The 6 Best Drugstore Self Tanners and How To Use Them

Last Updated on February 16, 2025

With summer so quickly approaching, many wonder how to achieve that perfect bronzy skin. Sun-tanning is always an option, but you risk sun damage like burns or even premature wrinkles. So what is a girl to do otherwise?

In two words (or one hyphenated word): self-tanner. Sure, a self-tanner can get a bad rep. Many people have seen the horror stories of self-tanner looking streaky or orange. But with the right products and techniques, you can be bronzed in no time! That’s why we’ve rounded up the best drugstore self tanners to help you achieve a flawless glow.

Our list of the best drugstore self tanners includes options that are affordable, easy to use, and streak-free. Whether you’re new to self-tanning or a pro, these best drugstore self tanners will give you that sun-kissed look without the damage. In addition, we provided some tips on how to get your best tan yet using the best drugstore self tanners on the market. Enjoy!

The Best Drug Store Self Tanners

SOL by Jergens Water Mousse

With so many self-tanners lining the drugstore shelves, it’s tough to know which ones work. We love this Jergens mousse—it combines natural sugars and coconut water to hydrate and bronze your skin at the same time. A total win-win! Oh, and the scent? It’s amazing.

Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion

Tanologist’s Gradual Tan Glow works just like a daily moisturizer, applied to exfoliated skin for a subtle, radiant tan. Think of it as a body foundation. The formula is buildable, allowing you to mix it with other self-tan drops for a more intense glow.

b.tan Love At First Tan Self Tanner

Another foaming self-tanner from the drugstore is the b.tan Love At First Tan fast tanning mousse. Applying tanner can sometimes feel heavy and sticky, but this formula, suitable for all skin types, leaves your skin feeling deeply hydrated and takes just about an hour to develop.

For optimal results, it’s recommended to wax or shave at least 48 hours prior, exfoliate and moisturize 24 hours in advance, and avoid perfume and makeup on the day of application. Tip: Wear loose, dark clothing for a day or two since tight clothes can leave marks—this includes your shoes!

Neutrogena Micromist Airbrush Sunless Tanning Spray

Looking for the best drugstore self tanners but don’t want to spend a fortune? Try Neutrogena’s Micromist Airbrush Sunless Tanning Spray, one of the best drugstore self tanners available. Trust me, it’s super easy to apply. And don’t stress about it being streaky – even though it’s a spray, you don’t need to be an expert to use the best drugstore self tanners.

Just hold the can about six inches from your skin and apply it evenly, section by section. The clear, one-touch spray will develop in just two to four hours, giving you a beautiful, natural-looking tan with the best drugstore self tanners!

St. Moriz Face Glow Mist

This face tanning mist is one of the best drugstore self tanners, designed to gradually develop a natural tan over time. As a tanning water, it’s mess-free with no immediate color transfer. After a few days, your skin will have a glowing, radiant appearance. For a deeper tan, simply keep applying it daily.

The best part? You can use it with or without makeup, making it perfect for those of us who are always running behind! If you’re looking for the best drugstore self tanners, this mist is a must-try for effortless, long-lasting results. Don’t miss out on the best drugstore self tanners for glowing skin all year long!

Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING In-shower Self Tanne

This in-shower self-tanner not only gives you a natural, streak-free glow but also has firming properties to help reduce the appearance of cellulite—without that harsh tanner scent! Plus, it’s budget-friendly at just $8, boasting 4.5 stars from over 20,000 reviews.

Available in light-to-medium and medium-to-tan shades, it works as both a self-tanner and a moisturizer. While it requires drying time, it offers zero wait time for results. A healthy glow, firmer skin, and an unbeatable price—what’s not to love?

The Best Drugstore Self-Tanners: Our Tips for Applying Them

Self-tanners can get a bad rep. People often see horror stories of self-tanner applied incorrectly and think it’s impossible to get beautiful, bronzy, glowing skin from a self-tanner. Well, we’re here to tell you that couldn’t be farther from the truth! If you use one of the best drugstore self tanners from above plus the techniques down below, you will be glowing in no time.

• Exfoliate the night before. When you exfoliate, not only are you getting rid of dead skin, but you are also declogging pores and leaving them open. Indeed, this isn’t a bad thing! It’s good to clear the pores, but applying the best drugstore self tanner right after exfoliating doesn’t give the pores enough time to close. This can leave you with speckles or spots (commonly found on legs and arms). The best way to prevent these speckles is to exfoliate in the shower the night before you plan to use a self-tanner.
• Moisturize the night before, not the day of. After exfoliation, your skin may be a little irritated. To prevent this or help heal any irritation, be sure to moisturize after exfoliating! The reason we recommend moisturizing the night before you self-tan (preferably after exfoliating as well) is this is going to allow the skin plenty of time to soak up the moisturizer. This way, when you apply the best drugstore self tanner the next day, it won’t end up streaky or sitting on top of the moisturizer. For the best results, try to find either an oil-free or low-on-oil moisturizer or better yet, find something water-based!
• Make sure to bend joints when applying. For places like elbows, knees, and even fingers and knuckles, having them straight or fully extended can keep the tanning product from getting in all of the nooks and crannies. To prevent this, make sure you are bending your knees, elbows, fingers, etc. when applying the best drugstore self tanner to those areas.
• Use a foundation brush for the face and hands. For some areas of the body (like the face and hands), it can be difficult to use a tanning mitt. Rather than use the mitt, what we like to do is go in with a fluffy foundation brush. This is going to allow us to reach all of the spots on our face and hands. Finally, be sure to work the product into any of those hard-to-reach areas. Side tip: don’t forget to add tan to your ears as well!

To get the best results, always choose one of the best drugstore self tanners for an even and natural glow.

Try these products to help you get the perfect tan!

• Microfiber Double-Sided Tanning Mitt
• Exfoliating Loofah
• CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

Final Words…

Achieving a beautiful, sun-kissed glow doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The best drugstore self tanners offer an affordable and effective way to get a bronzed look without the risks of sun exposure. Whether you prefer a gradual lotion, a lightweight mousse, or convenient tanning wipes, there’s a perfect best drugstore self tanners option for every skin type and preference. By following proper application techniques—exfoliating beforehand, applying evenly, and allowing adequate drying time—you can ensure a flawless, streak-free tan.

Ready to glow? Try one of these best drugstore self tanners and enjoy radiant, bronzed skin all year round!