Best Smelling Self Tanner: Top 10 Luxurious Scents for a Radiant Glow (2024)

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Tired of smelling like a chemical factory every time you slap on some self-tanner? You’re not alone. These best-smelling self-tanners can make you feel pampered while delivering that sun-kissed glow you so desire.

We have collated the top ten self-tanners with great fragrances that are going to give you a radiant tan, minus the foul smell. From tropical fragrances to subtle and clean scents, these will change your tanning routine forever.

Learn how to get a beautiful bronze without dehydrating while indulging your senses with our expert-approved picks.

Top 10 Best Smelling Self Tanners

From high-end fragrances running the line between Loreal Paris to Beauty by Earth, you’ll find them only in the best 10 smelling self-tanners. The products won’t only benefit from pleasant fragrances but also deliver tanning results while catering to choices like mousses, drops, and gradual tanners in this category.

1. Loreal Paris Self Tanning Water Mousse

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You’ll love the L’Oreal Paris Self Tanning Water Mousse for its heavenly coconut scent and natural-looking results. This ultra-lightweight formula dries quickly, leaving your skin with a sunkissed glow that develops in just 4-8 hours.

Enriched with real coconut water and Vitamin E, it hydrates and softens your skin while providing an even, streak-free finish. For a longer-lasting tan, apply three times over 12-24 hours.

With its fresh fragrance and easy application, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped off a tropical beach.

Best For: Those seeking a natural-looking tan with hydrating and skin-softening benefits.

2. Coco & Eve Self Tanning Mousse

You’ll love the tropical scent of Coco & Eve’s Self Tanning Mousse. It’s a treat for your nose and skin, with its mango and guava fragrance.

This formula gives you a streak-free, natural-looking tan that lasts over a week. It’s packed with antioxidants, making it anti-aging too.

Apply it easily by hand and watch your glow develop in just two hours. While it might transfer to sheets and clothes, its hydrating properties and ability to blur pigmentation make it worth the extra care.

Plus, it’s cruelty-free and vegan!

Best For: Those seeking a natural-looking tan with anti-aging benefits.

3. St Tropez Self Tan Mousse Original

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Well, this is actually unique in self-tanners—St. Tropez’s Self Tan Mousse. You’ll love the lightweight, fast-drying texture that leaves no residue behind. The mood-boosting fragrance refreshes, and somehow seems to eradicate that dreaded smell one associates with self-tan products.

It’s easy to apply: just use a mitt, working in circular motions for streak-free results. You’ll find creating an olive tone you desire through this medium golden hue.

Furthermore, it’s absolutely clean and vegan.

Note to exfoliate beforehand and wash off after 4-8 hours for the perfect sun-kissed glow.

Best For: Those seeking a natural and streak-free self-tanning experience with a mood-boosting fragrance.

4. Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse Dark

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You’ll adore Bali Body’s Self Tanning Mousse Dark for the luxurious scent and flawless results. This mousse goes on smooth and leaves you with a deep, natural-looking tan that will make you confident and glowing. Color guide technology allows for even application, while nourishing oils keep your skin hydrated.

Perfect for all skin types, including sensitive, this formula uses 100% natural DHA to achieve safe and streak-free glow.

Wash off after an hour if you desire a light tan, and for a deeper bronze, it should be left on for 3-4 hours. You’ll be turning heads in no time!

Best For: All skin types, including sensitive skin, who want a deep, natural-looking tan.

5. Deluxe Self Tanning Applicator Mitt

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You’ll love how this deluxe self-tanning mitt protects your hands while giving you a streak-free finish. Simply slip it on, apply your favorite tanner, and use circular motions for even coverage.

It’s reusable and durable, making it a smart investment for your tanning routine. Just remember to let the product dry for a minute before getting dressed.

While it’s gentle on your skin, be aware that the mitt might be a bit small for some hands.

Keep it clean with a gentle hand wash, and you’ll be golden – literally!

Best For: Individuals seeking a mess-free and even self-tanning application.

6. St Tropez Gradual Tan Firming

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You’ll love St Tropez Gradual Tan Firming for its dual benefits. It’s not just a self-tanner; it’s also a daily moisturizer that’ll keep your skin hydrated for up to 72 hours. The gentle glow it lends to your complexion is perfect for a year-round natural tan.

