Best fake tan UK

Which is the best fake tan in 2024?

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Best of 2024: Find the right fake tan in the UK

Looking like you’ve just returned from a holiday in the sun is easier than you think thanks to a good fake tan. However, not everyone wants to risk exposure to the UV from sitting out in the sun to get a tan, leading many to look for the best fake tans for that perfect golden look. Choose the right fake tan and you’ll look stunning, get it wrong and it can be a total disaster, so taking the time to find the best fake tan is always worthwhile. Here’s everything you need to know to get the best fake tans:


The 10 best fake tans in the UK (October 2024)

The bestseller list compares fake tans from multiple brands
Best choice TOP 1
Image of St.Tropez 100013084 fake tan
St.Tropez 100013084
  • Natural: Streak-free, flawless tan with mood-boosting fragrance.
  • Results: Achieve light, medium, or dark tan lasting all week.
  • Customisation: Customise tan depth with 1, 2, or 3-hour wait times.
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TOP 2
Image of St.Tropez 100013088 fake tan
St.Tropez 100013088
  • Application: Quick-drying and streak-free.
  • Hydration: Infused with jojoba oil.
  • Durability: Lasts up to 10 days.
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Offer TOP 3
Image of ST. MORIZ 268.151 fake tan
ST. MORIZ 268.151
  • Popular: Top UK brand; one bottle sold every 20 seconds.
  • Nourishing: Infused with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to hydrate and protect skin.
  • Natural: Achieve an authentic, sun-kissed glow year-round.
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TOP 4
Image of Coco & Eve 8886482910974 fake tan
Coco & Eve 8886482910974
  • Fragrance: Tropical mango and guava scent for a delightful experience.
  • Anti-Aging: Lightweight mousse with an instant bronze, fast-drying glow.
  • Natural: Sun-kissed skin without sun damage or chemicals.
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TOP 5
Image of Bondi Sands BON105 fake tan
Bondi Sands BON105
  • Formulation: Dual tanning actives and green-based formulation ensure a flawless, lasting tan.
  • Application: Ensure clean, exfoliated skin for an even, streak-free tan using the foam pump.
  • Effectiveness: Achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow with fast-drying, lightweight self-tanning foam.
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TOP 6
Image of Bondi Sands BON110 fake tan
Bondi Sands BON110
  • Easy: Ensure clean, exfoliated skin, and apply evenly for a streak-free tan.
  • Versatile: Ideal for daily use as a tan extender or gradual self-tanner.
  • Glow: Achieve a perfect glow with a dual-action nourishing formula.
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TOP 7
Image of B.Tan 62085 fake tan
B.Tan 62085
  • Vegan: 100% cruelty-free and free of parabens. Made in the USA.
  • Quick: Develops in just 1 hour for fast results.
  • Natural: Medium dark tan without any orange tones.
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TOP 8
Image of Bondi Sands BON106 fake tan
Bondi Sands BON106
  • Usability: Ensure skin is clean, exfoliated, and moisturizer-free before application.
  • Ingredients: Contains dual tanning actives with a green-based formulation.
  • Quality: Lightweight, fast-drying formula for a natural, streak-free tan.
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TOP 9
Image of Dove 8710847962769 fake tan
Dove 8710847962769
  • Application: Fast-absorbing, streak-free formula suitable for daily use.
  • Hydration: 48-hour moisturization keeps your skin hydrated and silky soft.
  • Absorption: Quickly absorbs, leaving a natural-looking bronze summer glow.
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TOP 10
Image of TAN-LUXE 779286 fake tan
TAN-LUXE 779286
  • Customization: Apply daily or as desired to build a tailor-made tan bespoke to your skin tone.
  • Formula: Lightweight, fast-absorbing, streak-free, and odour-free lotion and oil hybrid.
  • Versatility: Suitable for both face and body, creating a natural, bronzed look in one hour.
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Table of contents
  1. Read the definitive fake tan buying guide
  2. View the fake tan picks and see how they rank in the top list

fake tan buying guide

Do you want to buy a good fake tan? This is all you need to know.

A short explanation: What are fake tans?

Image of fake tans

Fake tan is a common beauty product that many people use to achieve a tan that looks natural, well, not too natural. Most of the best self-tanners and bronzers come with DHA, an active ingredient that reacts with the amino acids in the skin to produce that deep tan. They are available in a variety of forms, including gels, lotions, mousses, and the best fake tan spray.

What are the benefits of good fake tans?

The best fake tans give your skin a lovely dark tone without the harmful UV rays used in sunbathing or a sunbed, making them popular for many people. You can also use a fake tan to even out a suntan, while some like to use fake tan in plaYou can apply fake tans in the comfort of your home throughout the year, so if you live in place with minimal sunshine or are unable to afford regular sun holidays you can still have a tan! Fake tans can also accentuate an existing tan, giving it a more vibrant and attractive tone. Yes, everybody loves a great tan!ce of getting one.

How to choose the best fake tan in 2024?

Additional image of fake tan

Not sure what to look for when browsing the best false tan products? Here are some important issues to consider:

  • Self-Tan Type: There are many types of fake tan lotions, mousses, and sprays available, some of which are better for certain skin types and for achieving different tones. For example, gradual fake tan lotions are popular for all-age groups, as they allow you to build a natural tan over time. Fake tan mousses are popular because they dry quickly and are easy to apply using a guide colour that shows where you’ve applied so are perfect for learning how to apply. Tanning sprays are applied by expert beauticians and so are typically the most expensive and offer the most natural look.
  • Skin type: Your skin type is an important factor to consider when looking for a self-tan. Most fake tan products can be used on any skin type with no issues, while some are specially designed for certain skin types. For example, moisturising tanning lotions are often recommended for dry skin, while those with oily skin might find tanning sprays more comfortable as they don’t make the skin as greasy.
  • Ingredients: The ingredients in fake tan products will impact the results, as well as the overall health of your skin. For example, nourishing ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E help to moisturise your skin as the tan works to create a brighter complexion, while antioxidants offer protection from free radicles. Various active ingredients work to darken skin, with most fake tans using dihydroxyacetone (DHA) or aloe vera. The latter is useful for soothing skin, great for sensitive skin types, and is a natural ingredient.

Which types of fake tans are available to buy in the UK?

Unsure of the best type of sunless tan for your needs? Here are the few of the most widely faux tans available to buy:

  • Lotions: Fake tan lotions tend to be the cheapest and offer some of the most natural looking tans, making them ideal for first time users. The main issue with lotion fake tans is the risk of a streaky finish, although most absorb into the skin quickly for less risk of discolouration.
  • Sprays: Spray tans are among the most widely used fake tans. They are applied evenly across the skin for the most consistent colour, usually lasting for a few days before it starts to fade. It can be done in a salon or use a spray tan at home kit.
  • Tanning Mousse: Tanning mousse is similar to sprays in the sense that they are both very popular fake tans. They are applied by hand for an even finish and come in various tones, with many tanning mousses offering very dark glows.
…are you ready for the best picks of 2024?

VIEW THE TOP 10 LIST →