That summer glow—warm, golden, effortless—has a way of making everything feel a little more refreshed. These days, getting that sun-kissed look doesn’t have to come with streaks, stickiness, or an unnatural hue. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or staying cool under a wide-brimmed hat, there’s a bronzing option that suits your routine.
This season’s go-to glow boosters fall into three groups: tinted sunscreens, self-tanners, and tanning drops. Each offers a different path to added radiance—be it from the sun, your skincare steps, or a bit of overnight color.
Curious which one belongs in your beach bag or bathroom cabinet?
Let’s break it down.
TruSkin Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 30（🇺🇸Made in USA)
EltaMD UV Clear – Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46（🇺🇸Made in USA)
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with Sheer Tint
Colorescience Total Protection Glow Tint SPF 50
b.tan Violet Self Tanner Kit – Fall In Love at First Tan（🇺🇸Made in USA)
Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Lotion（🇺🇸Made in USA)
Jergens Firming Glow Self-Tanning Body Lotion – Fair to Medium
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Self-Tan Mousse – Medium（🇺🇸Made in USA)
Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Drops – Medium（🇺🇸Made in USA)
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops – Medium Glow
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops（🇺🇸Made in USA)
TAN-LUXE The Face Self-Tanning Drops
Tinted Sunscreen: For glow and protection in one
Tinted sunscreens offer a hint of color that helps even out skin tone, especially useful for enhancing the look of naturally tan or sun-warmed skin. The tint provides light coverage, softening uneven areas without the need for foundation.Below are four tinted sunscreens that support a smooth, consistent tone for everyday outdoor use.
TruSkin Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 30 (🇺🇸Made in USA)
TruSkin Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 30TruSkin’s mineral SPF 30 serum offers lightweight, broad-spectrum sun protection with a sheer universal tint that evens skin tone without a white cast. Enriched with Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, it hydrates and brightens while layering smoothly under makeup. Non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and made in the USA.
Note: shake before use; tint may not suit all skin tones; dropper bottle may not appeal to everyone.
EltaMD UV Clear – Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46 (🇺🇸Made in USA)
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is a dermatologist-recommended, tinted mineral sunscreen with transparent zinc oxide and niacinamide to protect, calm, and even skin tone. Lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, it blends easily without a white cast—ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Fragrance-free, fast-absorbing, travel-friendly, and made in the USA.
Note: single tint may not suit all skin tones; pump may need priming.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with Sheer Tint
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with Sheer TintCeraVe’s tinted mineral SPF 30 sunscreen offers lightweight, daily sun protection with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides for a natural, non-white finish. Hydrating and soothing, it includes hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to support sensitive or acne-prone skin. Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and ideal under makeup.
Note: limited shade range and a matte finish may not suit all preferences.
Colorescience’s tinted mineral SPF 50 sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides for a radiant, even finish. It also defends against blue light, pollution, and infrared rays. Infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, it hydrates and soothes sensitive skin. Water-resistant up to 40 minutes, fragrance-free, and packaged in a convenient pump.
Note: tint may be too dark for very fair skin and has a dewy finish that may take time to absorb.
Self-Tanners: For a sun-free golden glow
Self-tanners provide a way to gradually add color without sun exposure. Using ingredients like DHA, these lotions, mousses, and serums develop over time to create an even, natural-looking tone.Below are four self-tanners suited for building color at home.
b.tan Violet Self Tanner Kit – Fall In Love at First Tan (🇺🇸Made in USA)
b.tan Violet Self Tanner Kit – Fall In Love at First TanThe b.tan self-tanner kit features a violet-based express mousse and a reusable mitt for easy, streak-free application. It develops in 1–4 hours for a natural or deeper tan without orange tones. Infused with hydrating oils, the formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA.
Note: single shade may be too dark for fair skin, has a mild scent, and needs regular reapplication.
Beauty by Earth’s self-tanning lotion gradually builds a natural-looking tan without sun or orange tones. Available in formulas for fair to medium and medium to dark skin tones, it’s infused with DHA from sugar, aloe, shea butter, and plant oils to hydrate and nourish. Clear, lightweight, and fast-absorbing, it’s safe for face and body, non-staining, and free from parabens, sulfates, and added fragrance. Made in the USA.
Note: color develops over hours and works best with exfoliation.
Jergens Firming Glow Self-Tanning Body Lotion – Fair to Medium
Jergens Firming Glow Self-Tanning Body Lotion – Fair to MediumJergens’ gradual tanning lotion builds a soft, natural bronze while hydrating with collagen, elastin, green tea, and coconut water. Designed for fair to medium skin, it doubles as a daily body moisturizer with a light scent. Absorbs well and allows controlled color build-up.
Note: develops slowly, may not show on deeper tones, and should dry before dressing.
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse (🇺🇸Made in USA)
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse
Coco & Eve’s self-tanning mousse develops in about 2 hours for a warm, streak-free glow with no orange tones. Made with 100% natural DHA, coconut, fig, and Cellushape™ technology, it hydrates and smooths skin while delivering a tropical scent. The fast-drying, non-sticky formula minimizes transfer.Note: use a mitt, avoid eye area, and allow time for full color to develop.
Tanning Drops: Custom color meets skincare
Tanning drops are designed to mix with your regular face or body lotion, allowing you to build color gradually. Apply evenly to develop a soft, adjustable glow over time.Below are four tanning drops suitable for adding color to your daily routine, especially for the face or neck.
Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Drops – Medium (🇺🇸Made in USA)
Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Drops – MediumBeauty by Earth’s self-tanning drops let you customize your tan by mixing them into your regular moisturizer. Made with aloe, avocado oil, and green tea extract, they hydrate while building a gradual, natural-looking glow with no scent or orange tint. Lightweight, travel-friendly, and suitable for sensitive skin.
Note: requires mixing and takes several hours to develop.
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops – Medium Glow
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops – Medium Glow mix with your face or body lotion to create a customizable, natural-looking tan. Infused with grapefruit, chia seed, and avocado oils, they hydrate while building a gradual glow. The clear, blendable formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and dries quickly without transfer.
Note: the small bottle and lack of guide color may require careful blending and more frequent repurchase.
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops (🇺🇸Made in USA)
L’Oréal Paris Self-Tanning Drops are designed for the face and neck, blending into your moisturizer for a customizable, streak-free glow. Fragrance-free and non-sticky, the formula includes hyaluronic acid for hydration and builds gradually with daily use. Suitable for most skin types.
Note: avoid use with retinol or AHAs.
TAN-LUXE Self-Tanning Drops mix with your moisturizer or serum to create a customizable, golden glow. Infused with raspberry seed oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera, they hydrate and smooth skin while building color without streaks or orange tones. Lightweight, clear, and suitable for most skin types.
Note: scent may vary, and the price is on the higher side.
FAQ
Are Tinted Sunscreens Good for Tanning?
Tinted sunscreens don’t actively tan your skin like self-tanners or bronzing drops, but they do give you an instant glow while protecting you from UV damage. These multitaskers are perfect for daytime wear, especially if you want even skin tone, light coverage, and sun protection all in one step. Look for formulas with SPF 30 or higher, and ingredients like zinc oxide and niacinamide to keep skin calm and clear.What’s the Difference Between Self-Tanners and Tanning Drops?
Both self-tanners and tanning drops contain DHA, the active ingredient that reacts with your skin to produce a tan without the sun. The key difference is how you apply them:- Self-tanners
- Tanning drops
How Long Do Self-Tanners Last?
Most self-tanners develop in 4–8 hours and last between 3–7 days. Longevity depends on how often you shower, exfoliate, and moisturize. Gradual tanners can be reapplied daily to maintain a soft, consistent glow, while express tans give quicker results for last-minute plans.Are Tanning Drops Safe for Sensitive Skin?
Yes—many tanning drops are formulated with clean, skin-friendly ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and botanical extracts. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, look for fragrance-free and non-comedogenic options. Always patch test first and mix them with your go-to moisturizer to help buffer any potential irritation.Can You Combine Tanning Products?
Absolutely. For example:- Use a tinted sunscreen by day for glow + protection.
- Apply self-tanner mousse overnight for a deeper, longer-lasting bronze.
- Add tanning drops to your daily skincare for a subtle, buildable glow. Just be sure to exfoliate before applying and avoid layering all three at once to prevent uneven results.
What’s the Secret to a Natural-Looking Tan?
Prep and consistency are key:- Exfoliate 1 day before tanning to remove dead skin.
- Moisturize dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.
- Apply evenly with a mitt to avoid streaks.
- Wash your hands immediately after.
- Maintain your glow with hydrating lotions and minimal exfoliation.
How Do I Choose the Right Tanning Product for Me?
Ask yourself:- Want something fast? Go for an express mousse.
- Prefer gradual color? Try a lotion-based self-tanner.
- Only tanning your face? Drops are ideal.
- Need SPF too? A tinted sunscreen is your daily hero.
