8 self-tanners for face and body from 200 to 2,000 rubles. And one mitten!

Most girls dream of beautiful and tanned skin, especially in the spring, when the long winter is coming to an end. With the help of cosmetics today, you can give your skin a beautiful chocolate shade in just a couple of hours, and for this, the fair sex does not need to fly to expensive foreign resorts or spend a lot of time in a solarium, but how to decide which self-tanner is best to buy? Our ranking of the best self-tanners for face and body based on reviews and quality for 2022 will help you choose the best product for your skin.

How do self tanners work?

All these products tan the skin without the sun's rays thanks to the same ingredient - the monosaccharide dihydroxyacetone. Its structure is simple sugar. When in contact with skin pigment proteins, dihydroxyacetone gives the epidermis a dark tint.

Dihydroxyacetone in self-tanners almost always leaves behind a sweet scent. The smell reminds some of fried meat, others of burnt caramel or the aroma of a freshly baked bun. And all because when baking, frying and applying self-tanning, the same Maillard reaction occurs: it makes the skin tan and covers the food with an appetizing crust.

Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer by Jergens

This self-tanner is very popular in the US - in reviews on Amazon, customers consider it the best and award it with a five-star rating. The product was also included in the “Breakthrough of the Year” rating by Allure magazine in 2022. Self-tanning is really cool and unusual.

Firstly, it is applied to damp skin - instead of cream after a shower. The composition contains ingredients that nourish and lock in water - glycerin and oils. Secondly, you don’t need to wait for the product to dry and walk around the apartment naked, so as not to stain your clothes with brown spots. All you have to do is pat your skin dry with a towel and you can get dressed.

Self-tanning leaves no traces, applies evenly and gives a gradual darkening of the skin. Sold in two shades - for those with fair skin and for those with dark skin. There is a smell, but it is light.

Price: 893 rubles

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The nuances of choosing a self-tanner

Self-tanning, like any facial cosmetics, is selected taking into account the type, shade and other characteristics of your own skin:

• For oily skin, lighter textures are suitable - gel, lotion, mousse. Look for special products with anti-inflammatory ingredients. For dry skin, it is better to use cream or milk. The latter option is especially good for aging skin.
• It is not advisable to use cream on very light skin. The result will look very unnatural; when washed off, you will get leopard spots.
• The more sensitive the skin, the lower the concentration of active ingredient in self-tanner should be. Pay attention to the presence of other harmful chemicals - alcohol, parabens, dyes, fragrance.
• For those with translucent porcelain skin, light or clair self-tanners are recommended. Napkins that give a light golden tint are very suitable for them.
• If your face has a natural color from peach to sand, a self-tanner in medium or moyenne shade is suitable.
• The best option for dark-skinned girls is dark or fonce. This product will help highlight and deepen your natural skin tone. But lighter options can give an unpleasant yellow tint.

Skin type is of great importance when choosing a self-tanner.

There are also general rules: purchase products from brands with a solid reputation in trusted stores. A cheap, low-quality self-tanner will most likely go on unevenly and can cause serious skin problems. Be sure to test any product that is new to you for allergies.

Self-tanning gel for face and body Sublime Bronze Face and Body Gel from L'Oréal Paris

And this product was once a bestseller in our country, but for some reason it was discontinued. Now it can only be ordered from foreign sites. Self-tanning was recommended, in particular, by the author of the Telegram channel “Beauty for 300” Ekaterina Slyadneva: according to her review, the product lies on the skin without spots or streaks.

The product does not contain moisturizing components, and it must be applied in the standard way - on dry skin, spreading evenly. You should wait until it dries before getting dressed. If there is no excess left on the skin, then both clothes and bedding will remain clean.

The fragrance may seem harsh at first. Self-tanner for face and body smells like sweet flowers, but fades quickly. Sold in one universal shade.

Price: 1,225 rubles

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Comparison table of characteristics

In order to compare the presented models, we suggest taking a look at their characteristics in the table below.

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Advanced Pro Formula face and body mousse from St. Moriz

Another self-tanner that will give the skin a pleasant, but not too dark shade. If you need it darker, you can repeat the procedure several times.

The self-tanner is made in the form of a mousse - it is convenient, but only if you use a special mitten. Without it, you need to distribute the product with your hands over the skin very quickly and evenly. If you don't have the skill, you'll end up with a spotty coating. Therefore, it is better to purchase a mitten and apply self-tanning with it.

After application, the product should remain on the skin for 4-6 hours. Only then can you wash it off and wait for the color to appear. Self-tanner is sold in a single shade Medium. The smell is almost invisible, and the tanning effect lasts for 5-10 days.

Price: 1,195 rubles

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No. 10 - That'So On The Go Clear

Price: 2,720 rubles

This is a moisturizing anti-aging self-tanning spray that provides an effect for 3-4 days. It comes in 125 ml bottles.

