Does your skin burn easily and is it difficult for you to develop a tan? Self tanners for fair skin can help you achieve a natural-looking glow without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. If you're worried about turning orange or looking like you've applied too much bronzer, our top 10 list and buying guide will steer you in the right direction.
Although choosing a self tanner for fair and light skin comes with unique considerations, Jergens Natural Glow for fair to medium skin tones is our top choice. It gradually builds up color and adjusts to your natural skin tone for a more natural look. Plus, Jergens Natural Glow doubles as a daily moisturizer. See the rest of our favorites and read about the pitfalls to avoid when choosing a self tanner for fair skin tones.
Quick List - Top Self Tanner For Fair Skin
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When selecting a self tanner for fair skin, first, check the label to see if it's made for light or fair skin tones. Second, think about where you're going to be applying it and the different formulas, such as lotions, mists, and mousses. Third, consider your individual skincare needs like hydration and sensitivity.
DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, is the active ingredient in self-tanning formulas. It produces a color when it interacts with your skin. Self tanners that contain less DHA or are labeled as light can work better for fair skin since they result in subtle, gradual color development.
Self tanners that build up color over a longer period like three days to a week can help. Sometimes these self tanning formulas are touted as gradual or daily moisturizing formulas. You might also consider color-correcting formulas that adjust to individual skin tones.
Formulas that help you achieve a deeper color can work for fair skin tones if the self-tanner is left on for a shorter amount of time before washing them off or showering. You can check the color development times on the labels, but a typical range is between six and 10 hours before you can shower or expose your skin to soap and water.
Fast-acting tanners develop color more quickly. Follow the directions for light skin tones when using this type, as leaving it on for too long can result in an unnatural look. Normal development times for fast-acting formulas range from under an hour to four hours. You can also visually check the color development on your skin every hour.
Since it can be hard for self tanning products to not look fake orange on lighter skin tones, you'll want to test the product first. Try applying it to an area of your body that's normally covered, like the top of your legs or arms. If you're shopping online, check out customer reviews or photos to see if they were able to get a good shade.
You may want to use towelettes for your face and a mousse or lotion for your body if you're more experienced with self tanners. Mousses and lotions require more attention to detail during the application process. They also require handwashing in between applications so you don't develop a dark color and streaks on your palms (or wear gloves).
Although many people want to use a self tanner on their entire body, others want to apply one to their face. Look for formulas made especially for application to the face and those made for the body if you want to achieve a tanned look on both.
Think about drying time and check the directions on the label. Some formulas dry within a minute or two while others take a few hours before you can lie down on sheets, wear clothes, or expose the skin to soap and water. You may also want to check the label to see how many applications are recommended to achieve results and how long they last.
Some self tanners last for up to a week or a little longer with a single application. Others may last for a few days and require you to reapply more frequently. Some formulas require daily applications to build up color. Also, check color development times as these can vary from a few hours to up to eight.
When purchasing a self tanner, you may want to consider more than just your skin tone. For example, if the skin on your face is oily, look for a face tanner that also fights breakouts, controls oil, has hydroxy acids, and is non-comedogenic. For face tanners, check to see if the formula has been dermatologist recommended.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to look for a hypoallergenic formula or one that contains natural ingredients like shea butter and lavender oil. In some individuals, these ingredients cause less irritation. If you're worried about skin repair and radiance, check to see if the formula contains vitamins E and C.
Some self tanners target signs of aging and disguise cellulite. You can look for products that contain amino acids and moisturizing ingredients like coconut and avocado oils for this. Other formulas act as a daily moisturizer with ingredients like shea butter and aloe.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jergens Natural Glow | ![]() | Build up a Gradual Tan With Daily Moisture | |
2 | Beauty by Earth Self Tanner | ![]() | Buildable Self Tanner With Vegan Ingredients | |
3 | Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tan Liquid | ![]() | Quick-Drying Spray With a Built-in Color Guide | |
4 | Tan Towel Self Tan Towelettes|10 pack | ![]() | Easy to Apply and Good for Touch-Ups | |
5 | St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse | ![]() | Adjusts to Your Skin Tone | |
6 | Hempz Yuzu and Starfruit Touch of Summer | ![]() | Sunscreen With Tanning Cream | |
7 | St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Lotion | ![]() | Everyday Tanner With Moisturizer | |
8 | Neutrogena Micromist Airbrush Sunless Spray | ![]() | A Spray Mist That's Easy to Apply | |
9 | Skinerals Californium | ![]() | A Little Goes a Long Way | |
10 | Suave Visible Glow Self Tanning Body Lotion|3 pack | ![]() | Multipack Set Good for Daily Use |
Jergens Natural Glow for fair to medium skin tones helps you gradually build up a tanned look. The color is subtle and takes three days to develop so it won't look drastic or unnatural. This self tanner also provides daily moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E.
