Is it just is us, or does having a tan make life seem about 1000 times better? As great as being tanned is, roasting in the sun obviously isn’t the safest way to get there. Personally, spray tans are our alternative of choice — but they tend to be pretty expensive and it’s hard to justify shelling out for them when it’s not summer. So, that leaves just one option: self-tanning at home.
But there’s something so unappealing about slathering cold cream all over your bod and hanging out naked for hours waiting for it to dry — especially in the chillier months. Plus, it’s such a drag trying to make sure you’ve evenly applied it on all those hard-to-reach places. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Luckily, there are self-tanning products out there that require minimal application skill, downtime and most importantly, effort! Here are our faves:
#1 St. Tropez In Shower Gradual Tan
Whoever came up this is a heaven-sent genius, because it is THE most convenient tanning product. Once you’ve done your usual shower biz, you turn off the taps and apply it directly to wet skin like a moisturiser. Then, you hang out for 3 minutes while it develops (I use this time to brush my teeth), before washing it off! After a few uses, it gives you a really nice, golden glow —although, I’m so pale that I swear I can see it immediately after one use!
Shop here: St. Tropez In Shower Gradual Tan
#2 James Read Tan Clear Bronzing Mist
Two of the most annoying things about self-tanning are 1. when you end up with brown stains all over everything 2. when you can’t reach your lower back. With this revolutionary product from tan guru James Read, you don’t have to deal with either! The 360-degree nozzle makes it super easy to evenly distribute the clear bronzing mist — which develops into gorgeous tan over 3-4 hours. No tanning buddy required!
Shop here: James Read Clear Bronzing Mist
#3 Somerville360 Body Self Tan Towelettes
You know how you use face wipes to take off your makeup when you’re feeling super tired and lazy? Well, this product from Kate Somerville is just like that, but for tanning! You just swipe the fake-tanning towelette over your face and body and voila, you’ll have a natural-looking glow within 2 to 4 hours. It’s also free from any chemical nasties and is enriched with calming ingredients like tea tree and cucumber.
Shop here: Somerville 360 Tanning Towelettes
#4 Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan + Gradual Glow
Instant tanners are great for when you’re going out because you simply put it on, let it dry for a few minutes and you’re good to go. But, considering you have to wash them off at the end of the night, they’re normally not ideal if you’re after a long lasting tan. This 2-in-1 product from Rimmel gives you the best of both worlds, as it acts as an instant tan and gives you a gradual glow with repeated use!
Shop here: Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan + Gradual Glow
#5 Tanzee
If you want to use a self-tan that takes longer to develop but can’t afford (or don’t want to) wait around, get your mitts on a Tanzee! It’s like a silk sleeping bag that stops your fake tan from coming off all over your bed sheets — so you can sleep easy and wake up looking like a bronzed goddess! How’s that for multitasking?
Shop here: Tanzee
Glow up.
Photo credit: Main.
