Even if you haven’t just returned from Italy, the best face tanners of 2025 will have you looking like you did. Whether it’s drops mixed with your nightly moisturiser, a lightweight tanning serum or an instant formula for an immediate tan, there’s never been more choice when it comes to a faux glow.
To better understand what to look for in a good face fake tan, I spoke to Nicola Matthews, founder of tanning brand Sienna X. “The skin on your face is more delicate,” she says, so you need to use a face tanner that contains hydrating skincare ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, glycerin and aloe vera). That way, you’ll be “tanning and treating your skin at the same time”.
Once you’ve found the formula, prepping the skin is paramount (just like when you apply a fake tan to your body). Celebrity spray tanner Jules Von Hep says: “Ensure the face is cleansed thoroughly, and you exfoliate as this will help deliver a uniform skin tone. Splash the face with cold water to close pores, then tone and serum as normal (note that AHAs and retinol cannot be used with self-tan).”
The application of facial fake tan depends on the product, but a similar approach can be used for all. Von Hep says: “Repeat after me – two coats on the body, one on the face. Faces that have too much self-tan on them look unnatural” After you’ve applied your fake tan, “use gentle, non-stripping products to cleanse and keep your skin moisturised with your usual day and evening moisturisers,” says Matthews. “Avoid exfoliating too often and stay away from oil-based products that can break the tan down.”
With all this advice in mind, I went on the search for the best face tanners.
How I tested
As a fake tan obsessive for more than a decade, I’ve used some of these face tanners for years, while others are new in my rotation. When I apply a fake tan, I always make sure my skin is freshly cleansed (or even better, exfoliated) to ensure the formula glides on smoothly.
- Formula: I tested everything from instant bronzers to drops that you mix with your moisturiser and serums with added skincare benefits. I’ve only included those that performed well, so you can trust all of the options here.
- Application: I considered how easy each formula was to apply. I didn’t want the face tanners to be messy or time-consuming – all these products will slot effortlessly into your existing skincare regime, whether used in the morning for a tan by lunchtime or at night to help you wake up with a bronzed glow.
- Longevity: As well as considering the development time of each formula, I assessed how many days each fake tan stayed on my skin, as well as how the formula faded. The best facial tanners fade evenly, while other formulas can result in tiger bread-like skin. I wanted the colour payoff of each fake tan to last at least three days with double cleansing each day.
- Colour: I’ve tested more formulas than I can count over the years, but the fake tans that made the cut for this guide give a believable, sun-kissed glow. I haven’t included any formulas that leave an orange tinge or an obviously artificial colour – all the formulas below will leave with a natural-looking finish.
- Value for money: With some facial tans on the market costing upwards of £30, I looked for formulas that offered the best value for money. This includes formulas where a little goes a long way, meaning you’ll get through it slowly, as well as face tanners that help you achieve an entirely natural-looking glow, making them worth every penny.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As a senior shopping writer at IndyBest, with expertise spanning beauty and skincare, I know what makes for a great product. I’ve been using fake tan, year-round, for more than a decade, so I’ve tried plenty of glow-getting formulas over the years. From rounding up my favourite body fake tans to in-depth reviews of brands like St Tropez and Bare by Vogue, and speaking to experts on how to ace fake tan application, I’m well-placed to bring you insights and recommendations for the best facial tanners.
