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Whether you're a self-tanner devotee or just curious about the bronze life, we promise the best facial self-tanners are worth a try. Over the years, Allure editors have tried hundreds of self-tanners and have agreed that, yes, some make you look more like a Cheeto than a kettle chip, which is part of the reason why using a self-tanner made specifically for your face is key.
Whether in the form of drops to add to your favorite moisturizer, mists you can apply before bed, or as a hydrating serum you rub right in, these 7 best facial-self tanners are sure to give you your glowiest glow yet.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops, $42
- Most Hydrating: Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops, $50
- Best for Mature Skin: Coola Organic Sunless Tan Face Serum, $54
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Bondi Sands Pure Self-Tanning Sleep Mask, $25
- Drugstore Steal: L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops, $19
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it okay to put a self-tanner on my face?
- Will self-tanner clog my pores?
- How do I apply a facial self-tanner?
- What's the difference between self-tanner and bronzing drops?
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops
Why It's Worth It: The Tan Tonic Glow Drops from St. Tropez is the next best thing to summering on the southern coast of France. With a formula that works to plump, protect, hydrate, and smooth fine lines, this is a solid choice if you're on the hunt for a natural-looking tan with skin benefits. You can apply the buildable drops directly to your skin or customize the concentration by combining them with your favorite moisturizer.
Editor Tip: While the formula offers benefits specially tailored to the face, you can use it on your body on patches that need a touch-up.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, echinacea, acerola cherry extract | Who It's For: Everyone
Most Hydrating: Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Why It's Worth It: Ditch the dryness you get from hanging out in the sun for too long, and instead opt for the hydrating Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops. This 2020 Best of Beauty winner is made with raspberry seed oil and aloe vera for a moisturizing bronze effect. The coolest part? This concentrated formula mixes right into your existing skin-care routine. A couple of drops turn your serum, lotion, moisturizer, or face oil into your perfect face tan.
Editor Tip: If you want a more subtle glow, go with two to four drops of this sunless tanner. If you want a gold or bronze look, eight to 12 is your sweet spot.
Key Ingredients: Raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, vitamin E | Who It's For: People with dry skin
Best for Mature Skin: Coola Organic Sunless Tan Face Serum
Why It's Worth It: Coola's Organic Sunless Tan Face Serum is a lightweight formula made with everything you were hoping it would be — including argan oil and hyaluronic acid. While is compatible with several skin types (normal, oily, combination, dry), people with mature skin can benefit from the formula's plant stem cell cultures, which work to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Oh, and it smells like a fresh piña colada.
Editor Tip: Use this alone for more depth or with your moisturizer for a more gradual fake tan.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica cell cultures| Who It's For: People with wrinkles or fine lines
Overnight Delight: Isle of Paradise Night Glow Self-Tan Face Mist
Why It's Worth It: Giving a whole new meaning to “I could do it in my sleep,” the Isle of Paradise Night Glow Self-Tan Face Mist works while you rest to bestow the glow. The oil-and-water bi-phase face mist is formulated to soothe and hydrate skin and gradually bronze overnight. The best part is the calming vibe of the oil blend helps you nod right off.
Editor Tip: Make sure to give the bottle a good shake before misting.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, argan oil, jasmine oil | Who It's For: People with redness, uneven texture, and dullness
Drugstore Steal: L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops
Why It's Worth It: With a few hours and a few drops into your favorite serum or moisturizer, the L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops unlocks your brand new golden hue — without skimping on the hydration (hello hyaluronic acid). The non-sticky, fragrance-free formula can be applied daily. For a lighter bronze, go for five to seven drops into a dime-sized dollop of moisturizer, and for a deeper tan, opt for eight to ten drops.
Editor Tip: If you have light brows, avoid contact with the drops because there's potential for staining.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, cocos nucifera fruit juice, coconut fruit juice| Who It's For: People who prefer no fragrance
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Bondi Sands Pure Self-Tanning Sleep Mask
Why It's Worth It: Reach for this non-comedogenic option from Bondi Sands if you're struggling with acne or clogged pores. In addition to its sensitive formula, this self-tanning sleep mask contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C, and reparative vitamin E. We always love the convenience of a for-sleep facial self-tanner, and because the cream is colorless, it won't transfer any brownness onto your pillow.
Editor Tip: If you opt to use it during the day, make sure your skin is completely bare before applying the mask.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, cocoa butter, shea butter | Who It's For: People with acne or acne-prone skin
Best for Beginners: +Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops
Why It's Worth It: The antioxidant-forward formula of the +Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops fits right into your existing skincare routine. Don't let the fragrance-free nature of these drops fool you; they're made with plenty of fruit oils. Just mix it with your moisturizer and watch your streak-free tan develop over eight hours.
Editor Tip: Let your tan set for at least five minutes before putting on makeup.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, pomegranate extract, coconut water, passion fruit oil, and vitamin E| Who It's For: Beginners
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to put body self-tanner on my face?
While there are overlapping ingredients in facial self-tanner and body self-tanner, David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, advises against using them interchangeably. "I would not use body self-tanner on the face," he tells Allure. "It's much more comedogenic and oily and can often break you out." Plus, facial self-tanners often include ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that specifically benefit your face's skin, so if you use body self-tanner on your kisser, you'd be missing out.
How do I apply a facial self-tanner?
Facial self-tanner goes on easily but, ideally, requires a little prep leading before you uncap the bottle. "Preparation starts with gentle exfoliation the day before ensure skin is smooth and free of dry patches, which can make color uneven," cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos tells Allure. "Cleanse skin to remove makeup and traces of oil just before applying the self-tanner. Pay extra attention to blending around the hairline and avoid the eyes area and lips. Be sure to wash your hands if you're not using some sort of applicator like a mitt," she adds.
Before applying the self-tanner to your face, confirming you've chosen the right shade or planned the right amount of drops for your desired outcome is essential. "The lower the concentration of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the more gradually you can build color and avoid uneven spots and splotches," says Dobos. "Because the color fades as the top layers of your skin naturally exfoliate, it can be near impossible to quickly correct areas that have gone too dark."
Will facial self-tanner clog my pores?
Some self-tanners have the potential to clog your pores, depending on the type and sensitivity of your skin. "I recommend looking for oil-free and 'non-comedogenic' options to make sure they're appropriate for oily acne-prone skin," says Dr. Kim. When a product is non-comedogenic, the formula won't cause pore blockages, also known as comedones or black/whiteheads. Before you add a facial-self tanner to your cart, look at the fine print.
What's the difference between facial self-tanner and bronzing drops?
Facial self-tanner and bronzing drops may sound like synonyms, but they aren't. "Bronzing drops contain iron oxides and pearlescent pigments to provide an instant bronze glow. They are basically a form of makeup and can be washed from the skin," says Dobos. "The main difference between the two is that bronzing drops are temporary and rinse down the drain once it's time to wash your face, while tanning drops usually have a semi-permanent pigment. The latter relies on dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar that safely darkens the skin," Dobos concludes. If you're looking for bronzing drops, however, you can't go wrong with the following:
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about several factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of facial self-tanners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, skin needs, ease of application, and longevity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Treat your skin to more Allure-approved essentials:
- 10 Bronzing Drops That'll Make Every Hour Golden Hour
- 11 Best Self-Tanners for a UV-Free Glow All Year Round
- 15 Shea Butter-Spiked Products for Soft, Supple Skin
Now, watch pop icon Christina Aguilera break down her famous music video looks:
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