There’s no shame in your game if you want to have a healthy looking glow all year round. Sunless tanners aren’t just for women anymore and, in fact, they’ve actually come a long way over the years.
One of the most common fears in using a self tanner is that you’ll turn into old-timey Snooki (aka orange!). Many men also fear that they’ll look streaky, too tanned, or that it’ll look like they’re wearing makeup. Well, worry no longer because I’ve checked out some of the top self tanning brands and chose the ones that look the most natural, won’t mess up your skin, and will keep you looking like you just stepped off the beach earlier that day.
HOW TO USE SELF TANNER
If you’re almost ready to give it a try, first-things-first; you gotta prepare for it. Yes, really. Here are 4 must-do’s before you start:
SHAVE
Shave before you use self tanner on your face. I’m not saying you have to shave before use, but it’ll really help keep the self tanner even and not get clumpy in your beard.
EXFOLIATE
Try exfoliating your skin. I think this is something you should be doing anyway but, either way, be sure to get rid of that dead and dry skin on your face and all over your body before you apply the tanner.
PROTECT BROWS
Lightly add a thin layer of Vaseline over your brows before you apply the self tanner. This will help decrease the chances they’ll get discolored. Once mine had an orange tint to them and, well, that was the worst.
STAY DRY
Make sure your face and body is totally dry, especially if you’ve just taken a shower. Of course a towel works, but kick on your blow dryer onto a cool setting and give yourself a once over.
THE BEST OF THE BEST LIST
There are plenty of options out there, but these are some of my favorites. I’ve read endless reviews, checked endless ratings, and even tried some of these myself to make sure I didn’t turn into an Oompa Loompa.
Shop some of the best men’s approved self tanners so far in 2024!
St. Topez Mousse Self Tanner
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BEST FOR
FACE & BODY
If you don’t love a drippy runny lotion, this just may be the best sunless tanner option for you. This self tanner from St. Tropez is a mousse, so it’s light, foamy, and super easy to apply. It even dries in as little as 60 seconds so you don’t have to stand there naked for 15 minutes waiting to ensure the bronzer doesn’t get on your clothes.
This tanner gave a nice bronze look (without looking too tanned) and definitely didn’t give any orange vibes at all. Not that I don’t love Snooki, but still. Overall it looked like a pretty natural tan and didn’t leave any streaks.
I recommend picking up the ‘Applicator Mitt’ so you can more easily get those harder to reach places like your back (it’ll help cut down on the streaks there too). Your tan fades pretty evenly over time and should last up to around 10 days. As a bonus we loved that it was free of paraben, sulfate, and phthalate. Plus, it smelled pretty good!
The Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
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NATURAL LOOK
This is the one I personally swear by as it suits just about all your different self-tanning needs!
If you want to get that look like you’ve spent a little time in the sun, don’t want to look orange or overly fake and are tired of ruining your sheets, pillowcases, comforters, towels, white t-shirts and, well, pretty much anything else we come in contact with – this is the the one for you.
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops are vegan-friendly and organic and is super easy (and quick) to apply.
All you have to do is add a couple of drops into your normal moisturizer (without SPF) and rub it over your face and/or body. It dries in a few minutes and you’ll start to notice your tan pop through in about 6-8 hours. Mine lasts for around 4 days, but sometimes will do a little touch-up on my face around day 3.
If you want a super subtle look, add one or two drops. If you want something more significant go with 5 drops.
I also love how this barely smells like that dreaded self tanner scent that so many others have.
Tan Towel Self Tanner for Face and Body
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BEST FOR
NO STREAKS
If you’re paranoid over an uneven tan or (gasp) streaks like we are, Tan Towel eased all of those fears for us. This self tanner is perfect for your face and your body. It comes with 10 towels and are super easy to use. You basically just wipe down where you want your tan and you’re done. Ok, it takes a little bit more than that, but it’s still so easy.
Every Tan Towel has its unique clear liquid tanner in it so all you have to do is unfold it and, using circular motions, rub it over your body. We recommend to make sure your skin is clean and totally dry. Like, 100% dry. It just makes the process all that much easier. Within around 2-4 hours you’ll start to see your tan shine through and this one will last up to around 7 days.
Thanks to the towel you definitely don’t have to worry about streaks or missing a spot (hello ankles and elbows!).
Neutrogena 'Micro Mist' Self Tanning Spray
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BEST FOR
DRUG-STORE
If you don’t want to spend a ton and simply want to swing by your favorite drugstore to kick up your tan, this micro-mist from Neutrogena is your best bet. This one will spray on evenly and you don’t even have to rub it in. Plus, it’ll increase your tan by about two shades so you don’t have to worry about looking “overdone.”
We love, like with most products from Neutrogena, that it’s oil free and won’t clog your pores. You’ll start to see your tan kick in anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and it’ll last for a few days. You should be able to get this one for under $10.
Dr. Dennis Gross Glow Pad
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BEST FOR
FACE & NECK
If you’re just looking to give some color to your face and neck, this is one of the best and easiest ways to do it. It’s a top seller from major luxury retailers like Nordstrom and Sephora and we’re fans too! It’s actually pretty cost effective too. One box will provide you with 20 individually packaged towelettes. These also help with some of your exfoliating issues too!
Beauty By Earth Organic Self Tanner for Anyone
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BEST FOR
ORGANIC TANNERS
This is one of the best organic options with natural ingredients on the market today. It has great ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, green tea, and more. It’s perfect for your face and body, doesn’t take too long to dry, and you’ll start to see results in around 4-6 hours. Plus, your tan will last anywhere from 4-7 days.
