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Editor’s note: This article was last updated on February 21, 2024.
It’s time. We’re calling it. We’re going shopping, we’re finding the very best self tanners at Target. We’re desperate to get our summer glow back! No more dull, pasty skin — and no more risking our skin’s health with dangerous tanning beds or too much time in the sun. No more premature aging either, please!
A nice tan can help even out your skin tone, diminishing the appearance of:
varicose veins
cellulite
blemishes
scars
dark spots
and more!
The best self tanners may also hydrate and nourish the skin, giving you a bronze, sun-kissed radiance that just gets better and better over time. The best sunless tanners will have your skin looking way better than the sun itself would!
Why Use a Self Tanner?
We mentioned how the sun and tanning beds can damage your skin, but it’s not just about a wrinkle or two. Cancer Research UK reports that “too much UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds can damage the DNA in our skin cells.” That includes both UVB radiation, responsible for sunburn, and UVA radiation, which reaches deeper into the skin. The site also notes that “getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer.”
Apart from health issues, self tanner simply gives you more control. You don’t have to worry about flipping over, you don’t have to worry about tan lines and you can better determine how deep of a tan you’re going to get. And you can do it any time, right at home! There are plenty more potential benefits too, and we’ll get into them as we show you the best self tanners at Target below!
The 11 Best Self Tanners at Target
1. Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse
Fan-Favorite
This instant tanner is one of the most popular at Target, review-wise, coming in at over 1,500 ratings. It claims to deliver instant color that develops to look more natural within a few hours. You can reuse it the next day to go even darker too if you’d like. Feel free to use a mitt, but you can also apply by hand!
Pros:
Claims to dry in just 60 seconds
Shoppers say it’s “unbelievably natural looking”
Cons:
Some shoppers don’t love the smell
Available at: Target
2. Tanologist Self Tanner Drops
For Body and Face
Not every self tanner is a tinted spray, foam or mousse. Sometimes it’s as simple as a few clear drops you can mix into your moisturizer or lotion. These clean beauty drops are labeled non-comedogenic, made so you can apply them to your face as well without fear of breakouts!
Pros:
Clean and vegan
Travel-friendly size
Cons:
Overuse could lead to orange tone, so be careful to start slow
Available at: Target
3. Hawaiian Tropic Sunless Gradual Tanning Milk
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
If you’re super pale or new to self tanner, you may be drawn to one that promotes gradual results. This way, there’s more room for error, and you’ll likely end up with more of a natural bronze as the days pass. This cruelty-free find boasts a “streak-free glow” and a tropical scent!
Pros:
Claims to deliver 24-hour hydration
Reef-friendly: does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate
Cons:
Not for shoppers who want ultra-fast results
Available at: Target
4. b.tan Not Just Your Week End Lover Self Tan Mousse
For a Fast, Dark Tan
If you’ve been around the tanning block and simply want to cut to the chase, check out b.tan’s darkest tanning mousse. It claims to have a one-hour development time, but if you leave it on for longer, your tan can become even deeper. It can last up to a week too!
Pros:
Paraben-free, phthalate-free
Recyclable bottle
Cons:
May not be best for super dry skin
Available at: Target
5. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Body Makeup Spray
Best Temporary Pick
Afraid of staining your skin with a messy self tanner and being stuck with it for days? Try a wash-off tanner instead! You can view this spray as more of body makeup. It’s transfer-resistant and safe for water and sweat, but it will come off when you’re ready at the end of the day!
Pros:
Formula may stimulate microcirculation for firmer-looking legs and feet
Over 700 reviews
Cons:
One of the shades is currently sold out
Available at: Target
6. St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
Fabulous Luxury Find
If you can spend a little extra, there’s a good chance this St. Tropez mousse will become a staple in your routine. This express formula allows you to get your glow on faster and the green-based color gives you a truly natural glow. Reviewers are “shocked” at the amazing results!
Pros:
Dermatologically tested
Claims to have no transfer and no self tanner smell
Cons:
Available at: Target
7. St. Moriz Professional Medium Dark Clear Mousse
Under $15
Want to try a tanner without taking a chunk out of your wallet? This bottle from one of our favorite brands is just $14, and it’s especially great for beginners — since it’s clear, you won’t create a huge mess during application!
Pros:
Contains olive milk and vitamin E for silky skin
Perfect pick for new tanners
Cons:
While non-messy, the clear formula may be a bit intimidating for some to work with
Available at: Target
8. Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam – Light/Medium
Salon-Quality Results
Spray tan salons can be pricey and inconvenient, but this tanning foam claims to deliver salon-quality results at home. It’s oil-free and it’s even enriched with aloe vera to moisturize skin and make your tan last longer. This non-toxic formula can be reapplied 30 minutes after your initial application too for a darker tan!
Pros:
Aluminum-free
Beachy coconut scent
Cons:
Should be used with a mitt but does not include one. Shop mitts here!
Available at: Target
9. Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer In-Shower Self Tanner Body Lotion
Ultra-Moisturizing
You can kill two birds with one stone by using this in-shower, self-tanning moisturizer! It works on wet skin, and you apply the lotion right after you turn off the shower — and then get on with the rest of your day. The formula reportedly only clings to the skin and won’t transfer onto clothes. This self tanner is a major life-saver!
Pros
Super quick and easy application
Saves tons of time
Moisturizing formula
Cons
May come out a bit streaky if not applied correctly
Available at: Target
10. Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse
Three-Shade Range
Many self tanners are “one size fits all,” meaning they don’t actually necessarily give you the results you want depending on your skin tone. This Australian-made mousse, however, comes in medium, dark and ultra-dark shades, so you can pick the one that best suits you!
Pros:
Built-in color guide
Quick to dry
Cons:
Another of the more expensive picks
Available at: Target
11. Best Bronze Clear Vegan Self-Tanning Mousse
“Clearly” a Winner
Sick of staining your clothing and sheets with self tanner? This clear spray may be calling your name! It’s made with clean, non-toxic ingredients, including a blend of panthenol, vitamin E and polyglutamic acid to leave skin moisturized and radiant!
Pros:
Natural
For all skin types and tones
Cons:
Not for an instant tan — will take four to six hours to develop
Available at: Target
Other Self Tanners at Target We Love:
You can also find more self tanners at Amazon, Nordstrom and Dermstore!
Looking for other self tanner products? Check out more picks below:
