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Buying guide

The Best Body Self-Tanners

We compared seven popular body self-tanners based on owner ratings, expert reviews, and user feedback. Here's what we found.

Updated

The bottom line

The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam is our top pick for its ease of application, quick drying time, and high customer satisfaction with a 4.5/5 Amazon rating from 22620 owners. It costs $22.95 and is enriched with aloe vera and coconut. The b.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner Mousse is a close runner-up, delivering ultra-dark results in one hour for $12.97, with a 4.3/5 Amazon rating from 51564 owners. It has no fake tanner smell and is vegan-friendly. For those on a budget, the Tanologist Self Tanner Mousse provides good value at $13.96, with a 4.3/5 Amazon rating from 6494 owners. It offers fast-developing, natural-looking tan but may have uneven fading.

Top pick
Bondi Sands Self Tanning FoamBondi Sands Self Tanning Foam $22.95

Best for ease and natural look

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam is praised for its lightweight application and quick drying, with a 4.5/5 Amazon rating from 22620 owners. It costs $22.95 and is enriched with aloe vera and coconut. Those seeking a darker tan may prefer the b.tan Ultra Dark Mousse.

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Runner-up
b.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner Mousseb.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner Mousse $12.97

Best for ultra-dark results

b.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner Mousse delivers ultra-dark tanning in one hour for $12.97, with a 4.3/5 Amazon rating from 51564 owners. It has no fake tanner smell and is vegan-friendly. It may leave marks if not applied correctly.

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Budget pick
Tanologist Self Tanner MousseTanologist Self Tanner Mousse $13.96

Best budget option

Tanologist Self Tanner Mousse provides good value at $13.96, with a 4.3/5 Amazon rating from 6494 owners. It offers fast-developing, natural-looking tan but may have uneven fading.

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The field, ranked

  1. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Best for ease and natural look 9.0/10 $22.95 Amazon
  2. b.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner Mousse Best for ultra-dark results 8.5/10 $12.97 Amazon
  3. Tanologist Self Tanner Mousse Best budget option 8.0/10 $13.96 Amazon
  4. Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Good for natural ingredients and no orange tint 8.0/10 $30.59 Amazon
  5. Tanning Lotion Self Tanner Good for natural ingredients and no orange tint 8.0/10 $35.99 Amazon
  6. Tanning Lotion Self Tanner Good for natural ingredients and no orange tint 8.0/10 $27.99 Amazon
  7. b.tan Gradual Self Tanner Face Mist Best for facial tanning 7.0/10 $9.99 Amazon

Who should buy which

If you want the easiest application and a natural-looking tan, go with Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam. For those seeking ultra-dark results quickly, b.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner Mousse is the way to go. Budget-conscious buyers should consider Tanologist Self Tanner Mousse, though be aware of potential uneven fading.

Also-rans

The Beauty by Earth Self Tanner and Tanning Lotion Self Tanner, while popular, don't offer significant advantages over the top picks. The b.tan Gradual Self Tanner Face Mist is best for facial tanning but not a substitute for body tanners.

How this was put together

This guide is based on owner ratings (over 150,000 ratings across the set), expert reviews, and user feedback. No products were tested hands-on. Evidence is thinnest for the b.tan Gradual Self Tanner Face Mist, which is best for facial tanning but not comparable to body tanners.