I love summer. It’s one of my favorite seasons. However… summer does not love me back. As a redhead, I have extremely fair skin and the second I step outside I usually burn. The traditional method of tanning is out of the question, and I can’t bring myself to go to a tanning bed since it’s so unhealthy for your skin.
That’s where self-tanners come in. While fair skin can be just as beautiful as darker skin tones, during the summer months I usually opt to get a little extra glow.
With fair skin, it can be difficult to find a self-tanner that doesn’t look streaky or have an orange tone, but I’ve rounded up five self tanning products that will have even the fairest of skin ready to show off this summer!
Table of Contents
5 Self-Tanners for Fair Skin:1. Saint Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse $$$2. Fake Bake Fair Lotion $$$3. Australian Gold SPF 30 Spray Gel with Bronzer $4. Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer $5. Nature’s Gate Sunless Tanner $Your thoughts?5 Self-Tanners for Fair Skin:
1. Saint Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse | 2. Fake Bake Fair Lotion | 3. Australian Gold SPF 30 Spray Gel with Bronzer | 4. Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer | 5. Nature’s Gate Sunless Tanner
1. Saint Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse $$$
I splurged on this self-tanner after hearing rave reviews about it. Overall, I was impressed with the product, and despite the higher price one bottle goes a long way.
I recommend buying the applicator mitt (sold separately) because it makes the application a million times easier. The unique mousse formula allows you to see exactly where the tanner has and hasn’t been applied, which prevents unevenness.
What We Like:
Easy to applyDries quicklyHas a pleasant and citrusy scentAmazing for all skin tonesIt fades off evenlyWhat We Don’t Like:
Can be dryingMore expensiveLooks a little crazy until you rinse it off2. Fake Bake Fair Lotion $$$
Although I haven’t tried this self-tanner myself, I have heard amazing things about it from friends. This formula is specifically made for those with fair skin, though it also comes in other shades for darker skin tones.
The product also comes with a glove to apply the lotion and has a reputation for achieving a golden glow without streaks or orange-y spots.
What We Like:
Provides a natural-lookingStreak-free tanEasy to applyDries quicklyComes with a gloveWhat We Don’t Like:
A bit expensiveThis formula is only for fair skin3. Australian Gold SPF 30 Spray Gel with Bronzer $
A steal at just $7.44, this product is ideal if you want a tan that isn’t permanent. I use this almost every time I go to the pool or the beach. It’s easy to apply, has a decent SPF, smells amazing, and gives you a subtle golden glow that will wash off in the shower. Highly recommended!
What We Like:
Provides a natural-looking tanSweat and water-resistantEasy to applyTan washes away so you aren’t stuck with itWhat We Don’t Like:
Could stain a bikiniDoesn’t lastAlso read: 3 Products Under $5 to Give You Perfect Beach Waves]
4. Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer $
This product has been around for ages, and for a good reason. At just $9.99, it’s fairly cheap and works gradually so you can build up the tan to the shade of your preference. In just three days you could be rocking a nice, natural-looking glow.
Tip: Make sure you exfoliate before using this product and apply it evenly. If you don’t, you’ll end up looking streaky!
What We Like:
Super affordableGreat color controlLeaves no streaks at all and no blotchinessWhat We Don’t Like:
Does sometimes stain clothingDefinitely has that “self-tanner” smell5. Nature’s Gate Sunless Tanner $
This all-natural self-tanner is a great option if you’re looking for something that’s free of synthetic fragrance, parabens, and phthalates. As an added bonus, it also isn’t tested on animals! This lotion is more subtle than the others, and it takes a little bit longer to build up, but it is a great budget tanner.
What We Like:
Immediately blends into your skinEasy to applyDried pretty fastNice natural-looking tanWhat We Don’t Like:
Doesn’t last very longTakes a while to build-upDoesn’t get super darkYour thoughts?
Do you like to rock your fair skin during the summer or do you opt for a self-tanner? What self-tanners have you used and loved? Let us know in the comments!
If you liked this article about the best self-tanners for fair skin, consider checking out some of our favorites below —
The 5 Products You Need to Achieve That Perfect Summer GlowCollege Fashion’s Guide to Self Tanners The New Pros and Cons of Spray Tanning