It’s packed with marine algae, hyaluronic acid, and fruit seed oils to nourish your skin. The pleasant coconutty scent is a bonus.

Apply daily, but remember to wash your palms after use. For best results, mix it with your regular lotion for a flawless, streak-free tan.

Best For: Those looking for a gradual self-tanner that doubles as a daily moisturizer

7. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

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You might be wondering why CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion made it onto a list of best-smelling self-tanners. Well, it’s a bit of a wild card! While it’s not technically a self-tanner, this fragrance-free lotion is perfect for maintaining your glow.

Its lightweight texture and 24-hour hydration keep your skin smooth and supple, ideal for extending the life of your tan. Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it’s a skincare powerhouse that’ll keep your skin barrier healthy.

Plus, it’s allergy-tested and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types.

Best For: Individuals seeking a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic lotion that can maintain a healthy skin barrier and prolong the life of a tan.

8. Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops

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You’ll love Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops for versatility and a truly lovely, natural-looking glow. Mix these drops with your favorite moisturizer and create a customized tan as tan-toned or deep as you want.

The scent is refreshed with a smell of tropical fruit punch, not like those typical self-tanner smells. Made with natural ingredients—grapefruit, chia seed, and avocado oils—your skin will thank you.

Green color-correcting actives ensure a streak-free, long-lasting developed tan in just 4-6 hours. But remember to wash your hands afterward, and you’ll be golden—literally!

Best For: Creating a customizable, natural-looking tan on the face and body.

9. Loving Tan 2 HR Express Mousse

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You’ll love the Loving Tan 2 HR Express Mousse for its quick results and delightful scent. This Australian-made formula dries in just 60 seconds, leaving no sticky residue. With color guide technology, you’re assured a streak-free application.

The instant bronzer gives immediate color, while the active ingredients work their magic for a long-lasting, sun-kissed glow.

Remember to moisturize dry areas before use and apply with a mitt for even coverage. After two hours, rinse off the color guide, and voila! You’ll have a natural-looking tan that’ll make heads turn.

Best For: Those seeking a quick and easy self-tanning solution with natural-looking results.

10. Beauty by Earth Self Tanner

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You’ll love the natural glow and pleasant scent of Beauty by Earth Self Tanner. This organic, clean beauty product is perfect for face and body use.

With options like mousse, spray, drops, and mist, you’ll find an easy application method that suits you. The natural ingredients, including aloe vera and shea butter, leave your skin feeling nourished.

It’s dermatologist-approved, cruelty-free, and vegan, so you can feel good about using it. Remember to patch test first, as some may experience allergic reactions.

With long-lasting results and a satisfaction guarantee, you’re in for a treat!

Best For: Individuals seeking a natural, long-lasting tan with nourishing ingredients.

How Self-Tanners Work

Basically, regarding self-tanners available in the market, you’d find two kinds: instant and gradual. Instant self-tanners mean instant color development, generally in a few hours; the gradual self-tanners build up a subtle tan over several days of repeated application.

Instant Self-Tanners

You saw the countdown of the top 10 best-smelling self-tanners above, but now it’s time for instant self-tanners. These are the fast-acting formulae that provide you with immediate coverage and a natural, sun-kissed glow. Here is what to know:

• DHA: the ingredient for streak-free application.

• Instant tanners provide even finishes and are quick.

• Beauty by Earth has plant-based options for sensitive skin.

• Emily Ferber says to use a mitt for perfect coverage

Get that sun-kissed look instantaneously with self-tanning products, and it flows right through to boost your confidence level, to belong in your own skin.

Gradual Self-Tanners

Gradual self-tanners offer a gentler approach to achieving your desired glow. Unlike instant tanners, these products build color over time, reducing the risk of streaks or patchiness.

They typically contain a lower concentration of DHA, the active ingredient in sunless tanning products.

By incorporating gradual self-tanners into your daily routine, you’ll develop a natural-looking tan while nourishing your skin with hydrating ingredients.

It’s a win-win for both your skin health and your radiant appearance!

Applying Self-Tanner Effectively

First, exfoliate your skin to give the self-tanner a smooth canvas.

Squeeze out a dollop of your best-smelling self-tanner and get your tanning mitt ready. Apply from the feet upwards using circular motions for an even application. Don’t forget those pesky areas like knees and elbows—just use a lighter touch to avoid dark patches on those spots.

Timing-wise, be patient. Dress after the product is well absorbed, and also avoid water for at least 8 hours.

For the face, mix a few drops with regular lotion to get that subtle glow.

Practice makes perfect! Ease of application varies from product to product, so it’s a matter of experimenting and finding your favorite.

Whether you want to look deeply bronze or subtly shimmered, these techniques will ensure that you achieve a natural-looking tanned finish and that your sunless tan lasts longer.

Duration of Self-Tan Results

Now that you’ve mastered the application, let’s talk about how long you can rock that sun-kissed glow. How long your self-tan results are going to last varies greatly and depends on several factors.

Skin type is a major one: oily skin tends to shed quicker, while dry skin may hang onto color longer. The active ingredient of DHA works differently with everybody’s chemistry in your self-tanning lotion. Generally, you can look at anywhere between 5 to 10 days for its life.

Consider seasonal use and how you can customize your tan for radiant color all year round. If you’re an outdoorsy person, be aware that swimming and excessive perspiration really speed up the fade time.

Use separate products for body and face, since the latter exfoliates more. It’s easy to keep that bronze glow all season if you take good care of it.

Removing Self-Tanner

When it’s time to bid farewell to your faux glow, you’ve got several effective options. Tanner removal scrubs and chemical exfoliators are your go-to allies, gently sloughing off that lingering color. For a DIY approach, try mixing baking soda with your regular body wash – it’s a budget-friendly hack that works wonders. natural ingredients like lemon juice and aloe vera can also help fade your tan gradually.

If you’re looking to remove self-tanner from your face, opt for a gentle facial exfoliator to avoid irritation. Don’t forget to moisturize after removal to keep your skin hydrated.

For stubborn areas like hands and feet, soak them in warm water before exfoliating.

Body Vs. Face Self-Tanners

You’ll also find that body and face products formulate differently in self-tanning. Most body self-tanners have thicker textures, like mousses or lotions; these are designed to be easily applied over larger areas and generally more potent to achieve a deeper tan.

Face self-tanners are much milder and lighter in feeling. You mostly see facial serums, drops, or mists catering to your delicate facial skin. These products have enriching formulations and tend not to clog pores.

Some brands will even have versatile options, such as self-tanning drops you can mix with your favorite moisturizer for both body and face. You know that the skin on your face is a bit more sensitive, so choose one especially formulated for the face.

Never forget to patch test any new products; application instructions should be followed to the letter to achieve the best results.

The Search for a Pleasant-Smelling Self-Tanner

In case you’re searching for a nice-smelling self-tanner, be assured that you aren’t alone in this. Many tanners abhor the infamous "biscuit" smell that most exude, but that was a different day. The present market offers a wide range of fragrances one can choose from today, ranging from tropical coconut to sweet floral notes that will enhance one’s tanning experience by having scents they like.

Today, natural formulations from essential oils are becoming trendier; they give off more realistic fragrances. If you’re very sensitive to smell, then maybe go for the hypoallergenic options.

Otherwise, all the rest is a nice process: a pleasantly-smelling body scrub and self-tanning mitt will add a nice touch. Tanning mists usually smell less for lighter applications.

Much of the smell really comes from the reaction of your skin type with synthetic DHA, so it’s going to vary across different results. Happy sniffing!

Exploring the World of Smell-Free Fake Tans

While the quest for pleasant-smelling self-tanners continues, one has to wonder if it’s possible to just bypass scent altogether. Welcome to the world of smell-free fake tans, where you can achieve that sun-kissed glow sans the lingering aroma.

Where unread scented body tanners or odorless face tanners used to suffer by comparison, what you now get is the same great quality of results, just sans that signature smell of most self-tanners. These fine fragrance-free sunless solutions and fragrance-free skin bronzers help bring you a truly natural-looking tan with less orange hue posturing that happens frequently with fake tans. In such cases, you’ll finally be able to attain that healthy, sun-kissed look, courtesy of self-tanner, while simultaneously sparing your olfactory senses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)