Best Drugstore Self Tanner for an Affordable Sun-kissed Radiance

The best drugstore self-tanner can feel like a magical product. To keep your skin looking like it’s sun-kissed with no sun at all is no small feat. A great self-tanner can make all the difference between a streaky orange disaster and a true beauty triumph.

And, let's face it, the last thing any of us want is that obvious, brassy, orange look. Your best drugstore self tanner should be undetectable as a product, instead simply adding that healthy glow.

So, to that end, let's start with the basics, then move on to the best products to choose.

It’s hard to resist the urge to maintain a perfect tan glow. While you could lay out in the sun or make appointments for the tanning bed, those options come with dan​​gerous health risks.

Sunless tanning options can provide a safe alternative by protecting your body from harmful UV rays. You can opt to get spray tans at your local salon, but many people don’t want the hassle or added expense of maintaining a spray tan.

Enter self-tanner. With just a little lotion, mousse, gel, spray, or cream, you can achieve that sun-kissed glow from the comfort of your own home. And with the best drugstore self-tanner, you can tan very affordably.

Using your best drugstore self tanner could not be easier, but to ensure the most natural tan and to save yourself from streaks and orange elbows, it helps to prepare your skin in just a few simple steps.

Before applying self-tanner, be sure to shower, exfoliate, and use a generous layer of moisturizer. This will leave your skin smooth and refreshed, so the self-tanner applies evenly.

If you’re worried about having orange hands from the best drug store self tanner that is left behind, grab a tanning mitt to protect your hands and help you apply self-tanner very evenly.

If wandering the aisles or scrolling through Amazon looking for the best self-tanner is overwhelming, do not despair! We have done the hard work for you to find the best drugstore self tanner choices that won’t cost an arm and a leg.

The best news? These options are all top-rated by verified customers, and beauty blogger approved.

Below is our list of the best drugstore self-tanner choices. Each has many satisfied customer reviews from people who swear it has never been so easy to look so tan year-round. Read on to discover which will work best to keep your skin glowing.

It can be no surprise that a product from Jergens makes our list of the best drugstore self-tanners. This company has been a household name in the world of self-tanning for decades.

The reason? Their products do not disappoint. This instant sun spray creates a perfect and even tan that works with your skin tone to create a natural sun-kissed look. The mousse formula is light and airy on your skin.

With an average Amazon review of 4.1 out of 5.0 stars, this product did not disappoint. It is Amazon’s Choice for “self tanning.”

Customers love how they can see results almost instantly. No matter your skin tone, it won’t leave you looking like an orange cheese-it cracker. And it does not have any offensive smell.This is an excellent deal for a quality product that lives up to the hype.

If you are looking for a quick and easy tan, look no further than this lotion from L’Oreal Paris. You will have a subtle and streak-free glow in just a few hours. Not only will this lotion give you a natural looking tan, but the formula also has a subtle shimmer for a sun-kissed look.

With 4.0 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon, people are pleased with this product. With only occasional use (a few times a week), customers noted that they had a great summertime glow. It works to gradually give you a natural looking color that does not fade too quickly.

It does dry quickly though, so it is best to wear gloves to avoid orange palms!

Alba Botanica, one of the  best drugstore self tanner, promises golden tanning without the sun, and their promises ring true. Not only does this self tanner give a natural glow that does not streak, and it is also gentle on sensitive skin. Its formula contains shea butter, sweet almond oil, and safflower oil to hydrate and nourish your skin.

It contains no synthetic fragrances, no artificial colors, and no harsh sulfates. In addition, this cruelty-free company adds no parabens or phthalates.

This product received 4.1 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon. Customers loved how it was kind to their skin and did not cause break-outs or irritation. It has a pleasant smell and applies so evenly and cleanly that it feels like regular lotion as it moisturizes your skin.

Another best drugstore self tanner, and moisturizer combo is this product from Jergens. Their natural glow daily moisturizer hydrates your skin while giving you a gradual, natural glow. Its formula is a blend of antioxidants and Vitamin E that does not have that typical sunless tanner smell.

This self tanner has an average Amazon customer rating of 4.1 out of 5.0 stars. People love the subtle glow it gives but recommend daily use to keep up the color.

It makes a great moisturizer while helping to leave you will a nice natural-looking tan. Grab a bottle today and not only will you glow, but you’ll also be nourishing your skin in the meantime.

This self tanner from St. Tropez is a favorite in the world of beauty for its quality and consistency. It gives you a natural and healthy looking tan with no unpleasant odor. It is lightweight and easy to apply with no streaks.

St. Tropez, , one of the  best drugstore self tanner, promises their formula is quick-drying and will not leave you feeling sticky or rub-off onto your clothing. Their vegan-friendly formula gives you a tan that lasts up to ten days.

The average Amazon review of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars shows you that customers agree this product is quality. They love the natural tint and how easy this product is to apply. If you are looking for a higher-end drugstore product, then this self tanner from St. Tropez is for you.

If you have been on the hunt for a best drugstore self tanner with an all-natural formula, look no further. This self tanner from Beauty by Earth has carefully chosen ingredients free from toxic chemicals.

The ingredients like inorganic shea butter, green tea extract, and coconut oil, moisturize your skin while building a streak-free tan. The color is very natural, so you don’t need to worry about being overly orange.

With an average Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5.0 stars, customers agree. They love how easy this product is to use and how natural your fake tan will look. Many also found it is incredibly long-lasting.

Fake Bake is one of the best drugstore self tanner that is a customer favorite. Their non-sticky and non-streak formula will leave you will a glowing tan just four to six hours after application.

Its ingredients work to enhance your skin’s pigment, so you are left with a natural and unique glow. Fake Bake includes a built-in color guide with their product so you can see where you have applied self tanner for even application.

With more than 6,000 customer reviews and an average Amazon review of 4.2 out of 5.0 stars, customers are impressed. They argue that, when used properly, you cannot get a better fake tan than one from Fake Bake.

 It is easy to use and quick to dry, so its never a hassle to apply. Try it today, and you won’t be disappointed.

If you are looking for a travel-safe self-tanner that meets all TSA regulations, then these towelettes from Tan Tow​​el are the answer. Infused with a clear self-tanning formula these towelettes work with the proteins in your skin to give you a natural-looking sunless tan just hours after application.

The average Amazon customer review is 4.1 out of 5.0 stars. Users love how easy the application is and that the clear formula means that no gloves are necessary. The search is over for a product that you can take with you on-the-go for a quick and easy use with no mess.

You cannot go wrong choosing from this list for the best drugstore self-tanner. If you are looking for a great self tanner, our choice is the St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse is overall the best choice. It’s the perfect combination of both quality and value. But, the best for you is what really matters.

If you’re on the hunt for a tanner and moisturizer all in one, then Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is ideal for you. If you need an all-natural option that is safe for sensitive skin, then you have got to choose the Beauty by Earth Natural Self Tanner. Not only is it a great price, but it will be kind to your skin.

Pick up a few choices of the best drugstore self-tanner today and let us know which one keeps your skin glowing all year long!

Do you have a favorite brand we missed, or any experience with the ones that we listed? Let us know, down in the comments, we love to hear from you!