Best fake tan: A Christmas party outfit is not complete without a warm tan - here are the brands I swear by for a winter glow

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As a bona fide fake tan addict (you should see the state of my bedsheets), I know what a struggle it is to find the perfect formula. I've tried literally dozens, including plenty of bronzing drops, all while looking for a Goldilocks product that's dark enough to make a difference without turning me orange.

It's particularly important in the winter months, given I'm pretty unlikely to be seeing enough sun to get a natural glow until next June. 

Like many Brits, I want a tan that's easy to maintain without descending into the dreaded tiger-bread state, especially with back-to-back festive bashes meaning I'm regularly flashing my pasty pins. 

Me after applying Bondi Sands' Liquid Gold Fake Tan this summer

Then there's my biggest bugbear: stickiness. I find it impossible to sleep if tan feels cloying, especially if I'm wearing cosy winter pyjamas, so I'm always willing to spend a little more on a fast-drying formula. I also find lighter mists less likely to rub off onto my clothes in the days after application, which, given my affinity for rollnecks in winter, is an important consideration.

If you're going to keep up a permanent fake tan (if you ever see me pale, know something is terribly wrong) it's important to look for a formula that's hydrating, with ingredients like coconut water. Not only will it ensure your skin stays in better condition, but it will stop tan sticking to scaly patches and giving you dreaded lizard skin-patches.

To assist, I've compiled my favourite fake tans depending on the sun-kissed vibe you're looking for. Whether it's a weekend-away glow or an ultra-dark lasting tan, find your perfect formula below…

Best fake tan: Quick list 

• Best fake tan overall: Bondi Sands Liquid Gold  
• Best fake tan mist: Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water 
• Best instant tan: Bare by Vogue Couture Body Cover
• Best budget fake tan: St Moritz Tanning Mousse 
• Best for fake tanning newbies: Coco & Eve Bali Bronzing Foam 
• Best face tan: St Tropez Express Sunlit Face Mist 
• Best gradual tan: Garnier Summer Body Hydrating Gradual Tan Moisturiser
• Best express tan: Bali Body 1 Hour Express Tan 
• Best dark fake tan: Fake Bake Flawless Self-tan 
• Best luxury fake tan: Oskia Adaptive Tan Mist

How I tested these fake tans

I applied all these fake tans in the evening using a tanning mitt and judged their initial look the following morning. I then applied each two to three days later, to see how a second layer looked. 

For gradual tans, I applied a layer of each for three consecutive evenings before judging the results. 

I’ve tested and written about beauty products professionally for years, and none of my reviews are paid for or influenced by brands. I've also written a few lines on who I think each formula is best suited to, so you can be confident that these recommendations will actually work for you. 

The best fake tans - tried and tested  

1. Best fake tan overall: Bondi Sands Liquid Gold 

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold

Product Specs

• Size200ml

What we love

• ApplicationEasy for first-timers to apply, no rinsing required, dries in five minutes
• FragranceSmells gorgeous
• ResultsGives an immediate glow

All hail the king of the at-home fake tans: Bondi Sands’ Liquid Gold Foam. Even if you’re a complete novice, this stuff is a gem. It gives an immediate golden glow, smells gorgeous and is mega-hydrating because it’s infused with argan oil and coconut. 

My favourite bit? You don’t need to wash it off: the rubbed-in foam dries in five minutes and you’re good to go. It’s an absolute must-buy.

2. Best fake tan mist: Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water 

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water

Product Specs

• Size200ml

What we love

• ApplicationFast-drying and non-sticky.
• Colour CorrectionNeutralises redness for a natural-looking glow

This is the tan I reach for when I want a great tan with none of the time commitment. The water is incredibly light, dries almost instantly and won’t stain clothes or sheets, making it ideal if you’re tanning in a rush. 

The green colour-correcting base helps cancel out redness, so the result is a natural, even glow rather than anything orangey clinging to imperfections. Just don’t skip the mitt and make sure you really work it in – clear waters are brilliant, but only if they’re applied properly.

3. Best Instant Tan: Bare by Vogue Couture Body Cover

Bare by Vogue Couture Body Cover

Product Specs

• Size100ml

What we love

• FragranceLight and wearable, no fake-tan smell
• ResultsInstantly evens skin tone and gives a perfected, natural bronze look

If you want instant bronzed skin and camouflage in one step, this lightweight body makeup is your secret weapon. It blurs and evens skin tone the moment you apply it, disguising scars, veins and uneven patches with a soft, natural bronze finish that looks airbrushed.

The formula dries quickly, feels non-sticky and stays put without transferring, so you can slap it on before an event and wear your outfit without worrying. It’s enriched with skin-soothing ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 too, so it hydrates while it tints.

Best budget fake tan: St Moritz Tanning Mousse 

St Moriz Medium Tanning Mousse

Product Specs

• Size200ml

What we love

• PriceLess than a fiver
• FormulaAloe vera and vitamin E to keep skin silky smooth
• ResultsDevelops in just six hours

 For less than a fiver, this St Moriz mousse is a bargain. It has aloe vera and vitamin E to keep skin silky smooth, and develops in six hours, so it's perfect for last-minute plans. My top tip? If you’re going for a cheaper tan, stick to a mouse and rub it in with a good quality mitt. It’s way less likely to go streaky than a budget mist that’s not applied correctly.

