Bestsellers for Self-Tanning & Bronzing
At Ulta Beauty, we understand the importance of finding the right product to achieve a natural-looking radiance that feels as light as air on your skin. Whether you're exploring mist formulas for an even application, lotions tailored for beginners seeking control and buildable color, or tips on how to enhance your glow subtly—our curated selection is designed with every preference in mind. Let us guide you through our top picks and expert advice to ensure your first experience with self-tanning leaves you looking effortlessly bronzed and beautiful.
Editor’s Picks: Top Lightweight Formulas
Lightweight formulas are the way for those who prefer a barely-there feel and subtle look. These products offer a subtle enhancement to your natural skin tone, ensuring you get that desired glow without the heaviness of some self-tanning products. They're perfect for daily use, allowing your skin to breathe and feel as if you're wearing nothing at all.
Here are our editor's top picks for lightweight self-tanners available at Ulta Beauty:
- Sunless Tanning Face Serums: Serums give you a gradual tan and benefit your skin with anti-aging properties. They're ideal for those who want to incorporate tanning into their skincare routine.
Self-Tanning Water is a clear, water-based formula that hydrates while providing a natural-looking tan. Its spray application ensures even coverage without transferring to clothes.
Wet Skin Moisturizers: These offer buildable color and work by applying them to damp skin after showering for a hassle-free, deeply hydrating application.
Bronzing Water Face Mists: Perfect for refreshing and tanning your face, mists offers a lightweight application that can be used over makeup or on clean skin.
Self-Tanning Drops: Mix these drops with your favorite body lotion for a customized and lightweight tanning experience. The more drops you use, the deeper the tan.
These selections stand out for their ease of use and ability to deliver a natural, sun-kissed look without overwhelming your skin. Whether new to self-tanning or looking for an everyday product, these lightweight options will meet your needs.
Mist Options That Promise Delicate Hues
Mist options are a fantastic choice for those who love the idea of a sun-kissed glow but are cautious about the intensity. These products offer a delicate hue that enhances natural beauty without an orange hue.
Here's a closer look at mist options available at Ulta Beauty that promise to give you that subtle, skin-kissed look:
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist: This face mist not only gives you a radiant glow but also hydrates your skin with its refreshing formula. It's perfect for use over makeup or on clean skin, making it versatile for any time of day.
Tarte Brazilliance 2-HR Express Deep Foaming Self-Tanner: This foaming self-tanner offers a golden hue in just two hours for quick results. Its lightweight formula ensures an easy and streak-free application.
Ulta Beauty Collection Bronze Glow Self Tanning Glow by Morning Gradual Tan Drops: Add these self-tanning drops to your nighttime skincare routine for a customized tan by morning. They're designed to work with your existing products, ensuring no disruption to your skincare regimen.
Whether looking for an instant glow or a gradual build-up of color, these mists provide flexibility and control in your tanning process.
Lotion Choices Ideal For First-Time Users
For first-time users, using self-tanning lotions can seem daunting. Lotions are an excellent choice for beginners because they blend easily into the skin and provide hydration while building a tan gradually. This means you can avoid streaks and patches often associated with faster-developing products. Here are some top lotion choices from Ulta Beauty that are ideal for those new to self-tanning:
Australian Gold Instant Sunless Lotion: This lotion is enriched with natural ingredients to nourish the skin while providing a customizable tan. It dries quickly, reducing the risk of transferring onto clothes.
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Lotion: Infused with aloe vera and coconut, this lotion not only tans but also moisturizes the skin. Its pump bottle makes application easy and mess-free.
L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk: Designed for gradual tanning, this milk hydrates for up to 48 hours, ensuring a smooth application and a streak-free tan.
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Everyday Body Lotion: Perfect for beginners, this lotion offers a buildable color that lets you control how deep your tan goes. It's also quick-drying and hydrating.
Ulta Beauty Collection Gradual Tan Lotion: This budget-friendly option allows for gradual tanning with daily use. It's formulated with vitamin E to moisturize as it tans.
These lotions stand out for their ease of use, making them perfect for those just starting with self-tanning. They offer gradual color development, which means you can build up to your desired level of tan without worrying about going too dark too quickly. Plus, their hydrating formulas help keep your skin soft and smooth, enhancing the overall appearance of your tan.
Tips On Achieving Barely There Radiance
Achieving a barely-there radiance with self-tanners requires a bit of know-how and the right approach. Here are some tips to help you get that perfect, subtle glow:
Exfoliate before application: Removing dead skin cells ensures an even base for your self-tanner, leading to a smoother application and a more natural-looking result.
Use a mitt for application: A tanning mitt helps distribute the product evenly across your skin, minimizing streaks and patches.
Start with less product: It's easier to build up color gradually than to try and reduce intensity after the fact. Begin with a small amount of product and add more as needed.
Blend into hairlines and joints: Pay extra attention to blending around your wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles, as well as along your hairline. These areas can absorb more product, leading to darker patches.
Wait before dressing: Allow the product to dry completely to avoid transferring onto clothes. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
Moisturize daily: Keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain an even tan and prevents patchiness as the color fades.
Apply face-specific products on your face: Use products formulated specifically for the face on facial areas. They're typically lighter and won't clog pores.
Wash hands after application: To avoid orange palms, wash your hands thoroughly with soap immediately after applying self-tanner anywhere on your body.
By following these steps, you can achieve a glow that looks like you've been kissed by the sun without any telltale signs of self-tanning products. Remember, practice makes perfect when applying self-tanners, so don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it just right.