The best face tanners for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Caudalie vinobronze self tan sun drops: £19, Boots.com
- Best budget buy – Dove summer revived fair to medium gradual self tan face cream: £2.09, Boots.com
- Best bronzing drops – Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi anti-pollution bronzing drops: £35, Boots.com
- Best serum – Bare By Vogue face tanning serum: £18.20, Boots.com
- Best for deep colour – Tan Luxe the face self-tan drops: £25, Amazon.co.uk
This fake tan is the best I’ve ever tried – and it doesn’t stain clothes or sheets
14 best fake tans, tried and tested for a sun-kissed, foolproof finish
I’ve tested hundreds of fake tans but this is the brand I really rate
This £5 fake tan is just as good as any £30 formula
These face tanning drops deliver the most natural sun-kissed glow
Caudalie vinobronze self tan sun drops
Best: Overall face tanner
Type: Drops
Development time: Glow within two hours, deep tan within six
Shades available: One
Size: 15ml
Why we love it
- Natural-looking finish
- Easy to apply
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
Take note
- Some might prefer a deeper tan
These drops are free from sulfates, soap and synthetic fragrances, so they’re kinder to the skin, and are formulated using the brand’s signature grape water, which works to hydrate, soothe and brighten skin while your tan develops. Unlike other tans I’ve tried in the past, I was impressed that these drops didn’t dry out any areas of my face.
I found that three drops provide a subtle glow, while six drops offer a deeper bronzed look. Applying the formula couldn’t be easier – you can either mix drops with your moisturiser or apply them on their own at the end of your skincare routine. If you opt for the latter, I found that the serum-like consistency glided effortlessly across the face and dried quickly. Make-up layered on top of the formula well, and when I applied it in the evening, I was pleased to find that it didn’t transfer onto sheets. It takes around two hours to develop a slight sun-kissed glow, but after four hours, I had an entirely natural-looking tan. Even better, the colour fades evenly over three days.
Read the full Caudalie vinobronze self tan sun drops review
Buy now £19.00, Boots.com
Dove summer revived fair to medium gradual self tan face cream
Best: Budget face tanner
Type: Gradual lotion
Development time: Two to four hours, but continues to develop up to 24 hours later
Shades available: Light to medium, medium to dark
Size: 75ml
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Hydrating
- Large size
Take note
- Can go patchy when it fades
Infused with soothing aloe vera extract, hydrating glycerin and pro-lipids to boost elasticity, Dove’s budget-friendly gradual face tanner comes in a large 75ml tube that dwarfs some of the other offerings in this round-up.
Just like the brand’s cult body gradual tan lotion (those who’ve tried it rarely go back), the facial version is lightweight and fast-drying, with a coconut and floral scent. It feels silky smooth upon application, developing within three hours into a natural-looking light tan.
You could apply it instead of your night cream in the evening (it doesn’t transfer onto sheets) or swap out your daily moisturiser for the self-tanner (followed by SPF, of course). The subtle finish means it works well as a lightweight layer on holiday over a real tan, as it can prolong a natural glow, too.
Buy now £2.09, Boots.com
Self Glow by James Read sunbright tinted tan drops
Best: Face tanner to mix with moisturiser
Type: Drops
Development time: Begins developing in two hours, deep tan between four and six hours
Shades available: One
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Hydrating
- Natural-looking finish
- Evens skin tone
Take note
- Expensive
Celebrity fake tanner and industry expert James Read launched his own brand, Self Glow, last year. Unlike some other brands, Self Glow uses hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. When it comes to facial tanners, the tinted tan drops are lightweight and hydrating enough to be mixed with any of your usual beauty products, be it a foundation, serum or moisturiser.
Don’t be scared of the deep brown colour, as this leaves just a subtle tint after application and develops gradually over the next few hours. The clever formula also works to mask hyperpigmentation, which is another big plus. It fades nicely, too, so you’re not left patchy on day three. In fact, the initial colour lasts a good two days before fading at all, which means you only need to reapply every three days or so.
Buy now £39.00, Spacenk.com
By Terry tea to tan face and body matte finish
Best: Face and body mist tanner
Type: Instant mist
Development time: Instant
Shades available: One
Size: 30ml (100ml version also available)
Why we love it
- Instant colour
- Washes off easily
- Natural-looking tint
Take note
- Tan isn't long-lasting
By Terry has married skincare and fake tan in this face and body mist. The lightweight formula nourishes and hydrates your skin and leaves an instant tan in its wake. It’s fast-drying, non-sticky and has minimal transfer, so you can mist it across your face and be out the door within minutes. It’s a saviour in those 11th-hour moments when you want a little colour around your face and décolletage just before you head out.
It offers sufficient coverage if you want to add a little concealer and blush, but it also sits well under foundation without drying out your skin. I recommend this to anyone scared of committing to fake tan - it washes off easily with water at the end of the day.
Buy now £22.00, Spacenk.com
Isle of Paradise self tanning face drops
Best: Long-lasting face tanner
Type: Drops
Development time: Within three hours
Shades available: Light, medium, dark
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Long-lasting colour
- Non-greasy
- Hydrating
- Buildable colour
From shade range to price point, Isle of Paradise is one of the best accessible fake tan brands. Its face drops are bestsellers for good reason, but its just innovated its cult formula to make it even better. The self tan drops are dermatologist approved, with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to boost hydration and even out your skin tone. Complete with colour-correcting actives, the formula helps to smooth your complexion while minimising the appearance of dark spots.
The formula is scent-free (a nice change from others on the market) and fast-drying (there’s no greasy sheen), while the gold-tone formula has just enough guide colour for patch-free coverage. While you can mix the formula with your moisturiser for a subtle glow, I preferred applying three medium drops at the end of my skincare routine for a natural-looking bronzed finish. It doesn’t dry out skin or go patchy around the hairline, with the tanned finish lasting up to four days.
Buy now £14.96, Boots.com
Drunk Elephant D-bronzi anti-pollution bronzing drops
Best: Bronzing face tanning drops
Type: Instant
Development time: Instant
Shades available: One
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Instant colour
- Customisable
- Hydrating formula
- Doesn't dry the skin out
Take note
- Expensive
The OG viral bronzing drops, Drunk Elephant’s formula has inspired plenty of alternatives, but none are as good. The lightweight formula has an almost silky texture, and it’s very easy to blend, whether in your moisturiser or directly onto your face (a brush helps around the hairline).
The drops provide an instantly tanned look without a hint of orange, and I love to use them as a liquid contour on my cheekbones and forehead. Similarly, it can be applied anywhere else on the body for a touch of bronze, with just one drop going a long way.
The drops also have impressive longevity, lasting all day without any smudging or patchiness. The drawback is that this is a relatively pricey pick, but if you love an instant tan or fear the commitment of a developing formula, you won’t regret the splurge.
Buy now £35.00, Boots.com
Garnier Ambre solaire natural bronzer self-tan face drops
Best: Buildable face tanner
Type: Gradual drops
Development time: Four to six hours
Shades available: One
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Buildable
- Natural-looking finish
- Hydrating
Take note
- Some might struggle with no guide colour
Infused with hyaluronic acid and moisturising coconut water, this formula delivered a hydration boost to the skin. The consistency is thinner than others I’ve tried and colourless, but it glides effortlessly across skin. Fake tan novices may struggle with the lack of guide colour, but it’s easy to get even coverage when mixing this product with your moisturiser.
The tan sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky sheen, while the fragrance is reminiscent of classic biscuity fake tan scents, with softening notes of vanilla. It takes about six hours to develop, leaving a subtle and understated tint. The magic of Garnier’s formula is that it can be built up to your desired shade over a couple of days, without going patchy or drying out skin. Delivering a deep, streak-free finish without a hint of orange, the tan lasts up to four days.
Buy now £10.67, Boots.com
Bare By Vogue face tanning serum, dark
Best: Tanning face serum
Type: Serum
Development time: Within three hours
Shades available: Light, medium, dark
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Nourishing ingredients
- Natural-looking finish
- Long-lasting
- Shade range
Take note
- Expensive
Providing a dewy glow, this nourishing serum, which comes in three shades (light, medium and dark), applies evenly without streaks or patches. About three pumps will give you ample coverage, but you can seamlessly build it up for a deeper bronzed finish. It’s fast drying, so you can continue your usual skincare routine almost instantly – I follow up with a moisturiser and SPF when applying in the morning. And within three hours, I find that I have a tanned and radiant complexion
If you typically stay clear of facial tanners because you’re worried about them being drying, I’d recommend Bare By Vogue’s hyaluronic-acid-enriched serum, it will slot effortlessly into your skincare regime.
Buy now £19.00, Boots.com
Sienna X gradual self tan mist
Best: Face tanning mist
Type: Mist
Development time: Four to six hours
Shades available: One
Size: 100ml
Why we love it
- Lasts for ages
- Easy to apply and top up
- Hydrating
Take note
- Mist can be tricky for precise application
A mist is the most effortless method for applying fake tan – simply spritz, blend and wait for it to develop. And this is a great option. A face tan can be hard to prolong because of daily cleansing, so this mist is ideal for quickly spritzing over your skin when you need extra glow. Just make sure to use a brush around the hairline, nose and jawline for a flawless finish.
The formula contains kind-to-skin ingredients (think hyaluronic acid and niacinamide) and works just like your normal skincare mist does – hydrating, brightening and giving you that dewy finish, so the brand recommends it for sensitive skin.
The bonus of Sienna X’s formula is that you’re left with a bronzed tint within just four hours, and it doesn’t clog or cling to pores.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon.co.uk
Tan Luxe the face self-tan drops
Best: Face tan for deep colour
Type: Drops
Development time: Within four hours, but up to six for a deep tan
Shades available: Light/medium or medium/dark
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Easy to apply
- Deep natural-looking tan
- Skin-loving ingredients
Take note
- An investment
These self-tan drops have a cult following for good reason. The formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients that work to strengthen the skin barrier, improve elasticity and firmness, and hydrate and soothe. The guide colour means the formula is incredibly easy to apply, whether mixed with your nightly moisturiser or used as the last step of your morning skincare regime.
The drops are potent, so don’t overdo it – about three drops leaves you with a rich, natural-looking tan, while four to six result in a deep tan. Once applied, there was no sticky residue, orange tone or biscuity scent. Though an initial investment, the 30ml bottle lasts a while.
Buy now £25.00, Amazon.co.uk
St Tropez sunlit skin self tan express
Best: Hybrid face tan formula
Type: Gradual tint
Development time: Instant tint, develops into a deeper tan between four-six hours
Shades available: One
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Easy to apply
- Natural-looking, understated glow
- Develops into an even tan
Take note
- Some might prefer a deeper instant tint
- Expensive
This new launch from St Tropez has a liquid-like consistency, which makes it a dream to blend across the face. It’s super lightweight and sinks seamlessly into skin without leaving a greasy residue. There’s a guide colour to help with even application, but it delivers sheer coverage that instantly boosts radiance and glow. Developing over a couple of hours into a natural-looking tan, it instantly gives skin a bronzed tint.
The formula doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores, instead working to even out the skin tone and mask blemishes. There’s even the added benefit of hyaluronic acid and butylene glycol for a hydration boost. Lasting for longer than your typical bronzing drops (up to two days) while giving you instant tinted coverage, St Tropez’s latest facial tanner arguably offers the best of both worlds.
Buy now £19.13, Amazon.co.uk
Skin & Tan notox face tanning drops
Best: Fast-developing face tan formula
Type: Drops
Development time: Two hours for a light tan, up to six for a deep tan
Shades available: One
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Evens skin tone
- Deep colour
Take note
- Not one for those who prefer a light, subtle tan
Infused with aloe vera, natural oils and guarana for a radiance boost, this formula glides effortlessly across skin, whether you use three to five drops at the end of your skincare regime or mix three drops into your moisturiser for a subtler tint. The formula is non-greasy and doesn’t cling to pores or fine lines, but I found you need to use a brush around your hairline and nose for a blended finish.
The tan begins to develop within just two hours, leaving a natural-looking bronzed sheen, but after eight hours, you’ll look like you’re just back from a beach holiday. It helped mask any redness, which was particularly noticeable around my nose, and colour faded naturally and evenly, with no dry patches. Plus, the 30ml bottle will last you ages – in fact, the brand says it will last you an entire year (a claim I’m yet to test, but I’ll report back). The coconut scent is dreamy, too.
