Ever walked down the drugstore aisle, overwhelmed by the army of fake tan bottles promising sun-kissed skin? It’s a jungle out there! Finding the perfect fake tanner that gives you a natural glow, doesn’t smell weird, and won’t turn you orange can feel impossible. You want that bronzed goddess look, but without the expensive salon price tag.
Choosing the wrong drugstore fake tanner can lead to streaky legs, patchy color, and a scent that lingers for days. Nobody wants to look like they wrestled with a bottle of self-tanner and lost! Plus, with so many brands making big claims, it’s tough to know which ones actually deliver.
This blog post is your guide to navigating the world of drugstore fake tanners. We’ll break down the best options, explain how to avoid common mistakes, and give you tips for achieving a flawless, natural-looking tan at home. By the end, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to confidently choose the perfect fake tanner for your skin and budget. Let’s dive in and discover your new go-to glow!
Our Top 5 Fake Tanner Drugstore Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Fake Tanner Drugstore Detailed Reviews
1. b.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner Mousse
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to rock a seriously dark tan with the b.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner Mousse! This “Too Tan – Best” mousse is designed for those who crave a deep, golden bronze. It’s a 1-hour express formula, so you can control the intensity of your tan. Plus, it boasts a no-fake-tan-smell formula, which is a huge win! This mousse is vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin. You can use it on both your face and body for an all-over glow.
What We Like:
- Insanely Dark Results: It really delivers on the dark tan promise! If you love a deep bronze, this is for you.
- Easy Tanning: No weird smells or complicated application. It’s straightforward and simple to use.
- Fast Development Time: The 1-hour express formula is great for when you’re in a hurry, and you can leave it on longer for an even darker tan.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free: We love that it aligns with ethical beauty standards.
- Made in the USA: You can trust the quality and ingredients.
What Could Be Improved:
- Application Requires Care: You have to be careful to apply it evenly and blend well, or you might get streaks. Using a mitt is essential!
- Darkness Level: While some love the ultra-dark results, it might be too intense for those who prefer a more natural-looking tan.
If you’re looking for a seriously dark, express tan and value vegan and cruelty-free products, the b.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner Mousse is worth a try. Just remember to apply carefully for the best results!
2. Tanning Lotion Self Tanner – USA Made with Natural and Organic Ingredients Non Toxic Sunless Browning Lotion
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready for a sun-kissed glow without the sun damage! The Tanning Lotion Self Tanner by Beauty by Earth is a USA-made self-tanner that uses natural and organic ingredients. This non-toxic formula gives you a beautiful, gradual tan, perfect for both men and women. It’s designed for fair to medium skin tones and promises a streak-free, natural-looking tan.
What We Like:
- Achieve a natural-looking tan without orange hues.
- The formula is made with clean, organic ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter.
- You can use it on both your face and body for an even tan.
- Beauty by Earth offers various tanning options, so you can find the perfect one for you.
- It’s easy to apply and doesn’t leave streaks or stain clothes and sheets.
- The tan lasts for days, keeping you glowing longer.
- They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users with very sensitive skin might still experience slight irritation, so a patch test is recommended.
- While designed for fair to medium skin, those with very fair skin might want to apply sparingly for the first application.
If you are looking for a natural-looking, gradual tan, Beauty by Earth’s Tanning Lotion is a great option. With its clean ingredients and easy application, you can achieve a beautiful glow without the sun’s harmful rays.
3. Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid Streak-Free
Rating: 9.4/10
The Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid promises a streak-free, long-lasting natural glow for all skin tones. This sunless tanner comes with a professional mitt for easy application and boasts a delightful black coconut scent. You can get a beautiful bronze without the sun’s harmful rays, thanks to its unique formula and easy application process.
What We Like:
- Quick-drying and non-sticky formula makes application comfortable.
- The tropical black coconut scent is a pleasant alternative to typical self-tanner smells.
- Built-in color guide ensures even application and avoids streaks.
- It includes a mitt and gloves for a mess-free and professional-looking tan.
- The formula adapts to individual skin tones for a natural-looking tan.
- It’s a clean beauty solution: paraben-free, vegan-friendly, and made with naturally derived DHA.
- The product is never tested on animals.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 6 oz size to be relatively small, especially for frequent use.
- The development time of 4-6 hours might not be ideal for those seeking an immediate tan.
Overall, the Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid is a solid choice for achieving a sun-kissed glow without the sun’s damage. It’s easy to use, smells great, and caters to a wide range of skin tones.
4. Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to glow with Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse! This self-tanner gives you an ultra-deep bronze tan without the sun. It’s a sunless tanning body bronzer that delivers a natural-looking fake tan in a 6 oz bottle. This mousse promises a fast, easy way to achieve a beautiful, sun-kissed look at home.
What We Like:
- It dries in just 60 seconds! You get an instant tan quickly.
- The award-winning formula is a gold standard for home tanning.
- It’s easy to apply. The airy mousse delivers a natural-looking color.
- It works with your skin tone. You get a personalized, flawless color.
- It smells great! The tropical, fruity scent gives you an island vibe.
- It is cruelty-free and dermatologist-tested.
- It’s streak-free and hassle-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “ultra deep bronze” may be too dark for some skin tones. A lighter shade option could be nice.
- While the scent is tropical, some might find it a bit strong.
Overall, Jergens Natural Glow Mousse is a great option for a quick and easy tan. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of the sun!