Ulta Beauty Buying Guide
Self-tanning and bronzing products offer a safe and convenient way to achieve a natural-looking tan without the harmful effects of UV rays. These products come in various forms, including foams, mousses, lotions, and sprays, allowing you to choose the application method that works best for you. When selecting a self-tanning or bronzing product, consider factors such as your skin type, desired level of color, and any additional skincare benefits you may be looking for. Look for products that are formulated with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera to keep your skin moisturized and nourished. Additionally, consider whether you want a product that offers instant color or one that gradually develops over time. Finally, don't forget to read reviews and check for any potential allergens or irritants in the product's ingredients list. With the right self-tanning or bronzing product, you can achieve a beautiful, sun-kissed glow all year round. Here are some products we recommend.
Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse from St. Tropez is a great product for achieving a natural-looking tan with ease. It is tinted, easy-to-apply, and streak-free, and it wears for up to 10 days without any self tan smell. Its formula adapts to your skin tone for a personalized look.
- Provides a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without the harmful UV rays
- The mousse formula allows for easy application and even coverage
- Dries quickly, allowing you to dress shortly after application
- Long-lasting tan that fades evenly and subtly over time
- Infused with nourishing ingredients to promote a healthy skin
- Perfect for all skin tones, offering a customizable level of tan
- Leaves a refreshing scent, unlike many other self-tanners
Salon Quality Self Tanning Foam
This Salon Quality Self Tanning Foam from Bondi Sands is a great choice for achieving a sun-kissed tan, as it is enriched with aloe vera and has a delightful coconut scent. It is lightweight and easy to apply, leaving your skin glowing like you've spent the day at the beach. Plus, it's salon quality so you know it will last!
- Provides a natural-looking tan that many users love
- Easy to apply with its foam texture, making the tanning process smoother
- Offers a long-lasting tan, reducing the need for frequent reapplications
- Comes with a pleasant scent, unlike some other self-tanning products
- Suitable for all skin types, ensuring versatility and wide usability
- Dries quickly and doesn't leave any sticky residue, offering a clean and comfortable tanning experience
- Considered as a high-quality product comparable to salon tans, but at a more affordable price
Deluxe Bronzing Mousse
Deluxe Bronzing Mousse gives users a natural-looking, streak-free tan quickly.
Deluxe Bronzing Mousse is an ideal product for those looking to get a sun-kissed glow in minutes. It is easy to use and provides an even, streak-free coverage that looks natural. The mousse formula also allows you to build up the colour intensity as desired for a deeper, darker tan. Additionally, it has a pleasant scent making it even more enjoyable to use.
- Provides a natural-looking tan that users love.
- The mousse is easy to apply and dries quickly, allowing for a hassle-free application.
- Users have praised the long-lasting effect of the bronzing mousse.
- Many have appreciated its non-sticky texture, making it comfortable to wear all day.
- The product has a pleasant scent, unlike many other self-tanning products.
- It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, according to user reviews.
- Users appreciate the luxurious packaging, enhancing the overall experience of using the product.
FAQ
What's the difference between self-tanning water and lotion?
Self-tanning waters typically have a lightweight, liquid consistency that mists onto the skin for an even application. They absorb quickly and don't require as much blending as lotions. On the other hand, self-tanning lotions are creamier and provide more hydration. They may take longer to absorb but offer more control over the application, making them ideal for beginners.
How long should I wait to shower after applying self-tanner?
It's best to wait at least 4-8 hours before showering to allow the self-tanner to fully develop. Showering too soon can wash away the product, resulting in a less intense tan.
Can I use self-tanner on sensitive skin?
Yes. Many self-tanners are specifically formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin. Look for products labeled "for sensitive skin," or that contain natural, soothing ingredients. Always do a patch test before applying it all over.
How can I fix mistakes or streaks after applying self-tanner?
To correct mistakes or lighten streaks, lightly exfoliate the area with a damp washcloth. For more stubborn mistakes, apply a small amount of lemon juice to the area before gently exfoliating.
Is it necessary to use a different self-tanner for my face and body?
It's recommended. Facial self-tanners are formulated to be non-comedogenic and may contain additional skin-care benefits not found in body tanners. Using a product designed for your face can help prevent breakouts and ensure an even color.
How often should I reapply self-tanner to maintain my tan?
To maintain a consistent tan, reapply your self-tanner every 3-5 days. This timeline can vary based on the specific product used and how quickly your skin naturally exfoliates.
Will swimming affect my self-tan?
Chlorine and salt water can fade a self-tan more quickly. To prolong your tan, try to limit your time in the water and moisturize well afterward.
How do I protect my nails from staining when applying self-tanner?
Apply a small amount of Vaseline or a clear nail polish to your nails before applying self-tanner. This creates a barrier that prevents staining.
Can I apply makeup over a self-tanned face?
Yes. Once your self-tan has fully developed and you've washed your face, you can apply makeup as usual.
How can I ensure an even application on hard-to-reach areas like my back?
For spots like your back, use a self-tanning mitt attached to a back applicator, or ask someone to assist you to ensure even coverage.
Should I moisturize before applying a self-tanner?
Moisturize your skin 24 hours before applying self-tanner, especially focusing on dry areas like elbows and knees. Avoid moisturizing right before application, as it can create a barrier.
Is it safe to use self-tanner during pregnancy?
It's best to consult a healthcare provider before using self-tanning products during pregnancy, as skin can be more sensitive.
Can I use self-tanner if I have acne?
Yes, but steer towards products labeled non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores. A patch test can help determine how your skin will react.
How do I choose the right shade of self-tanner?
Consider your natural skin tone and desired result. Lighter shades offer a subtle glow, while darker shades provide more significant color. If you are uncertain, start with a lighter shade.
How long does an open bottle of self-tanner last?
Most self-tanners remain effective for up to 12 months after opening. To preserve their quality, store them in a cool, dark place.
