17 best fake tans for a golden glow all year round

The chill in the air marks autumn’s arrival. As we regain the layers and hunker down for the cosier months, there’s one beauty product that can keep the summer spirit alive: fake tan .

Heralded as a safer way to look sun-kissed, fake tan can be trusted to give you a post-holiday gleam without worrying about UV rays. A golden glow in a bottle, some people also claim that it makes them feel more confident and reduces the want to wear make-up . But getting it to look good isn’t always so easy.

We sat down with tanning expert Emily Rose Lansley – who has worked with Gal Gadot and Megan Fox, to name but a few – to find out what it takes to create a fabulous fake tan at home. “Prepping is the most important step before applying any tan,” she shared. “If shaving or waxing , make sure you do so 24 hours before your tanning treatment to avoid the ‘dark pore’ look and exfoliate top to toe.”

She adds that “on the day of tanning, leave your skin clean of deodorant and perfumes , and always make sure you apply moisturiser to your hands, feet, knees, and elbows. If you’re a first-time tanner, start with the lower part of your body and work your way up and get a friend to help with your back!”

When it comes to picking your tan, it’s all about skin tones, Emily shares. “If you have pink/red undertones, choose more of a green-based tan, as this counteracts the redness and leaves you with a golden glow. Those with darker or olive skin tones should avoid any orange tans and go for more of a violet-based tan to cancel out yellow undertones.” And the best way to apply is always with a mitt – she also advises blending the hands, knees, ankles and elbows with a kabuki brush.

How we tested

Our tester certainly qualifies as a fake tan expert, having used fake tan for over ten years. Trying a huge range of options from almost every brand you can think of the below list as their tried and reviewed favourite finds.

Slathering on every lotion, mousse or tanning water as per each product’s instructions (and following Emily’s tips) over the course of eight weeks, ease of application, scent and final look were all key considerations when deciding which were the best. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed with any of these options.

The best fake tans for 2024 are:

• Best overall – St. Moriz Luxe hydra-glow clear tanning mousse: £19, Lookfantastic.com
• Best budget buy – Garnier summer body hydrating gradual tan moisturiser dark: £6, Boots.com
• Best instant fake tan – Sienna X express tinted mousse: £22.95, Amazon.co.uk
• Best fake tan mousse – Coco & Eve Bali bronzing foam: £20.80, Lookfantastic.com
• Best fake tan for sensitive skin – Lucy Bee naturally glowing self-tan mousse: £18.99, Amazon.co.uk

St. Moriz Luxe hydra-glow clear tanning mousse

Garnier summer body hydrating gradual tan moisturiser dark

Iconic London prep set tan mousse

Isle of Paradise self tanning oil mist

Sienna X express tinted mousse

Tan-Luxe the gradual illuminating tanning lotion

Watermans browned off

Bondi Sands pure bronze self tan foaming water

St. Tropez gradual tan watermelon firming lotion

Bare by Vogue clear tan water

Coco & Eve Bali bronzing foam

Skinny Tan self tanning whip

Lucy Bee naturally glowing self-tan mousse

Tan Truth luxe dry oil tanning spray

St Moriz firming gradual tanning lotion

Three Warriors gradual tan

Tan Luxe x Paris Hilton the future airbrush fake tan

Fake tan FAQS

What is the easiest fake tan to apply?

What to look for in a self-tanner

How to remove fake tan

How long does fake tan last?

Should you moisturise before applying fake tan?

The verdict: Fake tan