The 5 Best Face Self Tanners in 2026 for an Instant Glow Up
Francesca is the Beauty Editor at Adore Beauty. With a background in glossy mags and bylines in publications like Marie Claire, ELLE and BODY+SOUL, Francesca has turned her love of beauty into a career. Whether she's decoding buzzy ingredients or road testing lip glosses (so. many. glosses.), her approach to beauty is equal parts glamour and highly-considered.
There are a few things you should look for in a good face tanner: a natural colour, even distribution and a hydrating, luminous finish.
It’s not too much to ask for, but unfortunately a lot of face self tanners miss the mark and end up orange, patchy and drying. Spooky.
We’re all about treating our complexions with care and protecting ourselves from damaging UV rays, which is why we recommend opting for a day-to-day SPF and getting a natural looking glow from one of these top face self-tanners.
Blending seamlessly into your skin, these face tan formulas create a completely natural and foolproof finish.
If you need a little help in finding which fake tan shade is right for you, be sure to check out our guide How To Find Your Fake Tan Shade.
How to Apply Face Tanner:
While directions change from formula to formula, there are some general face tanner tips that will allow for seamless and smooth application:
- Exfoliate beforehand
- Moisturise dry and delicate areas
- Remember to tan your ears
- Blend in properly
- Moisturise daily to protect and extend your tan
Now Here’s the Best Face Tans in NZ
The customisable face tanner for a gorgeous glow
The Tuscan Tan Tanning Drops are a clear, unscented self tanning formula that can be added to any moisturising base to create a customisable face tan. Designed not to clog pores, this buildable formula is one of the most effective non comedogenic self tanners for the face. To use on your face blend a pea-sized amount of moisturiser with 1-3 Tanning Drops in your palm. Apply evenly over your face, ears and neck. It imparts a subtle, natural looking glow that is never orange or weird.
- You can use the Tuscan Tan Tanning Drops with their fabulous Tuscan Tan HydraBase Face Moisturiser 50ml.
A gradual self-tanner packed with anti-ageing vitamins & botanical extracts
Eco Tan Organic Face Tan Water is bursting with nourishing ingredients to protect, soothe, and hydrate the skin. This natural self-tanner will leave your skin looking and feeling flawless, with a gorgeous sun-kissed glow. This lightweight tanning water is perfect for those who want to avoid heavy tanning products. Infused with Vitamin C, this antioxidant-rich tanning water stimulates and protects the production of collagen to keep skin hydrated, plump, and free from signs of premature ageing. The tanner also contains Aloe Vera to soothe irritation and Glycerine to provide both instant and long-lasting hydration.
Inspired by the cult-classic original formulation for the body, Loving Tan Deluxe Face Tan - Medium 50ml provides the perfect match for a seamless finish. Suitable for light to medium skin tones, this nourishing self tanner is infused with natural botanicals to protect your tan and your skin while providing a radiant finish. Loving Tan’s self-tanner is infused with antioxidants like Pomegranate and Açai Berry to neutralise free-radical damage. Deluxe Face Tan also contains Coffee Seed Extract, which enhances the skin for a healthy and revitalised look.
A lightweight bronzing tint you can apply straight or mix with moisturiser
The Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint is a multifunctional tinted solution that delivers a radiant and even tan with every application. The perfect alternative to foundation, this lightweight concentrate can either be applied on its own for greater intensity or mixed in with a moisturiser for a diluted finish. This tint blends into the skin seamlessly for a completely natural and long-lasting look. Particularly good for congested, oily, and acne-prone skin, this ultra-light concentrate helps balance problematic skin while imparting a stunning tan. Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint never looks or feels cakey or heavy; you get only even coverage and skin that looks like your own.
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