11 Best Self-Tanners For Men
For a first self-tan, St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse is a useful starting point: its guide tint helps you see where you have applied it. Choose St. Tropez Express if you need to rinse sooner, or Bondi Sands Everyday Milk if you prefer building subtle color through a daily lotion.
This guide compares mousses, sprays, wipes and gradual lotions by what they are like to apply. The right format depends on your skin, the area you want to tan and how much development time you can allow.
Self-tanner adds temporary color without the UV exposure involved in sunbathing or using a tanning bed.
It does not provide sun protection. Keep using broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher outdoors, along with shade and clothing, and reapply sunscreen as directed.
Men do not need a separate type of self-tanner. Body hair, dryness, sensitivity and your preferred shade are more useful buying considerations than the gender on the bottle.
If your skin feels dry, a gradual lotion may fit your routine well. If you want to see exactly where the product is going, a tinted mousse can make coverage easier to track.
An instant guide tint and a developed self-tan are different things. The first helps with application and usually rinses away; the lasting color develops over several hours.
Products marketed to men can be convenient, but they are not automatically better at working through hair. Even coverage still depends on getting the formula onto the skin.
Check the development time before buying. A product that needs several hours without water or sweat may be awkward to fit around workouts or a morning shower.
Test a small area before your first full application, both to check skin tolerance and to see how the shade develops on you.
For more advice on blending around leg hair and dry knees, see our guide to self-tanners for men’s legs, which you can check out here.
The Best Self-Tanner for Men
The options below are compared by format, directions and practical trade-offs. These are not claims of personal testing. Check the exact formula, shade and included accessories before ordering.
1. St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse
Best for beginners who want a guide tint: Classic Bronzing Mousse lets you see which areas are covered, making it easier to spot missed patches before the color develops.
Classic is marketed as a medium golden tan, rather than the deepest shade in the range. It is a different product from St. Tropez Dark or Extra Dark mousse.
If you want a barely-there change, consider the gradual lotion below. A product’s final depth still varies with your starting tone and the amount applied.
The mousse format spreads with a tanning mitt and is less like a rich body cream. Use lighter coverage on knees, elbows, ankles and hands, where color can build up.
The brand’s Classic directions call for rinsing after 4-8 hours. Follow your bottle’s instructions and keep skin dry during development.
Trade-off: the guide tint can transfer to fabric. Allow it to dry before dressing and wear loose clothing while the tan develops.
2. St. Tropez Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse
Best for a shorter wait before rinsing: Express Mousse is useful if you cannot leave a conventional tanner on for most of the day.
The main difference from Classic is its adjustable rinse window. Express can produce a light, medium or deeper result depending on when you rinse it off.
The 1-3 hour timing refers to rinsing, not completed color development. Choose your initial rinse time as follows:
- For a light tan, rinse after 1 hour.
- For a medium tan, rinse after 2 hours.
- For a deeper tan, rinse after 3 hours.
The tan continues developing after the guide tint is rinsed away. Allow about eight hours to judge the finished shade, and follow the instructions for your exact bottle.
3. Skinerals Self-Tanner Sunless Bronzer
Best for a tinted face-and-body mousse: Skinerals Californium has a guide color to help you track coverage. Check the label before facial use and avoid eyes and lips.
A tanning mitt can help distribute the foam and protect your palms. Check whether it is included or needs to be bought separately.
Work one limb at a time rather than trying to cover your whole body with one large amount. A mirror helps with the backs of arms and calves.
The brand describes Californium as vegan and cruelty-free. Check the current packaging if these features are part of your buying decision.
“Natural” ingredients do not automatically make a product gentler. This formula is scented, so review the ingredient list if fragrance bothers your skin.
The manufacturer’s directions advise waiting at least four hours before getting wet and suggest 8-12 hours for best results. Use your bottle’s timing if it differs.
Trade-off: it needs an uninterrupted development window. Choose a gradual daily lotion instead if that is difficult to fit into your routine.
4. Neutrogena Micro-Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan Spray
Best for those who prefer a body spray: Neutrogena Micro-Mist offers an alternative to spreading a lotion by hand.
A fine spray can cover larger areas, but it still requires deliberate technique. Hold the can at the distance specified on the label and keep it moving.
Overlapping light passes are easier to control than saturating one patch. Follow the product’s instructions on whether rubbing or blending is needed.
A spray may make some angles easier to reach, but it cannot show you the parts of your back you are missing. Ask for help if you cannot see or cover them evenly.
Apply in a well-ventilated space and avoid breathing in the mist. Keep it away from eyes, lips and other mucous membranes, and do not spray it directly onto your face.
Let the first application develop fully before adding more. Repeated spraying in one session can leave uneven, overly dark areas.
Protect nearby surfaces from overspray and let the skin dry before dressing. “Fine mist” does not mean mess-free.
An oil-free or non-comedogenic label cannot guarantee that a product will never cause a breakout. Stop using it if you develop irritation.
Trade-off: spraying evenly takes practice. A mitt-applied mousse may be easier if you want more control over precisely where the product goes.