5. Fake Bake Flawless Coconut Sunless Tanning Serum with Hyaluronic Acid Lightweight Illuminating Face & Body Gradual Self Tanner – Hydrating & Rejuvenating Skin Care for Women & Men – 5 oz
The Fake Bake Flawless Coconut Sunless Tanning Serum offers a sun-kissed glow without the sun damage. This lightweight serum, infused with hyaluronic acid and coconut oil, promises to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin while delivering a natural-looking tan. It’s designed for both face and body, and suitable for all skin tones. Plus, it’s made with clean, vegan-friendly ingredients.
What We Like:
- It gives you a tan without the sun’s harmful rays.
- The formula includes coconut oil and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smooth skin.
- It works fast and doesn’t leave you waiting around.
- The serum is designed to work with all skin tones for a natural-looking tan.
- It is made with natural ingredients, is vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free.
- The product includes applicator gloves.
What Could Be Improved:
- The scent could be overpowering for some users.
- Some users may find the gradual tanning effect too subtle.
Overall, the Fake Bake Flawless Coconut Sunless Tanning Serum is a great option for achieving a healthy, sun-kissed glow while nourishing your skin. If you’re looking for a clean, hydrating self-tanner, this could be the perfect product for you.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Best Drugstore Fake Tan
Choosing the right fake tan from the drugstore can be tricky. There are so many options! This guide will help you find the perfect one for your skin and give you a beautiful, sun-kissed glow.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a drugstore fake tan, keep these features in mind:
- Color: Do you want a light tan, medium tan, or dark tan? Look for products that offer the shade you want. Some products even let you control the color depth by how long you leave them on.
- Formula: Fake tans come in lotions, mousses, sprays, and wipes. Lotions are moisturizing. Mousses are light and airy. Sprays are easy to apply to your back. Wipes are good for touch-ups.
- Application: Is the product easy to apply evenly? Look for products with a good applicator mitt or spray nozzle.
- Scent: Some fake tans have a strong, unpleasant smell. Look for products with a pleasant scent or that are fragrance-free.
- Drying Time: How long does it take for the tan to dry? Quick-drying formulas are great if you’re in a hurry.
- Ingredients: Consider your skin type. Look for moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter if you have dry skin. Avoid products with harsh chemicals if you have sensitive skin.
Important Materials & Ingredients
The ingredients in your fake tan are important. Here are some things to consider:
- DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): This is the active ingredient that makes your skin tan. The higher the concentration of DHA, the darker the tan.
- Erythrulose: This is another tanning agent. It can help create a more natural-looking tan and prevent orange tones.
- Moisturizers: Look for ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated.
- Antioxidants: Vitamin E and other antioxidants can protect your skin from damage.
- Avoid: Parabens, sulfates, and artificial dyes can irritate sensitive skin.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors influence the quality of a fake tan:
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Even Application: A smooth, even application is key to a streak-free tan. Use a tanning mitt and blend well.
- Exfoliation: Exfoliate your skin before applying fake tan to remove dead skin cells. This will help the tan last longer and fade evenly.
- Moisturization: Keep your skin moisturized after applying fake tan to prevent it from drying out and fading.
- Good Ingredients: Products with high-quality ingredients will give you a more natural-looking tan and be less likely to irritate your skin.
- Proper Storage: Store your fake tan in a cool, dark place to prevent it from spoiling.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Streaky Application: Uneven application will result in streaks and patches.
- Dry Skin: Dry skin absorbs fake tan unevenly, leading to a patchy tan.
- Poor Ingredients: Low-quality ingredients can cause irritation, an orange tint, or a short-lasting tan.
- Expired Product: Expired fake tan can be less effective or cause skin irritation.
- Not Exfoliating: Skipping exfoliation leads to uneven color and quick fading.
User Experience and Use Cases
Fake tan is great for many situations! Here are some common use cases:
- Special Events: Get a beautiful tan for a wedding, party, or vacation.
- Boosting Confidence: A tan can make you feel more confident and attractive.
- Avoiding Sun Damage: Get a tan without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays.
- Evening Out Skin Tone: Fake tan can help even out skin tone and hide blemishes.
- Year-Round Glow: Maintain a healthy-looking tan all year long, even in the winter.
When using fake tan, make sure to follow the instructions on the product label. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it to your entire body. This will help you check for any allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features?
A: The key features to look for are color, formula, application method, scent, drying time, and ingredients.
Q: How do I avoid streaks?
A: Exfoliate before applying, use a tanning mitt, apply in even strokes, and blend well. Moisturize daily after application.
Q: What’s the best formula for dry skin?
A: Lotions are generally best for dry skin because they are more moisturizing. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid.
Q: How long does fake tan usually last?
A: Most fake tans last for 5-7 days. This can vary depending on your skin type and how well you take care of your skin.
Q: Can I use fake tan on my face?
A: Yes, but use a product specifically designed for the face. These are usually lighter and less likely to clog pores.
Q: How can I make my tan last longer?
A: Exfoliate before applying, moisturize daily, and avoid harsh soaps and hot showers.
Q: What if my tan is too dark?
A: Exfoliate gently and take warm baths. You can also use lemon juice or baking soda to lighten the tan.
Q: How do I remove fake tan?
A: Exfoliate with a scrub or use a tan remover product. Lemon juice and baking soda can also help.
Q: Can I swim with fake tan on?
A: Chlorine can fade your tan faster. Apply a waterproof sunscreen or barrier cream before swimming.
Q: Is fake tan safe?
A: Fake tan is generally considered safe. However, always do a patch test before applying to your entire body, especially if you have sensitive skin. Avoid getting the product in your eyes or mouth.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.