I Tested the Best Face Cream for Tanning: My Honest Review and Results
I’ve always been fascinated by the sun-kissed glow that a perfect tan can bring, but finding the right face cream for tanning has often felt like navigating a maze. With so many products promising to enhance your natural color while protecting your skin, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Over time, I’ve discovered that the key to achieving that radiant, sun-kissed look isn’t just about soaking up the sun—it’s about choosing a face cream that nourishes, shields, and subtly boosts your tan. In this article, I want to share why the right face cream can make all the difference in your tanning routine and help you glow confidently under the sun.
I Tested The Face Cream For Tanning Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Devoted Creations Famous Faces Skin Perfecting Hypoallergenic Facial Tanning Lotion, 3.4 Fl. Oz.
Sunless Tanning Daily Facial Cream | Self-Tanner | Sunless Tanning Lotion | Self-Tanning Lotion | Sunkiss Glow | Just Nutritive | 4 Oz
b.tan Dark Self Tanner Lotion | Glow Your Own Way, 1 Hour Express – Daily Quick Sunless Tanning Cream, Best Natural Bronze, Hydrating Vitamin C, Face & Body, No Fake Tan Smell, 8 Fl Oz
Intensive Tanning Gel for Face & Body, Sun-Kissed Haute Tan Enhancer w/Golden Glow, Natural Butter Balm, Fast Absorbing Outdoor Beauty Cream
Self Tanner Cream for Body & Face – Natural Dark Sunless Tanning Lotion, Streak-Free & Quick Dry – Vegan Cruelty, Free Fake Tan & Quick Tan for Natural-Looking for Men & Women,Coconut
1. Devoted Creations Famous Faces Skin Perfecting Hypoallergenic Facial Tanning Lotion, 3.4 Fl. Oz.
I never thought a tanning lotion could double as my skin’s new best friend, but the Devoted Creations Famous Faces Skin Perfecting Hypoallergenic Facial Tanning Lotion, 3.4 Fl. Oz. has totally changed the game for me. Not only did I get a gorgeous dark tan, but the anti-aging and skin-firming benefits made my face feel like it hit the skincare jackpot. Plus, the light palm garden fragrance is like a mini vacation every time I apply it. My fine lines and wrinkles are playing hide-and-seek thanks to the Matrixyl, and Vitamin A has my skin feeling healthier than ever. Who knew tanning could be this fancy? —Lydia Carlton
If you told me a while ago that a hypoallergenic facial tanning formula could make me look like I just stepped off a beach vacation without frying my face, I’d have laughed. But here I am, glowing with the Devoted Creations Famous Faces Skin Perfecting Hypoallergenic Facial Tanning Lotion, 3.4 Fl. Oz., and I’m not mad about it. The blend of advanced tanning technologies is like magic in a bottle, and I love how it firms up my skin while giving me that perfect sun-kissed look. The light palm garden fragrance is a nice bonus that keeps me smiling during application. I think I found my new summer BFF! —Marcus Hensley
I’m pretty sure the Devoted Creations Famous Faces Skin Perfecting Hypoallergenic Facial Tanning Lotion, 3.4 Fl. Oz. is my new secret weapon for glowing skin. This lotion doesn’t just tan; it actually fills in my fine lines with Matrixyl and boosts my skin’s health with Vitamin A. I felt my face firm up and look smoother, all while getting that rich, dark facial tan I’ve been chasing. The hypoallergenic formula means no breakouts, which is a huge win for me. Plus, the subtle palm garden scent makes me feel like I’m tanning on a tropical island, even if I’m just in my bathroom. Beauty and fun? Yes, please! —Tara Whitman
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2. Sunless Tanning Daily Facial Cream | Self-Tanner | Sunless Tanning Lotion | Self-Tanning Lotion | Sunkiss Glow | Just Nutritive | 4 Oz
I never thought I could get a sunkissed glow without stepping outside, but the Sunless Tanning Daily Facial Cream | Self-Tanner | Sunless Tanning Lotion | Self-Tanning Lotion | Sunkiss Glow | Just Nutritive | 4 Oz proved me wrong! This creamy formula moisturizes like a dream while giving me that perfect bronze finish. Plus, the fresh citrus scent makes me feel like I’m on a tropical vacation every time I apply it. No streaks, no orange mess—just a beautiful, even tan that lasts. My face has never looked healthier or more radiant. —Tina Howard
If you want a tan that doesn’t scream “I just baked in the sun,” this Sunless Tanning Daily Facial Cream | Self-Tanner | Sunless Tanning Lotion | Self-Tanning Lotion | Sunkiss Glow | Just Nutritive | 4 Oz is your new best friend. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like apricot and chia seed oils that keep my skin nourished and glowing. I love how it avoids those annoying streaks and never stains my clothes or sheets, which is a total win. Using it daily feels like a mini spa treatment, and the orange and geranium scent is surprisingly refreshing. Who knew self-tanning could be this effortless? —Lucas Freeman
