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.

A graphic of the best gradual tan products and photos of influencers in the sun
(Image credit: @thatgracegirl, @lucywilliams02)

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.

Lucy Williams sunbathing on a sun lounger

(Image credit: @LUCYWILLIAMS02)

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

  1. Best Overall Gradual Tan: Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum
  2. Best Gradual Tan for Quick Results: St Tropez Gradual Tan Body Lotion
  3. Best Gradual Tan for a Natural Finish: Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan
  4. Best Gradual Tan for Everyday: Filter by Molly-Mae Face & Body Self-Tanning Drops
  5. Best Gradual Tan for Easy Application: Dove Derma Spa Gradual Self Tan Mousse

1. Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum

2. St Tropez Gradual Tan Body Lotion

3. Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan

4. Filter by Molly-Mae Face & Body Self-Tanning Drops

5. Dove Derma Spa Gradual Self Tan Mousse

6. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Island Glow Easy Tanning Drops

7. St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Mist

8. Isle of Paradise Happy Tan Everyday Gradual

9. St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops

10. Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tan Lotion

11. Bondi Sands Gradual Tan Lotion

12. Garnier Summer Body Hydrating Gradual Tan Moisturiser

13. This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan

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.

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Beauty Director

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.