7 Best All-Natural Self-Tanners For Face And Body

Similar to how wearing lipstick has helped some women feel like themselves again, reviving a complexion plagued by winter dullness may help you do the same. Thankfully, 2020 presented some “sunless” tanning products that produce the most natural-looking, glow-y tans. The best part? They’re all made with nourishing, non-toxic ingredients and are far from your traditional mousse. Plus, they’re easy to apply. Here are seven of the best innovations in self-tanning for face and body. —Anastasia Barbuzzi

Like a filter for your skin, Eco Tan’s Face Tan Water is a toner and tanner in one. Made specifically for the face, neck and décolletage, it’s non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores) and locks in moisture with the ultra-light feel of hyaluronic acid. Besides effectively camouflaging blemishes and reducing redness, it’s packed with antioxidants from organic rose geranium and orange peel oil that even skin tone. Apply a teaspoon with your hands and stay glowing, never greasy. 

Beauty by Earth’s Self-Tanner is an Amazon best-seller for a reason, according to Good Housekeeping’s brood of product testers—and it’s on sale! The lotion-based tanner is made with hydrating aloe vera and shea butter, leaving a smooth, even, sun-kissed glow behind. Easy to use and mess-free, this is a perfect product to try for first-timers.

Now that Dr. Dennis Gross ships to Canada, it’s time you get your hands on his hydrating Alpha Beta Glow Pads that are soaked in hyaluronic acid. Wrapped in convenient, single-serve packages for streak-free, on-the-go application, the gradual tanning towelettes build colour on the skin over three to four hours. Brand devotees love the foolproof wipes for their triple-threat approach; the pads exfoliate, tighten pores, and help reduce sun spots with alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. They also come in two different finishes: Gradual Glow and Intense Glow.

According to one Allure editor, Tan-Luxe’s Super Glow Serum leaves behind an “otherworldly glow”. Vogue has also confirmed that it produces the “closest thing to a natural-looking tan”. Hyaluronic acid, cocoa seed extract and raspberry seed oil are star ingredients in the mix, which enables lasting hydration and optimal absorption of the brightening ingredient list. The result? Dewier, plumper looking skin.

Famed for her line of argan oil-based products, former supermodel Josie Maran has managed to create another best-seller for skin. Her Argan Milk Self-Tanning Serum delivers the perfect amount of DHA for glowing skin (and it comes with a tanning mitt!). It moisturizes and balances with the help of lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and plumps the complexion. If you’re a fan of scent, “Juicy Melon” is available, but if you prefer an unscented formula, there’s that, too.

Supermodel and founder of KORA Organics, Miranda Kerr, claims that she uses her own Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion throughout the year to maintain a healthy glow. Featuring KORA’s signature noni extract, nourishing rosehip and anti-inflammatory sea buckthorn oils, the lavender scented tanner is suitable for all skin tones and it’s easy to apply formula is quick drying. If it can get Kerr runway ready in snap, it can get you ready for whatever the day brings.

With over 1,200 reviews on Amazon, the Miami Gorgeous Self Tanning Foaming Water is a favourite amongst men and women. Suitable for all skin types, it goes on clear and develops a vacation-esque glow within four to six hours. The clear, light as air formula deeply hydrates with olive and sunflower oils and leaves no trace of product behind. Love it or your money back.