I Never Sit in the Sun, But These Gradual Tan Products Keep Me Looking Bronzed
Low maintenance and safer than sun tanning, gradual tans are the real hero of our summer beauty routines—these formulas are a cut above the rest.

There is nothing I love more than sunbathing. I’m ashamed to admit it, but it’s true. The feeling of joy that I get as I lie outside sipping on a cooling spritz as my skin soaks up all of the vitamin D truly can’t be beaten. And boy have I taken advantage of every minute of sun that’s come my way over the years. However, a few years ago, as I hit my mid-20s, years of sun damage started to catch up with me. I started to notice creping on my forehead, pigmentation across my cheeks and spider veins on my nose, and I knew why.
From then onward, I refuse to sit in the sun for prolonged periods of time, and for the few minutes I do sit out, you better believe I’ve slathered every inch of exposed skin in SPF 50. The problem with this is, however, that I love being tanned. In fact, when I’m not looking my most bronzed and sun-kissed, I really don’t feel like myself. And this causes issues, especially considering I’m really not a huge lover of fake tan.
Don’t get me wrong. As much as I love the feeling I get when looking in the mirror after I have applied fake tan, the fuss and hassle of applying super-dark formulas is just too much. Luckily for me, over the past year or so, the number of products that aim to deliver a natural-looking, bronzing glow with minimal fuss has skyrocketed.
A far cry from the famous Johnson & Johnson Holiday Skin gradual tanning lotion of yesteryear, new and improved formulas contain a whole host of seriously impressive skincare ingredients and leave behind a subtle, yet convincing, golden glow. So for the gradual tan products I use to help keep my tan (and spirits) topped up all year round, keep scrolling.
The Best Gradual Tan Products
- Best Overall Gradual Tan: Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum
- Best Gradual Tan for Quick Results: St Tropez Gradual Tan Body Lotion
- Best Gradual Tan for a Natural Finish: Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan
- Best Gradual Tan for Everyday: Filter by Molly-Mae Face & Body Self-Tanning Drops
- Best Gradual Tan for Easy Application: Dove Derma Spa Gradual Self Tan Mousse
1. Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum
Best for: Normal to dry skin
This is the newest gradual tan to join my collection, but it's also the most exciting. Not only does it give a natural-looking, buildable glow, but it also plumps and firms as it works (for both face and body). It's so good that I actually feel bad for all of the other gradual tans.
Pros
- Hydrating, plumping formula with hyaluronic acid and superfood extracts
- Lightweight and absorbs fast
- No residue or strong fake-tan smell
Cons
- Subtle tan only—some might find it too light or needing daily use for noticeable results
- Fragile glass bottle isn’t travel-friendly
2. St Tropez Gradual Tan Body Lotion
Best for quick results
Best for: All skin types
If you really like a full-impact finish, this one probably isn't for you, but if you're all about subtlety, I think it's worth a shot.
Editor's review: "I've been using this gradual tan this summer, and I've never had so many compliments on how sun-kissed I look," says Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor at Who What Wear. "What I like about it is that I can notice a difference after one application, but if I want a slightly deeper tan, I can use it over a few days for a more intense result. It sinks into the skin quickly and doesn't leave you feeling sticky like other tans can do and although it definitely has a little bit of that fake tan smell, it's a lot more subtle than others I have tried."
Pros
- Easy-to-use tinted lotion that blends smoothly and dries quickly
- Provides hydration and blurs imperfections, with no fake-tan odour
Cons
- Can transfer if lotion doesn’t fully dry
3. Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan
Best for a natural finish
Best for: Mature, dry, or sensitive skin types
This lightweight lotion gives the most beautiful gradual glow. Not only that, but the formula is also jam-packed with skin-loving antioxidants.
Editor's review: "I don’t even know where to start with listing all the reasons I love this tan, but it boils down to the fact that is just works really, really well," says Who What Wear's managing editor, Poppy Nash. "The formula is buildable, smells incredible, and leaves you with a lovely golden glow that doesn’t look fake and never leaves residue. I have multiple bottles at home and needless to say, I’ll be gutted if it ever gets discontinued!"
Pros
- Non-sticky texture, easy to apply
Cons
- Higher price point for a gradual tanner
- May not be dark enough for deeper skin tones
4. Filter by Molly-Mae Face & Body Self-Tanning Drops
Best for Everyday
Best for: Normal to combination skin
If you're more a fan of tanning drops that you can mix into your favourite body cream or lotion, this one is definitely more for you. Plus, by customizing your level of tan you can maintain a natural-looking glow all summer long.
Editor's Review: "I'm a huge fan of the Filter by Molly-Mae Tanning Mousse because the colour is the perfect hue for my cool-toned skin," says freelance beauty editor, Grace Day. "These tanning drops offer the same impressive result—a lasting tan that's never orange, and that fades gradually and without going patchy. What I love about the drops is I can customise the level of tan I need, so they're perfect for using daily for constant tan top-ups without the need for removal."
Pros
- Customisable colour — add to your own moisturiser or body lotion
- Includes hydrating and soothing ingredients like aloe vera
Cons
- Can be tricky to get even results if not mixed well
- Colour depth can be unpredictable without careful application
5. Dove Derma Spa Gradual Self Tan Mousse
Best for easy application
Best for: Dry or sensitive skin
Whereas so many more affordable gradual tanners build up to a deep shade of tangerine, this light formula from Dove is up there with the best for natural-lloking colour. What's more, it's incredibly easy to apply, so you don't need to worry about streaks.
