I’ve Self-Tanned Since Middle School, and I Swear By These 7 Drugstore Formulas

Believe it or not, the headline for this story is not clickbait or an exaggeration for dramatic effect. I’ve tried self-tanner on an almost-weekly basis since I was in eighth grade (the result of being endlessly teased for how naturally pasty I was). Lacking parental permission to increase my skin cancer odds by going to tanning salons like many of my peers, I always felt like the odd one out, so I became dependent on the drugstore aisle filled with bottles and spray cans of Jergens and L’Oréal Sublime. At the time, I was convinced a fake tan would be better than looking like I had never had a wink of sun exposure, and it was then that my obsession with self-tanning products was born. I’ve come a long way since then and now love my tan-free fair skin.

These days, I generally skip self-tanner and spray tans. That said, I still consider myself a connoisseur in the art of self-tanning and all the offerings on the market. No joke, I have an entire cupboard at home brimming with mousses, lotions, waters, sprays, powders, and every other self-tanning innovation you can think of. Something that may surprise you? Some of my favorite formulas can be found at the drugstore.

Even though I love pricier picks from Isle of Paradise, St. Tropez, James Read, and Bali Body, I still have love for Jergens, L’Oréal, Sally Hansen, and other low- to mid-cost brands you can find on Amazon or at Walmart. Ahead, I’m sharing seven of the best drugstore self-tanners I personally use, have purchased in a pinch while traveling, and/or have recommended to friends when they don’t want to spend $50 on a bottled bronze. Keep scrolling! All my faves lie ahead.

The Best Drugstore Self-Tanners, At a Glance

• Best Overall: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse
• Best Quick Drying Self-Tanner: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk
• Best Foam: Bondi Sands Aero 1 Hour Express Self-Tanning Foam
• Best for Travel: Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Mist

The Best Drugstore Self-Tanners of 2025

Best Overall: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse

Best Quick Drying Self-Tanner: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk

Best Foam: Bondi Sands Aero 1 Hour Express Self-Tanning Foam

Best for Travel: Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Mist

Best Lightweight Formula: Tanologist Self Tan Water

Best for Legs: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup

How do you know what kind of self-tanner is best for you?

Your skin tone plays a big role in the kind of self-tanner that’s right for you. St.Tropez’s tanning and skincare expert Michaella Bolder previously told Who What Wear UK that “Lighter skin tones carry a cool pink or blue undertone, therefore a light tanning solution such as a gradual tan is for you.” Meanwhile, medium skin tends to have green undertones, which she says suits a warmer tanning solution like St. Tropez Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse. Deeper skin tones have undertones that are red, which is where a darker formula might come in handy.

How to Prepare for Self-Tanner

When it comes to self-tanner, preparation is everything. The first step always starts in the shower, according to Bolder. If you’re tanning your body, start by exfoliating with an oil-free product to buff away dead skin cells. This will ensure your skin is smooth prior to application. “Remove unwanted hair at this stage if you want to, then rinse your skin with cool water to reduce any inflammation and close your pores,” she says. “Pat your skin dry and apply an oil-free moisturizing lotion over any dry areas and wait a few minutes until the skin is cool and settled.”

Once you’re ready to move on to your face, start by doing your regular skincare routine with cleanser, a serum, and moisturizer. “Add your SPF here if you are heading straight out afterwards,” says Bolder. “Avoid any exfoliating [ingredients] either in your toner or serum on the day of applying a fresh layer of self-tan.” Wait for your products to set, then you’re ready to tan.

How to Apply Fake Tan

It goes without saying that every product has its specific ingredients that require you to follow directions for ideal application. Generally though, there are a few tips worth keeping in mind. “The best way to apply self-tan products is on freshly prepared skin with a clean tanning mitt and your chosen tanning solution,” says Bolder. “Use long, sweeping, fast motions to move the self-tan freely around the skin, covering all areas.” She recommends starting on your legs and working your way up the body one area at a time. Take your time to ensure your covering all areas evenly, and use the other side of your mitt (if you’re using one) to get rid of residue.

How We Chose

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best drugstore self-tanners. For this roundup, we leaned heavily on our testing experience and considered several factors, including price, product type, and lasting power. As beauty editors, we’re aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list as well.

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Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.