<p>Now keep reading for the full breakdown of the best self-tanners for fair skin, according to product reviewers, my personal testing, and tips from a dermatologist and tanning experts on how to choose the best self-tanner for pale skin, how to properly apply and maintain your tan, and what to look for before you buy. </p>” />
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1
Best New Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
Dolce Glow Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion
1
Best New Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
Dolce Glow Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion
Pros
- Jam-packed with a bunch of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients so your skin looks healthy and your tan applies/fades evenly
Cons
- It’s the most expensive self-tanner on this list
Dolce Glow is one of my newest favorite self-tanning brands on the market. Not only is the Italian-inspired brand created by a celebrity spray tan artist (hi, Isabel Alysa) and backed by celebs (hi, Miley Cyrus), but it’s a clean beauty pick and also puts skincare at the forefront of all its tanning products. This gradual self-tanning formula in light-medium dries super fast, gives you the most natural glow, is filled with a ton of moisturizing and hydrating ingredients (see: macadamia oil, jojoba oil, aloe, and glycerin), and for the kicker—it doesn’t stain your sheets. *Drops mic, adds to cart*
- Key ingredients: DHA, vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate, macadamia oil, jojoba oil, aloe, glycerin
- Formula: Lotion
- Applies clear? Yes
THE REVIEW: “I am very pale and often turn orange with self-tanner,” one reviewer writes. “Not with Dolce Glow! I have the darker color tanning lotion and foam and they leave me looking nice and bronzy! No orange. And the Mia Instant Body Glow is a must; it leaves a light tint with a natural shine!“
2
Best Express Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
2
Best Express Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
Pros
- Express formula so you can achieve color results in as little as one hour
Cons
- Bronze color guide can transfer onto your clothes and sheets
If you’re super fair, it’s a smart idea to purchase a self-tanner that allows you to customize how tan you’re going to get. That’s why tanning expert Sophie Evans recommends this one by St. Tropez. “The best part is that you can customize the color of your tan by how long you leave it on your skin to develop,” she says. To achieve a lighter tan, shower after one hour, two hours for a medium tan, or leave it on up for three hours for the deepest color, she explains.
- Key ingredients: DHA, glycerin, aloe vera
- Formula: Mousse
- Applies clear? No, has a bronze color guide
THE REVIEW: “Always a favorite! The deep olive tan is just perfect, even for fair skin tones,” one reviewer notes. “The color it gives my fair skin is so incredibly natural and beautiful.”
3
Best Self-Tanning Drops for Pale Skin
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops
3
Best Self-Tanning Drops for Pale Skin
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops
Pros
- Contains caffeine, which will temporarily firm your skin
Cons
- Takes a few tries to figure out how many drops works for you
Reasons why I love Isle of Paradise: (1) Founder and pro spray tanner Jules Von Hep is all about body confidence and that self-tanning is for everyone, and (2) they’re the OG tanning drops, and they do it right. Filled with antioxidants that protect the skin, a slew of moisturizing oils, hydrating glycerin, and caffeine which temporarily firms your skin, these drops will give you the most healthy-looking, bronzed glow ever. I simply add a few drops to my favorite body moisturizer, rub it all over my skin, and give my hands a good wash.
- Key ingredients: DHA, vitamin C, vitamin E, avocado oil, glycerin, aloe vera, caffeine
- Formula: Serum
- Applies clear? Yes
THE REVIEW: “I love this stuff,” writes one reviewer with fair skin and red hair. “This gives me a beautiful glowing tan—I mix it in with the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, and once you figure out the lotion-to-tan ratio, you’re set!”
4
Best Self-Tanner Spray for Pale Skin
Tan-Luxe The Water Hydrating Self-Tan Water
4
Best Self-Tanner Spray for Pale Skin
Tan-Luxe The Water Hydrating Self-Tan Water
Pros
- Super quick application and gives you the look of an airbrushed spray tan when blended in
Cons
- When spraying, it tends to fall to your feet and if you don’t blend it out, it may look splotchy, reviewers note
Who needs to spend major moola on a spray tan when you can do it yourself? Let me introduce you to my favorite self-tanning spray that’s foolproof for an even, airbrushed-looking tan you can DIY at home. I start with clean, dry skin, spray the fake tan on one area of my body at a time, and, using large circular motions, blend it in with a tanning mitt. Thanks to the aloe vera and glycerin, my skin looks immediately hydrated and, two to four hours later, naturally tan.
