
We may not be able to rely on a summer of sun in the UK, but you can still achieve a sun-kissed complexion within seconds, thanks to instant tan. Not only does it do exactly what it says on the tube, it’s a totally risk-free option. You’re not exposing your skin to damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause premature skin ageing (fine lines and wrinkles) as well as skin cancer. And because instant tans are quick and easy to wash off, there’s no danger of being stuck with the telltale streaking of a poorly-applied regular fake tan. (Read our guide to flawless self tan application if this sounds familar.)
A good instant tan is a real saviour on those days when the sun comes out and your legs just aren’t ready to be revealed to the world. All it takes is a few quick swipes of confidence-boosting colour and you’re good to go. It’s also brilliant for topping up a fading self-tan. Many instant tans come with the benefit of a pleasant fragrance, and they certainly won't leave you with any odd, biscuity aroma. Some formulas offer a range of shades as well, so you can find one that's perfect for you.
How to apply instant fake tan
To help you get the best result, we’d recommend using a body scrub regularly to create a good canvas for instant bronzer. Always moisturise your body before applying instant tan, so the colour goes on evenly and blends well. A traditional tanning mitt is helpful, too. Not only does it buff your instant tan to a seamless, smooth finish, it prevents excess colour building up on your palms – not the bronzed look you’re aiming for.
That aside, it’s an easy product to master, especially if you’re using one of the formulas tried, tested and approved by the GH team. Here are the favourites we keep on standby for immediate gratification.
Best instant fake tans 2024
1
2
3
Good for a full-body tan
Skinny Tan Instant 1 Day Tanner Face & Body
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4
Good for last-minute glimmer
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Golden Shimmer Multi Usage Dry Oil
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5
Good for dry skin
Sol De Janeiro Glow Oil
Read more
6
7
1
Good for evening skin tone
Vita Liberata Body Blur 100ml
"Some instant bronzers seem to snag and drag on dry areas, but Body Blur blends easily rather than gathering in tell-tale patchy creases around my knees.
I love the healthy colour and the soft, airbrushed, 'tights in a tube' finish. I'd say it looks real, except it looks far better than my legs actually do!" – Lynne Hyland, Senior Beauty Editor
Key specifications
Type | Cream |
---|---|
Volume (ml) | 100 |
Number of shades available | Three |
Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
Guide colour | No |
Mitt included | No |
"This sunny serum is perfect for days when skin feels dull. Since its launch earlier this year, I've been wearing it mixed into my moisturiser for an added glow, especially on days when I can't be bothered with base makeup. Since I've added it into my routine, I keep getting asked if I've been on holiday.
The formulation is full of skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, squalane and jojoba oil, putting it firmly in the 'multi-tasking beauty' category. I haven't tried it for this yet, but apparently it's great for highlighting the collarbones and shoulders before a night out, too." – Florence Reeves-White, Senior Beauty Writer
Key specifications
Type | Bronzing serum |
---|---|
Volume (ml) | 30 |
Number of shades available | 1 |
Tan development time (according to brand) | N/A |
Guide colour | No |
Mitt included | No |
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“As an avid user of fake tan, this instant one from Skinny Tan is a convenient and quick option for days when I don't have time to put on a fresh layer of developing tan. It doesn't transfer onto clothes, so there's no fear of any mysterious orange stains around the armpit or neck area of your top.
I apply a generous dollop using a mitt and it leaves behind a nice, natural looking glow. The subtle iridescent shine makes it great for evenings, and topping up a holiday tan. I love that it means I can avoid hours of scrubbing any patchy residue too, as it rinses off at the end of the day. It's the perfect glow for on the go.” – Maddie Evans, Lifestyle Writer
Key specifications
Type | Cream |
---|---|
Volume (ml) | 100 |
Number of shades available | Three |
Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
Guide colour | No |
Mitt included | No |
4
Good for last-minute glimmer
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Golden Shimmer Multi Usage Dry Oil
Now 15% Off
"This is body shimmer, but for grown-ups. The gold-flecked dry oil creates more of a sunny radiance than a deep tan, but a few spritzes blended into limbs creates a gleaming, even finish and a good hit of non-greasy hydration, thanks to a nourishing cocktail of moisturising plant extracts.
You can smooth any excess product over the ends of your hair for extra gloss and it doubles up as a comforting summer scent too. I even wore it on my wedding day!" – Anna Lao-Kaim, Beauty Editor
Key specifications
Type | Serum |
---|---|
Volume (ml) | 50 |
Number of shades available | 2 |
Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
Guide colour | No |
Mitt included | No |
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"My skin is brown already, so I never need to 'tan' per se, but I love to add a little healthy glow if I'm going out for drinks on holiday, or attending a summer-y event.
I only discovered this recently, but it levels up my look when I've got my legs out, and makes me feel more confident. It's hydrating as well as adding a little glimmer, and it smells really good. It's like a perfume and tinted body oil in one." – Priyankaa Joshi, Senior Health & Wellbeing Writer
Key specifications
Type | Oil |
---|---|
Volume (ml) | 75 |
Number of shades available | 2 |
Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
Guide colour | No |
Mitt included | No |
"Tan Luxe is a truly reliable brand when it comes to boosting luminosity – its products often sit at the top of beauty awards lists and I personally find the facial tanning drops the most natural on the market.
I always reach for this when my legs are looking a little too winter-worn (pale and scaly) in the run up to spring skirt season." – Florence Reeves-White, Senior Beauty Writer
Key specifications
Type | Cream |
---|---|
Volume (ml) | 150 |
Number of shades available | 1 |
Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
Guide colour | No |
Mitt included | No |
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"As a Geordie girl, pre-night out tan is a sacred ritual among my friends. This is one I remember from my youth, but it still holds up as a great way to add a little healthy colour to somewhat lacklustre legs. It also helps even and smooth out my skin tone.
I still keep a can of this in my bathroom for those forgot-it's-warm-enough-to-wear-skirts-now moments, right next to my razor and favourite body moisturiser." – Millie West, Senior Food and Drink Writer
Key specifications
Type | Spray |
---|---|
Volume (ml) | 75 |
Number of shades available | 4 |
Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
Guide colour | Yes |
Mitt included | No |
Florence Reeves-White
Senior Beauty Writer
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites