12 of the Best Self-Tanners at Walmart That Won't Make You Look Orange

Best Overall: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse

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This mousse gives you an instant tan that gradually deepens over several hours. Its guide color makes it easy to see where you’ve already applied the tanner, and the scent fades quickly. You can even use it on your face, without worrying about too much dryness: “All self-tanners are made up of DHA (dihydroxyacetone) which is a drying agent. Because the level of DHA is lower in this product it won’t give such a drying effect on the face area,” said Flanagan.” Another bonus? According to Flanagan, it fades evenly.

Best Budget: Malibu Tan Hemp Skin Firming & Bronzing Body Moisturizer

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While many options on this list are affordable, for the lowest price you can get try this combination tan and skincare moisturizer. It builds color over time while giving an immediate bronze look. CoQ10, a skin firming ingredient, smoothes wrinkles and tightens skin.

Best Spray: L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist

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DIY a spray tan with this self-tanning mist. There’s no need to rub it in, which can make it easier to tan hard-to-reach areas like the middle of your back. The product dries quickly, and it can be used daily until you reach your desired level of tan.

Best Towelettes: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes for Body

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For exfoliation and a tan in one, try these towelettes from L'Oreal. The vitamin E and exfoliating AHA in the formula help give you an even tan, which fully develops over four hours. The towelettes are especially handy for travel (and easy to bring on planes!) so pack a few for your next vacation.

Best Lotion: COOLA Organic Sunless Tan Firming Self-Tanning Lotion

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A tan and firmer, smoother skin? This lotion from Coola builds your tan gradually, so there is less opportunity to overdo the color or streak, while caffeine tightens up skin. It smells like Piña Coladas so you can dream of somewhere tropical even if beach days are far away. Use the lotion with a tanning mitt for best results.

Best Mousse: St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

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This is a favorite of Flanagan’s for its mousse-like texture and the bronze tones it leaves behind. “I find this to be one of those foolproof products especially for something so intimidating as a self-tanner,” she shared.  The guide color makes it easy to see where you’ve already applied the product, and it fades evenly, said, Flanagan.

Best for Face: Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum

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While most self-tanners can be used on the face (I recommend testing it first!), a dedicated self-tanner for the face can make the process easier.  This self-tan doubles as an anti-aging serum and the gradual build means you’ll never overdo it.

Best Instant: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

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If you don’t have time to wait, body makeup is a good option for tanned, flawless skin. It’s not permanent, so any mishaps can be washed away. “I have used this on myself and clients on the entire body (and even the face) and can really be a lifesaver if you don’t have the time for a permanent self-tanner,” said Flanagan. (New variations of the product work like traditional self-tanners and build a cover over several hours.)

Best for Dark Skin: St. Tropez Self Tan Extra Dark Bronzing Mousse

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While several of our favorites have deep and dark options, those who already have dark skin may find they need something more intense. This extra dark formulation comes in an easy to apply mouse and develops to a dark, bronzed color in 8 hours.

Best for Medium Skin: St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Gel

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One coat will give you a healthy glow, and a second will give you a darker color—which is just one of the reasons Barnes suggests this tanner for fair to medium skin tones (the tropical scent is another reason!). “I do suggest a mitt for the evenest application. The only drawback is this formula is clear, so pay attention to where you are putting the product during application so it is even,” said Barnes.

Best for Fair Skin: Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanning Daily Moisturizer

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Fair skin is more prone to revealing mistakes in your self-tan application, which is why something gradual like this daily moisturizer is a good recommendation. You can build up to the results you’re after and then use it less often to maintain your desired tan.