- Key ingredients: DHA, glycerin, aloe vera, raspberry seed oil, vitamins B, C, and E
- Formula: Liquid
- Applies clear? Yes
THE REVIEW: “I’ve tried several different self-tanners over the years,” one reviewer notes. “From lotions to foams, this mist is my all-time favorite. It’s seamless and develops so nicely.”
5
Best Blurring Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
Lux Unfiltered Blurring Body Glow
5
Best Blurring Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
Lux Unfiltered Blurring Body Glow
Pros
- Fragrance-free formula, which is good for sensitive skin types
Cons
- It won’t be incredibly bronzing despite its appearance and should be used more for its glowy, blurring effect
Trust me when I say you absolutely need this body glow. Not only does it leave your skin looking like it’s been airbrushed from head to toe, but it’s also rich in shea butter and sunflower seed oil (to moisturize), squalane (to hydrate), and vitamin C (to brighten). Just like makeup for your skin, it adds the slightest bit of bronzed tint and all the luminizer.
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, sunflower seed oil, squalane, vitamin C
- Formula: Lotion
- Applies clear? No* (*tinted)
THE REVIEW: “I went to a pool party with this on and I was told by everybody how great I looked,” one review reads. “I was in and out of the pool all day, and it was still on! I had to wash it off with soap and water.”
6
Best Face Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
Australian Glow Facial Bronzing Mist
6
Best Face Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
Australian Glow Facial Bronzing Mist
Pros
- Mist is extremely fine and doesn’t look patchy or uneven
Cons
- May take a few trial and errors to figure out the intensity of color that you want
I truly don’t have enough good words to say about this self-tanner to do it justice. This is my favorite face tanner on the market, and it’s the easiest thing in the world to apply. Thanks to the fine mist, it gives a super-even result, while the superstar ingredients (hi, retinol, glycerin, and aloe vera) smooth your skin tone and hydrate it in the process. Start with a clean face, and holding the can about eight inches away, mist the tanner on your face, neck, and décolleté. It goes on clear and will develop within six hours throughout the day or night. Feel free to apply every few days (I typically do three) to keep your skin bronzed.
- Key ingredients: DHA, green tea extract, retinol, glycerin, aloe vera
- Formula: Liquid* (*mist)
- Applies clear? Yes
THE REVIEW: “So, I have tried ALL self-tanners,” writes one reviewer. “I bought this on a whim as I wanted a facial tanner and I have not tried this line—to my amazement, this product is BEAUTIFUL not only for your face but for your body as well!”
7
Best Gradual Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Lotion
7
Best Gradual Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Lotion
Pros
- It’s a great option for beginners because you can ease into the color your comfortable with
Cons
- It won’t give you super quick results, it takes a few days for a deeper coloring to appear
Ahhh, the OG gradual tanner on the market. This bb has stuck around for so long because it’s that freakin’ good—especially if you have fair or pale skin. The great part about this Jergens tanner is that it develops over time, and each day you apply it, the darker you get, meaning your level of tan is totally up to you. Self-tanning beginners, this is a great start. Plus, it’s filled with superstar humectant, glycerin, and a ton of antioxidants to protect your skin against environmental aggressors.
- Key ingredients: DHA, glycerin, antioxidants
- Formula: Lotion
- Applies clear? Yes
THE REVIEW: “Non-streaky and moisturizing,” writes one tester. “I enjoyed using this as it felt like a risk-free self-tanner option—it gave me a nice glow!“
8
Best Bronzing Serum for Pale Skin
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops
8
Best Bronzing Serum for Pale Skin
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops
Pros
- Lightweight, washable color that can give you a bronzed glow in a matter of seconds
Cons
- It works like makeup, so it won’t give you a long-lasting tan
Sometimes, there’s not enough damn time in the day to go through the entire self-tanning process. And hey, that’s okay, and why products like the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops are such cult favorites. Forgot to tan? No prob, just apply this to your face after your skincare routine/before your makeup or mix it in with your foundation, face lotion, or tinted moisturizer for a subtle, natural, glowy tan in seconds.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E, green tea extract, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin
- Formula: Serum
- Applies clear? No* (*bronzer)
THE REVIEW: “This product is just gorgeous because it leaves your skin with an alive, glowy look,” writes one reviewer, adding, “I love it as an alternative to self-tanning, which is too much of a commitment for me—I am extremely fair, and find it buildable, and not overwhelming for my skin.”
