Your questions about face tanner answered
What is the best face tanner?
Caudalie’s tanning drops combine skin-boosting ingredients with self-tanning actives to create a dewy and glowy tanned finish. The lightweight formula can be built up to your desired shade, with the results streak-free and natural-looking. When it comes to premium formulas, apply the Tan Luxe or Self Glow facial tanners at night before waking up to a more radiant complexion, while St Tropez’s sunlit and Drunk Elephant’s D-bronzi drops deliver an instant, envious tan.
How I tested face tanners
As a fake tan obsessive of more than a decade, I’ve used some of these face tanners for years, while others are new in my rotation. When I apply a fake tan, I always make sure my skin is freshly cleansed (or even better, exfoliated) to ensure the formula glides on smoothly. I put them through their paces on bare skin, layered over skincare and under make-up. I assessed a variety of factors from colour payoff to how evenly the tan developed and, specifically, worked through the following criteria:
- Formula: I tested everything from instant bronzers to drops that you mix with your moisturiser and serums with added skincare benefits. I’ve only included those that performed well, so you can trust all of the options here.
- Application: I considered how easy each formula was to apply. I didn’t want the face tanners to be messy or time-consuming – all these products will slot effortlessly into your existing skincare regime, whether used in the morning for a tan by lunchtime or at night to help you wake up with a bronzed glow.
- Longevity: As well as considering the development time of each formula, I assessed how many days each fake tan stayed on my skin, as well as how the formula faded. The best facial tanners fade evenly, while other formulas can result in tiger bread-like skin. I wanted the colour payoff of each fake tan to last at least three days with double cleansing each day.
- Colour: I’ve tested more formulas than I can count over the years, but the fake tans that made the cut for this guide give a believable, sun-kissed glow. I haven’t included any formulas that leave an orange tinge or an obviously artificial colour – all the formulas below will leave with a natural-looking finish.
- Value for money: With some facial tans on the market costing upwards of £30, I looked for formulas that offered the best value for money. This includes formulas where a little goes a long way, meaning you’ll get through it slowly, as well as face tanners that help you achieve an entirely natural-looking glow, making them worth every penny.
How to apply face tan
Just like applying a body fake tan, preparation is key. Jules Von Hep, founder of Isle of Paradise, says: “Ensure the face is cleansed thoroughly, and exfoliating will help deliver a uniform skin tone. Splash the face with cold water to close pores, then tone and serum as normal (note that AHAs and retinol cannot be used with self-tan).”
When it comes to applying drops (the most popular type of face fake), Marc Elrick, founder of Tan-Luxe, tells me to “use the dropper to measure out four to 12 drops to the face and décolleté, massaging into skin with circular motions. This is a gradual, customisable product, so additional drops will increase depth in colour.” Elrick recommends that drier skin types should follow up with their moisturiser once the product absorbs.
How frequently should you apply face tan?
While committed fake tanners tend to apply a new coat weekly on their body, facial fake tanners can be used more frequently. “Every other day is a good place to start and see how you like your glow,” Elrick says, adding that “this is due to the fact that you wash this area so often, so your tan can fade here more quickly”.
When opting to use a product that can either be mixed with your moisturiser or applied alone, Matthews tells us that the more drops you use lessens the frequency you need to reapply. Around six drops every three to five days would be sufficient for a deeper glow.
How can you make your face tan last longer?
Just like any fake tan product, ensuring you have a clean base, as well as regular moisturising, can make your tan last a lot longer. “No matter which formulation or texture you choose, treat your tan like a natural sun-tan by keeping your skin hydrated between applications,” Elrick says. “Hydration, hydration, hydration is the secret! This keeps your glow going for longer and ensures an even, natural fade.”
Von Hep agrees, adding that “happy hydrated skin won’t shed and will hold onto the colour for longer. So if you’re on a long-haul flight, try not to drink alcohol as this encourages the tan to fade due to the dehydration on the skin”.
Another top tip is to use your face fake tan in the morning (contrary to popular belief of applying before bed). Elrick explains: “Any products you’re using in the evenings which contain acids or retinol will fade your tan more quickly, so do not use them in conjunction with self-tanners. I would always recommend reapplying your facial tanner the morning after using any exfoliating products.”
When it comes to washing your face, Matthews says to opt for lukewarm instead of hot water and to avoid soaking your face for too long. Matthews also points to certain ingredients that can help your tan last longer. “Opt for a facial tanner with a gradual/light strength of DHA, this way, daily use will ensure that the results are not too dark and instead have a gorgeous, subtle summer glow,” she says.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As a senior shopping writer at IndyBest, with expertise spanning beauty and skincare, I know what makes for a great product. I’ve been using fake tan, year-round, for more than a decade, so I’ve tried plenty of glow-getting formulas over the years. From rounding up my favourite body fake tans to in-depth reviews of brands like St Tropez and Bare by Vogue, and speaking to experts on how to ace fake tan application, I’m well-placed to bring you insights and recommendations for the best facial tanners.
Want more recommendations? Check out IndyBest’s guide to the best bronzers
