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There’s nothing like achieving a golden glow from laying in the sun all day. But sadly, it’s pretty terrible for your skin. Excessive sun exposure can wreak havoc on the skin, prompting premature lines, wrinkles, and more irreversible damage (like skin cancer). Luckily, there are safer options for staying sun-kissed sans the sun. Whether you want to keep your skin looking youthful or maintain your bronze hue throughout the chilly months, self-tanners are the answer. And if you’re ready to stock up on some ones, head to Walmart to snag picks from L’Oréal, Jergens, Neutrogena, and more, starting at just $6.
Best Self-Tanners at Walmart, at a Glance
Best Foaming Self-Tanner:Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Foam for Body & Face, $16
Best Self-Tanning Towelettes:L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes, $11
Most Popular at Walmart:Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Sunless Tanning Daily Body Lotion, $11
Best Self-Tanning Spray:Neutrogena Build-A-Glow Gradual Self-Tanning Moisturizing Spray, $25
Best Self-Tanner for the Face:COOLA Organic Sunless Tanner Serum, $34, was $54
Most Affordable Self-Tanner:Hawaiian Tropic Sunless Tan Dark Self-Tanning Foam, $8
Best Self-Tanner for Beginners:St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Mousse, $34
Best for A Deep Tan:Eveline Cosmetics Body Drench Quick Tan Instant Self-Tanner, $15
Best Color Correcting Self-Tanner:Isle of Paradise Fake Tan Butter, $21, was $28
Best Splurge Self-Tanner:Sisley Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care, $103, was $147
Best Cream Self-Tanner:DVKOVI Moisturizing Soft Brown Self-Tanning Cream, $6
Best Dye-Free Self-Tanner:SOL by Jergens Deep Water Tanning Mousse, $12, was $20
Self-tanners come in many versions, from spray formulas to creams, so finding one that’s just right for you is key to a flawless tan. Since many products range in the level of tan they offer, consider how many shades deeper you’d like your skin to reflect. A safe bet is to opt for medium-range formulas that work for most skin types and tones. But before you get started, always remember to exfoliate and moisturize! This crucial step prepares your skin to absorb the tanner without leaving a streaky finish behind.
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Ahead, we compiled a list of the 12 best tanners you can pick up now. Happy tanning!
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Foam for Body & Face
This foaming self-tanner from Bondi Sands is one of Walmart’s bestsellers, and for good reason. The formula blends easily (and even) into your skin, giving it a streak-free glow. The foam is made with argan oil to deliver a dose of hydration to the skin, and it finishes with a fresh coconut scent. It’s also cruelty, sulfate, paraben and silicone-free, and vegan.
Pros:
Fresh coconut scent
Streak-free
Provides a golden color when dry
Cons:
Have to wait full develop time to see results, according to reviewers
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes
This tanning towelette lends a helping hand when you’re looking to achieve a healthy-looking glow. Each one is individually wrapped and ready to deliver streak-free color with every swipe. Plus, L’Oreal’s formula is packed with vitamin E and AHAs to smooth and hydrate skin. For just $11 you get 100 per pack!
Pros:
Great for travel
Tan develops in 2-4 hours
Cons:
Some say the towelettes give too much color
Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Sunless Tanning Daily Body Lotion
Jergen’s Natural Glow +FIRMING Sunless Tanning Daily Body Lotion doesn’t only give you a natural tan, but it also helps to firm skin while reducing the appearance of cellulite. Here’s how it works: Use this formula in place of your moisturizer, making sure you blend it evenly. after the lotion is fully absorbed, you will notice a gradual glow.
Pros:
Tans and firms
Helps reduce the appearance of cellulite
Cons:
Has a noticeable scent
Neutrogena Build-A-Glow Gradual Self-Tanning Moisturizing Spray
Neutrogena is known for its tried and true formulas, and this sunless tanning spray is no exception. It boasts skin-nourishing ingredients like argan oils, which are rich in vitamins and emollients to add extra moisture. The formula dries quickly and offers visible results in as little as two hours. And you don’t have to reapply coats since the tan lasts for days.
Pros:
Buildable
Lightweight
Gradual formula
Cons:
More expensive than other picks
COOLA Organic Sunless Tanner Serum
Looking for a tanner made specifically for your face? Consider this top-rated option for COOLA. The Organic Sunless Tanner Serum gives you a gradual glow when used consistently. It features shea butter and caffeine to help the skin look tighter and more youthful. Shoppers rave about the tanners’ light pina colada scent that adds a tropical touch.
Pros:
Suitable for all skin types
Free of chemical actives, synthetic fragrances, and parabens
Cons:
Scented
Hawaiian Tropic Sunless Tan Dark Self-Tanning Foam
This tanning mousse is best for a quick tan — it dries in just one hour! The Hawaiian Tropic self-tanner has a laundry list of benefits that we could list all day. To save time, note that it’s lightweight, transfer-resistant, vegan, and dermatologist-tested. You’ll also love that it’s enriched with aloe and vitamin E to make your skin look more glowy.
Pros:
Quick drying formula
Leaves no orange tint behind
Cons:
Only lasts a few days
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Mousse
Best for beginners, the St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Mousse is one of the easiest to use. Just grab the included tanning mitt, pump some of the mousse onto it, and apply evenly. The brand notes that for the best results, in this case, a sun-kissed glow, use one hour before showering.
Pros:
Controllable color
Fragrance-free
Cons:
Need to apply multiple coats to see color
Eveline Cosmetics Body Drench Quick Tan Instant Self-Tanner
Tanning at home without the sun’s harmful rays doesn’t have to be a hassle. Thanks to this quick-drying self-tanner, you can achieve glowing skin in no time. The 360-degree spray nozzle helps cover your skin even in hard-to-reach areas like your knees and back.
Pros:
Suitable for all skin tones
Cons:
Packaged in a spray can
Can feel cold on skin
Isle of Paradise Fake Tan Butter
The Isle of Paradise Fake Tan Butter is another stellar pick to consider if you’re looking to stock up on self-tanning products. It has a cream-like texture that feels like butter on your skin — it massages and absorbs seamlessly without leaving a greasy finish behind. In addition to adding a natural glow, this tanner contains green color-correcting actives to reduce the skin’s redness. There’s also a blend of coconut, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils to hydrate.
Pros:
Can mix with bronzing drops
Buildable color
Cons:
Scented
Sisley Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care
Make self-tanning a weekly ritual with this luxurious formula. Sisley’s lightweight cream evenly dries to prevent streaks and discolorations. The tanner is also crafted with a blend of ingredients like hibiscus flower extract, sesame essential extract, and Macadamia oil, which retains water and leaves the skin with a supple, dewy finish.
Pros:
Rapid-dissolving texture
Fresh, floral scent
Cons:
Expensive
DVKOVI Moisturizing Soft Brown Self-Tanning Cream
Stock up on this $6 tub of tanning cream when you need a quick dose of color. It has a delectable chocolate scent that’s packed with tons of pigment. Apply the cream in even swipes, making sure it’s fully absorbed before showering.
Pros:
Simple to blend
Shows color in as little as 1 hour
Cons:
Sweet scent
SOL by Jergens Deep Water Tanning Mousse
Jergen’s hydrating water tanning mousse is infused with coconut water, which preps skin for a flawless tan. The mousse gives an instant color payoff with every swipe. Shoppers say the key to an even tan is not to use too much of the product, just a few pumps per coat should do it.
Pros:
Pleasant scent
Provides medium tan shade
Cons:
Color payoff over time
Before you go, check out our slideshow below:
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