8 best fake tan UK 2025; tried and tested tans from £6
WE all know that having a tan can transform how we look and feel, and living in the UK means we can't rely on the sunshine to give us a sun kissed glow.
The best fake tan can give the illusion that you've spent a week in a hot climate without the skin damage, and we've tried and tested some of the top-rated options on the market.
As someone who finds it almost impossible to achieve a natural tan, I've tried countless fake tans over the years in search of the golden goddess look — but it's not easy.
Orange knuckles and patchy skin that resembles tiger bread are a common occurrence with self-tanning, although both can be avoided.
Beauty fans have everything from tanning foams to moisturising serums, instant and gradual formulas to choose from, but are the popular fake tan heroes worth it?
Best fake tans at a glance:
- Best overall fake tan: Cocoa & Eve Bali Bronzing Foam, £20.80 (was £26)
- Best budget fake tan: Garnier Summer Body, £6 (was £12)
- Best gradual tan: Bare by Vogue Clear Tan Water, £23
- Best instant tan: Bondi Sands Liquid Gold, £13.12 (was £17.49)
- Best natural-looking tan: Effn Tanning Foam, £19.99
- Best express tan: Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam One Hour Express, £11.33 (was £16.99)
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How I tested
As someone that's used fake tan religiously for over a decade, I can confidently say I know how to spot a good one.
Every tan included has been tested from weeks to even years, to determine the performance, colour, scent, shade options and value for money.
I've also considered how long each tan lasts before reapplication, how they look on the skin, whether they go patchy and how they fade.
Everything from tanning foams to waters, express tans and gradual tans have all been put to the test, with price starting from £6.
Most read in Product Reviews
Best fake tans tried & tested
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Foam, £13.12 (was £17.49)
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Foam, £13.12 (was £17.49)
Pros: Even coverage, bronzed, gorgeous glow given, no need to wash off, streak free, fair price point, coconut scent, argan oil for hydration
Cons: Comes in one shade
Rating: 10/10
– where do I begin? For me, this is the holy grail of fake tan.
I used to opt for the regular tanning mousse in the shade Dark, until I discovered Liquid Gold.
From the heavenly coconut scent to the even coverage and the golden, bronzed colour it delivers, I’ll be relying on Bondi Sands Liquid Gold for my instant tan fixes for the foreseeable future.
If, like me, you’re always in a mad rush getting ready for a night or day out, this tan is perfect for you. It dries in seconds, so you can throw your outfit on without worrying about marks or streaks.
There’s also no need to wash it off after a certain number of hours, like other tans. Just leave it on, inhale the dreamy scent, and watch as the golden glow develops.
It doesn’t give an overly dark colour like some other foams and only comes in one shade. BUT if you’re looking to go a shade deeper, you can simply apply another layer 30 minutes after the first application.
It’s also very reasonably priced and often on sale.
Reviewed by Lucy Powell
Size: 200ml, Formula: Foam, Shades: One shade, Minimum develop time: Six hours, Vegan: Yes
Cocoa & Eve Bali Bronzing Foam, £20.80
Cocoa & Eve Bali Bronzing Foam, £20.80 (was £26)
Pros: Blends well, quick developing time, doesn't go patchy, fades evenly, doesn't dry out the skin, lovely scent, pink transfer colour
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 9.5/10
I switched to Cocoa & Eve's Bali Bronzing Foam around a year ago after growing sick of going patchy when my tan faded, and it's been my favourite ever since.
Firstly, instead of the lingering biscuit smell that a lot of tans have, the Bali Foam has a fruity mango fragrance which disappears after washing off.
While the formula glides on nicely, I find I need to be quick with rubbing it in as it sets pretty rapidly.
The positive of this is that I don't need to wait around before putting my clothes back on, and I don't feel particularly sticky after applying.
I usually put my tan on before bed to allow it to develop overnight, but it still gives a solid colour even after leaving on for two hours.
The tan does transfer to the sheets (which is to be expected), but it comes off pink rather than a horrible brown colour.
I remove and reapply my tan once a week, and it's rare for Cocoa & Eve to leave me looking like tiger bread (it also comes off easily after five days with an exfoliating scrub).
Reviewed by Sophie Bates
Size: 200ml, Formula: Mousse, Shades: Medium, Dark, Ultra Dark, Minimum develop time: Two hours, Vegan: Yes
Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tan Lotion, £6 (was £12)
Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tan Lotion, £6 (was £12)
Pros: Great smell, cheap but high quality, doesn't stain sheets, perfect for use all year round, two shade options, long-lasting
Cons: Might be too subtle for intense tan lovers
Rating: 9.5/10
My mum (a tanning guru) introduced me to this ten years ago, and I still use it to this day.
Even as a harsh critic when it comes to tanning products, I find it difficult to fault Summer Body.
