Whether you're looking to fix a streaky fake tan mishap, the sun has made a surprise appearance or you're simply wanting an immediate glow for your last-minute plans, the best instant tans will have your back in a number of situations - and these are the best formulas to invest in.
While we love the best fake tans for mature skin or the best gradual tan lotions for a natural sun-kissed appearance, sometimes we may find ourselves in a time crunch where they just don't quite cut it. When your complexion is in need of an immediate confidence-boosting pick me up, instant tans are an essential in your self-tan repertoire. You may associate instant tans with overly tangerine-hued and biscuit-scented formulas, but we'll give credit where credit's due, these formulas have come a long way.
"An instant tanner is incredible for adding a deeper tone over an existing tan, real or fake," explains Claire Lambert, Skin & Tan's resident tanning expert. "If you’ve forgotten to tan or don’t have time, it’s a great last-minute fix that will last all day until you’re ready to easily wash it off." With all that said, we made it our mission to scout out the very best instant tans on the market, including water-resistant formulas and those without an orange tinge.
Best instant tan deals
The best instant tan buys, tried and tested by our beauty team
RRP: £24 | Formula: Lightweight cream | Key ingredients: Vitamin B, C & E, aloe vera and caffeine | Number of shades: 1
This cream comes with a sponge that, like your best makeup brushes, helps to blend the formula into the skin without the need to use your hands. The formula has the same consistency as body lotion, which meant its texture was easy to manipulate and spread around my skin. The quick-drying formula locks the layer of bronze in place in record time; I found this so helpful as it limits the time spent awkwardly waiting for the tan to dry. The resulting look was a transparent bronze glow that coats the skin to mimic a week in the sun, which lasted until my next shower before melting off easily with soap and water.
Pros
- Quick dry formula
- Built-in applicator sponge
- Moisturising formula
Cons
- Not odourless
RRP: £33 | Formula: Lightweight, foamy cream | Key ingredients: Shea butter and organic glycerin | Number of shades: 2
I know I said that the best instant tan comes with no commitments, but if you want a bit more longevity, opt for this instant tan. The mousse-like formula glides over the skin streak-free and offers an instant tanning effect with impressive glow-giving pigment that leaves skin looking immediately radiant and refreshed. This would be a godsend if you have a busy week of events, as you can enjoy instant gratification and lasting bronzing effects in one go.
Pros
- Will last all weekend
- Blurs imperfections
- Leaves skin radiant
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Slightly pricey
RRP: £15 | Formula: Cream to powder | Key ingredients: Coconut Milk | Number of shades: 2
This higher coverage option may not suit everyone, but I loved the flawless look it gave. Its heavier consistency by no means compromises the blending power, and you can manipulate the formula until all areas are covered in a streak-free finish. This was the quickest drying formula out of all the ones I tested; I could get dressed within 30 seconds of application, which is great if you tend to get ready in a rush. This would be the perfect option for an evening event as you can rest assured that this will completely even the skin tone and blur every vein, mottled or bumpy bit of skin in sight.
Pros
- Instant drying formula
- Easy to blend
- High coverage
Cons
- Some may prefer a more shimmery finish
RRP: £17 | Formula: Lightweight cream | Key ingredients: Peptides, pomegranate, chamomile & goji berry | Number of shades: 3
While I don’t have the palest skin, I would have instinctively opted for the light option if that was available. Despite this, the medium wasn't too dark and glided onto my legs easily. I really loved the colour of my skin after applying this and a little went a really long way. I used the Bare by Vogue brush to blend and it worked really quickly and easily to produce a streak-free bronze. The formula is packed with nourishing ingredients, such as peptides, to firm and plump the skin - while blending with your skin tone and hiding imperfections. This was definitely one of the best instant tan formulas I tried.
Pros
- Lasts up to 24 hours
- Tropical fragrance
- Streak-free application
Cons
- No lighter shade options
- Very subtle orange undertone
RRP: £10.99 | Formula: High-coverage cream | Key ingredients: Free from self-tanning actives | Number of shades: 1
This is one of the best instant tan options for darker skin tones as it delivers a deep olive hue. Due to its deeper tone, a little goes a long way, and you only need a small dab of the product to coat an impressive amount of surface area. I found the cream consistency less fluid than some other options on this list and it did take more time to blend. The staying power is impressive, lasting all day and night without budging, but then completely disappeared when it came into contact with warm water. I also loved the natural wash of colour, it's the closest you could get to a gradual tan result with an instant tan application.
Pros
- Impressive staying power
- A little goes a long way
- Transfer-resistant
Cons
- Takes more time to blend in
RRP: £9.99 | Formula: Tinted gel | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil | Number of shades: 1
This gel-like formula looked scarily dark when first squeezed into my palms, but once I started working into my limbs with a body brush, I immediately stopped panicking. The gel texture quickly and seamless blended into my skin for an instantly bronzed glow. I loved the natural-looking colour and there wasn’t a hint of the dreaded orange undertone, however it did fade slightly after drying, but this was actually a good thing as it kept the tan looking so natural. The scent was slightly fake tan-esque, with a slight biscuit whiff, but it's not too off-putting and worth it for this impressively fuss-free instant tan.
Pros
- Quick drying
- Suitable for face and body
- Transfer & splash-proof
- Doesn't block pores
Cons
- Only one shade option
- Slight biscuity self-tan smell
RRP: £19.95 | Formula: Aerosol spray | Key ingredients: Vitamin E and cucumber | Number of shades: 2
This trending instant tan spray is perfect for travel and for carrying with you to top up tan on-the-go. The small but mighty spray delivers a dose of lovely shimmery tan that's also sweat-proof (a big win for summer months). It's formulated with Vitamin E, which works to nourish the skin and was great for skin smoothing. I did find this one of the more subtle instant tans I tried, but you can build up the colour by applying extra layers, which allows you to take the colour deeper. That said, I found the application much harder than other instant tans as it was tricky to control the product with the spray dispenser.
