Whether it’s the middle of summer and you want to avoid sun damage or the dead of winter and you need a glow, self-tanner is the ultimate holy grail product. That said, if you have fair skin, using a self-tanner can take a wrong turn quickly. Cheeto-orange skin and unsightly streaks that scream “fake” can cause those with fair complexions to spiral.
So, what does one look for in a self-tanner for fair skin? “A slow gradual tanning product made to enhance color over time is usually the best way to control the overall look,” says Dr. Ava Shamban, a Los Angeles-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. “Subtlety is key here. These super lightweight, transfer-free formulas deliver just a shade or two of sun tones at a time—and that’s really all you need.”
With the right self-tanner that’s made to work with your pale complexion, you can fake it ‘til you make it. Ahead, we’ve gathered the best self-tanners for fair skin so everyone can get in on the faux-glow fun.