Pros
- Light scent and non-greasy finish
- Affordable price point
Cons
- May need several days of use to see visible results
- Can rub off onto clothing if not fully dried
6. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Island Glow Easy Tanning Drops
Best for: Normal, dry, or dull skin types
These glow-boosting tanning drips have remained in my everyday routine more or less since they launched. Alongside subtly warming my complexion, they give skin a healthy dewiness like no other.
Pros
- Skincare-meets-tan approach with hydrating and brightening actives
- Customisable depth depending on number of drops used
- Works well under makeup without pilling
Cons
- High price point
- Glass packaging can be delicate
7. St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Mist
Best for for Acne-Prone Skin
Best for: Oily or combination skin types
This refreshing mist does deliver a gradual tan, but it also has an instant hydration boost that makes it ideal for summer. I mist generously over my face after applying night cream and wake up to a radiant glow by morning.
Editor's Review: "While the nature of fake tan means that it's never really good for acne-prone skin, I have found that some formulas are less likely to clog pores and break me out than others," says Day. "This one in particular rarely triggers breakouts, and I love that the glow it gives is very subtle, so I can apply it daily without having to worry about it building up too deep for my fair complexion."
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight and easy spray application
- Clear formula won’t transfer to clothes
- Smells fresh, not like traditional tanners
Cons
- May be too light for deeper tans
8. Isle of Paradise Happy Tan Everyday Gradual
Best for: Dry or uneven skin tones
Isle of Paradise produces some of the very best tanning products out there. However, it's no secret that its fake tans pack a serious punch. This stuff, however, is great for those that prefer to build up their intensity. Plus, it's formulated with light-reflecting particles for amped-up luminosity.
Pros
- Vegan formula with colour-correcting actives
- Moisturises while gradually building tan
- Gentle enough for daily use
Cons
- Colour may develop slowly
- Slightly thick consistency can take longer to absorb
9. St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops
Best for: All skin types
An old colleague of mine who was a self-confessed fake-tan fanatic swore by this dreamy serum for achieving the most failsafe gradual tan. Not only can the formula be easily built up, but it is also enriched with hyaluronic acid for ultimate hydration.
Pros
- Packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
- Creates glow while improving skin texture and hydration
- Streak-free, fast-drying formula
Cons
- High price point
- May require trial-and-error for drop-to-moisturiser ratio
10. Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tan Lotion
Best for: Dry, normal or textured skin
Out of every single gradual tanning lotion I have ever tried, this is the most joyful to use. Not only does the bottle look pretty on the shelf, but it also has a beautifully fresh smell (without any hint of tan scent) and leaves skin feeling supple and soft. Plus, within a couple of hours, it develops into a natural-looking bronze suitable for even the palest of skin tones.
Pros
- Combines lotion and oil for soft, supple skin
- Light, natural-looking tan with a subtle radiance
- Absorbs quickly and wears evenly
Cons
- Takes 1–2 applications to notice full glow
11. Bondi Sands Gradual Tan Lotion
Best for: Normal to dry skin
Lightweight but still super-nourishing, this gradual tanning milk gives an even, streak-free finish and smells like summer in a bottle.
Pros
- Aloe vera and vitamin E-rich for softness and moisture
- Well-rated by users with deeper skin tones
- Classic Bondi Sands coconut scent
- Affordable price point
Cons
- May feel slightly sticky if applied too thickly
- Can build too orange on very fair skin
12. Garnier Summer Body Hydrating Gradual Tan Moisturiser
Best for: Normal skin
It's affordable, it's trusty and if you ask me, you really can't go wrong. It might not be the most luxe product out there, but it's definitely one of my all-time favourites.
Pros
- Super budget-friendly with dual benefits of moisture and tan
- Pleasant scent and smooth application
- Fast-absorbing and non-greasy
Cons
- Less natural tan on very pale skin
13. This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan
Best for: Normal to dry skin types
This stuff is skin perfection in a bottle. A few pumps onto either leg gives the most even, long-lasting sun-kissed finish.
Pros
- Lightweight serum texture that absorbs quickly
- Natural-looking, streak-free tan with a subtle glow
- Infused with Vitamin C and E for added brightening and antioxidant benefits
Cons
- Small bottle size for the price (more of a targeted treatment than full-body)
- Scent can be slightly herbal due to essential oils (not for everyone)
How We tested the Best Gradual Tans
As a beauty editor and self-confessed tanning product obsessive, I've tested hundreds of gradual tanning formulas over the years. Noting how well they lasted, how smoothly they applied, how natural the colour looked, how quickly they dried and whether they left any tell-tale smell or streaks behind.
Along the way, I tapped my fellow tanning-obsessed editors to get their go-to favourites. This curated edit of the gradual tanners that actually deliver is the result—13 formulas that are easy to use and give skin a healthy, even glow right on time for summer.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
Shannon Lawlor is the beauty director at Who What Wear UK. With over a decade of experience working for some of the beauty industry’s most esteemed titles, including Marie Claire, Glamour UK, Stylist and Refinery29, Shannon’s aim is to make the conversation around beauty as open, relatable and honest as possible. As a self-confessed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for hard-working perfumes, fool-proof makeup products and does-it-all skincare.
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