A golden and even tan, without sun or streaks? It’s possible thanks to self-tanning mists, the secret of stars and those who love a tanned look all year round. Discover the 3 best options, praised for their effectiveness, offering a natural result without faux pas!
A tanned complexion all year round, without sun or UV? That’s the promise of self-tanning mists—light, easy-to-apply sprays that provide a natural tan and progress gradually. Forget sun exposure sessions that damage the skin; these products have become the ideal alternative for achieving a healthy glow without risks. But with the plethora of options available on the market, how do you choose the best self-tanning mist suited to your skin type and needs?
1/ Bioderma Photoderm Hydrating Self-Tanning Mist
Two complexes work in this mist: upon contact with the keratin in the skin, DHA triggers a chemical reaction that stimulates the formation of pigments that color the skin. Additionally, hydrating agents enrich the formula, leaving the skin soft and velvety for a more natural look. The spray format is designed to evenly distribute the product on the skin, preventing tanning spots.
This mist receives a 4/5 rating on Beauté Test based on 90 reviews. It’s a pleasant surprise for soni, who was concerned about turning orange. She shares: “I have very fair skin, and I was quite anxious about using a self-tanner: I’m thrilled! I was afraid of looking orange with my pale skin; the tan is gradual and very natural. The scent is also very pleasant.” Similarly, Karoro21 expresses satisfaction with her purchase: “I’ve tried a lot of self-tanners, and this one is fantastic! No unpleasant smell or streaks; the tan is natural, and the price is very reasonable.” After testing several products, Usvin finally found one that suits him well. He says: “After trying dozens of self-tanners, this one is by far the best, providing a natural finish. Plus, it’s not greasy, and the scent is rather neutral. It’s very easy to apply and non-comedogenic.”
However, hannah_0617 had a different experience, feeling closer to a rainy day than a sunny one. She explains: “I’m quite fair-skinned and wanted to try this product. I can’t say I hated it, but it’s clear that I won’t buy it again. The application was not easy at all, and I ended up with streaks. Some areas tanned much better than others!” On the other hand, vermouler criticizes the product for its lack of visible results, commenting: “The result is very, very natural… Even too much for my taste. You have to apply a lot, and still, it doesn’t show much. I have fair skin… Super disappointed.” Pommeceryse also does not recommend this product, finding it disappointing, with only negatives to report except for the scent: “I was advised this product at my pharmacy, highlighting its ease of application and ‘no streaks’ feature. It’s as if the person who recommended it hadn’t used it or, worse, knows nothing about self-tanners. I do not recommend this purchase.”
2/ L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Dry Mist
Thanks to its large spray nozzle, the Sublime Bronze dry mist from L’Oréal Paris promises an even and bronzed complexion anytime of year. The nozzle allows for a wider spray and a more natural result, while its citrus scent masks the typical self-tanner smell.
This mist receives a rating of 3.5/5 from 52 reviews on Beauté Test. Sweetyy75 is more than delighted; she even stocked up on five bottles! She explains: “I love this self-tanner so much that I bought five! The nozzle is practical for easy application on the back and legs. The scent is acceptable for a self-tanner. It’s easy to apply, penetrates quickly without greasy or sticky residue, and the result is perfect: a pretty tan that looks natural, but is ‘present,’ giving a lovely caramel hue to the skin.” The same goes for dslova, although she notes that the bottle runs out too quickly: “The scent is fresh, and the product applies easily everywhere.” A hit for Becca, who comments: “Top, top, top! It gives me a lovely hue all year round. I always repurchase it; for me, it’s the best self-tanner. Easy to use, it provides a beautiful tanned effect and leaves no streaks.”
However, charlotte0890 ended up throwing the product in the trash. She recounts: “I could never figure out how to apply it. The fact that it’s dry is misleading; you can’t see where you applied it or if you missed a spot. Result: I ended up with a lot of splotches. Into the bin it went.” The same story from Chabela: “This mist is very difficult to apply. After a few hours, I found myself covered in streaks. Moreover, it doesn’t wash off with just an exfoliation, unlike other self-tanners.” For loula118, it’s a “disaster.” She expresses deep disappointment and states that she won’t buy it again, saying: “The application isn’t easy: the result is awful with unsightly orange streaks and white patches in some areas. In short, a catastrophe!”
3/ Uriage Bariésun Thermal Self-Tanning Mist
Gift your skin a natural and even tan from the very first hour with the Bariésun thermal self-tanning mist. Thanks to its multi-position sprayer, it ensures even distribution for a result without streaks. Enriched with Uriage Thermal Water and glycerin, it intensely hydrates while brightening the complexion. Its fluid, non-greasy texture provides a dry feel and pleasant application, making it ideal for both face and body. Enjoy a radiant and long-lasting tan without compromising comfort!
This Uriage mist ranks third with a 3.5/5 rating based on 5 reviews. fragance believes that “Uriage should offer a version suited for fair skin.” She appreciates the spray format, which eases application and delivers a natural result without “turning orange.” The scent did not bother her, which is a definite plus. However, she finds the “shade too pigmented” for those who usually wear the lightest foundations, like “porcelain.” While the result is uniform, she feels it’s too dark for very pale complexions.
Editor’s Favorite
Give your skin a natural and radiant tan without the sun with the Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer self-tanning mist. With its ultra-fine spray, it ensures an even and streak-free application for a uniform and glowing result. Its formula, enriched with nourishing apricot oil, enhances and hydrates the skin while providing a golden tan that lasts up to a week. Quick-drying, it allows you to achieve visible tanning just an hour after application, all without a sticky feel. Easy to use and perfect for radiant skin all year round, this self-tanning mist is the ideal ally for a tanned look without compromise!
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Albina Gavrilovic