Tanning waters: The new self-tanning trend you’ll love

After simply applying it and waiting a few hours, you’ll be amazed at the results

JUNE 21, 2020 9:23 AM EDTJUN 21, 2020, 9:23 AM EDT

If the sunless winter months have left your skin in the need of a boost, then why not give tanning waters a try? They promise to give your skin a golden glow in just a few hours. And the best part? No more greasy finish, since they’re formulated to be light and fresh. Your look will be natural and your summer outfits stain free. So if you want to show off bronzed legs with a dazzling mini dress when you step onto the beach, read on to learn all about this new self-tanning formula and the hottest picks.

Need to know

These formulas are made to infuse color into your body or face (and some are perfect for both). The clear liquids or mists tan your skin while also hydrating it and making it feel fresh.

Your skin will gradually appear tan a few hours after application, and the magic can last from seven to ten days. Keep in mind that they have no SPF, so don’t forget to rub on some sunscreen if you’re going outside.

Young woman hydrates her face with facial mist

How to use them?

It will all depend on how noticeable you want your tan to be. If you want a subtle touch-up, just apply once, but if your goal is to look like you’ve been in the sun for a few days, simply use it for longer.

Another trick to get a better tan is to apply the product after exfoliating your skin. Also don’t forget to shake the bottle well before using it.

Hold the container straight up and about 8 inches away. Spray until it’s distributed evenly. Then, rub the product in with your hands and massage until your skin absorbs it.

Remember to wash your hands thoroughly when you finish.

Full of nutrients

The Hydrating Self-Tan Water by Tan Luxe ($47) is a perfect formula for all skin types. It’s made from a mix of vitamins B, C, and E, raspberry oil, aloe vera, and organic tanning ingredients that will hydrate your skin and make it look radiant. This brand offers a version for use on face or body.

Face time

The Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist by St. Tropez ($30) is an ultra-lightweight transparent mist infused with hibiscus extract for its antioxidant properties and fresh green mandarin water for a refreshing tropical fragrance. Just spray it on before or after putting on makeup.

Perfect for legs

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Tanning Water ($15) is a colorless and streak-free mist that enhances your natural skin tone, instantly hydrates, and gradually builds a gorgeous glow.

Three levels of tan

The Self Tanning Waters by Isle of Paradise ($26) offer three options with each color representing a different level of glow, ranging from light to medium and then dark.

So it’s up to you how you want your skin to look. After applying it, it will take just a few seconds for your skin to have a streak-free, natural glow.

With all the goodness of coconuts

The Coconut Water Tan Mist Body by James Read ($31) is an extra light, fast-drying tanning mist. You’ll have no trouble getting dressed just a few minutes after applying it.

After waiting three to five hours, your skin will be radiant and soft because of its main ingredient: coconut oil. And it doesn’t stop there, it also has hyaluronic acid, which provides anti-aging properties.

For a tan that lasts up to seven days

The Invisible Foaming Tanning Water by Vita Liberata . ($39) is a self tanner that will work in four to six hours after application and guarantees to keep you tan for up to seven days. Ginkgo biloba and raspberry offer anti-aging benefits and help protect skin from free radicals.

Dior Bronze Liquid Sun Self-Tanning Water

For that sublime tan

French brand Dior has reinvented its classic body self tanner, transforming it into an ultrafine, light self-tanning water. After one application, the Bronze Liquid Sun Self-Tanning Water covers skin in a silky finish that refreshes, hydrates, and nourishes while infusing glow into the skin.