The biggest complaints from reviewers were that the lotion left color streaks or turned them orange. Many reviewers found that the product developed a nice color as long as they followed directions. Exfoliating the skin beforehand and being careful around the elbows and knees helped them get an even color.
This self tanning lotion from Beauty by Earth builds up its color over time. It is ideal for all skin tones as you can apply more lotion the next day if you want a darker shade. Fair and light skin tones can start with one application and wait six hours to see the amount of glow.
The organic shea butter, coconut oil, and green tea extract help keep your skin moisturized. This lotion is not tested on animals and does not contain fragrances that may cause irritation.
There was a group of reviewers that noticed the tanner left blotches or spots on their skin. They also complained about the smell of the lotion once the color developed. A larger group of reviewers liked that the color lasted for more than a few days. They also thought the color was natural.
This is a self tanning spray that works best when applied with a tanning mitt, which is included. It dries quickly and develops within six hours so you don't have to wait overnight to see color. The formula contains a bronzer so you can see where and how much of the spray is being applied to your skin.
There were a handful of reviewers that noticed a green color or some form of discoloration from the product. Some also complained about streaks and the color wearing off in blotches or patches.
For the most part, reviewers found the color pleasing. They noted that the directions and proper techniques were necessary to achieve an even, natural look. There were a handful of reviewers with pale or fair skin that appreciated the look of the developed color and how it was buildable with several applications.
Tan Towel's classic formula works well with light and fair skin tones. You can easily apply the self tanner since it comes in separate pre-soaked towelettes. You can use them to apply a new color to your arms and legs or for quick touch-ups.
There were a few reviewers that complained that the number of towels was not enough to cover their bodies. They also stated that not all of the towels seemed to have the same amount of liquid. But most liked that the product was easy to apply and did not streak. They noted that the self tanner produced a subtle color on fair skin tones.
St. Tropez's self tanning mousse works on fair and light skin since it adjusts to each person's skin tone. The mousse dries fast and the color lasts for up to 10 days after it develops. It's cruelty-free and contains a guide color to make it easier to avoid streaks.
There was a small group of reviewers that complained about skin irritation and the product staining towels, sheets, and clothes. More buyers liked the color the mousse produced, that it dried quickly, and was easy to apply. Quite a few reviewers stated that using a tanning mitt helped to make sure the color went on evenly.
Hempz Touch of Summer establishes a tan color over time so you won't turn too dark or orange. It contains SPF 30 sunscreen to keep your skin shielded from the sun's UV rays. You'll also get antioxidant and moisturizing ingredients to protect your skin.
There was a small group of reviewers that complained the lotion did not result in any color for them. A larger set of purchasers enjoyed the citrus smell of the lotion and liked that they were able to notice a more subtle color that seemed to last.
St. Tropez's self tanning moisturizer can be used every day. It provides relief for dry skin and slowly builds up a tanned color. The moisturizer works for up to two days and the color fades naturally. Other features of this self tanning lotion include a fast-drying formula and a pleasant scent.
The most prevalent complaints about this lotion were a strong smell and lack of color. However, reviewers with pale or fair skin stated they liked how the lotion built up color over time and did not give them an extreme look.
This self tanning spray can be applied directly from the container. You do not have to rub it in or apply it with a mitt. The spray dries within five minutes and builds up a tan as you keep using it. This formula develops a color that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone.
A handful of reviewers said that after using the product once or twice, they did not notice much of a difference in their skin tone. A larger group of reviewers thought the spray was easy to apply and did not get messy or streaky. They were happy that it didn't have an orange tint.
Skinerals' self tanner is made in the USA and is not tested on animals. This formula is designed for fairer skin tones with a color that lasts up to seven days. You only need one to two ounces to cover your entire body!
Recent reviews are mixed, as it seems the formula has changed and some say it doesn't last as long as they were used to. But most are still positive, and buyers liked how quickly the lotion worked. They noticed that it turned their fair skin a nice brown color.
This daily self tanning lotion comes in a pack of three. It is best for daily use as the color develops in small increments. The lotion also provides moisture for your skin each day.
There was a small set of reviewers that did not see enough color to impress them. Most purchasers appreciated the gradual, natural-looking color. They also liked the scent.
Taking care of fair or light skin doesn't mean you have to stay out of the sun completely. See our suggestions for making sure your skin is protected and stays healthy!
No. 1: Jergens|Natural Glow
No. 2: Beauty by Earth|Self Tanner
No. 3: Fake Bake|Flawless Self-Tan Liquid
No. 4: Tan Towel|Self Tan Towelettes|10 pack
No. 5: St. Tropez|Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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