Thanks to the best gradual tanners, we can finally look forward to a summer of wearing sundresses and short shorts. Of course, classic British weather has prevented us from being able to get a glowing tan, so that golden glow is going to have to come from the best fake tan for now.
While nothing quite beats that feeling of landing somewhere new with the girls when the sun hits your face for the first time - at least you won't have to fret about a pesky sunburn. Whether you’re heading out-out for some drinks after work or going on that hot date, a gradual tanning lotion is the best way to turn up your beauty regime.
heat's best gradual tanners at a glance:
Best gradual tanner overall: Dove DermaSpa Fair to Medium Skin Summer Revived, £4.25 on Amazon
Best highly rated gradual tanner: Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk, £9.65 on Amazon
Editor's pick: Crazy Angel Gradual Tan, £10.80 on Amazon
Now you’ve come to terms with the fact that you're going to spend an extra half an hour a week (or so) scrubbing and moisturising to make you look like your inner bronzed goddess, you better find the BEST gradual tanners to make all this possible. If you're vegan, even better, because there are even a few cruelty-free tans in the mix as well.
Forget scrolling through Insta to get recommendations. We’ve pulled all our faves, from tan mousse to tanning lotion - and even gradual face tanners, all in one place. So, here's where to shop for the best gradual tan so you can achieve a glow to rival a goddess.
SHOP: The best gradual tanners you can buy online
Best gradual tanner overall
Dove's DermaSpa Summer Revived moisturises like nothing else and should thus be considered a champion gradual tan moisturiser. It's cheap, it smells delish, and it gives a good base tan in just days. From light to medium and medium to dark, this tan is suited to all skin tones. Don't just take our word for it, reviewers reach for this tan daily as it encourages a natural tan to last longer in the summer without harshly scrubbing any unwanted fake tan.
Pros
- Comes in light to dark for all skin tones
- Ridiculously good price
- Cell moisturiser formula locks in hydration
Cons
- Applies translucent, so tricky to tell where you've applied it already
Best highly rated gradual tanner
Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk is the best gradual tan for when you don't want to feel weighed down by moisturiser. We hate walking around like a penguin waiting for that sticky feeling to evaporate, and with this gradual tanning milk, you don't have to. Go on, hun. It's quick drying and has extracts of vitamin E and aloe vera to nourish skin that's been exposed to the sun. Reviews rave about this product and the 'lovely, light caramel colour' it leaves on the skin - ideal for pale skin tones.
Pros
- Quick absorbing formula
- Extracts of vitamin E and aloe vera
- It's also vegan-friendly
Cons
- Have to apply frequently to see good results
Editor's pick
During the tanning process, you essentially want a product that'll sink in, and you can forget about it. Who wants to deal with sticky skin and stains? Enter the Crazy Angel Gradual Tan. Apply like a moisturiser after a shower, and it slowly builds up a realistic, bronzy glow on your skin with no trouble at all. Our writer Lily Anderson tried this gradual tan and found that it was a perfectly solution to her search for a lightweight moisturiser. Lily found that this moisturiser sunk into the skin quickly and after three days of regular application, her skin turned a nice natural tan shade.
Pros
- No tan transfer
- Delicious shea butter scent
- Buildable formula
Cons
- May build up on drier areas like elbows, hands and knees
Best budget gradual tanner
www.boots.com
Want to look bronzed on a budget? The Nivea Q10 Firming Plus Radiance Gradual Tan does what it says on the tin, providing a radiant tan that looks like you've just stepped off a beach after a summer's day. However, this tan also locks in moisture, with fans of the product saying it leaves skin feeling firmer and more moisturised. We can't get enough, especially of this price.
Pros
- Provides a natural-looking tan
- Ridiculously good price
- Q10 moisturiser formula locks in moisture
Cons
- May not be the best for sensitive skin
Best glowy gradual tanner
www.spacenk.com
Tan-Luxe knows a thing or two about a natural-looking tan that you can control. This lightweight tanning lotion glides onto the skin without feeling heavy and naturally tans the skin as you continue to use. We love that this gradual tan moisturises the skin as it leaves a golden glow that suits your skin tone, and reviewers love that it applies 'so naturally and not at all patchy'. It's a win-win.
Pros
- Suitable for use on face and body
- Pleasant smell
- Can be applied daily
Cons
- Bulky packaging for travel
Best moisturising gradual tanner
This unreal tan is like summer in a bottle, and you'll be able to pick it up with the loose change in your pocket. Plus, it's practically a cult product in the beauty industry for it's nourishing and moisturising properties. Not only is the Garnier Summer Body Gradual Self Tan ridiculously affordable, but customers say 'it's very moisturising... and doesn't turn you orange'. Exactly what we need.
Pros
- Highly rated
- Ridiculously good price
- Plus, it's vegan-friendly
Cons
- May not be the best for sensitive skin
Best nourishing gradual tanner
www.lookfantastic.com
Tan Luxe's Super Glow is supposedly 'the world’s first hyaluronic, superfood, self-tan serum.' Think your best skin day but bottled. It comes in a deeper shade that works well with all skin tones, and it absolutely full to the brim with nourishing antioxidant extracts. From hyaluronic acid to coconut oil and more, it'll leave your skin feeling and looking healthy. One reviewer dubbed this as 'my wonder product' and we couldn't agree more. The reviewer went onto say how they buy this self tan time and time again as part of their daily skincare routine.
Pros
- Comes in a deep shade for all skin tones
- Packed full of nourishing ingredients
- It's also vegan-friendly
Cons
- Some found the shade underwhelming
Best lightweight gradual tanner
www.lookfantastic.com
We just love a mousse. They're the most lightweight of the tan formulas, and they're oh-so-easy to apply. Just slap it on before you go to bed, let it sink in, et voila. The St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Mousse provides a natural-looking and long-lasting glow without the appearance of dreaded streaks. We love that the reviews state that if you're looking for a natural tan, this everyday mousse is a great option.
Pros
- Leaves a lasting tan
- Extracts of aloe vera
- Vegan friendly
Cons
- There may be a fake tan smell, so layer up the perfume, ladies!
Best scented gradual tanner
www.boots.com
Say goodbye to a flaky tan with St Tropez Gradual Tan. It'll lock in moisture for up to 72 hours (hello, hyaluronic acid 🙌) and leave you glowing for longer. With a delicious watermelon scent, you'll have that summer feeling in no time. Ultra-hydrating yet lightweight, this texture just melts into the skin. Not to mention it's suitable for sensitive skin too. One reviewer stated, 'It's become a staple in my beauty routine for that effortless, beachy vibe'.
Pros
- Delicious watermelon scent
- Lightweight formula
- It's also vegan-friendly
Cons
- Avoid if you have white bedsheets!
Best hydrating gradual tanner
Ever dreamed of a gradual tan that didn't transfer to your clothes or bed sheets? Allow us to introduce you to the Bondi Sands Pure Gradual Tanning Milk, containing hyaluronic acid for extra hydration as well as the ever-brightening vitamin C. It's suitable for all skin types, especially those with more olive skin, according to reviewers. Plus, it's free from all the nasties, so this gradual tan gets a massive yes from us.
Pros
- Leaves a lasting tan
- Extracts of vitamin C
- No fake tan smell
Cons
- Some found the shade underwhelming
Best gradual tanner for sensitive skin
www.sephora.co.uk
If you've landed on this page because you, quite frankly, don't know where to start with gradual tanning, then this is the product for you. Targeted at beginners and consumers with sensitive skin, you can't go wrong with this milk from Vichy. Customers who purchased say, 'it looks really natural' and is 'an absolute winner'. A golden glow is as easy as one, two, three.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Dermatologically tested
- Suitable to use on the face
Cons
- Only 100ml
Best trending gradual tanner
www.beautypie.com
This brand of gradual tanner, the Awesome Bronze™ Gradual Self-Tanning Drops, have definitely caught our eye. With hundreds of reviews on Beauty Pie, it's safe to say this trending product is one to keep your eye on. Containing hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, this skin-friendly formula has been created to give your face a stunning, natural tan. All without the streaks. Our beauty writer Georgia Scott loved that this product lets you determine how tanned you want your skin to go whilst keeping the skin moisturised and looking plump.
Pros
- Provides a natural-looking tan
- Can be used as part of your daily skincare
- Vegan friendly
Cons
- Some found the shade underwhelming
Best celeb endorsed gradual tanner
James Read's range of gradual tanner has been endorsed by celebrities such as the gorgeous Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. RHW says: 'I swear by James Read, and I have regular at-home spray tans'. If it's good enough for Rosie, it's good enough for us. This easy to use tan mist for your face can be spritz on for an effortless golden glow. Reviewers say it's ideal for those who don't want to apply tan everyday but are still left with a natural look.
Pros
- Provides a natural-looking tan
- Effortless spray application
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Applies translucent, so tricky to tell where you've applied it already
How does gradual tan work?
Gradual tans, unlike traditional fake tans, use added moisturisers to achieve a more even, subtle tan. They pretty much resolve the annoying stuff associated with traditional fake tanners (streaks, patches and dryness) by hydrating the skin and developing the colour over a series of days.
Gradual tanners can be made up of lighter tan tones, so they also make the perfect fake tan for pale skin, too. To make the most of your product, apply it daily over the course of a week. Then, layer up to your desired shade of golden glow.
How long does gradual tan take to work?
Now, this does depend on the gradual tan you're using. But, in our experience, they're able to do the job in under a week. Get that St Moritz fake tan out, apply daily, and, after five to seven days, you'll be looking fresh off the plane from a sunny week in Marbs with the gals.
How to remove fake tan?
If you've had a tanning accident and ended up with a streaky application despite all odds, there's an answer to your problem. Enter, fake tan remover. You'd never believe it, but all you need to do is put a bit of product on the area and exfoliate it into your skin. Magic, if you ask us.
Lily Anderson is always on the search for the latest products and trends for Mother&Baby, Closer, Heat, Yours and What’s The Best. Lily has always dreamed of being a writer. Her love of shopping and finding the best deals can be traced back to her teenage years when she’d frequent charity shops searching out statement pieces.