9
Best Self-Tanning Wipes for Pale Skin
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Intense Glow Pad Self-Tanner for Face
9
Best Self-Tanning Wipes for Pale Skin
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Intense Glow Pad Self-Tanner for Face
Pros
- Contains chemical exfoliants for smooth, prepped skin during the tanning process
Cons
- Tanner may dye light eyebrows, reviewers have noted
Calling everyone on a time crunch—this bb is for you. These self-tanning towelettes are basically the easiest, quickest solution for getting tan and prepping your skin in one. They’re packed with AHAs and BHAs (i.e., chemical exfoliants) that eliminate blackheads and clogged pores, so not only will your skin look super bronzed, but it’ll also be super smooth. All you do is apply the towelette to your clean, dry face in circular motions—just remember to wash your hands.
- Key ingredients: DHA, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, glycerin, vitamin E
- Formula: Towelettes
- Applies clear? Yes
THE REVIEW: “The application is amazing—especially for lazy girls)—there are no greasy, gross hands, you just swipe it on and you’re done!” one review reads.
10
Deepest Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
10
Deepest Self-Tanner for Pale Skin
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
Pros
- There’s an added bronzer, so you can see exactly where you’re applying it and don’t miss any spots
Cons
- Testers note that it looks super green upon application and it’s a bit of a jump scare before washing it off
So you want to look like you just came back from a tropical, sun-filled vacation, huh? That means you need a bronzing formula that gives you a deep color sans the dreaded orange undertones. Enter: This bronzing foam from clean and sustainable brand Coco and Eve. The fast-developing formula comes in three shades (medium, dark, and ultra-dark) and is packed with antioxidants for some skin repairing and protecting benefits.
- Key ingredients: DHA, antioxidants, cocoa seed extract, glycerin
- Formula: Mousse
- Applies clear? No, has a color guide
THE REVIEW: “I’ve been asked repeatedly if I went on vacation or laid out in the sun,” writes one tester. “the color is the most natural I’ve ever seen and lasts for a good four to five days.“
11
Best Self-Tanner for Pale Skin with SPF
Coppertone Glow Protect and Tan Sunscreen Lotion with Gradual Self Tanner SPF 45
11
Best Self-Tanner for Pale Skin with SPF
Coppertone Glow Protect and Tan Sunscreen Lotion with Gradual Self Tanner SPF 45
Now 14% Off
Pros
- Has a high enough SPF to wear every day
Cons
- Contains added fragrance, which may be irritating for sensitive skin types
So the point of self-tanning is to give your skin a bronzed glow without all of the sun damage, right? Right. That’s why this sunless tan by Coppertone with SPF 45 checks all of the boxes. The formula provides 80 minutes of water resistance, gives you a gradual tan, and even has a nice sheen to it, so you’ll have glowy skin whenever you apply (which should be ~every two hours).
- Key ingredients: DHA, SPF
- Formula: Lotion
- Applies clear? Yes
THE REVIEW: “I have been looking for something that gives me sun protection and a tan without making me orange and having a gross smell to it,” one review reads. “So far so good! It has almost no detectable scent and gives me a nice moisturized glow when I put it on.“
12
Best Self-Tanning Water for Pale Skin
Tanologist Express Tan Water
12
Best Self-Tanning Water for Pale Skin
Tanologist Express Tan Water
Pros
- Won’t transfer to your clothing or bed sheets due to the clear coloring
Cons
- Goes on clear so it’s hard to tell where it was applied
Got somewhere to be soon but forgot to tan? Trust me when I say that’s me almost every single weekend. That’s why you need to get yourself an express tanner that develops in one to four hours, like this one from Tanologist, so you’re ready to go no matter how last minute you pushed it. The formula comes with a spray nozzle for easy application and is filled with aloe vera for soothing, hydration, and a ton of brightening antioxidants.
