Self-tanners are synonymous with summer—and we wouldn’t think of baring arms (or legs) without it. Since every moment is a potential photo op, most celebrities wouldn’t dare step out without subtly sun-kissed skin either, and we have the inside scoop on the self-tanners they turn to for a safe, golden glow both on the red carpet and off.
Vita Liberata Invisi Foaming Tan Water
With a light-as-air texture that’s infused with organic botanicals like ginkgo biloba and raspberry, this quick-drying mousse provides anti-aging and antioxidant benefits along with beautifully bronzed skin—and none of the smell you get with some self-tanners. Available in three shades (Light/Medium, Medium/Dark and Dark) and perfect for the face and body, we’re sure Vita Liberata loyalists like Taylor Schilling, Sofia Vergara, Lindsay Lohan, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ellie Goulding will be hitting this bottle come summer.
St. Tropez Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
Featuring natural tanning agents along with green mandarin water and hibiscus flower extract, this facial mist makes it so easy to get your glow on. Use it before makeup, as a setting spray or for a refreshing treat anytime skin needs a boost—and you get gradual, natural-looking color to boot. This offering is so new that we couldn’t find any celebrity fans yet, but Carrie Underwood, Kate Moss, Evangeline Lilly, Elizabeth Banks and Kaley Cuoco are fans of St. Tropez's other self-tanners.
James Read Gradual H2O Tan Drops
Turn any product (think moisturizer, serum, sunscreen, foundation, etc.) into a gradual self-tanner with these innovative drops (or simply use them on their own). With a lightweight water base plus hydrating aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, you can control your color based on the number of drops you use. If you’ve ever wanted sun-kissed skin like Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey and Naomi Campbell, let it be known that James Read is their go-to guy.
Tan-Luxe Wonder Oil
Nothing beats a body oil for maximum moisture, so what about one that offers buildable color as well? This blend of jojoba, argan and raspberry seed oils is infused with natural tanning actives—and the roller ball makes application a mess-free breeze. Available in two shades (start the summer with one and work your way up to the other), these self-tanners also helps improve skin elasticity and gives skin a sexy sheen. British It-Girls Lottie Moss and Millie Mackintosh are amongst the brand’s fans, because it's not that easy to get a deep, dark tan the old-fashioned way over in London.
Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Mist
HamptonSuncare.comAs close as you can get to a professional spray tan without leaving your bathroom, this clear ultra-fine mist goes on evenly, dries in no time flat and delivers a flawless faux glow in hours. Featuring hydrating aloe vera and the brand’s heavenly signature privet bloom scent, it also sprays at every angle so you’re sure not to miss a spot. Nicole Ritchie and Caitlyn Jenner use it, and you should, too.
