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16 of the best streak-free fake tans to get you glowing ASAP
Bronze that bod✨✨✨
When it comes to finding your favourite fake tan there are a whole bunch of things to consider. Firstly the shade; do you want a light glow or a deep bronze? Then there's the formula: are you a fast-drying mousse fan, or do you prefer a nourishing lotion? There are a lot of options out there, so we've been busy bronzing our limbs in the name of research, to bring you a guide to the very best fake tans in the UK. Yep, don't worry about catching any rays this summer because we're here to help you fake it... (but if you do plan a spot of sun tanning, make sure you load up on the best sunscreen to protect your skin).
But first, Isle of Paradise founder, Jules Von Hep is here to share his tips on making the best out of your glow – even if it is fake…
It starts with the prep
"The trick to a truly flawless glow is all in the prep. Remove hair (should you wish to) and exfoliate at least 24 hours before tanning. This means your skin will have a smooth surface for application but more importantly, it will fade evenly like a natural tan would."
Maintenance is key
"One of the best ways to prolong your tan is to keep hydrated! Drink water and moisturise your skin every day using an aloe vera-based body lotion or butter. Hydrated skin won’t shed tan and will hold onto the colour for longer."
Avoid tiger bread skin
"Slowly but surely tease tan off the skin over the course of three days, with the last day being a deep scrub. Mix a spoonful of sugar in with your body wash, each time you wash a light layer of tan will come off giving a slow, gradual but even fade."
So, whether you're looking for the best gradual tanner, an instant fake tan that won't go streaky, or, a long-lasting self-tan that promises zero patchiness – these are the highest-rated body bronzers out there.
Shade: There are three shades of the mousse formula; medium, dark and extra dark.
Formula: The gradual formula means you don't have to worry about going overboard, however, it is slightly more intense than the lighter fake tans on the market – though, that is a pro when it comes to making the 200ml last! Essentially, you only need the tiniest bit when applying to knees, knuckles and ankles – otherwise, it can cling to these areas.
It's also safe to use on the face and won't break you out!
Developing time: This tan is a speedy gradual and will develop between 4-6 hours. For best results, shower in the AM and pat yourself dry.
Extra benefits: On application, there is a bronzed guide colour, so, you can see where you need to blend. Plus, a major pro is that it smells great and doesn't linger on clothing or bedding. Deliciously biscuity... IYGWIM.
Read more on this tan, here.
Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam - Magenta 200ml
Shade: Find your perfect shade (out of the four on offer) through Bondi's bespoke quiz.
Formula: Infused with unique jewel-inspired colour guides — specially designed to counteract tell-tale orange tones — this foam seamlessly blends into a believable bronze tone.
Developing time: 60 minutes.
Extra benefits: Coming as the latest release from the brand, Bondi's innovative Technocolor dreamcoat (for that, it is) provides a tailored experience for results with unique results. The cutting-edge research, development, and laser skin analysis technology behind this formula deliver a perfectly match every time.
Shade: Mii’s tanning lotion leaves skin looking more beach bronzed as opposed to terracotta tanned with three shades to choose from: light, medium, and dark.
Formula: Not only is it a dream to apply (read: the silky cream-based formula seamlessly melts into the skin and hydrates dry limbs) but it doesn't leave a biscuity aroma. Winning!
Developing time: It develops in 4-6 hours, plus is fast drying, streak-free and won’t leave a human-shaped stain on your bed.
Extra benefits: No one would ever guess your tan comes from a bottle – we’re talking about a rich, radiant and orange-free glow.
St.Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse
Shade: This golden shade is one of the most flattering we've found but if you do have a darker complexion, we recommend the St.Tropez Self Tan Ultra Dark Violet Bronzing Mousse – both Jackie Aina and Mariam Musa swear by it!
Formula: If you want a long-lasting fake tan without having to wait around for hours whilst it develops, this one is for you. Leave it on for one hour for a light sun-kissed glow, two hours, for a medium tan and three hours for a deeper bronze.
Developing time: You're good to go after as little as two hours, but your tan will then continue to develop for up to 8 hours.
Extra benefits: The lightweight mousse applies quickly and easily.
Tan-Luxe The Butter Illuminating Gradual Tan Butter 200ml
Shade: Gives a light sun-kiss that can be built up into an even golden tan.
Formula: Chuck out your body lotion - this is all you need this summer. Not only will this vegan tan build up a seamless, natural looking colour, it's enriched with Vitamin E, Cocoa Butter and Shea Better to keep your bod hydrated and has a refreshing light floral fragrance.
Developing time: You'll notice a subtle bronze glow a 2-4 hours after the first application, but it can be built up for a more intense shade.
Extra benefits: Our tip? Always apply gradual tans with a mitt to ensure perfectly smooth application.
Isle of Paradise Glow Clear Self-Tanning Mousse - Dark
Shade: Gives a deep bronzed glow.
Formula: An instant sell-out, Isle Of Paradise have become a cult tanning range. This dark mousse has colour correcting actives to help even out and brighten sallow skin tones and create your most natural looking colour ever.
Developing time: Your tan will develop in 4-6 hours, so it's best to load up before bed and wash off in the morning.
Extra benefits: It's also packed full of organic botanicals to care for your skin, including chia seed, coconut oil and avocado.
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
Shade: Gives a deep, bronze tan.
