15 Self-Tanning Lotions for People Who Think They Hate Self-Tanning Lotions

I know this is somewhat revolting, but I honestly can’t remember what the original color of my sheets was when I was in high school and college. I religiously slathered myself

in self-tanning lotion every single night, and because of that, everything that touched my skin in that era (clothes, sheets, swimsuits, bras, the whole shebang) was tinged with brown and orange. Not cute, and of course, the accompanying telltale scent of self-tanner was yet another unfortunate side effect. 

Luckily for me and my love for perpetually bronzed and glowing skin, the self-tanning market has come a long way since the early 2000s, and now the best self-tanning lotions not only deliver far more natural-looking and customizable results but smell far less offensive—if they even smell at all—and are made with cleaner, safer ingredients.

While I love and appreciate how innovative brands are getting as far as formulas, (serums! masks! mousses! oils! sprays! cloths!) lotions, in my mind, are by far the most user-friendly option, especially if you’re new to the whole self-tanning thing. Below, I’m sharing 15 of the best self-tanning lotions that will enhance your skin no matter your natural tone or glow goals. From instant bronzing formulas that will easily wash off after a night out to super-subtle gradual lotions that you can easily swap in for your normal daily body moisturizer, we have you completely covered. Keep scrolling!