Not only does it smell amazing with a subtle apricot scent, but it also provides an even tan and is safe to use on both the body and face.
Although it’s marketed as a gradual tan, if you apply it before bed, you can see noticeable results by the morning.
The tan is designed to give a natural look that complements your skin tone and comes in two shades, making it perfect for year-round use, whether you’re topping up a tan after a holiday or maintaining a subtle golden glow during the winter months.
The Garnier Gradual Tan is an absolute bargain without being on sale, but is very frequently on offer at high street retailers such as Boots and Superdrug, making it even more of a steal.
Reviewed by Lucy Powell
Size: 400ml, Formula: Moisturiser, Shades: Light, Dark, Minimum develop time: Four hours, Vegan: Yes
Effn Tanning Foam, £19.99
Effn Tanning Foam, £19.99
Pros: Easy to blend, doesn't feel sticky, nice packaging, doesn't dry at the skin, nice shade that doesn't look orange, doesn't go patchy, minimal scent
Cons: Ultra dark is still quite light, a lot of the guide colour washes off
Rating: 9/10
Effn is the newest addition to my fake tan collection, and I fell in love with it after the first use.
Unlike a lot of fans I've tried, the guide colour is a caramel shade, which was a nice change from the super dark or orange hue of others.
I have pale skin, and I find that the Ultra Dark shade is perfect, which makes me think those with a darker complexion may be disappointed by the results.
A lot of the guide colour comes off after the first wash, and while I love how it looks, I did expect to be darker considering it's the darkest shade.
That being said, I liked how easily the tan glided across my skin, and I didn't find it to be sticky at all.
My tan faded evenly without any patchiness whatsoever, and I reapplied after five days without the need to aggressively scrub off any residue.
Reviewed by Sophie Bates
Size: 200ml Formula: Mousse, Shades: Light-Medium, Medium-Dark, Ultra Dark, Minimum develop time: Two hours, Vegan: Yes
Bare by Vogue Clear Tanning Water, £23
Bare By Vogue Clear Tan Water, £23
Pros: Gives natural-looking tan, doesn't need to be rinsed off, no marks on clothing, can see where you're applying, develops throughout the day, no overbearing guide colour
Cons: Slightly patchy as it fades, expensive
Rating: 8/10
If you can't stand getting fake tan on your bed sheets, Bare by Vogue's tanning water is great for achieving the same results but without the faff.
I was initially concerned about the lack of guide colour for getting an even tan, but you can see a subtle hint while applying to ensure you don't miss any areas.
The tan, founded by Vogue Williams, develops throughout the day to give a nice golden colour that looks similar to other non-gradual foams.
As the texture isn't sticky, I was able to put my clothes straight back on, so it's great if you're in a rush for time.
The one thing I didn't like is how the tan fades.
I found that it clung to dry patches and gave a slightly streaky effect, and it wasn't as easy to scrub off as other tans I've tried.
Reviewed by Sophie Bates
Size: 150ml Formula: Water-based foam, Shades: Medium, Dark, Minimum develop time: Four hours, Vegan: Yes
St. Tropez Luxe Body Serum, £12.56 (was £14)
St. Tropez Luxe Body Serum, £12.56 (was £14)
Pros: Skincare benefits, smooths and hydrates, subtle and natural glow, long-lasting, lightweight, easy application
Cons: Might be too subtle for intense tan lovers
Rating: 8/10
If a subtle tan is what you’re looking for, the may be the one for you.
Offering a very natural tan that develops over four to six hours, the silky serum is also perfect for those with drier skin.
The formula is lightweight yet offers intense hydration and moisture due to its hyaluronic acid infusion.
Other skincare ingredients, such as niacinamide and Vitamin B5, help to firm and smooth the skin at the same time.
The longevity of the tan is also impressive, and there is no need to rinse it off.
The price is slightly at the higher end of the scale, but it is definitely an investment if you’re looking for a subtle summer glow.
Reviewed by Lucy Powell
Size: 200ml, Formula: Serum, Shades: One shade, Minimum develop time: Four hours, Vegan: Yes
Filter by Molly-Mae Mousse, £21
Filter by Molly-Mae Mousse, £21
Pros: Caramel golden tone, works instantly, even coverage, streak-free
Cons: Expensive compared to competing brands with no difference in quality, slight green undertones
Rating: 7/10
As a Molly-Mae fan and tan enthusiast, I knew I had to try Filter as soon as it was released.
I use the shade Dark, which provides a really lovely caramel golden hue, works quickly, and has a very subtle, fresh scent which mimics fresh linen or clean sheets.
The shade and coverage are both major positives for me, and I have never had an issue with streaks.
However, my one gripe with Filter is the very subtle greenish undertone, which isn’t present in other popular fake tans I’ve used, such as Bondi Sands or St Tropez.
It is also slightly more expensive compared to its competitors, and you can certainly achieve a similar tan of the same quality from other brands.