Formula: Aussie brand, Bondi Sands, have mastered the ultimate fake tan for tan lovers. It's the only foam formula we've found that could offer up a bronze that looks like we've spent 3 weeks in Ibiza.
Developing time: For a long-lasting, dark tan leave on for up to 6 hours before showering with warm water. If you want to take things up a notch, re-apply the foam 30 minutes after initial application to give an even deeper tan.
Extra benefits: The lightweight foam disappears into skin almost instantly = no stickiness.
Tanologist Self-Tan Mousse - Dark 200ml
Shade: One of the darkest fake tans we've come across. This is perfect for anyone with a deeper skin tone that wants to give their skin a glow.
Formula: A really impressive formula, not only does this creamy foam apply easily, but it also wears well, fading like a natural tan as opposed to going patchy or flakey.
Developing time: You can tailor your bronze by leaving this on for just an hour for a lighter glow, or four hours for a deeper bronze.
Extra benefits: The fluffy foam applies easily and dries down fast - so no stickiness.
Shade: As a gradual tanner, this moisturising face cream gives the most subtle bronze to the skin.
Formula: Another amazing fake tan designed specifically for the face, this formula is ultra-nourishing thanks to the added Squalane, birch bark and rice bran. It supports the skin barrier, whilst moisturising dryness and of course, giving a golden gradual tan.
Developing time: A subtle glow can be seen the next morning, continue to apply daily for a deeper tan.
Extra benefits: Alongside it's moisturising benefits, the formula also works to reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines
St.Tropez Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse
Shade: One universal shade.
Formula: Everyone's favourite skincare hero, niacinamide is a key ingredient used in this super lightweight formula, helping to maintain happy, healthy looking skin. So, expect 24-hours of hydration after using!
Developing time: Eight hours, in which case, we recommend applying before going to bed.
Extra benefits: A major selling point to this tan is that it does not, I repeat, it does not stain bedsheets. And not only that, but its guide colour on application is the perfect shade to ensure you don't miss any spots. Streaking tan? We don't know her.
Rimmel Sunshimmer Water Resistant Instant Tan Wash Off Matte
Shade: A warm, flattering matte bronze.
Formula: The creamy lotion-like tan gives an instant colour pay-off that's water-resistant and smudge proof. Plus, at only £6.99 it's so budget friendly.
Developing time: Instant. One on you're good to go.
Extra benefits: Doubles up as a cream bronzer, just buff along the cheekbones with a kabuki brush for smooth application.
Tan-Luxe Super Glow Body Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum 150ml
Shade: Their ‘transparent tanning’ delivers a natural, two-weeks-in-the-Maldives tan that has a buildable colour with every layer of application.
Formula: Making for a hydrating serum, this formula blends hyaluronic acids and powerful superfoods for glowing skin that looks and feels softer and firmer from the very first use.
Developing time: Expect the serum to develop between two to four hours.
Extra benefits: Other than it's obviously sleek packaging, the caffeine, cocoa seed and blueberry extracts used leave a delicious scent on the skin.
Aero Aerated Self Tanning Foam in Light/Medium
Shade: Bondi Sands offer a range of different shades when it comes to their fake tans, but this particular one is the lightest. The formula works great for fair-to-light skintones, giving just a natural sun-kissed look to the skin.
Formula: The self-tan is designed to be hydrating, so it's perfect if you're prone to dryness as it won't cling to any rough areas of skin (we're talking wrists, ankles, knees and elbows). The light golden finish fades evenly over a week or so, but can be topped up without going patchy.
Developing time: Leave on skin for at least 6 hours before showering with warm water. For a deeper tan re-apply 30 minutes after the initial application.
Extra benefits: The summery coconut scent makes this an all-time fave.
Shade: One shade that works for all skin tones. Develops into a natural bronzed shade for those wanting a natural glow or to enhance an existing tan.
Formula: Milk is having its moment in beauty thanks to its creamy texture and other benefits. And now we have it in our tan bottles, too. Easily applied with a mitt, this majorly hydrating formula with cascading levels of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and vitamin C provides one universal, natural-looking bronzed glow.
Developing time: 6-8 hours
Extra benefits: The best part? It doesn’t need to be rinsed off. Lazy girl beauty at its best.
Isle of Paradise Glow Clear Self Tanning Mousse Medium 200ml
Shade: Available in four shades to suit a range of different skin tones.
Formula: Vita Liberata call this a 'one-stop quick fix', that helps to blur any imperfections, smooth the appearance of the skin, all the while giving a dreamy golden tint that won't go patchy or transfer.
Developing time: Instant! You're good to go straight after application.
Extra benefits: The formula has been designed to reflect the light, giving skin a healthy, glossy, glow.
Shade: Available in two shades, medium and deep, that are crafted for darker skin tones.
Formula: Enriched with shea butter and aloe leaf juice, this tan is hydrating AF. Plus, the tropical scent is an added bonus and will remind you of your summer holiday.
Developing time: The lightweight mousse is easy to work into skin and the formula develops fully within six hours.
Extra benefits: Keeks Reid, our Beauty Director says: "As a Black girl who loves tan, having a brand that is literally made to work for our melanin is *chef’s kiss*. This has a great, dark guide colour for my medium-deep skin tone and immediately perked up my sun-deprived limbs."
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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