite facial moisturizer before application. Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, agrees.
4. Apply Moisturizer Before Tanner. After exfoliating your body, continue the prepping process by applying a moisturizer. You shouldn't apply self-tanner without moisturizing first, because skipping out on this prep step could potentially leave you with patchy color — this goes for your face and the rest of your body.
Bondi Sands Self-tanning Foam Dark - 6.76 Fl Oz : Target.
Bondi Sands Self-Tanners & Bronzers - Walmart.com.
Mix a couple of drops of tanning serum into your moisturizer, then apply it directly onto your face, neck and decolletage. You'll achieve a glowing tan in 4 to 6 hours.
After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.
At night, Aniston treats her skin with a dose of retinol, specifically the Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum ($90). “Retinol is perhaps the best studied anti-aging ingredient that we have to fight the signs of aging,” Dr. Zeichner shares.
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Ripa couldn't stop raving about the drops, which are available in two shades: light/medium and medium/dark. "This product is remarkable," she told former co-host Ryan Seacrest. "It stains nothing! It's literally like applying moisturizer."