14 Best Face Self Tanners In 2023 For Sensitive, Acne-Prone, Dry, And Mature Skin, Per An Expert

Of all the facial self tanners I've tried, these easy-to-use, exfoliating wipes are my absolute favorite, and that's saying a lot from a girl that tans almost every week. After swiping them across your face and neck, wait about three or four hours and you'll start to believe you were just at the beach IRL. Trust, these offer a much-needed pick-me-up when you're feeling pale or dull.

When I'm in a rush and don't feel like directly applying a product to my face, I reach for this spray. "Nearly every person I know loves this," Evans says, touting its easy-to-use benefits. Pssst, this brand is also Kim Kardashian and Ashley Graham's fave!

Just a few drops of this serum-like facial self tanner into your moisturizer is the perfect concoction for an even, seamless tan. While it adds a flawless glow, it also administers a solid dose of brightening vitamin C, skin-evening DHA, and moisturizing avocado straight to the skin.

Calling all dry skin types: this facial self tanner is for you. Packed with squalane, birch bark, and rice bran, the formula delves deep into the barrier and delivers some mega moisture. While it hydrates, it unleashes the most natural glow you've experienced in quite some time.

"I love self-tan on acne-prone skin as it helps to conceal and even out the skin without makeup," Evans explains. This one in particular is dermatologist-approved, and only features a few ingredients (think: soothing aloe vera and antimicrobial castor oil).

Sometimes, using two separate products for your face and body can be a hassle. That's where Tanologist's double-duty self-tanner comes in. It can be mixed with your skin and body care to brighten, soften, and hydrate, without clogging the pores or causing breakouts (this is perfect for my peeps with bacne).

A super lightweight self-tanning spray, Nuda's sensitive-skin approved product features a handful of skin-loving, all-natural ingredients that drench your skin in comfort. Inside, you'll find soothing aloe vera, white tea, cucumber, and rosehip for tan, ultra-glowy skin sans irritation.

If you're looking for something that dries quickly, smells like a tropical vacation, lasts three-plus days, creates a natural-looking glow, and doesn't smudge or transfer, you've found your new bestie with Coola's anti-aging must-have. It also features centella asiatica, which the brand says "reduces signs of skin aging."

This self tanner for the face has many accolades, but in my eyes its biggest flex is that it doesn't make my fair skin look orange or too dark. I also love that it's totally fragrance-free, so you're not stricken with the dreaded fake tan smell while it develops on your face.

I'll also add that this formula is super buildable, so you can intensify the pigment by adding more drops to your skin or into your moisturizer.

Who says body self tanner can't be used for the face? According to Evans, it may just be the best way to create a subtle, contoured glow. She likes to use two shades of the product—one for the base and one for the contour—with a clean foundation brush to cover every area evenly and precisely.

Some prefer a subtle glow, but some like to look like the sun hasn't left their side for a month (that would be, um, me). If you want that super deep tan, Loving Tan's darkest shade will get you there. It's also lightly tinted so it provides that gorgeous tan the second you apply it to your skin.

And, for those looking for a subtle glow, here's your best bet. Simply apply it to your face like you would a moisturizer to create a flawless, sun-kissed fake tan. To keep your face protected, the formula also includes SPF 20, so you can wear it while you're out on the town.

A true multitasker, this primer and face tanner in-one is exactly what the doctor ordered for skin that needs a boost of brightness and glow. It holds your makeup tight to the skin while serving a natural-looking, bronzy tan with every layer. The tanning effect takes about six hours with this product, so it's the perfect for those days where your makeup is on from nine to five.

The best way to describe this product is head-turning. It's so good, people have literally asked me where I went on vacation when I use it. Plus, it's super affordable and accessible at the drugstore.