10 Best Self Tanners 2025 in the UK

The St.Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse stands out for its fast-acting formula, allowing users to achieve a desired tan within 1 to 3 hours. This feature is particularly beneficial for those looking for a quick solution to achieve a radiant tan without having to wait overnight. The ability to customize the depth of the tan—ranging from light to dark—adds a layer of flexibility that many users will appreciate. Additionally, the mousse is known for its streak-free finish, which is crucial for achieving a natural-looking tan.

One of the key strengths of this product is its vegan and cruelty-free formulation, making it suitable for those who prioritize ethical beauty products. It also boasts a pleasant fragrance, which is a significant advantage over many self-tanners that often have a distinct, sometimes off-putting, smell.

Users should be aware of the need for pre-application preparation, such as exfoliating and moisturizing, to ensure the best results. This might be time-consuming for some, but it's a common requirement for most self-tanning products to avoid patchiness. The longevity of the tan is about a week, which is standard, but may require reapplication to maintain the desired color.

The mousse formulation allows for easy application, particularly when used with the recommended tanning mitt. However, some may find the mousse texture slightly tricky to apply evenly without experience. It's designed to be non-sticky and quick-drying, which is a plus for those who don't want to wait around post-application.

In conclusion, the St.Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse is an excellent option for those needing a quick, customizable tan and who value vegan-friendly products. Its pleasant scent and streak-free finish are significant benefits, making it a popular choice among users looking for a reliable self-tanner.

The Tan-Luxe THE FACE Self Tanning Drops offer an innovative approach to achieving a natural-looking tan by integrating seamlessly with your existing skincare routine. These drops allow for a customized tanning experience; the more drops you add to your moisturizer, serum, or oil, the deeper the tan you achieve. This flexibility makes it a great option for those looking for a tailored approach to self-tanning. Key beneficial ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Raspberry Seed Oil, and Vitamin E help in keeping your skin hydrated and luminous, which is particularly advantageous for those prone to dry skin.

The drops develop a radiant glow in just 2 to 4 hours, which is relatively quick, and are designed to suit all skin types. They are particularly compatible with lighter skin tones that have red or pinkish undertones. On the downside, the product's small size (10 ml) might not last long if used frequently, potentially making it a more expensive option over time. Also, while the product is vegan and cruelty-free, it does contain alcohol and fragrance, which could be a concern for those with sensitive skin.

The scent is noted to be pleasant, but individual preferences may vary. The self-tanner is designed to minimize imperfections and even out skin tone, but results may differ based on individual application techniques and skin types. These drops are best suited for those who prefer a gradual, personalized tan that integrates with their skincare routine without adding extra steps. However, users should be mindful of the ingredient list if they have specific skin sensitivities.

The St.Tropez Gradual Tan Firming Lotion offers a gentle way to build a natural, medium to dark sun-kissed glow while also caring for your skin. Its lightweight lotion formula absorbs quickly without feeling sticky, making it comfortable for daily use. You can expect a streak-free tan that develops gradually over 4 to 8 hours, allowing you to control the intensity by applying more over time.

The lotion is designed for combination skin and includes skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, marine algae, and antioxidant-rich blueberry and raspberry oils, which hydrate, firm, and smooth the skin. This makes it more than just a self-tanner — it doubles as a moisturizer with added skincare benefits lasting up to 72 hours. The product is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with natural tanning actives, which is ideal for those seeking clean beauty options.

Since the gradual nature means it won’t give an instant tan, it’s best suited for those who prefer slow, buildable color rather than a quick deep tan. Preparation with exfoliation and moisturization before use is recommended to achieve the best results. This lotion is suitable for women looking for an easy-to-use, hydrating self-tanner that enhances skin firmness and offers a natural glow without harsh chemicals.