Skip to main contentSkip to footer
best self-tanners© @vitaliberata

The best self-tanners to enhance your glowing skin this season under $50

From foaming formulas to organic tanners to give your skin a sun-kissed look right at home.


MAY 14, 2020 5:43 PM EDT

Whether you like to sunbathe at the beach or at a salon, self-tanners are the new beauty heroes that will give you a bronze finish without the extra ultraviolet and sun damage. You probably have heard hundreds of times the benefits of wearing sunscreen, but it is also recommended to use a tanning product with allover benefits. According to dermatologists, sun tanners are the safest and most effective way to prevent aging and skin cancer while getting a sun-kissed look. To get JLO’s skin glow or Penelope Cruz’s natural bronze without getting a sunburn, use on-demand formulas right at home. While sun exposure is damaging for the skin, it can also lead to long-term issues such as skin cancer and hyper-pigmentation. Self-tanners prevent early aging and sunburn while providing your skin that extra je ne sais quoi of glimmer. Stop basking under the sun and use these alternative lotions to give your skin an extra boost of toasty-feeling. Everyone will be wondering where did you go for your tropical vacation. To celebrate skin cancer awareness month, we have rounded up must-have summer tans to give your skin an extra glow without sun exposure.

best self-tanners© Tarte Cosmetics

Express tan

This vegan self-tanning mousse offers a natural-looking deep tan in two hours. Brazilliance is formulated with aloe, coconut, jojoba, avocado and vitamin C for a nourishing finish and healthy-looking tan. This is a great self-tanner to achieve a natural blend that won’t leave your skin looking orange. All you need to do is apply the tan with an application mitt and wait two hours for the bronze result, rinse and voila.

Cleantan© @cleantanusa

Sunless tan

Forget about spending two hours tanning at the beach. Cleantan brings a sunless solution and plant-based formula that you can add to your favorite moisturizer. The concentrated self-tanning drops will give you deep golden tones and nourish your skin while tanning overnight. All you need to do is mix a few drops with your moisturizer and rub it on your skin. The bronze color will deepen within six to eight hours.

best self-tanners© @janeiredale

Instant bronzer

Tantasia has a lightweight formula that bronzes your skin instantly while building your natural tan without sun exposure. Its sensitive-tested formula makes it ideal for use in the face and body. Also, the blend of ingredients works overtime to give an even and customized look gradually. This self-tanner has a citrus scent and is completely vegan. You can use this product daily until the desired tan is achieved.

best self-tanners© Vita Liberata

Flawless glow

Vita Liberata has a self-tanning lotion that will give you a glowing finish without the extra effort. Its formula contains organic ingredients that offer coverage to minimize the appearance of blemishes while hydrating the skin. Apply a small amount of tanning lotion on a mitt and spread evenly on your skin. Use circular motions while applying the make-up and avoid the heel of the hand.

best self-tanners© Korres

Goddess skin

Korres Age-Defying Greek Goddess tanning also works as a body serum. The serum smells like the beach and leaves skin looking luminous, smooth and moisturized. This fast-absorbing formula features four healthy oils and tanning agents for the ultimate sun-kissed look. Also, the tan can last you for seven to eight days. Get the spa-quality experience without the extra burn.

best self tanners© St. Tropez

Gradual tan

Use the St. Tropez gradual tan right after a shower. Use it as an everyday moisturizer until you get the desired sun-kissed glow. Though it smells like watermelon, it is not edible. Your glow will subtly develop over four to eight hours after application. It is infused with other fragrance notes like melon, kiwi and red berries. It will become one of your favorite products pre-summer season.

best self tanner© Amazon

As effective as the sun

Get darker skin without the sun damage. Beauty by Earth is infused with organic ingredients like organic shea butter, organic coconut oil, and nutritive Japanese green tea to get the best sunless tan without sun exposure. Instead of sacrificing your skin health use a safe tanner without the extra chemicals found on traditional tanners. This vegan product won’t make you look like orange juice.

best self tanners© Amazon

Fast-drying tan

FakeBake is a fast-absorbing tan with streak-free results. Use it for last-minute events when you need to give your white skin extra glow. The tanner is non-sticky and offers a brown tone without looking orange. It is ideal for ladies who want low maintenance and a quick application.

Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Quick Self-Tanning Gel© Shiseido

Gel Formula

Shiseido’s newest bronzing bottle provides an effective glow with it’s gel fomula. The cooling sensation absorbs instantly and feels light and silky on both your face and body. Become the ulimate glowing goddess with this gem.