5. L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanner Towelettes
Best for travel or occasional use: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes come individually wrapped, so there is no large bottle to pack.
Smooth the wipe over clean skin in a consistent pattern. Unfold it as you go to expose a fresh surface rather than repeatedly using one corner.
Coverage depends on body size and how wet the wipe remains. Do not keep stretching a nearly dry towelette across more skin and expect the same amount of product everywhere.
The brand’s directions say color develops in 2-4 hours. Apply sparingly to knees, ankles and elbows and let the skin dry before dressing.
The small packets are convenient for trips, but plan the application when you have time for development and access to a sink for handwashing.
Wash your hands thoroughly after use, including around nails and between fingers. Gloves can limit staining, but you should still check for product on your wrists.
Trade-off: it is harder to judge how much liquid a wipe has deposited than to see a tinted mousse. Work carefully to avoid missed strips of skin.
6. Bro Glo Self Tanner for Men Starter Kit
Best for a coordinated face-and-body routine: the Bro Glo Starter Kit is worth comparing if you want separate products for those areas plus an applicator. Confirm the contents of the selected kit.
Bro Glo is marketed to men, but the practical benefit is the bundled routine. Body hair does not make an even result automatic or impossible; work the body foam through to the skin.
The brand’s starter-bundle instructions allow 6-8 hours for development. The face product is sprayed into the hands for application, rather than directly at the face.
Trade-off: a kit can cost more than the single product you actually need. If you only want facial color, compare the standalone face option before buying a bundle.
7. Self-Tanner for Men’s Grooming – Sunless Tanning Mousse
Best for someone considering a clear mousse: the Man Tan Company product shown here is marketed for men, but check the exact seller and formula before ordering.
Clear mousse has no visible guide tint. That may appeal if you dislike cosmetic bronzer, although it makes missed patches harder to see during application.
You can apply self-tanner over body hair. Spread it onto the skin beneath the hair, then smooth lightly in the direction the hair lies rather than leaving foam sitting on top.
Do not assume this product is odor-free. Check the current ingredients and fragrance description, particularly if you react to scented products.
For facial use, follow the label and use a light layer around the hairline and beard edges. Avoid saturating facial hair, and keep product away from eyes and lips.
Organic or plant-derived ingredients are not proof of anti-aging effects or better skin tolerance. Choose based on ingredients you tolerate and clear application instructions.
Trade-off: without a guide tint, you need a consistent application pattern. Cover one section at a time and wait for full development before deciding whether to add another layer.
If the listing does not provide current directions or a full ingredient list, look for that information before buying. “For men” alone is not enough to establish a good match.
8. Self Glow by James Read Sunblush Hydrating Tan Mist
Best for gradual facial color: Self Glow by James Read Sunblush is a hydrating tan mist intended for the face and neck, rather than a large-area body tanner.
The brand describes a clear rosewater-based mist. That makes it a different choice from the body mousses here; it is aimed at adding subtle warmth to a skincare routine.
Build the color gradually according to the label. Avoid inhaling the mist or getting it into your eyes, nose or mouth; if you cannot prevent that exposure, choose a face lotion applied by hand.
Trade-off: rosewater gives this product a rose scent, which will not suit everyone. Test it before facial use and do not treat botanical ingredients as a guarantee against irritation.
9. Banana Boat Self-Tanning Sunless Lotion
Best for a traditional lotion format: Banana Boat Summer Color is an option if you prefer spreading a cream-like product rather than using foam, mist or wipes.
Check the exact shade and formula on the listing. Product photos may show a different version from the one selected for purchase.
Moisturizing ingredients can help with how the lotion feels, but they do not guarantee freedom from breakouts. Review the current label if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
The pictured tube is Deep Dark. Choose by the actual shade available rather than assuming that one formula will automatically adjust to your ideal depth.
Start with one even application and assess the developed result. There is no required number of shades darker to aim for; a subtle change may be all you want.
Trade-off: lotion still needs time to dry and develop. It provides cosmetic color, not the sun protection you might associate with the brand’s sunscreens.
10. Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Self Tanning Milk
Best for gradual color in a daily moisturizer: Bondi Sands Everyday Tanning Milk is applied to clean, dry skin like a body lotion. The brand says a glow becomes noticeable after about 1-3 applications.
The slower buildup can be easier to control than a deep one-session tan. It can still collect on dry patches, so apply lightly around knees and ankles and wash your hands afterwards.
Trade-off: maintaining the shade takes repeated applications, and the formula is fragranced. It is a better fit for a steady daily routine than an immediate event-day result.
11. Tan Physics True Color Tanner
Best for lotion users comparing another buildable option: Tan Physics True Color Tanner can be considered alongside the gradual and conventional lotions above.
Check whether the selected listing includes a mitt. Bundles change, and an accessory pictured or mentioned in an older description may not come with every bottle.
Treat its skincare claims separately from its tanning function. A moisturized appearance is not evidence that a self-tanner reverses skin aging.
A cosmetic tint can help you see coverage, but it is not the finished tan. Follow the stated development and rinsing instructions before assessing the shade.
