Best fake tan UK

Which is the best fake tan 2023?

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The 10 best fake tans to buy in the UK

The top 10 list of the best fake tans lists various brands and prices

Review10Best compares the best fake tans in the UK and selects the one by St.Tropez as the best fake tan. In a fake tan buying guide, you can read more about the features of the different fake tans and see a recommendation on which fake tan to buy in the UK in 2023. By considering the top list of fake tans, you can find the best fake tans and save time shopping online.


Table of contents
  1. Read the ultimate fake tan buying guide
  2. View the fake tan picks and see how they rank in the top list

VIEW THE TOP 10 LIST →


Best fake tans: A complete buying guide

All you need to know before buying a great fake tan

Picture of a fake tan

Finding the best fake tan can be challenging when there are so many products to choose from. Not only that, there are quite a few considerations to make to ensure that you find the right product for your skin. So it is not always obvious which fake tan is best for your needs. To help find the right product, we’ve created a handy buying guide that covers all the information you need to know about fake tan!

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What are fake tans?

Fake tan is a type of cosmetic product used to make skin appear more tanned. While ingredients vary from each product, most contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which causes a reaction on the surface of the skin to make it appear temporarily darker. The tanning effects tend to last just a few days.

Why should you buy a good fake tan?

The best fake tans give your skin a lovely dark tone without needing to sunbathe. This is great for many situations, such as places where the isn’t much sunshine, during the winter, or for those night’s out when you want a really nice tan! Many people feel more confident with a good tan, which is why fake tan is so popular, as you can effortlessly achieve a nice tan without having to sunbathe. Also, certain fake tans have other ingredients that nourish the skin like an after sun, helping to rehydrate and improve its overall appearance.

How to choose the right fake tan?

Another picture of a fake tan

Choosing the best fake tans can be difficult when there are so many products available. Some of these are better than others though, so it helps to know what to look for in a good fake tan.

  • Skin Type: Like any skincare product, you need to consider your skin type when buying a fake tan to ensure you get the right type for your needs. For example, fake tans that are nourishing and rehydrating are great for people with dry or sensitive skin, while those with greasy skin may want to avoid oil-based fake tans.
  • Skin Tone: While all fake tans can be used on any skin tone, it is recommended that you choose one that is closer to your natural skin tone. By doing this you make the tan look more natural and avoid using anything too dark, which is a common mistake a lot of people make. For instance, if you have fair or light skin then you probably need a gradual fake tan, as this helps to build up colour to make it appear more natural rather than immediately going several tones darker. Those with darker and olive skin tones can opt for darker fake tan tones from the offset as it will appear natural.
  • Ingredients: DHA is the common ingredient used in most fake tans but there are other ingredients you should look to avoid. For example, mineral oil is a cheap carrier oil but it does block pores so isn’t the best for your skin. Look our for pleasent fragrances but you should avoid artificial fragrances.

What is the best kind of fake tan in the UK?

There are several types of fake tan available to buy, any of which may be ideal for your needs:

  • Instant Fake Tans: As the name suggests, instant tan provides an immediate change of tone after application. It’s great for those random night’s out where you might need some fake tan but don’t have much time to prepare.
  • Gradual Fake Tans: This type of fake is applied over a longer period to gradually build the tan. It is great for beginners as the first few applications don’t show up that well, allowing for more room for error compared to an instant tan.
  • Mist Fake Tans: By using a mist this fake tan is much easier to apply, making it a good choice for people that struggle to get an even coat. If you want a low-effort fake tan then is a great option.
…are you ready for the best picks of 2023?

Top 10 list of fake tans in the UK (September 2023)

The bestseller list compares brands and their fake tans. Which fake tan is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of St.Tropez 100013084 fake tan
St.Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse - Fast Acting Fake Tan Develops…
  • VEGAN BEAUTY 100% clean, vegan friendly & natural tanning actives - makes a great…
  • HOW TO USE: Use an exfoliator & moisturiser before applying, then simply apply…
  • AWARD WINNING: Enjoy a natural looking, streak-free & flawless tan with our signature…
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TOP 2
Image of Coco & Eve 8886482910974 fake tan
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse Set (Medium)…
  • CRUELTY FREE, VEGAN AND ALL NATURAL. Formulated with only the highest quality natural…
  • EASY APPLICATION WITHOUT ANY TRANSFER. Lightweight, non-sticky formula to be applied…
  • SMELL SO GOOD, YOU’LL WANT MORE. Our Sunny Honey self tan has a tropical mango…
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Offer TOP 3
Image of St.Tropez 100110154 fake tan
St.Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Firming Lotion Light/Medium ,…
  • 100% vegan-friendly and cruelty free.
  • Suitable for sensitive skin & dermatologically approved.
  • Vegan friendly, 100% natural tanning active & cruelty free.
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TOP 4
Image of St.Tropez 100013088 fake tan
St.Tropez Classic Self Tan Bronzer Mousse Foam - Original & Iconic…
  • VEGAN BEAUTY 100% clean, vegan friendly & natural tanning actives - makes a great…
  • HOW TO USE: Use an exfoliator & moisturiser before applying, then simply apply…
  • SKINCARE: Infused with hydrating jojoba oil & other skincare actives - enjoy…
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TOP 5
Image of B.Tan 62085 fake tan
b.tan Express Fake Tan Kit | Love At First Tan Bundle - Violet Base…
  • i'm 100% vegan, free of nasties like parabens and i love animals so am 100%…
  • violet base knocks out orange tones | self tan lover
  • 1 hour development time, leave on for 4+ hours for darker results
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TOP 6
Image of Bondi Sands BON150 fake tan
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Foam | Lightweight, Fast-Drying…
  • Step 4 Dress and go. No shower necessary. Now would be great time to take an after…
  • Step 3 Apply Liquid Gold directly onto skin and use the Bondi Sands Application Mitt…
  • Step 2 Lightly moisturise hands, knees and any dry areas. Before you tan remember…
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TOP 8
Image of Bondi Sands BON105 fake tan
Bondi Sands Light/Medium Self-Tanning Foam - Lightweight, Buildable…
  • ABOUT THE BRAND - Inspired by Australia’s most well-known beach and a desire…
  • CAREFULLY FORMULATED - Bondi Sands self-tanning products contain dual tanning actives…
  • HOW TO USE - For an even, streak-free tan ensure skin is clean, exfoliated, and free…
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TOP 9
Image of Dove 8710847962769 fake tan
Dove Summer Revived Light to Medium Gradual Tanning Mousse for a gradual…
  • Dermatologically tested body mousse for a gradual glow and sunless tanning, suitable…
  • This fast-absorbing, easy-to-apply tanning moisturiser formula gives you a nourishing,…
  • Our lightweight self-tan mousse is made with gentle, naturally derived tanners and…
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TOP 10
Image of St.Tropez 100110158 fake tan
St.Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Lotion 200ml | Self Tanner
  • 100% Vegan and Cruelty Free.
  • Vegan-friendly & 100% natural tanning active, cruelty free.
  • Suitable for sensitive skin & dermatologically approved.
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Affiliate Disclosure

We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For the list of the best fake tans, we consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. It is not a fake tan test. Last Update: 2023/09/24.