Traditionally, tanning means spending hours in the sun trying to achieve that perfect dewy, bronzy look, but at the same time, putting your skin at risk of sunburns. However, with the advent of self-tanning lotions and creams, it has now become very easy to achieve that perfect tan of your dreams with minimal effort. Most importantly, it can be achieved while sitting at home, which means you don’t have to bake in the sun.
Self-tanning lotions and creams react with your dead skin cells giving them a dark hue. It is momentary and fades away once you stop applying self-tanners for 10 days.
In this article, we have listed down 10 best-selling self-tanner lotions that will give your pale or fair skin a beautiful bronze color and make you feel like you’re ready for the summer.
Best Self Tanner Lotions For Pale Skin
All of the following products have been picked after thorough research by our experts. So, when you are done looking into the list choose the best one for your skin tone and get that gorgeous tan you’ve been waiting for!
1. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion
This lotion is one of the most commonly used and best-selling self-tanners of all time. It’s an extremely moisturizing formula as it contains coconut milk and oil.
This lotion works best for people who already have a tan and want to darken it, as it works as a maximizer. Additionally, it doesn’t contain bronzer, which means you don’t have to worry about streaking or staining your palms and the soles while tanning.
It also works great for people who have tattoos because its formula prevents colors from fading away while giving you a natural-looking tan.
Pros:
- Doesn’t fade tattoos
- Moisturizing
- No streaking or staining
Cons:
- Does not include a sunscreen
- Some may find the coconut scent to be overpowering
2. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
This iconic formula gives you the most glowy and natural-looking tan you’ve always wanted. It’s easy to apply and gives you long-lasting results for up to 10 days, and the best part is that it fades away evenly, so your skin isn’t left looking blotchy.
This self-tanner leaves your skin moisturized for 24 hours as it contains a blend of Jojoba. Those who have used this product like how it doesn’t have the burnt smell that tanning lotions usually have and can testify to the fact that this is the best self-tanner they have ever used.
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Moisturizing
- Long-lasting
- Fades evenly
- No tan smell
Cons:
- A little pricey
3. Maui Babe Browning Lotion
This lotion contains very simple ingredients like Kona coffee to give you a natural-looking tan. The antioxidants in the lotion keep your skin looking smooth and healthy while also slowing down signs of aging. The formula also includes a blend of Kukui nut oil and aloe plant extract to heal your skin and soothe sunburns.
This tanning lotion is very popular and liked by everyone who uses it; however, it does tend to be a bit greasy, a downside.
Pros:
- Pocket friendly
- Hydrating
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Some may find the coffee scent to be unpleasant
- May stain clothes
4. Somewhere on a Beach Instant Dark Tanning Lotion
This formula helps you achieve a darker tan with Tyrosine as one of the main ingredients. Additionally, the Advanced Matrixyl Synthe 6 protects the skin while preventing fine lines and wrinkles from forming.
This lotion also contains BB cream, which helps you achieve a matte look, which you will especially need on hot summer days. If you want to achieve a dark tan and be left smelling coconuts, this product is for you.
Pros:
- Anti-aging formula
- Moisturizing
- Has a tropical scent
Cons:
- Doesn’t give protection against UV radiation
5. Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator
Its color turns out beautiful in both indoor and outdoor use. Plus, it has a delicious Cocoa Dreams fragrance, and you’ll love it if you like the smell of coconuts.
This tanning lotion contains natural bronzers such as henna and caramel and is rich in vitamins A and E. These vitamins help protect your skin through their antioxidant properties and stimulate blood flow to achieve a rich and even tan.
Pros:
- Non-greasy texture
- Uses natural bronzers
- Smells divine
- Affordable
Cons:
- Does not contain SPF
6. Supergoop!® Healthy Glow Sunless Tan
This formula is sure to give you the perfect sun-kissed look while also protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It contains Vitamins E and B5, which help you tan safely and make sure your skin retains moisture throughout the process.
This lotion gives long-lasting results and doesn’t streak your skin. Plus, if you prefer odorless self-tanners, this one’s for you.
Pros:
- Contains SPF 40
- Odorless
- Long-lasting
- Doesn’t streak your skin
Cons:
- A little pricey
7. Australian Gold Sinfully Tanning Lotion
This tanning lotion is a good starting point for people with very pale skin, as the 15x indicates how deep your tan will be. This way, your skin tone will transition more naturally.
It has ingredients such as Kukui nut oil and hemp seed oil that will give your skin a smooth finish, and the caramel and the Monoi oil will act as accelerators and deepen your color instantly. Plus, it has a lovely fragrance of berries.
Pros:
- Good choice for beginners
- Leaves your skin silky smooth
Cons:
- Doesn’t contain SPF
8. Millenium Tanning New Solid Black 100x
This tanning lotion works best on the palest of skin tones because it contains 100x levels of instant bronzer that help you achieve a dark tan. You can employ it to build on a base tan.
The formula contains hemp and sunflower seed oil, both of which moisturize your skin and help you achieve a smooth and even tan.
However, it is a thick product and may streak your skin if not applied evenly.
Pros:
- Gives immediate tan
- 100x levels of bronzer
- Moisturizing
Cons:
- It might streak your skin
9. Brown Sugar Black Chocolate Coconut Cream
This formula contains 200x levels of bronzer, giving you an intense tan. This product also works as an accelerator, which means it will stimulate your natural melanin production, giving a more natural-looking darker look.
Along with a long-lasting tan, it also provides intense moisture to your skin, which is sure to last till your next tanning session.
It’s a strong bronzer, which means it might streak and stain your skin if not applied carefully and evenly.
Pros:
- 200x levels of bronzer
- Accelerates melanin production
- Moisturizing
- Long-lasting tan
- Smells good
Cons:
- May streak your skin
10. TANOVATIONS Skin Perfecting Dark Intensifier
This tanning lotion does not contain bronzers because it works as an intensifier by increasing your melanin production. It’s a moisturizing formula that also prevents your tattoos from fading away.
There are several other ingredients in this formula, for example, white charcoal, which cleanses your skin of impurities and clogged pores, and helps you achieve flawless, acne-free skin. The pineapple and dragon fruit extracts nourish your skin with vitamin C, which protects your skin from damage from free radicals.
Pros:
- Protects tattoos
- Helps prevent acne
- Affordable
Cons:
- Used only on top of a base tan
Executive Summary
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