Which self-tan is right for your skin type?
Updated: 21/05/2026
Pre-tan prep
Skin prep is crucial, particularly for dry skin types, to achieve the most flawless finish and long-lasting results. A good cleanse and exfoliation at least 24 hours before you plan to tan helps to replenish the top layer of skin, plus remove any flaky patches and dead cells. Moisturisation in the days after tanning is also key to keeping your colour glowing for longer, particularly on areas such as elbows, knees, wrists and ankles.
£31.00
Recommended Retail Price: £17.00Current price: £12.75
£26.00
Dry skin
If you experience dryness on your face or body, opt for a tan with ultra hydrating ingredients. Formulas enriched with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, coconut oil or shea butter will work to lock in moisture for longer and help to reduce the appearance of patchiness on the skin.
The best tans for dry skin types
Tanologist Insta Glow Face Cream
Smooth and lightweight, add a touch of radiance to your complexion with Tanologist’s Insta Glow Face Cream, a blend of moisturising ingredients that brighten dry, dull skin. The formula offers an instant boost of luminosity as it works to blurs the appearance of imperfections, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and nourished with a sun-kissed glow.
Recommended Retail Price: £11.99Current price: £8.99
Tan-Luxe The Water Hydrating Self-Tan Water
Water-based tans are a great option for those in need of some extra hydration. This clear-to-bronze formula incorporates a unique blend of vitamins B, C & E, plus raspberry oil and aloe vera to moisturise and nourish the skin. Not only this, but the Moisture Balance Complex and Hydra-Tan formula help to reduce patchiness and streaks to leave a flawless-looking finish.
Recommended Retail Price: £34.00Current price: £25.50
Lancaster Self Tan Sun-Kissed Face Drops
Ideal for building a golden glow with a skincare feel, the Lancaster Self Tan Sun-Kissed Face Drops can be mixed into your daily moisturiser for a natural-looking tan that develops within one hour and lasts up to a week. The lightweight serum texture blends seamlessly into your routine, while the dropper applicator lets you customise your colour, from a subtle warmth to a deeper sun-kissed finish. Enhanced with a Tan Activator Complex, the formula helps promote an even-looking tan, making it perfect for maintaining a summer glow all year round.
Recommended Retail Price: £28.00Current price: £16.80
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin types can still use self-tan! The important thing when choosing a faux glow is to opt for gentle formula, incorporating nourishing natural ingredients such as aloe vera and coconut water. These will help to keep the complexion soft, nourished and feeling comfortable.
Once you have chosen a tan, always do a patch test at least 24 to 48 hours before applying over your whole body. If any irritation occurs, stop using the product immediately.
The best tans for sensitive skin
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, this face mist is a must-have in your beach bag. While delivering the brand’s signature golden glow, it infuses the skin with a boost of moisture with the addition of green mandarin water, offering a refreshing, cooling sensation – as hibiscus is gentle on the skin and works to protect against environmental aggressors.
£24.00
Ultrasun Tan Activator for Body SPF30
Ideal for protecting skin while enhancing your natural glow, the Ultrasun Tan Activator for Body SPF30 combines broad-spectrum sun care with a tan-boosting finish. The hydrating, water-resistant lotion helps shield the skin from UVA and UVB rays, while supporting a more even-looking golden tan during sun exposure.
Lightweight and fast-absorbing, the formula glides comfortably over the body without leaving a greasy feel. It also helps replenish moisture while skin is exposed to the sun, making it a strong choice for those who want reliable protection with a smooth, sun-kissed result.
Recommended Retail Price: £28.00Current price: £21.00
Institut Esthederm Self-Tanning Moisturising Gel-Crème
Create a gradual golden glow with the Institut Esthederm Self-Tanning Moisturising Gel-Crème, a skincare-led tan for the face and body. The lightweight gel-crème texture builds customisable colour over time, making it easy to tailor the depth of your tan to suit your skin tone.
Designed to last for up to seven days, the formula moisturises and nourishes, leaving skin feeling soft, supple, and smooth. Enriched with the brand’s Cellular Water patent, it supports a radiant, plumper-looking finish while helping your tan appear fresh, even, and naturally luminous.
Recommended Retail Price: £48.00Current price: £36.00
NUXE Face and Body Sun Tanning Oil SPF 30
Protecting your skin against UVA and UBV rays while in the sun is essential for any skin type, but particularly for sensitive skin. You don’t have to compromise on your bronzed look with NUXE’s Face and Body Sun Tanning Oil with SPF 30, featuring a satin finish formula that won’t leave you feeling sticky or greasy. The brand’s patented filtering complex offers broad-spectrum sun protection while rosemary and botanical rice extracts deliver nourishment and hydration.
Recommended Retail Price: £27.00Current price: £21.60
Oily skin
For those who require a bit of oil control, steer clear of oil-based tans and opt for lighter formulas instead, such as a mousse or water. If you are also prone to breakouts from excess oil, look for key ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E which are lightweight, nourishing and have cleansing properties.
The best tans for oily skin
Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-T an Serum
Though it may feel counter-productive, keeping oily skin moisturised is essential. These hyaluronic acid-infused drops are a great option for those looking to keep their skin healthy and glowing. A gradual formula, the drops are infused with skin-loving ingredients such as cocoa seed extract to protect from environmental aggressors and keep the complexion plump.
Recommended Retail Price: £36.00Current price: £27.00
Coco and Eve Bali Bronzing Foam
This weightless foam formula is ideal for oily skin types, drying down quickly with a non-sticky finish. Topped with a delicious tropical mango and guava scent, the express formula develops in just two hours, leaving the skin glowing and bronzed.
£26.00
Isle of Paradise Express Mousse
Ultra hydrating yet lightweight, the Isle of Paradise Express Mousse works to provide a sun-kissed glow in just 30 minutes. Packed with natural tanning actives and brightening vitamin C, you’ll feel soft and supple for up to 24 hours with an effortless, even application that leaves no sticky residue on the skin.
Recommended Retail Price: £21.95Current price: £16.46
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