Are there any self tanners that don't stink?

That tell-tale odor attributed to the active ingredient in many self tanners, DHA, doesn't have to taint your experience. Many of the picks on this list, particularly Coola Self-Tanning Lotion and b.tan forever + ever Self Tanning Mousse, are designed to smell like piña coladas and nothing at all, respectively. Though both products contain DHA, they're designed to smell pleasant, with a mix of botanical ingredients and oils.

Why does fake tan not take to my legs?

You might not always experience perfectly even results depending on where you apply since your skin is thicker in some areas and thinner in others. If you tend to experience splotchy coverage on, say, your shins, be sure to exfoliate your skin first and apply an extra thick layer of self tanner on that area. You could even try running a lemon over the area (seriously, it works.)

Which self tanners give instant color?

While traditional self tanner takes several hours to fully develop, many products will give your skin an instant bronze hue. Malibu Tan Hemp Skin Firming & Bronzing Body Moisturizer instantly tints your skin, while deeper color sets in after a few hours.

The 12 Best Self Tanners at Walmart in 2023

I don’t know about you, but there’s something about sun-touched skin that makes me feel like a better version of myself. Unfortunately, the sun itself can be majorly damaging to the skin. So for a glow that doesn’t come with repercussions, a fake tan is the way to go.

But applying self-tanner is an exercise in trusting the process—every application seems to come with the chance you’ll wake up the next day looking like a carrot; or that your skin will be streaked with unnatural colors. Following a couple of important prep steps and keeping your skin moisturized can go a long way toward maintaining your glow.

To help you avoid any mishaps, I gathered some of my favorite self-tanners along with recommendations from makeup artist Deanna Flanagan and Scott Barnes, creator of J.Lo’s famous glow.

Ahead, the best self-tanners you can find at Walmart.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Jergens Natural Glow Sunless Mousse at Walmart

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Best Budget:

Malibu Tan Bronzing Body Moisturizer at Walmart

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Best Spray:

L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Mist at Walmart

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Best Towelettes:

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes for Body at Amazon

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Best Lotion:

Coola Sunless Tan Firming Lotion at Amazon

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Best Mousse:

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse at Amazon

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Best for Face:

Coola Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Serum at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Instant:

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs at Walmart

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Best for Dark Skin:

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse

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Best for Medium Skin:

St. Tropez Bronzing Water Gel at Sephora

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched & Tested
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Light Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Walmart

What We Like

Provides gradual, natural-looking color
Can be used on face and body
Mild scent

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens

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.

Price at time of publish: $14

Type: Mousse | Application Method: Hands | Shades: 2 | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Malibu Tan Hemp Skin Firming & Bronzing Body Moisturizer

View On Walmart

What We Like

Inexpensive for a large bottle
Helps firm skin
Buildable

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens and BHT

While many options on this list are affordable. For the lowest price, you can try this combination of 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.

Price at time of publish: $6

Type: Lotion | Application Method: Hands | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self Tanning Mist

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Walmart

What We Like

Easy to apply
Provides deep color
Mild scent

What We Don't Like

Can be a little streaky

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.

Price at time of publish: $18

Type: Mist | Application Method: Spray-on | Shades: 2 | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

L'Oreal

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Easy to apply
Exfoliates and smooths skin
Provides deep color

What We Don't Like

Expensive per application

For exfoliation and a tan in one, try these towelettes from L'Oreal. According to the brand, 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.

Price at time of publish: $20

Type: Towelette | Application Method: Hands | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Great scent
Made with organic, nourishing ingredients
Provides gradual, natural-looking color

What We Don't Like

Expensive

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 is meant to tighten up your 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.

Price at time of publish: $46

Type: Lotion | Application Method: Mitt | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

4.5

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Easy to apply
Natural-looking finish
Dries quickly
Results last for a week

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for dry skin

St. Tropez's Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse Never Lets Me Down

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.

Price at time of publish: $42

Type: Mousse | Application Method: Mitt | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What Our Testers Say

“St. Tropez's Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse ticks all the boxes for me. It delivers a natural-looking color that’s (mostly) smell-free and doesn’t go on patchy or streaky. Basically, it’s a solid, go-to tan I can always rely on.” —Lisa Patulny, Product Tester

Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum

Courtesy of Ulta

View On Sephora View On Dermstore View On Walmart

What We Like

Subtle and difficult to overdo
Has skincare benefits
Gives skin a radiant glow

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for dry skin

While most self-tanners can be used on the face (We 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.

