The 4 best self-tanners for a natural glow: Consumer Reports

A self-tanner that goes on streaky or patchy can be harder to fix than an actual sunburn, and results vary widely depending on skin tone and undertone. Formula texture, scent and drying time all affect how easy a product is to live with day to day.

Consumer Reports had a panel of testers with different skin tones try each self-tanner, so shoppers can find a formula suited to their skin and desired depth of color.

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The St. Tropez Self Tan Suprême Violet Mousse costs $48 and earned Consumer Reports' overall Editor's Choice in this lineup. CR's panel found the formula dried quickly with a light, non-overpowering scent and no transfer onto clothing, though testers split on how easy it was to apply, with one describing a thin texture that required repeated buffing to distribute evenly. Results varied by skin tone, with one tester achieving a natural, sun-kissed color that lasted about a week, another finding the shade ran darker and slightly reddish on her complexion, and a third washing it off early for a softer, medium-olive result that still lasted through several days. CR noted the formula comes in one shade, though a separate "Dark" version is also sold under the same product line.

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The Loving Tan Platinum Mousse costs $39.95 and earned Consumer Reports' pick as the top self-tanner for deeper skin tones. CR's panel found the mousse applied smoothly with a noticeably deep, natural-looking result, though one tester needed extra buffing around the elbows and knees and found the scent more chemical than the other formulas tested. CR noted the color held up well over time, with one tester estimating results lasted close to two weeks before fading naturally, while another found a slightly orange cast that faded within about a week. CR pointed out the product's dated-looking packaging surprised testers, given how well the formula itself performed once applied.

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The St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse costs $44 and earned Consumer Reports' pick as the top self-tanner for lighter skin tones. CR's panel found the mousse applied evenly with a light scent and no color transfer, and testers with lighter complexions praised the natural-looking result, subtle enough to even out skin tone without looking artificial. One tester called it her favorite of the entire lineup for avoiding orange tones, headache-inducing scent or streaking, and results generally faded gradually over about five days without turning patchy. CR noted testers with darker skin found the single available shade too subtle to show up clearly, making it a stronger match for fair to medium complexions specifically.

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The Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun costs $11.89, priced lower than every other self-tanner in this lineup, and earned Consumer Reports' distinction for being simple to apply. CR's panel praised the airy mousse texture as cleaner to apply than other formulas tested, going on smoothly without a lengthy development period or clothing transfer, though many testers found the resulting color barely noticeable regardless of skin tone. One tester who regularly uses the product appreciated being able to layer it gradually for a customizable, subtle glow, though she also experienced patchiness by day six that required toweling off. CR concluded this formula suits shoppers wanting a hint of color and an easy routine over those seeking a dramatic tan.