Reviewed by Lucy Powell
Size: 200ml, Formula: Mousse, Shades: Medium, Dark, Extra Dark, Minimum develop time: Four hours, Vegan: Yes
Bondi Sands One Hour Express Tan, £11.33
Bondi Sands One Hour Express Tan, £11.33 (was £16.99)
Pros: Great when you need a tan last minute, quick developing time
Cons: Green undertone, looks patchy after a couple of days, difficult to remove, only one shade
Rating: 7/10
The Bondi Sands One Hour Express Tan has been my saviour in times of last-minute plans.
Developing in as little as 30 minutes, it's very similar to the brand's in terms of formula — but it's far more efficient to use.
I like the bronzed glow it gives, but I do find that it goes patchy after a couple of days, and it takes a lot of scrubbing to get some of it off.
For me, it's a tan that I use when I'm in need of a rapid turnaround, but it's not one I'd reach for on the regular.
It's also great for those that don't like sleeping in their tan, and after a couple of hours it left me with a deep glow that continued to develop through the night.
Like most Bondi Sands tanning products, it has a green undertone which leaves marks over bedding and clothing, but the colour easily washes out.
Reviewed by Sophie Bates
Size: 200ml, Formula: Foam, Shades: One shade, Minimum develop time: 30 minutes, Vegan: Yes
How to apply fake tan
The best way to ensure an even tan is to apply to clean and exfoliated skin.
It's recommended that users apply the tan to the mitt, before using circular motions to spread the product across the skin, working downwards.
Every tan will have a recommended time to leave on before washing off, which usually varies between one and eight hours.
When it's time to wash the tan off, use soapy water to remove the guide colour, and gently pat yourself dry with a towel.
To ensure the tan stays intact for as long as possible, follow up with a body moisturiser.
Other tans, such as mists and sprays, may come with different application instructions, so it's always worth checking the guidance on the packaging.
Should you moisturise before applying fake tan?
While applying fake tan to dry or flaky skin will cause it to go patchy, it's advised that you don't moisturise directly before tanning.
For the best results, the skin should be completely clean from any oils or sun creams, so it's recommended that you prep as much as possible in the days leading up to tanning.
If you have dry or flaky skin, it's important to ensure your skin is as moisturised as possible in the lead up to application for an even tan.
How long does fake tan last?
Most fake tans last between five and seven days, but the longevity depends on the type of fake tan, aftercare and the individual's skin type.
If the right preparation isn't done before tanning such as exfoliating and moisturising, the tan is more likely to go patchy and come off sooner — and the same applies for not continuing to moisturise in the days after applying.
Even seven days after tanning, it's likely that there will still be some residue on the skin, particularly on areas like the elbows and feet.
To avoid the next layer of tan going patchy, it's always worth removing as much leftover tan as possible before applying the next.
What is the best gradual tan in the UK?
Some of the top-rated gradual tans on the market include Bondi , and the .
The best gradual tanners will be buildable, so users can achieve everything from a subtle, natural-looking tan to a bronzed glow.
Another thing to consider when looking for a gradual tan is whether it's going to go patchy when applied across several days, and if it will moisturise the skin.
How to get fake tan off hands?
Fake tan can sometimes linger to dry areas of the body, which can include elbows, feet and hands.
After the fake tan has been on for a few days, it should come off easily with an exfoliating mitt or balm, but tan that has recently been applied can be stubborn.
A tan removing product such as a foam should help to remove fresh tan, or you can mix white vinegar and baking soda to help break it down.
As the hands are washed so frequently, they tend to be the area in which the tan fades first.
How to remove fake tan
There are several methods for removing fake tan from the skin, and the easiest way is to find a fake tan remover that can be applied to the skin to break down the product.
This would often involve exfoliating when the tan remover has been applied, but an exfoliating mitt or balm can also be used alone to help lift the tan.
If you’re looking for a home remedy, mixing lemon juice and baking soda paste is also said to help remove the product when rubbed into the skin.
Fake tan usually washes out of sheets in the washing machine, but if it doesn’t, it can be treated like any other stain.
It’s recommended to use stain remover for the stubborn marks, or white vinegar and water.
What is the best fake tan for face?
Like fake tans for the body, there are countless options available when it comes to fake tans for the face.
Some of the best fake tan brands also have face tans, including Coco & Eve, St Tropez and Garnier, and you can read or full review of the best fake tans for face for more information.
Fake tans for the face can come in the form of mists, serums, drops and waters, and the formula you go for may depend on your skin type.
Read More on The Sun
Tanning drops are usually most effective when combined with a moisturiser, which helps to get an even tan while avoiding orange hue on the skin.
It’s recommended that beauty fans opt for a face fake tan rather than applying body fake tan to the face, as body tans often include harsher ingredients that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
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