- Key ingredients: DHA, aloe vera, vitamin E, grapefruit extract
- Formula: Liquid
- Applies clear? Yes
THE REVIEW: “LOVE this stuff!” writes one reviewer adding, “it leaves a natural, non-orange glow, is easy to apply, and is without the typical self-tanner smell.”
13
Best Bronzer for Pale Skin that Mimics Self-Tanner
Tower 28 Beauty Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer
13
Best Bronzer for Pale Skin that Mimics Self-Tanner
Tower 28 Beauty Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer
Pros
- Super blendable formula sinks into your skin and provides a natural-looking sheen
Cons
- Some testers with oily skin say it can get greasy looking throughout the day
Let’s be real, those with super-duper fair skin may not be able to find a self-tanner they’re comfortable in. That’s why sometimes it’s a smart idea to instead opt for a luminizing cream bronzer, like this one from Tower 28 Beauty, that’s filled with moisturizing castor seed oil and mango seed butter. Add it to your face where the sun would naturally hit, and follow it with a shimmery blush (try: Nars Orgasm Blush) for extra warmth.
- Key ingredients: Green tea extract, castor seed oil, mango seed butter
- Formula: Cream
- Applies clear? No* (*bronzer)
THE REVIEW: “If you REALLY like to glow, this is the product for you,” reads one review. “This makes you look very glow and tan.”
14
Best Self-Tanning Oil for Pale Skin
Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Body Oil
14
Best Self-Tanning Oil for Pale Skin
Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Body Oil
Pros
- An oil formula that doesn’t feel greasy upon application
Cons
- Can be hard to find in stock
Having a glow for me means l-a-y-e-r-i-n-g myself in body shimmer and oils in the summer. (Hey, I aim to be a ~glistening goddess~ 24/7, 365.) This self-tanning oil by Josie Maran will make you feel like you just bathed in a tub of liquid magic and then slathered your body in the most natural and glowy bronze. Apply to clean, dry skin, and wait about eight hours before rinsing the color off.
- Key ingredients: DHA, argan oil, vitamin E, glycerin, aloe vera, green tea extract, coconut water
- Formula: Oil
- Applies clear? Yes
THE REVIEW: “I am a super super SUPER pale Puerto Rican woman,” one tester writes. “The sun has never kissed my skin—it either burns me red or sprinkles me with freckles. This tanning oil is a game changer to all my pale queens out there who normally turn orange when they’ve used any kind of self-tanner.”
15
Best Tool for Applying Self-Tanner
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Face & Body Kabuki Brush 160
15
Best Tool for Applying Self-Tanner
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Face & Body Kabuki Brush 160
Pros
- Soft bristles that allow you to blend your tan easily
Cons
- You’ll have to clean the makeup brush after each application to keep it germ and bacteria free
Face tan can double as face contour—yes, rlly. Tantouring is, IMO, the best tanning hack there is, and it’s exactly what it sounds like—contouring with tanner. Like you would any ‘ol regular contour, apply the fake tanner with a kabuki brush. (If you really want to amp it up, use the fake tanner around your lips for a semi-permanent lip liner.) I swear this little makeup hack is about to revolutionize your freakin’ face.
THE REVIEW: “This is a great body and face kabuki brush,” writes one tester, adding “it is rounded which is very comfortable in your hand and large enough to use for spreading a shimmery body oil or tanner.”
Which fake tan is best for pale skin?
Which fake tan is best for pale skin?
There’s not necessarily a specific color or type of fake tan that’s best for pale or fair skin. “It’s a bit of a myth in the tanning world that if you have a certain skin tone, you should use a certain type of product,” says tanning expert Liz Agresta. If you are fair and want a tan that mimics a post-vacay glow, reach for a darker formulation, Agresta explains. However, according to tanning expert Jordan Cook, if you want a softer, natural glow to the skin, stick to the gradual developers and lighter self-tanners. “Self-tanning is like makeup—there is so much room to be creative and switch up your tan to suit the event, time of year, your mood, or really anything,” says Agresta.
How do you make sure your self-tanner fades evenly?
How do you make sure your self-tanner fades evenly?