The translucent spray contains components that are completely safe for the skin, including the face. The effect appears within three hours after application and is quite durable. Thanks to the spray format, it is very easy to apply in a sweeping manner at a distance of 20 meters from the face. The product has an additional moisturizing effect, which is beneficial for the skin. After application you will get a natural bronze-golden tan.

There is a fairly high consumption of the product during use.

That'So On The Go Clear

Self-tanning mitt from St. Moriz

The 100% polyester applicator will help distribute self-tanning over the face and body without excess or streaks. The mitt is waterproof, so your hands won't stain while you apply it.

The mitten is reusable and can be machine washed at 30 degrees. It cannot be ironed or bleached. It should also not be used for other purposes (for example, as a potholder).

Price: 451 rubles

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Where can I do this procedure?

You can do this procedure in instant tanning studios or beauty salons in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kyiv.

Where to get an instant tan in Moscow

• Tanning studio "Hollywood": Moscow, Lugovoy Ave., 4k2, tel..
• Beauty salon "Eldorado": Moscow, per. Armenian, 13, tel..
• Tanning studio "TROPICANA": Moscow, st. Kedrova, 14, office. 314, tel..

Where to get an instant tan in St. Petersburg.

• Tanning studio “AIR TAN”: St. Petersburg, Nauki Ave., 30, tel..
• Tanning studio "Vesnushka": St. Petersburg, Vladimirsky Ave., 15, tel..
• Unified tanning center and FAKE BAKE: St. Petersburg, Koroleva Ave., 48, bldg. 6, tel..

Where to get an instant tan in Kyiv

• Reed tanning studio “SUN KISS”: Kiev, st. Generala Vitruk, 7A, tel. +38.
• Salon “Beauty Hair”: Kiev, st. Zhilyanskaya, 102/51, office. 3, tel. +38.
• Beauty studio “Shvets Marina”: Kiev, st. B. Vasilkovskaya, 91, tel. +38.

Self-tanning concentrate for face Nordic‑c Valo from Lumene

Self-tanning from the Finnish skincare brand is very similar to the famous concentrate from the Clarins brand - beloved by many, but elusive and constantly disappearing from store shelves.

This product is released in the form of drops. The concentrate should be mixed with your moisturizer - add 1-3 drops to it and spread over your face. The exact number of drops can be determined in practice - it all depends on the color of your skin. It is better to mix the concentrate with creams rather than with lotions or gels. Judging by the reviews, the richer the product, the more even the tan on your face.

You can carry out the procedure in the evening to enjoy a fresh and slightly darkened complexion in the morning. By the way, the composition also contains vitamin C, which evens out the skin and gives it radiance.

Price: 1,720 rubles

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Self-tanners: how to choose, apply correctly and quickly wash off (if something goes wrong)

Pink
From today, isolation is lifted, which means you can go out into the street with a clear conscience (and pale legs, apparently)! To create the effect of sun-kissed skin, use a self-tanner. We asked experts how to choose the right product, apply it correctly, how to prolong its durability and quickly (and most importantly, evenly) wash it off if something goes wrong.

Self-tanner is a product that contains a dye (dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, an ingredient derived from sugar cane and beets). Unlike natural tanning, artificial tanning is the result of coloring the upper layers of epidermal cells, and not the synthesis of the skin's own pigment (melanin). After applying self-tanning to the skin, special substances included in the product (for example, dihydroxyacetone and erythrulose) enter into a chemical reaction with the amino acids of the keratin protein (structural protein of the upper layers of the epidermis - the stratum corneum), resulting in a characteristic coloration.

The intensity of the shade depends, among other things, on the thickness of the stratum corneum: the thicker it is, the more keratin there is and the more intense the coloring. On the knees, elbows, and also, for example, in the eyebrow area and on the palms, as a rule, an excess amount of horn cells accumulates, so the shade may be brighter than in other areas, says Victoria Barishpolets, senior training manager at Clarins.

The effects last for about a week, depending on how much you sweat, how often you shower, and how moisturized your skin is.

How to choose the right self-tanner?

Lancaster brand expert Nadezhda Frolova advises first deciding why we need auto bronzer. Naturally, it is important to take into account your skin type, but do not forget that textures play an important role in application and effect.

If you have dry skin, a lotion or gel will provide the necessary hydration, while a quick-drying mousse is better for those with oily skin. Body sprays are great too, but they can be a little harder to apply and can leave your bathroom messy. A great option are drops or concentrates that can be added to a serum, moisturizer, or body lotion. They're ideal for those who are afraid they won't be able to apply product evenly or prep their skin properly.

Bonus: Drops intended for the face often contain hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid or skin-brightening vitamin C.