Buy now £12.70, Amazon.co.uk
Loving Tan two hour express tanning serum
Best: Express face tan
Type: Serum
Development time: Two hours
Shades available: Medium, dark
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Fast development time
- Hydrating
- Has a guide colour for even application
Aussie brand Loving Tan is an underrated name in the fake tan world. Its formulas consistently deliver natural-looking results without a hint of orange. When it comes to facial tanners, the express serum is enriched with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and B5 actives that sink comfortably into the skin. Though dubbed a serum, I’d say the consistency is more like a moisturiser and there’s a dark guide colour to help with even application.
You can rinse it off after two hours and the tan will develop further over the next 24 hours. The result is a subtle, glowy tan that blurs the skin. I found that it faded evenly over two days and it didn’t clog pores or cling to dry patches, instead, it left my skin softened and smoothed. It sits nicely beneath make-up and I love the pump applicator, which is far less messy than pipettes or mists.
Buy now £32.00, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Your face fake tanner questions answered
What is the best face fake tanner?
Caudalie’s tanning drops combine skin-boosting ingredients with self-tanning actives to create a dewy and glowy tanned finish. The lightweight formula can be built up to your desired shade, with the results streak-free and natural-looking. When it comes to premium formulas, apply the Tan Luxe or Self Glow facial tanners at night before waking up to a more radiant complexion, while St Tropez’s sunlit and Drunk Elephant’s D-bronzi drops deliver an instant, envious tan.
How to apply face fake tan
Just like applying a body fake tan, preparation is key. Jules Von Hep, founder of Isle of Paradise, says: “Ensure the face is cleansed thoroughly, and exfoliating will help deliver a uniform skin tone. Splash the face with cold water to close pores, then tone and serum as normal (note that AHAs and retinol cannot be used with self-tan).”
When it comes to applying drops (the most popular type of face fake), Marc Elrick, founder of Tan-Luxe, tells me to “use the dropper to measure out four to 12 drops to the face and décolleté, massaging into skin with circular motions. This is a gradual, customisable product, so additional drops will increase depth in colour.” Elrick recommends that drier skin types should follow up with their moisturiser once the product absorbs.
How frequently should you apply face fake tan?
While committed fake tanners tend to apply a new coat weekly on their body, facial fake tanners can be used more frequently. “Every other day is a good place to start and see how you like your glow,” Elrick says, adding that “this is due to the fact that you wash this area so often, so your tan can fade here more quickly”.
When opting to use a product that can either be mixed with your moisturiser or applied alone, Matthews tells us that the more drops you use lessens the frequency you need to reapply. Around six drops every three to five days would be sufficient for a deeper glow.
How can you make your face fake tan last longer?
Just like any fake tan product, ensuring you have a clean base, as well as regular moisturising, can make your tan last a lot longer. “No matter which formulation or texture you choose, treat your tan like a natural sun-tan by keeping your skin hydrated between applications,” Elrick says. “Hydration, hydration, hydration is the secret! This keeps your glow going for longer and ensures an even, natural fade.”
Von Hep agrees, adding that “happy hydrated skin won’t shed and will hold onto the colour for longer. So if you’re on a long-haul flight, try not to drink alcohol as this encourages the tan to fade due to the dehydration on the skin”.
Another top tip is to use your face fake tan in the morning (contrary to popular belief of applying before bed). Elrick explains: “Any products you’re using in the evenings which contain acids or retinol will fade your tan more quickly, so do not use them in conjunction with self-tanners. I would always recommend reapplying your facial tanner the morning after using any exfoliating products.”
When it comes to washing your face, Matthews says to opt for lukewarm instead of hot water and to avoid soaking your face for too long. Matthews also points to certain ingredients that can help your tan last longer. “Opt for a facial tanner with a gradual/light strength of DHA, this way, daily use will ensure that the results are not too dark and instead have a gorgeous, subtle summer glow,” she says.
Want more recommendations? Check out our guide to the best bronzers