Price at time of publish: $54

Type: Serum | Application Method: Hands | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Walmart

What We Like

Easy to apply
Comes in multiple shades
Covers discoloration

What We Don't Like

Finish could be more radiant

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.)

Price at time of publish: $13

Type: Mist | Application Method: Spray-on | Shades: 5 | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

St. Tropez Self Tan Extra Dark Bronzing Mousse

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Provides deep color
Dries quickly
Not orangey

What We Don't Like

Expensive

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.

Price at time of publish: $45

Type: Mousse | Application Method: Mitt | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Gel

View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Lightweight
Great scent
Buildable

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult to apply

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 that this formula is clear, so pay attention to where you are putting the product during application, so it is even,” said Barnes.

Price at time of publish: $30

Type: Gel | Application Method: Mitt | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

4.8

Jergens Natural Glow Sunless Tanning Lotion

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Provides gradual, natural-looking color
Can be used daily
Inexpensive

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens and BHT

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.

Price at time of publish: $13

Type: Lotion | Application Method: Hands | Shades: 2 | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

b.tan forever + ever Self Tanning Mousse

View On Walmart

What We Like

Provides long-lasting color
Inexpensive
Mild scent

What We Don't Like

Shouldn't be used immediately after shaving

While most self-tanners need to be reapplied at least once a week, b.tan’s lasts for up to 11 days. The tan is completely free of orange tones, and the formula is vegan, uses naturally sourced ingredients, and has no fake tan smell.

Price at time of publish: $18

Type: Mousse | Application Method: Hands | Shades: 1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Final Verdict

You really can’t go wrong with our overall pick, Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse. The consistency makes it super easy to apply, while you get an immediate glow that only gets better over several hours. For darker skin, turn to St. Tropez Self Tan Extra Dark Bronzing Mousse for a serious boost in color. If your skin is extremely fair, sticking with a formula that builds gradually, like Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanning Daily Moisturizer, is a safe bet.

What to Look For When Self-Tanning

Prep skin for a better tan

DHA (the ingredient that creates a tan) best adheres to clean skin, so exfoliate, shave, and skip moisturizer before applying self-tanner.

If your tan turns wrong, try Veet

If you accidentally apply too much tanner or make a mistake, Barnes offered an unconventional tip: “Just apply on the spot you want to remove and leave on for 1 minute, and the self-tanner comes right off,” he shared.

Keep skin moisturized for a long-lasting tan

Be sure to keep skin moisturized, and be mindful that too much exfoliation will cause your tan to fade faster. To amplify your tan, Barnes likes to use his Body Bling shimmering moisturizer lotion with his Pave Powder on top for extra glow.

FAQ

Are there any self tanners that don't stink?

That tell-tale odor attributed to the active ingredient in many self tanners, DHA, doesn't have to taint your experience. Many of the picks on this list, particularly Coola Self-Tanning Lotion and b.tan forever + ever Self Tanning Mousse, are designed to smell like piña coladas and nothing at all, respectively. Though both products contain DHA, they're designed to smell pleasant, with a mix of botanical ingredients and oils.
Why does fake tan not take to my legs?

You might not always experience perfectly even results depending on where you apply since your skin is thicker in some areas and thinner in others. If you tend to experience splotchy coverage on, say, your shins, be sure to exfoliate your skin first and apply an extra thick layer of self tanner on that area. You could even try running a lemon over the area (seriously, it works.)
Which self tanners give instant color?

While traditional self tanner takes several hours to fully develop, many products will give your skin an instant bronze hue. Malibu Tan Hemp Skin Firming & Bronzing Body Moisturizer instantly tints your skin, while deeper color sets in after a few hours.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Joline Buscemi is a Byrdie contributor and a beauty writer for several publications, and as a lifelong Floridian turned New Englander, she knows the value of a (fake) tan.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any Walmart self-tanners from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

The 11 Best Self Tanners of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Article Sources

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