Gel-cream or jelly has a lighter texture than, for example, just cream, which is quite difficult to apply evenly. Light textures apply correctly the first time, leaving no streaks or stains, and provide perfect coverage.

The texture of the oil also spreads easily and quickly and is quickly absorbed.

Lancaster has a collection of auto bronzers SUN 365 Self Tan, thanks to which the skin will glow throughout the year, even without the sun. The collection includes Instant Self Tan and Gradual Self Tan auto-bronzants for instant and gradual effects. The Instant Self Tan line includes gel-cream and body jelly, and Gradual Self Tan products (face gel and body oil) will prepare the skin for sun exposure and gradually create the effect of a natural tan, explains the expert.

When choosing an artificial tanning product, Victoria Barishpolets advises focusing solely on individual preferences in textures, scents and packaging.

How to prepare your skin for self-tanning?

It is necessary to do depilation in advance (it is better not to use a razor immediately before applying the auto-bronzant); at least several hours must pass between the depilation procedure and the application of the auto-bronzant, otherwise the product will stain.

Then you need to cleanse the skin (for this it is better to use products with a neutral or physiological pH value, that is, alkaline-free) and thoroughly moisturize it with cream. It is better that it does not contain oils. The second point to pay attention to is the pH and moisture level of the skin. The self-tanning reaction occurs in an aqueous environment, so it is extremely important that the skin is well moisturized, since on dehydrated skin the shade may appear unevenly and be more yellow.

The pH level at the surface of the skin has also been shown to affect shade. A beautiful and natural shade of artificial tan appears at pH values ​​of 5-6, which corresponds to an acidic environment. When the acidity level rises above 6.5, the hue may turn yellow-orange. Therefore, it is recommended to cleanse the skin with products with physiological or neutral pH values ​​(for example, Eau Dynamisante shower gel is suitable), as well as regularly use exfoliating products, says the Clarins expert.

How to apply the product correctly?

Think of your skin as a canvas and self-tanner as paint. First, you need to make sure the canvas is completely clean because deodorant and perfume can sometimes react with self-tanner and leave behind a bluish or greenish tint.

To achieve an even tan, you must first use a body scrub to remove dead skin cells. Pay special attention to feet, elbows and other areas that are especially prone to dryness and rough skin. Dry skin literally absorbs the auto-bronzing agent, resulting in orange spots. To ensure that the auto-bronzant is distributed evenly, apply it along the lymphatic lines (from bottom to top) in a circular motion, carefully blending the texture. When distributing auto-bronzant on the face, do it from the center to the periphery of the face, Nadezhda recommends.

If you feel that you have applied more product than you planned in some place, simply blot the area with a dry paper towel and continue blending.

To prevent your palms from acquiring an expressive carrot tint, it is better to apply the auto-bronzant while wearing gloves.

Choose auto bronzers whose texture color is already golden in color. This will allow you to see how and where you distribute the texture, and thereby not miss a single area on the skin,” the expert shared with the beauty hack.

Do not immediately put on tight-fitting clothes - you need to let the product absorb. The result will be visible after 4 hours (this is the time required for the reaction of the ingredients of the product with the amino acids of the upper layers of the skin).

Is there a way to fix a bad tan application or is it better to start from scratch?

If you wake up, go to the mirror and exclaim: “Oh my God!”, then the first thing to do is stop panicking. You can apply a glycolic solution - it will speed up the disappearance of unwanted color. Swimming in salt water or a chlorine pool, or visiting a sauna, will also be a catalyst, says expert Jules von Goep, founder of the Isle of Paradise brand, who works with Kate Moss and Sienna Miller.

Some brands produce a special “antidote” - self-tanning remover. They need to be left on the skin for five minutes, then take a shower and exfoliate the skin with a stiff glove. As a last resort, there is a folk method - a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda.

Remember that the rule “less is more” applies here. If you missed some area of ​​the skin, it is better to apply a self-tanner to it using a beauty blender. After application, always wash your hands thoroughly and use wet wipes. If self-tanning gets under your nails and on your cuticles, it won't come off easily.

What ingredients should you avoid in self-tanners?

Self-tanners should not contain any mineral oils, parabens or phthalates.

When there are a lot of preservatives in a self-tanner, this whole synthetic aroma appears and the product dries out the skin. For many, it is important that the formula is vegan. Some self tanners have silk or honey in them, but that's just a marketing ploy, you don't really need it, and as an expert who's worked in this field for 10 years, I think it doesn't matter, and in fact The tan color is much nicer when all this is absent,” the expert notes.

Body lotion “Summer glow” with self-tanning effect from Dove

The lotion contains glycerin and squalane, which retain water and make the skin softer. The product is available in a universal shade. It allows you to achieve a beautiful tan in a few applications, and then you can apply it less frequently to simply maintain the effect.