Use an even layer, blending carefully around wrists, ankles and the hairline. A mitt can help distribute lotion, but does not guarantee a streak-free application.
Allow each application to develop before deciding whether you want more color. Reapplying to already dark patches can exaggerate the unevenness.
Trade-off: compare the bottle size, directions and any included tools with other lotions. Extra skincare promises do not necessarily make it a better tanning product.
Step By Step For Men’s Self-Tanners
A good routine starts with skin preparation and enough time for the chosen formula to develop. You do not need an elaborate grooming routine to get started.
For a first attempt, try the product several days before an important event. That gives you time to see the result and let unexpected color or irritation settle.
Use the steps below alongside the instructions for your exact product.
Prepare Your Skin
Start with clean skin and gently address flaky patches ahead of application.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing, especially after shaving. Self-tanner should not be applied over cuts, razor burn or other irritated areas.
Patch-test as directed, and make sure the skin is cool and dry unless you are using a formula specifically designed for wet skin.
- Cleanse the face gently. If exfoliating, use a product your skin already tolerates and avoid irritated areas.
- Gently exfoliate flaky body areas, paying attention to the knees, heels, and elbows. Follow your tanner’s advice on when to exfoliate.
- Body-hair removal is optional. If you shave or wax, do it ahead of time and wait until the skin is calm before tanning.
Applying The Product
Follow the bottle’s directions for application, drying and rinsing. Different tanning formats are not interchangeable.
A well-lit room, a mirror and a clean mitt make it easier to work methodically. Keep a towel nearby for your hands and protect surfaces from drips.
- Apply a light, even layer, especially on the face. Wait for full development before deciding to add more.
- Let your skin cool and dry after showering. A steamy bathroom can make it harder to stay dry during application.
- Blend lotion or mousse as directed. Keep self-tanner away from eyelids, lips, nostrils and inside the ears; avoid inhaling sprays.
- Check the backs of limbs and the neck in a mirror. Blend lightly onto hands and feet, using little product over knees and elbows.
- Wash palms, between fingers and around nails after each section if using bare hands. A mitt helps keep product off palms.
After Application
Wait until the product is dry before dressing, following its stated drying time. A fixed 20-minute rule is less useful than checking that your skin is no longer tacky.
Wear loose clothing while the tan develops, and avoid water or sweat for the instructed period. Guide tint may still transfer, so be careful with light fabrics.
- Gently wash residual product from palms and nails after application. Avoid harsh scrubbing of freshly treated skin.
- If you notice a heavy patch before it dries, gently blend it according to the product directions. Once color has developed, moisturizer will not erase it immediately.
- After development and any required rinse, moisturize daily and pat skin dry after washing. This helps limit dry, patchy fading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about hair, fragrance and timing.
Should I shave before self-tanning?
No, shaving is optional. You can use self-tanner on hairy skin. Trimming may make application easier if your body hair is very dense.
Work the product through the hair to reach the skin, and blend carefully around beard edges. You do not need a male-specific formula to do this.
If you choose to shave, shave a day before applying the self-tanner, or allow longer if your skin is still irritated. Follow the product’s preparation guidance.
Can I shave after a spray tan?
Yes, but shaving can remove some of the surface cells carrying the tan and make it fade faster. If possible, complete hair removal before tanning.
After a spray tan, follow the salon’s development and first-rinse instructions before shaving. There is no universal 10-hour rule. Use a clean, sharp razor, gentle lubrication and light pressure once the tan has developed and the skin is comfortable.
Do all self-tanners have a fragrance?
No. Some formulas are fragrance-free, while others include added scent. “No fake-tan smell” does not necessarily mean fragrance-free.
A scent can also develop as the tanning ingredient reacts with skin. Fragrance-free products may therefore still have some odor during development.
Choose a scent you enjoy, or check for fragrance-free labeling if needed. Fragrance preferences do not have to follow gender labels.
Can I shower after a fake tan?
Yes, at the time specified for your product. Express formulas may be rinsed after 1-3 hours, while conventional formulas often need longer. Leaving every product on longer is not automatically better.
Rinse gently as directed and pat dry. The guide tint washing away is expected with tinted products, and some formulas continue developing after that first rinse.
Do men need a different self-tanner than women?
No. Men can use the same self-tanners as women. Choose by skin sensitivity, body area, desired shade and preferred format. Products marketed to men may offer a particular scent or kit, but the label does not guarantee better coverage through hair.
Self-Tanners for Men
The best self-tanner for men is one that fits the result and routine you want.
Choose a tinted mousse to track coverage, a gradual lotion for subtle buildup or a face-specific product for a smaller change.
Pay attention to ingredients if your skin reacts easily, and test a small area before a full application.
Keep the first layer even, use less on dry joints and give the color time to develop before adding more.
Regular moisturizing and gentle washing can help the color fade more evenly. If patches develop, avoid covering them with repeated heavy layers.
A sunless tan is an optional cosmetic choice. Keep protecting your skin outdoors, and avoid tanning beds even if you want a deeper shade.
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