Buying guide · Picks updated November 6, 2026
Best Self-Tanners (2026)
The best self-tanners on Amazon UK in 2026: St Moriz Professional Instant Tanning Mousse in Medium leads, with Bondi Sands Light/Medium Self-Tanning Foam and Bondi Sands Self Fake Tanning Foam close behind. 8 picks from 5 brands, in Amazon UK's own relevance order for "self tanner", each with its key features. Picks updated November 6, 2026.
The catch: these picks follow Amazon UK's relevance order, not an ingredient-list ranking; check each pack's full ingredient list on Amazon before you buy.
A good self tanner gives you a warm glow without sun exposure. Before you pick one, think about the shade you want and the format that suits your routine. Shades run from light and medium to dark, and formats include mousse, foam, lotion and mist. Here is how to choose the right self tanner for you.
Edited by Bez · Our full method
Top pick
AffiliateST. MORIZ
St Moriz Professional Instant Tanning Mousse in Medium
£3.95−34%Amazon UK
- Exfoliate & shave 24+ hours prior
Amazon UK prices as of 6 November 2026, 06:19 GMT; Amazon sets the final price at checkout.
The 8 best self-tanners, side by side
Ranked by Amazon UK for “self tanner”, with each one’s key features at a glance.
1ST. MORIZ
St Moriz Professional Instant Tanning Mousse in Medium
£3.95−34%Amazon UK
- Exfoliate & shave 24+ hours prior
2Bondi Sands
Light/Medium Self-Tanning Foam
£9.78−44%Amazon UK
- Experience a sun-kissed tan every time with Bondi Sands Light/Medium Self-Tanning Foam
- Our fast-drying, lightweight self-tanning foam will leave your skin with a natural, sun-kissed glow
- Inspired by Australia’s most well-known beach and a desire to make the ultimate tan
3Bondi Sands
Self Fake Tanning Foam
£11.65−33%Amazon UK
- The Bondi Sands Dark Self-Tanning Foam is a lightweight foam that's simple to apply
- Our fast-drying, lightweight self-tanning foam will leave your skin glowing like a day
- Inspired by Australia’s most well-known beach and a desire to make the ultimate tan
4St.Tropez
Self Tan Express Mousse
£17.95−46%Amazon UK
- Customise the depth of your self tan with our most advanced 3-in-1 express tanning
- Choose from a light, medium to dark tan with fast & foolproof results
- Use an exfoliator & moisturiser before applying
5Garnier
Summer Body Gradual Tan Moisturiser Deep
£6.00−50%Amazon UK
- Suitable for face and body, this moisturiser intensively hydrates all day long leaving
6Coco & Eve
Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
£26.00Amazon UK
- A FAKE TAN THAT SMELLS SO GOOD
- EASY APPLICATION WITHOUT ANY TRANSFER. Lightweight
7ST. MORIZ
Professional Dark Self Tanner Mousse
£5.99Amazon UK
- Say hello to a gorgeous, natural-looking tan all-year-round
8St.Tropez
Self Tan Purity Face Mist
£15.20−37%Amazon UK
- Self tan & skincare combines in this ultra-lightweight & clear facial mist
- Using non-pore blocking ingredients & enriched with hyaluronic acid
- Enjoy a flawless self tan with no transfer, no streaks
Amazon UK prices as of 6 November 2026, 06:19 GMT; Amazon sets the final price at checkout.
How to choose
Pick a format that suits you
Format changes how the product feels and goes on. Mousse and foam are light and fast drying, and they work well with a mitt for even coverage. Lotions soften and help skin feel moisturized while building a gradual tan. Mists are ultra-lightweight and can go over makeup, so they suit a face tan. Choose the format that matches the area you plan to cover.
Match the shade to your skin
Shade choice matters most. Light and medium options suit a light-to-medium complexion and people new to self tanning. Dark options suit a deeper complexion or anyone who wants a richer bronze. You can also control the depth yourself: leaving the product on longer makes the tan darker, and reapplying gives a deeper result. Start lighter and build up as you learn.
Check the scent and drying time
Scent and drying time shape your routine. Coconut and tropical mango and guava are among the scents listings describe, and some are marketed with no self tan smell. Fast drying formulas help you get dressed sooner. For best results, apply with a mitt in circular motions, bend your knees and elbows, and wash off the guide color once the tan has developed.
Frequently asked questions
Which self tanner format should I pick: mousse, foam, mist, or lotion?
Mousse and foam suit most body tans because they are lightweight and dry fast. A mist works on face and under or over makeup, with no blending. A moisturizing lotion builds a gradual glow while leaving skin soft.
How do I avoid streaks when I apply self tanner?
Use a mitt and work in circular motions for an even finish. Start with skin that is exfoliated and shaved ahead of time, with no moisturizer on it. Bend your knees and elbows as you go, then use the leftover product on the mitt for face, elbows, and knees.
Can I layer self tanner for a deeper color?
Yes, for the deepest tan, reapply shortly after the initial layer, as the pack directions explain. The longer the product stays on, the darker the tan gets, so you control the shade. Wash off the guide color after the development time is up.
Should I choose a light/medium or dark self tanner shade?
Choose light/medium if you have a light-to-medium complexion or are new to tanning. Pick dark if you have a deeper complexion or prefer a richer, bronzed glow. Either way, a wash-off guide color helps you see where you have applied the product.
What should I check on the label before buying a self tanner?
Check the format, shade, and scent before you buy. Each one changes how the tan feels and smells. Then read the full ingredient list on the pack or on our product page. Many listings highlight aloe vera, but the full list gives the complete picture.