The key to ensuring your self-tanner fades evenly is to prep your skin and commit to aftercare properly. To do this, spray tanning expert Sophie Evans emphasizes that you should exfoliate thoroughly before application and make sure any waxing or hair removal is completed 24 hours prior to tanning in order to prevent a patchy or spotty look.
For aftercare, keep your skin super moisturized with your favorite body butter or body lotion. You can also add a few drops of tanning drops into your regular body moisturizer to maintain your body glow and revive the depth of your tan, which will fade very lightly every few days, says Evans.
Does self-tanner work on pale skin?
Does self-tanner work on pale skin?
Self-tanners work on all skin colors, tones, and types. That said, a darker tanner shade will show up more on a lighter skin tone. “Self-tanners are made with dihydroxyacetone—i.e., DHA—which reacts with amino acids in dead skin cells to produce pigment,” says board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. In fact, an uneven, patchy, streaky tan isn’t caused by using too much self-tanner, it’s actually caused by using too little, surprise! The level of the DHA in the self-tanner is what makes you tan, not the amount you put on.
For an even tan on every skin tone, preparation is key. “Exfoliating the skin is essential before applying a self-tanner because our skin continuously sheds in different areas—exfoliating ensures the area to be treated is on a level playing field so the self-tanner goes on evenly and produces an even color,” says Dr. Lal. More on this and the process below.
How to choose the best self-tanner for pale skin:
How to choose the best self-tanner for pale skin:
Evaluate the formula
“Don’t get too overwhelmed with the choice of products on the market,” says Agresta, recommending to consider what you want from your self-tan and what best suits your lifestyle. If you’re on the go and don’t have a ton of time, a multi-use product can be a lifesaver. Some options include a gradual tanner that doubles as a moisturizer, a serum with a bronze tint, or even an easy spray solution that develops throughout the day. “If you love to sleep overnight in your tan, a clear tanner without a color guide is your best friend—waking up in the morning with a deep tan and crisp white sheets and no transfer of color? What a great start to the day!” says Agresta.
Know how to apply the self-tanner
Choosing the best self-tanner is only the first step, applying it correctly is what makes all the difference. Here is my tried-and-true process with tips from Cook:
- Exfoliate and remove any existing fake tan beforehand, explains Cook, adding that you want a completely fresh canvas to work from. Massage your skin from the neck down with an exfoliating body scrub or loofah in the shower. This will help remove any old tanner and dead skin.
- Protect and moisturize key areas of the skin—knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, and any other spots that seem to be drier, explains Cook. Even if the tanner you are applying is a moisturizing one, it will still stick to areas you don’t want it to if you miss this step. So use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer beforehand.
- Apply a liberal amount of self-tanner to a tanning mitt. Fun fact: If you don’t use enough self-tan, you can end up looking streaky because there won’t be enough DHA (the chemical that reacts with the skin to create the tan) to cover the skin fully. Cook warns against using regular plastic gloves as they are an “old-school” technique, and a mitt works much better.
- Work on one area of the body at a time, and apply with long strokes. “To get those hard-to-reach areas of your back, my favorite tip is to slide a hairbrush inside your mitt and secure it with a hair tie,” she explains. “Then, holding it by the brush handle, you can use it as an arm extender to reach those spots!”
- Wash your hands one to two hours after application. This is a personal hack of mine, and I have found that it keeps my hands from over-developing.
- Allow the tan to develop, and shower after the proper amount of time. For the tan to come out as intended, follow the directions on the individual tanner, and don’t shower until at least the minimum suggested time.
- Moisturize daily and often. Dry skin can wreak havoc on a fake tan. To avoid it fading splotchy, wear SPF and moisturize with your favorite hydrating body lotion.
Meet the experts:
Meet the experts:
- Sophie Evans is the St. Tropez skin finishing expert and a celebrity spray tanner based in New York, NY.
- Jordan Cook is a global tanning expert and an SFX (special effects) makeup artist. Cook has worked with brands such as St. Moriz, Mac, and Urban Decay.
- Liz Agresta is the founder, and director of Australian Glow, a natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and organic tanning line made with sustainable packaging.
- Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces, as well as some fashion and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to achieve ridiculously glowing skin, a super bouncy blowout, or exactly how to use that viral face mask? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As NYC’s newest resident, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini this city has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram where you’ll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dog and that magazine life.
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