Pros
- Blurs blemishes
- Dried in seconds
- Vegan & cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive for the size
- Harder to control due to spray applicator
- Needed a lot of product to cover larger surface areas
RRP: £9.99 | Formula: Tinted gel | Key ingredients: None specified | Number of shades: 2
I used this Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan religiously throughout my teenage years, so I felt an intense wave of nostalgia when I was blending it into my legs. That said, the actual tan itself has come a long way since I used it ten years ago and I was impressed to see that it blended much more smoothly and naturally. The hue was still as deep as I remember, with a warm undertone, so if you’re after a rich tan look, then this is the one. Being the cheapest of the pack I was surprised that it lasted for as long as it did and that it was also water and totally transfer-proof. If you want a no-frills, affordable instant tan, I would stock up on this.
Pros
- Easily blendable
- Great value
- Water & transfer resistant
- Can be used on face & body
Cons
- Slight red undertone
- Can sit in pores
- Instant tan smell
- No skincare ingredients
RRP: £42 | Formula: Shimmery tinted gel | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, E & arnica extract | Number of shades: 1
This product gives the ‘my skin but better’ look we all crave in the summer months. While not a dramatically deep tan, this tinted serum works to boost radiance. It takes a minute to absorb into the skin, but leaves a non-greasy finish. It’s packed with amazing skincare ingredients like Vitamin C & E for nourishment, plus, arnica to hide bruises and imperfections. This is undoubtedly the most subtle-looking instant tan I tried, so if you’re after a deep tan, this won’t be the product for you, but if you’re looking for a filter-like finish then this absolutely won’t let you down.
Pros
- Subtle sun-kissed shimmer
- Hydrating serum
- Looks natural
- Non-greasy
Cons
- One very sheer shade
- Quite expensive
How we tested the best instant tans
A selection of the instant tan products we tested for this guide
In order to find the best instant tan available on the market, I was on the lookout for easy-glide and nourishing formulas, with blurring capabilities that even out the skin tone. As someone with a fair complexion, I am always looking for the perfect fake tan for pale skin that looks really natural. So, I tested each tan based on ease of application, transfer-proof lasting power, and the finished look. All instant tans were tested at least a couple of times, to give them a full intensive trial.
To give each tan a fair chance, I ensured I had prepped my skin by exfoliating away any dry skin or leftover tan residue, before then boosting hydration with a nourishing body lotion. I then applied each instant tan using the same method of a body brush, to ensure a thorough and seamless finish. I also took into consideration the texture of the formula, the ingredients used and the price tag each product boasted, in order to complete my curated edit.
How to choose the best instant tan
When it comes to choosing the best instant tan that works for you, there are a few important factors worth considering before you make your purchase. Luckily, we've put-together a few pointers to help you find 'The One'...
- The ingredients: When it comes to any self-tan buy, looking at the ingredients is key. Some products may be infused with popular skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter and arnica extract, which can boost hydration and encourage coverage of blemishes. However, if you're looking for a no-frills formula, this may not be top of your priority list.
- Other formula benefits: All products offer different benefits, such as being water-resistant, vegan or cruelty-free. It's important to seek out these benefits to find the formulas that align with your wants and needs. For example, not every instant tan will hold up against splashes of water (or drink spillages).
- Finish: Consider the finish you'd like from your instant tan. Are you looking for a matte effect or perhaps a formula that boasts a hint of shimmer?
- Price: As with anything, the price is often one of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to weighing up your choice between two options. Consider your budget and how often you will be using this instant tan. If you'll be reaching it often, you may get more use out of buy with a heftier price tag.
Your instant tan FAQS, answered
What is instant tan?
Instant tans do exactly what it says on the tin. Whatever formula you opt for, whether that be a creamy lotion, a fine mist or an airy mousse, the main feature that sets these products apart is that they deliver an immediate bronzed hue, without needing to allow for developing time - like other self-tans. This makes them great for last-minute plans, giving your skin a sun-kissed appearance for a special event or fixing fake tan mistakes.
What is the best instant tan?
The best instant tan should not only offer a quick fix, but also have the ability to immediately transform your skin and unlock a holiday-esque glow. While there are many instant tan options available on the market (and featured within this tried and tested guide), we'd recommend the Tan-Luxe Instant Hero Self-Tan if you're main priority is ease of application, whereas the St.Tropez Instant Glow Body Bronzer may suit those who are looking for a quick-drying formula. We must also give notable mentions to the Loving Tan Bronze Shimmer Cream for its luminous finish and Tan Truth's Instant Wash-Off Tanning Gel, which is a great option for self-tan beginners.
How to apply instant tan
In order to get the expert advice on how to fake tan like a professional, I asked Lambert for her top tips to ensure a seamless application: "The best way to apply the instant tan to your body is with a body brush, as this creates a flawless, fool-proof finish," she says. For those wondering exact what sets a body brush apart from a regular makeup brush, Lambert revealed: "They are ideal as the dense and domed bristles have been designed to follow the contours of the body and help blend for an airbrushed finish."
Alongside this, the key is also in the preparation of the skin. It is essential to exfoliate the skin, buffing away any dry or dead skin cells, before using a nourishing body lotion to hydrate your complexion. This will help prevent the tan from clinging to any dry areas and avoid an unwanted streaky finish.