The lotion should be evenly distributed over dry skin until completely absorbed. If the product seems too dark for you, try mixing it with moisturizer.

Dove self-tanners used to have shimmer and smell different. There is no shine in the new format, so if you bought it before, don’t be surprised.

Price: 289 rubles

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No. 3 – Librederm Self-Tanning Towelette

Price: 203 rubles

These are another self tanning wipes that come in a pack of two. They are suitable for all skin types and do not contain harmful substances.

These wipes allow you to achieve a natural bronze tan. They make it easy to distribute the substance over the skin, so the end result is a uniform shade. It is noted that the tan lasts a long time and does not lose its intensity. Also, unlike most wipes, these do not damage the skin; they contain only safe substances.

Unfortunately, in terms of price they are inferior to most competitors, because they cost more for less quantity in a pack. But you have to pay for quality.

Librederm Self-Tanning Towelette

Thermal spray-auto-bronzant for face and body Bariesun from Uriage

Self-tanners for the face and body are recognized as safe to use, but not all products may be suitable for people with sensitive skin. You need a formula without alcohols and fragrances. And there is one - for example, self-tanning from the French pharmacy brand Uriage.

It is made in the form of a spray and contains thermal water, glycerin and the self-tanning substance itself. Nothing extra.

To use on the face, the spray should first be sprayed into the palm of your hand and then applied evenly to the skin. And you can spray it on the body without an intermediate step. As a result, you will get a pleasant skin tone that will delight you for 5-6 days.

Price: 1,364 rubles

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No. 7 - Clarins product

Price: 1,900 rubles

Our rating of self-tanning products for the face continues with a product from Clarins, which contains an essential oil pigment. The substance is supplied in 15 ml bottles.

This is a fairly economical product, so even despite its small volume, it will last for a long time. It makes the skin light and velvety, providing a radiant effect. The manufacturer offers an impressive range of colors; you can easily choose the shade that suits you. The product does not leave stains on the face and completely blends into the skin. The original structure is preserved for a long time. A good effect can be achieved using just a couple of drops.

Many users consider the fact that Clarins contains alcohol to be a serious drawback.

Clarins product

Transparent self-tanning body mousse from Isle of Paradise

The transparent bottle resembles thermal water, but is actually an effective self-tanner. Sold in the shade Medium - it's universal - and smells like mint and coconut.

To use the product, the manufacturer advises peeling a day before use. Then you need to moisturize the skin, since self-tanning dries it out, and apply the mousse with light massage movements.

The color will appear after 4-6 hours. In the meantime, you wait for the effect, the manufacturer advises you to take a walk for ice cream, watch a movie or meet with friends. In general, have a lot of fun, but do not get your skin wet - otherwise the tan will stain.

Price: 1,990 rubles

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What is instant tanning

Instant tanning is a cosmetic procedure where, in one visit to a beauty salon, the skin is covered with bronzer, acquiring an even and natural golden hue.

This type of tanning is considered the safest - the skin acquires a golden hue not under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, but due to its coating with a special composition.

Instant tanning is also called reed tanning, bronzing or glamping.

How does it differ from self-tanning or tanning obtained in a solarium?

Instant tanning is specially selected to the body by spraying , and self-tanning is a decorative cream that is washed off after the first visit to the shower.

Its difference from a solarium is that you can get an instant tan without the help of ultraviolet radiation. And the very composition used to obtain an instant tan contains compounds that slightly tonic and rejuvenate the skin. As a result, you get a beautiful tan and maintain your skin by caring for it.

It is carried out in one visit to a specialist, and after a short period of time you can shine with a magnificent tan - there is no need to visit the solarium several times or apply self-tanning to your body in 5-6 layers.

Self-tanning for face and body Extra Bronze from Sun Look

It's more of a skin tint. Designed for fair skin, it is applied in the classic way - on dry skin - and gives an effect within an hour.

The skin darkens slightly and shines. After a couple of days, the product will be washed off and can be reapplied to the skin. It does not leave streaks, as it forms a light veil, and does not have a pungent odor. A decent budget self-tanner from which you can start getting acquainted with such products.

Price: 215 rubles

Indications and contraindications

Indications

Regarding the indications for the use of instant tanning, experts are of the same opinion - it is indicated for everyone who is over 18 years of age and wants to get a beautiful skin color.

Often, an instant tan is done before important events when you need to look 100%, for example, a wedding, graduation, birthday and other events.

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Instant tanning before a wedding or other important holiday should be done in a good salon by a trained and experienced specialist. In this way, you can get perfect skin and enjoy the celebration.

Contraindications

Like any other cosmetic procedure, this one also has its limitations:

• Fresh, open wounds on the body that have not closed or healed.
• Allergy to a component of the composition used.

It is not advisable for pregnant women to use this procedure. If there is a need for a procedure, you must first consult a doctor!