How I tested express tans:
Half the tans in this lineup are long-time ride-or-dies that are yet to be topped. But for any new additions, I went full beauty editor mode — calling in samples, blocking out time, and giving each one a proper trial run.
I gave myself a full week with each tan so I could see the whole journey: how it developed, how it faded, and whether it left me looking glowy or… slightly questionable. Every product was applied to freshly exfoliated, clean skin using a mitt (non-negotiable), and put through its paces at least once.
I judged them on the things that actually matter: the smell, how easy and quick application and development was, how long the glow stuck around, and — most importantly — the final finish. Only the best made the cut.
Why you can trust me:
As a beauty editor who quite literally got a spray tan to give birth, I don’t take my glow lightly. I know exactly the kind of confidence a good faux tan can bring — and over the years, I’ve converted more than a few sceptics (friends, family, and yes, even unsuspecting strangers). “What do you mean you don’t wear face sunscreen and you’ve never fake tanned? Please take a seat.”
Still not convinced? Let me take you back nearly a decade to my very first job as an editorial assistant, where I wrote a print first-person piece titled “My Love Letter to Fake Tan.” It even included multiple photos of me gazing adoringly at my favourite bottles. So yes, you’re in very safe (perfectly bronzed) hands.
READ MORE: The best fake tans for black skin.
Ahead, the best express tans I’ve tried.
1. My Favourite Overall: St Tropez Self Tan Express Dark
Why I love it: “I tried this self-tan for the first time last week and, honestly, it was tens across the board. I had a packed week of events ahead, so I applied it on a Monday morning while working from home, throwing on an old pair of PJs for the three-hour development time.
“Over the following week, I had countless compliments on how good my tan looked—which is always the ultimate test. What really stood out to me was the whipped, skincare-infused formula, which glides on effortlessly and leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated and evenly bronzed. It also smelt super pleasant at every stage of the process.
“It lasted a solid week, faded beautifully without any patchiness, and even tricky areas like my feet and elbows were easy to buff away with a remover mitt. St Tropez, if you’re reading this, I deserve shares for the number of people I’ve convinced to buy this in such a short space of time.”
- Minimum to maximum development time: one to three hours.
- Pros: non-drying; long-lasting; streak-free; three shades to choose from. It absorbs quickly.
- Cons: I’m yet to find anything I don’t like.
2. Best For a Deep, Dark Tan: Bali Body 1 Hour Deep Violet Express Tan
Why I love it: “If, like me, you are looking for the deepest, darkest finish possible from your fake tan, look no further than Bali Body’s newest addition. The violet base neutralises yellow and orange tones and the rapid development means it can easily be slotted into a hectic schedule.