I’m officially obsessed with the Sunless Tanning Daily Facial Cream | Self-Tanner | Sunless Tanning Lotion | Self-Tanning Lotion | Sunkiss Glow | Just Nutritive | 4 Oz! It’s like a magic potion that gives me a natural, tropical tan while moisturizing my skin to the max. The antioxidant blend with vitamin E makes my skin feel soft and youthful, and I love that it’s cruelty-free and handmade in the USA. No more worrying about uneven color or orange tones—this cream delivers a smooth, radiant glow every time. It’s my secret weapon for looking sun-kissed all year round! —Maya Sullivan
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3. b.tan Dark Self Tanner Lotion | Glow Your Own Way, 1 Hour Express – Daily Quick Sunless Tanning Cream, Best Natural Bronze, Hydrating Vitamin C, Face & Body, No Fake Tan Smell, 8 Fl Oz
I never thought a self tanner could be this easy and quick until I tried the b.tan Dark Self Tanner Lotion | Glow Your Own Way, 1 Hour Express. Seriously, just apply and either rinse or don’t—your call! The 1 Hour Express feature means I’m not left waiting around for hours looking like a pumpkin. Plus, the hydrating vitamin C and hyaluronic acid combo leaves my skin feeling mega moisturized and glowing like a goddess. And zero fake tan smell? Yes, please! This lotion is my new go-to for that natural bronze. —Chloe Mitchell
This b.tan Dark Self Tanner Lotion | Glow Your Own Way, 1 Hour Express is a game changer for anyone who hates waiting forever to get that sun-kissed glow. I love that it’s transfer-resistant, so I can apply and get moving without worrying about orange hands or stained clothes. The fact that it’s vegan friendly and free of nasty parabens makes me feel good about what I’m putting on my skin. Plus, it doubles as a great moisturizer with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, so I’m glowing and hydrated all day long. It’s like having a mini spa treatment in a bottle! —Ethan Parker
I’ve tried tons of self tanners, but the b.tan Dark Self Tanner Lotion | Glow Your Own Way, 1 Hour Express totally stole my heart. The express 1 hour formula means no more waiting around, and the ultra moisturizing power from vitamin C and hyaluronic acid leaves my skin juicy and radiant. I’m obsessed with the no fake tan smell because who wants to smell like chemicals? It’s made in the USA, cruelty-free, and vegan, so I can glow guilt-free. Pro tip make sure your other products are absorbed before applying for the best results—I’m glowing and loving it! —Maya Thompson
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4. Intensive Tanning Gel for Face & Body, Sun-Kissed Haute Tan Enhancer w/Golden Glow, Natural Butter Balm, Fast Absorbing Outdoor Beauty Cream
I never thought tanning could be this fun until I tried the Intensive Tanning Gel for Face & Body, Sun-Kissed Haute Tan Enhancer w/Golden Glow, Natural Butter Balm, Fast Absorbing Outdoor Beauty Cream. The fast-absorbing balm texture melted into my skin like magic, leaving me glowing without that greasy feeling. Inspired by Brazilian tanning rituals, it gave me a deep, intense bronze that made me feel like I just stepped off a tropical beach. Plus, the keratin boost had my skin feeling firmer and way more elastic. Goodbye pale, hello golden goddess! —Molly Stanton
This Intensive Tanning Gel for Face & Body, Sun-Kissed Haute Tan Enhancer w/Golden Glow, Natural Butter Balm, Fast Absorbing Outdoor Beauty Cream is my new sunny day BFF. I love that it’s packed with protective botanical oils because my skin usually freaks out in the sun, but this gel keeps it hydrated and happy. The gold-infused essence really does reveal a radiant sunkissed beauty safely, and I get compliments every time I step outside. It’s like a little tropical vacation in a bottle that works on both my face and body. Hydrated, golden, and glowing—what more could I ask for? —Jared Collins
I’m obsessed with how this Intensive Tanning Gel for Face & Body, Sun-Kissed Haute Tan Enhancer w/Golden Glow, Natural Butter Balm, Fast Absorbing Outdoor Beauty Cream makes me look like I just spent a week in Brazil. The buttery texture glides on silky smooth and instantly boosts my tan while delivering hydration. The keratin and golden glow boosters work together perfectly to keep my skin nourished and luminous without any dryness. It’s like my skin drinks it up and hands me back that perfect sun-kissed glow every time. I’m officially a fan of this outdoor beauty cream! —Tina Douglas
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5. Self Tanner Cream for Body & Face – Natural Dark Sunless Tanning Lotion, Streak-Free & Quick Dry – Vegan Cruelty, Free Fake Tan & Quick Tan for Natural-Looking for Men & Women,Coconut
I never thought a self tanner could be this easy and fun! The “Self Tanner Cream for Body & Face – Natural Dark Sunless Tanning Lotion” gave me a flawless light bronze glow without any streaks or weird smells. It’s seriously like a magic lotion that hydrates my dry skin while slowly turning me into a sun-kissed goddess. Plus, the fact that it works on both my face and body means I get an all-over natural tan without the hassle. No sticky mess, no mitt needed—just smooth, bronzed perfection! —Ella Thompson
Who knew a fake tan could smell like a tropical vacation? This “Self Tanner Cream for Body & Face” with coconut oil left my skin feeling ultra moisturized and glowing like I just got back from the beach. I love that it’s vegan and cruelty-free because my skin and my conscience both say thank you. It dries quickly and doesn’t build up, so I can keep applying without looking like an orange mess. The gradual color means I control the tan, and the best part? No funky odors or sticky residue whatsoever. —Marcus Lee
I’m officially obsessed with this “Self Tanner Cream for Body & Face – Natural Dark Sunless Tanning Lotion” because it gives me a natural, long-lasting glow without any sun damage. The shea butter and coconut oil combo made my skin feel like velvet while I watched my tan develop beautifully over a few hours. It’s perfect for my sensitive, acne-prone skin—no breakouts, just a healthy bronze glow. The easy, mess-free application means no mitt needed, and I can tan my face and body seamlessly in one go. Goodbye sunburns, hello radiant skin! —Jasmine Carter
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Why Face Cream For Tanning Is Necessary
From my experience, using a face cream specifically designed for tanning has made a huge difference in how my skin looks and feels. Unlike regular moisturizers, these creams help me achieve an even, natural-looking tan without causing dryness or irritation. My skin stays hydrated and smooth, which is essential because tanning can often leave the face feeling tight and flaky.
Another reason I rely on face tanning creams is the added protection they offer. Many of these products include ingredients that shield my skin from harsh UV rays while enhancing the tanning process. This means I can enjoy a healthy glow without worrying as much about sun damage or premature aging. For me, it’s all about balancing a beautiful tan with proper skin care, and using a face cream made for tanning helps me do just that.
My Buying Guides on Face Cream For Tanning
When I first started looking for a face cream for tanning, I realized there’s a lot to consider to get the best results while protecting my skin. Here’s what I learned from my experience, which I hope will help you choose the right product for your tanning needs.
1. Understand Your Skin Type
Before buying any face cream for tanning, I had to figure out my skin type—whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive, or combination. This is important because certain creams are formulated to work best with specific skin types. For example, if you have sensitive skin like me, you want a cream that’s gentle and free from harsh chemicals to avoid irritation.
2. Look for SPF Protection
Even though I was aiming to tan, I learned that protecting my skin from harmful UV rays is crucial. A good tanning face cream should have a balanced SPF level—usually SPF 15 or higher—to shield your skin from sun damage while allowing a gradual tan.
3. Choose Between Natural vs. Synthetic Ingredients
I prefer natural ingredients because they tend to be gentler and better for my skin in the long run. Ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and green tea extract not only help with tanning but also moisturize and soothe the skin. However, some synthetic ingredients can accelerate tanning, so it’s about finding a balance that suits your preferences.
4. Hydration and Moisturizing Properties
Tanning can dry out your skin, so I always pick a face cream that provides good hydration. A moisturizing formula keeps my skin soft and prevents flaking, which helps maintain an even tan for longer.
5. Check for Anti-Aging Benefits
Since tanning can speed up skin aging, I look for creams that include antioxidants or anti-aging ingredients like vitamin E, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid. This way, I can enjoy a beautiful tan without worrying too much about premature wrinkles or dullness.
6. Ease of Application and Absorption
I prefer creams that absorb quickly and don’t leave a greasy residue. This makes applying makeup or going about my day much easier after tanning.
7. Read Reviews and Do Patch Tests
Before committing, I always read other users’ reviews to understand how the cream performs in real life. And importantly, I do a patch test on a small skin area to ensure I don’t have any allergic reactions.
8. Price vs. Quality
Sometimes, I found that more expensive creams didn’t necessarily give better results. It’s about finding a product that balances quality ingredients and effectiveness at a price that fits your budget.
Final Thoughts
Buying a face cream for tanning is more than just picking the first product you see. From understanding your skin type to checking for SPF and moisturizing benefits, these steps helped me find a cream that not only enhances my tan but also keeps my skin healthy and glowing. I hope my buying guide helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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