4. Best for fake tanning newbies: Coco & Eve Bali Bronzing Foam

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

Product Specs

• Size200ml

What we love

• FormulaStreak-free
• SuitabilityGreat for first-timers
• ResultsDevelops in two hours, creates natural-looking tan

 Coco & Eve's formulas are notoriously streak-free, which makes them ideal for first-timers. It has a green-grey wash-off colour guide so you don't miss any spots, and it develops in two hours, so you don't need to sleep in it. It also gives a beautiful, natural-looking tan so you don’t do a full Claudia Winkleman (my goal every tanning sesh, tbh).

5. Best Face Tan: St Tropez Express Sunlit Face Mist 

St Tropez Express Sunlit Face Tint

Product Specs

• Size30ml

What we love

• FormulaDoesn't clog pores or leave skin looking waxy
• ResultsProvides instant glow that lasts for days
• SuitabilitySuits all skin tones

Everyone knows that St Tropez is a pioneer in the fake tan world, and their latest release is perhaps my favourite yet. I’ve searched far and wide for a face tan that doesn’t clog up my pores and leave me with that gross waxy look, and their Express Sunlit Face Tint is just the thing. 

It provides an instant lit-from-within glow, which lasts for days and suits all skin tones. It’s basically a holiday in a bottle.

6. Best gradual tan: Garnier Summer Body Hydrating Gradual Tan Moisturiser 

Garnier Summer Body Hydrating Gradual Tan Moisturiser Dark

Product Specs

• Size400ml

What we love

• ApplicationFeels like a daily moisturiser, ultra-easy to use
• ResultsBuilds a natural, believable glow over time

This is the tan I recommend to anyone who’s scared of fake tan full stop, or looking for a handy solution to top up their glow after a few days. It’s basically a body moisturiser with benefits, so you just apply it like lotion and let the colour build gradually over a few days. 

Because it develops slowly, it’s almost impossible to mess up – no streaks, no patches, no panic. Use it daily to deepen the glow, or every few days to maintain it, and you’ll never have to deal with the drama of a full tan again.

7. Best luxury fake tan: Oskia Adaptive Tan Mist 

Oskia Adaptive Tan Mist Tri-Phase Self Tanning Water

Product Specs

• Size100ml

What we love

• ResultsDevelops in a few hours and lasts up to 10 days
• IngredientsVitamin C to shield against free radical damage, and vitamins A and E to improve skin fitness and elasticity

Want a fake tan that really lasts (and have £60 to spare)? This one by dermatologist-loved skincare brand Oskia is the best of the bunch. It contains Vitamin C, which shields against free radical damage, and vitamins A and E, which work to improve skin fitness and elasticity. 

Apply the ultra-fine mist and dress instantly: it develops in a few hours, and lasts for up to 10 days.

8. Best dark fake tan: Fake Bake Flawless Self-tan

Fake Bake Flawless Darker Self-Tan

Product Specs

• Size177ml

What we love

• ResultsQuick drying, creates a professional-looking tan
• FragranceDream coconut scent

For a tan that really packs a punch, Fake Bake’s Flawless Darker is just the thing. It creates a gorgeous, professional looking tan and is impressively quick-drying to say it delivers such great colour. It also has a pretty dreamy coconut scent, too

9. Best express tan: Bali Body 1 Hour Express Tan

Bali Body 1 Hour Express Tan

Product Specs

• Size225ml

What we love

• ResultsGives a radiant, golden glow
• ApplicationDevelops in just one hour, can be left on for up to four for more intense results

I couldn’t do a fake tan round-up without including cult-favourite brand Bali Body. Its Express Tan is the newest addition to my tanning collection is the 1 Hour Express formula, which develops into a radiant, golden glow in, you guessed it, an hour. 

If you want a more intense result, leave on for up to four. It’s perfect for getting your pins ready for last-minute plans.

Verdict

First timer? My recommendation is to try a gradual moisturising self tanner like the Garnier Summer Body Hydrating Gradual Tan Moisturiser. This is also good for mature skin too, as it's very moisturising. 

For tans in hurry, viral  Bali Body 1 Hour Express Tan is a great buy - giving you a bronzed glow in just an hour.

Our favourite tan overall though, was the Bondi Sands Liquid Gold. The formula and colour are both excellent and it's perfect for both younger and more mature skin as it's super-hydrating.

FAQs

What's the best fake tan for pale skin? 

If you have pale skin, the key is choosing a formula that builds gradually or has a neutral-to-olive undertone, rather than anything overly dark or warm. Gradual tans and light mousses are usually the safest bet, as they allow you to control the depth of colour and reduce the risk of streaks or orange patches. 

Mists and waters can also work well on pale skin, as long as they’re applied carefully with a mitt and properly rubbed in. As a general rule, avoid 'ultra dark' formulas unless you’re very experienced, and always moisturise dry areas (knees/elbows) beforehand to keep the finish even.

How long before my holiday should I fake tan? 

Ideally, apply your main fake tan two to three days before you travel. This gives the colour time to fully develop, settle and be rinsed, while also allowing you to correct any mistakes with exfoliation if needed. 

Tanning too close to departure heightens the risk of patchiness or transfer, especially in sweaty, hot climates. If you want to top up before you go, a light gradual tan or mist the night before travel works well without looking heavy. 

What’s the best fake tan for older skin? 

For older, drier skin, hydration is everything. Look for formulas that double as skincare: gradual tans, lotion-based tans and lightweight mists tend to sit better on skin that’s drier or has more texture. 

Garnier's summer body hydrating moisturiser is a great gradual tanner for a lighter glow, while Bondi Sands Liquid Gold is a oil based hydrating tan for a more golden look.

Avoid thick, fast-developing mousses that can cling to fine lines or dry patches. Products that give a subtle glow rather than intense colour are usually more flattering, as they soften the look of skin and give a healthy finish rather than a heavy tan effect.