Search
pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938553

These are the best fake tans for a year-round golden glow

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article

Whether you want to add some colour to a paler complexion this winter or are keen to keep your tan intact for as long as possible, these creams, serums and drops will do the trick.

Long gone are the days of orange hands and streaky legs. In 2025, there’s a plethora of incredible fake tan brands out there that infuse great ingredients into their products to keep skin feeling refreshed, moisturised and hydrated. Take a look at our top pick of brands, as well as our favourite face tan serums that won’t clog your pores.

For the body

ESPA Pro-Glow Gradual Tan Body Cream

A great option for those who prefer a natural-looking glow, Espa’s nutrient-rich formula is lightweight and buildable, promises no streaks or stickiness and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Unlike some fake tans, this body cream has a refreshing zesty scent and is infused with sweet orange, neroli and bergamot. Its vitamin F, echium oil and vitamin E content keeps the skin feeling moisturised, hydrated and glowing. £43. espaskincare.com

Best for: Those looking for a natural glow with extra shine

This moisturiser from ESPA will keep your skin hydrated and nourished

Utan Cherry Almond Turbo Mousse

A perfect choice for those who love to smell as sweet as possible, this tan boasts a cherry scent that stays fruity all week long. Featuring pH-balancing technology, the tan develops at different stages and continues to develop 24 hours after rinsing. The longer you leave it on before rinsing, the darker your tan. £25. utan.co.uk

Best for: Those who love to smell as sweet as pie

Read more: Ten best Zara perfume dupes — with one saving £142
Wave goodbye to typical fake tan smells with this fruity foam

 Palmer’s Natural Bronze Lotion

For those who prefer a subtle, natural-looking glow that develops over time, Palmer’s is a great choice. The combination of cocoa butter and vitamin E nourishes and hydrates skin while providing a sun-kissed tint that develops gradually. £6.40.

Best for: Those looking to maintain their natural tan

This is one of the most affordable gradual tanning lotions on the market

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

If you’re looking for something more immediate, this bronzing foam from Coco & Eve will provide you with a golden-brown glow in just two hours. Featuring a tropical mango and guava scent, the formula is lightweight, non-sticky and fast drying. If you’ve got a little more time to spare, leave on overnight and rinse off in the morning for a deeper tan. £26.

Best for: Those looking for a quick tan

Evolve Organic Beauty Sunless Glow Gradual Tan

This organic self-tan body lotion is another great option for the gradual glow-lovers, and contains papaya extract, aloe vera and shea butter to smooth and replenish the skin. By removing the typical smell associated with fake tan, this option is a fresh alternative and comes in a stylish bottle. £20. evolvebeauty.co.uk

Best for: Those with sensitive skin

Read more: Is organic skincare worth the hype? Beauty experts weigh in on the trend
Evolve Organic Beauty

Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops Dark

A super versatile and long-lasting fake tan, this option from Bondi Sands can be used on both the face and body. Dermatologically tested, the drops are suitable for sensitive skin and are non-comedogenic, so they won’t clog your pores*.

Simply add four to 12 of these drops to your favourite moisturiser, mix well and apply evenly. The more drops you add, the darker your tan. £15.99.

*Do not apply to damaged or inflamed skin.

Best for: Those who prefer drops to foam

Ella & Jo Hydrate & Glow Gradual Moisturiser

Ella & Jo has been creating multi-functional skincare products since 2017 and has recently released a new line of tanning products that can nourish skin while also providing a bronzed glow. Combining glycerin, hyaluronic acid and squalane, this moisturiser will elevate your body care routine. £19.

 Best for: Those who are looking for an extra dose of skin nourishment

Ella & Jo’s gradual moisturiser will create hydrated and glowy skin

For the face

Skinny Tan Coconut Water Tanning Mist

Designed to improve the quality of your skin as well as being a gradual daily tanner, this mist from Skinny Tan is ideal if you love to look dewy and luminous. It contains a combination of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and vitamin E to provide a brighter complexion and has a sweet coconut and pineapple scent. Store it in the fridge for an additional cooling effect. £24.99.

Best for: A dewy, luminous look

Read more: Should we stop washing our faces in the morning? These celebs seem to think so
This mist will keep your face looking bright and refreshed

Tropic Skincare Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum

Ideal for topping up an existing tan, this organic bronzing serum will make a great addition to your skincare routine. The natural tanning agents mimic the colour of your skin’s own melanin for an even, natural-looking glow, while coconut water and aloe vera juice ensure that skin stays hydrated. Simply mix two to four drops with your moisturiser and apply. £26. tropicskincare.com

Best for: Top-ups for an existing tan

Tropic Skincare is all about enhancing your natural colour

St Moriz Advanced Glow Face Serum

St Moriz’s tanning products each have a glowing, bronzing effect — and this serum has been made to complement your sun kissed skin. Suitable for everyday use, the serum can be applied to the high points of your face or on top of your make up for a shimmery highlight. It can also easily be taken off with makeup remover. £10.99.

Best for: Enhancing a makeup look

Read more: ‘I got masseter Botox’: the truth about the risks vs results
This fake tan makes a great base for your make up

 Rose & Caramel Unity Bronzed Face Tanning Drops

This versatile formula from Rose & Caramel cleverly adapts to your skin tone to provide a subtle and natural glow. It’s been created to prevent pore blockage and contains aloe vera to soothe and nourish. We recommend mixing in two to five drops with your moisturiser daily until you achieve your ideal colour. £24.99.

Best for: Daily use for a bronzed glow

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email