A golden tan is always in for summer. Especially when it’s paired with a playful swimsuit. But roasting ourselves and leaving skin exposed to the sun’s damaging rays is most definitely out. The negative effects of the sun are well documented, which is why we’re always looking for sunless ways to get our tan on. Self-tanners are one way to achieve a golden glow without risking UV damage and sunburns. Plus, they’re more practical than liberally dusting bronzer from head to toe. But not all self-tanners are created equal. Instead of a bronzed goddess look, the wrong product can turn skin Oompa Loompa orange. And no one wants that.
The key to a great fake tan is that it shouldn’t look fake. Which is why we prefer a good gradual tan product. Rather than trying to turn pale skin into a deep bronze in one application, gradual tanners subtly add color to skin that builds to a more natural-looking, streak-free glow over time. If the color is too light, you can keep reapplying until you achieve your desired level of bronze.
No matter which self-tanner you end up selecting, it’s worth doing a patch test. That way you’ll get a sense of how the color will progress. It also ensures skin won’t have a negative reaction to the product.
Ready to get glowing? Read on for the best gradual tan products to try this summer (or all year round).
13 Gradual Tan Products That Wont Turn Skin Orange
-
13 Gradual Tan Products That Wont Turn Skin Orange #1
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Pre-Shower Tanning Mousse, $20 at Amazon
St. Tropez says this is the world's first one-minute, pre-shower tan mousse. Apply it to dry skin, wash it off in the shower and you'll have a soft caramel tan in eight hours. Even better, it doesn't streak or leave behind a chemical scent.
-
13 Gradual Tan Products That Wont Turn Skin Orange #2
Australian Gold Gradual Sunless Lotion, $15.39 at Australian Gold
"Gradual" is a key phrase to look for if you're after a self-tanner that imparts sun-kissed color. This one delivers results ASAP, making it a brilliant option for last-minute beach trips. The formula has a darkening complex for an immediate bronzed finish that continues to develop as time ticks on. It's a buildable formula and suitable for everyday use so skin will never look unnaturally dark or orange.
-
13 Gradual Tan Products That Wont Turn Skin Orange #3
Neutrogena Build-a-Tan Gradual Sunless Tan, $9.49 at Neutrogena
This is the next best thing to having a professional create a bespoke spray tan because it puts the user in charge of the final tan color. It is lightly colored and gradually gets darker with each application, allowing users to stop when they've reached their desired level of gold. It also separates itself from other fake tanners with its fresh scent and the fact that it dries in five minutes.
-
13 Gradual Tan Products That Wont Turn Skin Orange #4
Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion, $34 at Sephora
Some may want a rich, bronzed glow with one application. Others prefer a gradual golden tan they can build up with each use. This product falls into the second category. It's a unique oil and lotion hybrid that does more than just impart a soft golden glow. Vitamin E and aloe vera provide long-lasting hydration, while a Cellutone Complex reduces the appearance of cellulite and improves the texture of skin.
-
13 Gradual Tan Products That Wont Turn Skin Orange #5
Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow Moisturizer, $9.99 at Target
There are no guessing games with this self-tanner. Jergens promises skin will be one full shade darker after applying the product for three days. It creates a natural-looking radiance without the typical self-tanner smell. The formula comes in fair to medium tones and medium to tan tones to get the most natural finish.
-
13 Gradual Tan Products That Wont Turn Skin Orange #6
B.Tan Gradual Tan, $12.99 at SkinStore
There's definitely such a thing as too much color when it comes to a fake tan. Product overload can leave skin looking as orange as, well, an orange. That won't happen with this gradual tan moisturizer. It's a hydrating everyday body moisturizer that comes with the added bonus of imparting a hint of golden color.
-
13 Gradual Tan Products That Wont Turn Skin Orange #7
Vita Liberata Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion, $20 at Lookfantastic
Whether you're naturally pale, very pale or have a deeper complexion, this tanning lotion will work. The nourishing formula goes on clear without any unpleasant odor and absorbs into skin without leaving behind any greasy residue. The imperceptible formula means there's no need to worry about clothes getting stained. In four to eight hours, the formula will develop into an even sun-kissed tan.
-
13 Gradual Tan Products That Wont Turn Skin Orange #8
TanTowel Body Glow BB Gradual Self-Tanning Body Perfecting Cream, $24 at Amazon
Swap traditional body lotion for this self-tanning cream. The shea butter-rich formula hydrates and brightens skin while turning it from pasty to soft gold. It dries quickly so it can be used every day, including rushed mornings. Just remember to thoroughly wash hands after application for a streak-free finish.
-
13 Gradual Tan Products That Wont Turn Skin Orange #9
St. Moriz Professional Gradual Tanning Lotion, $25.99 at Amazon
Make it look like you just got back from a tropical destination with a little help from this gradual tanning lotion. The dermatologist-tested formula builds color over time, hence the name. In addition to giving limbs a realistic golden color, the product contains vitamin E and aloe vera for smoother, more nourished skin.
