Checklist · 11 picks · 6 categories
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Fake tan is a skill, and the gear makes it way easier. Start with prep: an exfoliating body wash the day before to clear off dead skin.
Then pick your main tanner. A foam or mousse is the classic move, and a mitt keeps it off your palms. Gradual lotions build color over a few days if you're nervous, and face drops mix into your moisturizer so your face matches your body. The tanners carry picks from NBC Select, which spoke with a dermatologist and three spray tan pros, plus Reviewed and Shop TODAY. Each card shows the drawback the outlet called out, like a strong smell, a limited shade range or color that takes days to show up.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you have very sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis or a DHA allergy; NBC Select's experts say those folks should avoid self tanners.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Nov 1, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
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Best self tannermid pick · Foam
Best for your go-to weekly glow
NBC Select's best overall self tanner: a lightweight, hydrating foam that spray tan stylist Sabrina Johnson says gives a natural bronze.
Heads up. Limited shade range and a strong scent
1 outlet. NBC Select best overall self tanner.
$25-50
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Best self tannerbudget pick · One shade (medium)
Best for a low-stakes first fake tan
Reviewed's best value self tanner: a water mousse in one medium shade that went on easily, gave a subtle tan and faded evenly.
Heads up. Blotchy around ankles and feet, with a limited shade range
1 outlet. Reviewed best Value self tanner.
under $15
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splurge pick · 6.7 oz
Best for same-day plans
NBC Select's best self tanner for a quick tan: St. Tropez says to rinse after one hour for a light glow, two for medium golden or up to three for a deeper bronze.
Heads up. No specific shade range and a strong smell
1 outlet. NBC Select best self tanner for a quick tan.
$25-50
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Body Lotion | budget | under $15 | building color slowly with zero drama | 1 outlet |
| Tanologist Hydrating Gradual Tan Lotion | mid | under $15 | dry skin that grabs onto tanner | 1 outlet |
| Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tan Lotion | splurge | $25-50 | keeping a tan topped up between foam days | 1 outlet |
Best gradual tannerbudget pick · 7.5 oz
Best for building color slowly with zero drama
NBC Select's best budget-friendly self tanner: a lightweight lotion that builds a natural, gradual tan and doubles as a daily body lotion.
Heads up. Takes time to show up and can be streaky
1 outlet. NBC Select best budget-friendly self tanner.
under $15
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mid pick · Lotion
Best for dry skin that grabs onto tanner
NBC Select's best tanning lotion: a hydrating gradual formula with hyaluronic acid and squalane, and its fair/medium shade took three to four days to reach the right color for NBC Select's writer.
Heads up. Takes a few days to show up
1 outlet. NBC Select best tanning lotion.
under $15
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splurge pick · One shade
Best for keeping a tan topped up between foam days
NBC Select's best self tanner for a gradual tan: an oil-and-lotion hybrid that spray tan artist Anna Stankiewicz-Babakitis recommends.
Heads up. Strong smell and a slightly watery texture
1 outlet. NBC Select best self tanner for a gradual tan.
$25-50
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Best face tanning dropsbudget pick · Dropper bottle
Best for matching your face to your body
NBC Select's best color-correcting self tanner and Shop TODAY's best for beginners: drops you mix into your moisturizer, adding more drops for a deeper shade.
Heads up. Smaller bottle, and Shop TODAY says it may stain hands
2 outlets agree. NBC Select best color-correcting self tanner. Shop TODAY best for beginners self tanner.
$25-50
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splurge pick · 1.02 oz
Best for a slow, buildable face glow
NBC Select's best tanning drops: bronzer-free face drops that spray tan stylist Sabrina Johnson says suit buildable facial tans that don't clog pores.
Heads up. Expensive, and NBC Select says it's better for paler skin
1 outlet. NBC Select best tanning drops.
$50-100
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Best tanning mittbudget pick · One size
Best for skipping the orange-palm phase
The mitt Reviewed's self tanner guide links when it suggests using one, since tanner left on your fingers and palms can stain them.
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$15-25
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Best exfoliating body washbudget pick · 10 oz
Best for trying a chemical exfoliant for the first time
NBC Select's best exfoliating body wash for beginners: a fragrance-free salicylic acid wash its expert calls an excellent starting point for most people.
1 outlet. NBC Select best exfoliating body wash for beginners.
under $15
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mid pick · Bottle
Best for rough, dull skin that wants smoothing
NBC Select's best overall exfoliating body wash: a blend of alpha hydroxy acids that gently exfoliates, and one bottle lasts a long time.
1 outlet. NBC Select best overall exfoliating body wash.
$15-25
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
NBC Select's experts say to exfoliate the day before (spray tan artist Anna Stankiewicz-Babakitis warns against overdoing it), wax or shave at least 48 hours ahead (Kristina Black), and skip deodorant, perfume, oils and lotion on tan day, except a little moisturizer on dry spots like elbows, knees and ankles.
NBC Select says to wait about six to eight hours, and spray tan artist Kristina Black says to keep water off your skin for at least eight. Reviewed says instant self tanners usually need four to eight hours, so check the directions on yours.
NBC Select says a tan usually lasts five to seven days. Moisturize daily, take quick lukewarm showers and skip exfoliating for the first few days to make it last. People with very sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis or a DHA allergy should avoid self tanners.