Whether you want to add some color for an upcoming tropical vacay or just want a sun-kissed glow year-round, self-tanner is 100% the way to go. This sunshine in a bottle adds rich, healthy color to your skin without exposing it to harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging, eye damage, and even skin cancer.
But how do you choose a sunless tanner that won't make you look like an Oompa Loompa? The key is to do your research. A lot of research. Luckily, we've done it for you, so all you have to do is scroll. Our eight picks for the best cheap self-tanners are affordable, easy to use, and, unlike the sun, are actually good for your skin.
If you're new to the world of sunless tanners, this Instant Sun Body Mousse from Jergens is great for beginners. The tinted mousse formula makes it easy to see exactly where you've applied it, so you don't risk missing spots. The quick-dry design helps you avoid transferring it onto your clothes or sheets.
What We Like
▪ Tinted for precise application
▪ Buildable color
▪ Creamy mousse consistency
▪ Tropical, fruity scent
▪ Quick-drying formula
What We Don’t
▪ Can look orange on some skin tones
With over 20,000 perfect five-star reviews on Amazon, this one-hour sunless tanning mousse from b.tan is a customer favorite that won't cost you an arm and a leg. It features a one-hour development time, a 100% vegan and paraben-free formula, and no bad fake tanner smell.
What We Like
▪ Low price point
▪ Vegan & cruelty-free
▪ Nine darkness levels to choose from
▪ Foam formula
What We Don’t
▪ Dark shades not as deep as advertised
▪ Smell is a bit strong
Made with a tanning active derived from natural sugars, this tanning water mousse from SOL by Jergens is an all-natural way to get a golden glow. The tropical-scented formula is infused with coconut water and passionfruit essence, so you'll feel like you're on a mini vacation every time you use it.
What We Like
▪ Derived from natural sugars
▪ Infused with coconut water and passionfruit essence
▪ Clear, dye-free formula
What We Don’t
▪ Clear formula can be hard to apply evenly
If you like your self-tanning experience to be as quick and easy as possible, these tanning towelettes from L'Oreal Paris are right up your alley. The convenient pre-moistened sheets make application a breeze, and the added Vitamin E and AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) help moisturize and exfoliate your skin.
What We Like
▪ Convenient towelette application
▪ Formulated with Vitamin E and AHAs
▪ Subtle, natural-looking color
What We Don’t
▪ Clear formula can be hard to apply evenly
Beloved by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, St. Tropez is well-known for its superior self-tanning products. This two-piece travel set is a great way to try out a premium brand without paying a premium price. It includes bronzing water mousse for the body and a facial tanning mist, which is the easiest way possible to tan your face.
What We Like
▪ Convenient travel size
▪ Two-piece set
▪ Refreshing tropical scent
▪ All-natural formula
What We Don’t
▪ Higher price point
▪ Small amount of product
It's hard to believe that this self-tanner from Body Drench costs less than $8, considering how packed the formula is with skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera, camomille, sea kelp, orange extract, and black walnut. The mess-free, ultra-fast-drying formula won't streak and produces zero after-tan odors.
What We Like
▪ Moisturizing formula
▪ No strong smell
▪ Includes skin-soothing and nourishing ingredients
▪ Gradual color development
▪ Low price point
What We Don’t
▪ Can cause skin irritation
Fast-track your tan with this Express Self-Tan Mousse from Tanologist. Natural-looking color develops in as little as two hours, so it's perfect for spontaneous beach trips or last-minute nights out. The mousse formula is infused with grapefruit, goji berry, and juniper to hydrate and brighten.
What We Like
▪ Low price point
▪ Hydrating
▪ Vegan & cruelty-free
▪ Comes in three shade options
What We Don’t
▪ Clear formula can be hard to apply evenly
▪ Can look orange on some skin tones
You may be wondering why this nearly $30 product made the list of "cheap self-tanners," but here's what makes this option stand apart from the rest: you add just a few drops to your moisturizer, so you get more bang for your buck. Plus, the buildable formula allows you to customize your tan intensity.
What We Like
▪ A little goes a long way
▪ Can be used on face and body
▪ Color-correcting and brightening
▪ Customizable design
What We Don’t
▪ Higher price point
