Just like wearing the perfect outfit or a great hair day can make me feel fabulous, having a golden tan does the trick for me too!
I love having sun-kissed skin, but as I’ve gotten older I have become more conscious of minimizing the effects of sun damage, so I turn to self-tanner to get my 24/7 golden glow. While I’ve tried countless brands over the years, in 2019 I made a commitment to clean up my beauty routine. In my latest feature for Who What Wear, "7 Nontoxic Self-Tanners That Deliver Glowier Results Than the Actual Sun,” I share my tried and true favorites, as well as tips to make a tan look natural and last as long as possible.
With a new year (and a new decade) upon us, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button, create intentions and detox your beauty routine. Why not start with your self-tanner? Read on to see my recommendations in the full article and make 2020 your most glowing, nontoxic tanning year yet!
I love sporting a healthy, tanned glow all year round! A great tan magically seems to improve the tone, texture and color of the skin—plus it does wonders to camouflage imperfections. Gone are the days where you had to bask in the sun for hours to look like a bronzed goddess or use a smelly, toxic self-tanner that turns your skin into looking like a roasted turkey!
Over the years, I’ve road-tested countless self-tanners and have decided this year to try some of the non-toxic ones to see how they compare. These products have exceeded my expectations big time so I’ve put together a list of my favorite clean-beauty, self-tanning products that are not only safe to use but also provide the most gorgeous, naturally bronzed skin.
In order to get the best, most natural and long-lasting tan, make sure your skin gets some TLC before and after tanning! The most important tip I can share when it comes to best practices for self-tanning is to exfoliate beforehand to ensure even coverage. I like to use the Dermasuri Exfoliating Scrub Mitt from head to toe in the shower. Unlike loofahs or bath sponges, this mitt’s unique fabric texture removes surface layers of buildup and dead skin cells instantly! I use the mitt with water, or with my favorite body scrub.
The botanical-based self-tanning products listed below are all derived from organic ingredients and formulated without any harsh chemicals, preservatives, parabens, or unnatural fragrances. And, the best part, orange skin is nowhere to be found; all of these suggestions offer the most natural, golden look! Also, I only tried products that went on clear or white and did not stain clothes or sheets.
1. Whish
This natural self-tanner is at the top of my list--it hydrates the skin and the scent is an incredible combo of coconut milk + verbena! The streak-free formula goes on just like your favorite body butter and can be used every day. After the product develops, the tan is a perfect golden brown. It’s free from parabens, sulfates, DEA and TEA, with naturally sourced organic ingredients that also firm and moisturize. I’m so obsessed with this product that I shared it with my husband and daughter who both have fair and sensitive skin. They are huge fans now with bottles of their own!
An amazing gradual self-tanner, this is my fave for a buildable tan. Its super-natural color is great even for fair-skinned girls. They use DHA that is naturally derived from sugar which is a safe, non-toxic alternative to naturally brown the skin. Free from harmful chemicals, it has a pleasant spa-like scent and is great to use year-round. Leave it to Miranda Kerr to create a certified organic self-tanner that’s a true winner!
3. Botanic Tree
Great for sensitive skin with no fake tan smell, it’s vegan-certified and free from anything toxic. The quick-drying lotion goes on white and is also streak-free, with natural ingredients such as jojoba, avocado, apricot, grape seed, and coconut. This formula can also be used on your face and is perfect for all skin types. I found the tan to be very natural and gradual so it’s good to use daily if you want to build up a rich glow.
Say hello to perfect sun-kissed skin! This tanning product does a great job of covering up natural skin imperfections and leaves you with a glowing, golden color. I love that the simple, natural and organic ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and Japanese green tea leaf extract, leave my skin looking and feeling fabulous. It’s is also a great alternative to the top brands that sell chemical filled tanners. I’m not the only one that thinks so—you can check out the 4700 five star reviews on Amazon too!
I am extremely picky when it comes to self-tanners for the face and found this one to be amazing with its color-correcting technology! Just add the clear drops to your fave moisturizer and integrate into your regular skincare routine for a perfect sun-kissed glow. You can feel confident putting this on your face since it’s cruelty-free, 100% vegan and made using certified organic ingredients. It has low pH levels, non-sensitizing and hypoallergenic ingredients, and pure oils. There are no mineral oils, petroleum, gluten, GMOs, or toxins. This formula offers light, medium, and dark tan options. I like to use medium as it gives me the perfect amount of glow every time!
I wrote about this self-tanner on The Glow Girl blog in the summer of 2018 when it made its debut. This invisible foaming tanning water is super-fast drying and perfect when in a hurry or you have to get dressed quickly after applying. It also leaves the skin with a great natural glow and will never stain even the whitest clothing or sheets! It’s also contains certified organic ingredients and made with natural extracts like pomegranate, papaya, aloe vera and licorice to enhance skin with no tell-tale self-tanner scent. Tip: I like to wait 4-8 hours before showering off to make sure to get the full effects of this tanner!
This self-tanner was developed using a unique DHA derived from sugar beets, which is an Ecocert-approved ingredient from one of the UK’s best natural, cult clean-beauty brands. All of their products are 100% non-toxic and between 90 – 99.9% organic. Their formula comes in a glass bottle pump and goes on as a natural-colored lotion leaving skin with a gorgeous bronzed glow as it develops. The scent is mild and it blends easily, leaving skin super moisturized.
The Best Moisturizers to Take Your Tan to the Next Level
After your tan has made its debut, it's important to moisturize and keep skin hydrated to help the color last as long as possible. Below are my clean beauty favorites that will surely extend the longevity of your gorgeous glow…
Eighteen B Hydrate + Restore Rich Cream
I just discovered this face cream and I’m obsessed! Made with B-silk protein which is known to improve skin texture and firmness, I use this on my face to keep it moisturized after I tan. With ingredients like ceramides, leaf extract, and sunflower seed oil offering fantastic hydration, it also softens my fine lines and makes my face feel smoother.
Golden Ray Glow Drops Face Oil
I love to use oils to keep the skin on my face deeply moisturized and to prolong my faux tan as long as possible. I’ve been using my newly launched face oil daily (in partnership with Olie Organic Face Oils), with its incredible active ingredient, French Marine Algae! This natural ingredient not only builds collagen but also locks in hydration for the best moisture retention.
This organic body butter smells incredible, with ingredients that are safe enough to eat. It’s an all-natural, deep moisturizer--because it’s so hydrating, my tan lasts much longer if I apply it after the tan is freshly developed. A little bit goes a long way so the jar lasts a while!
I have been working on this article for months and have personally tested each and every product listed above to give you the best options for a clean beauty tan that will leave you with the safest and most beautiful natural glow all year long! Whether you want to look like an exotic sun-worshipper or just enhance a sallow-skinned winter look, I’ve got you covered!
xx Melissa
Check out the full feature on Who What Wear HERE!
