5 Best Self-Tanners For Men’s Legs
The short version: the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Firming Lotion is the one I would hand a man who has never done this before. It builds slowly, so hairy legs and dry shins get a second chance instead of a streak you have to live with for four days.
They save you the trouble of sitting in the sun for hours, only to damage your skin and end up looking like a lobster.
If applied correctly, self-tanning products allow you to achieve an even and perfect-looking tan.
Some obstacles stand in the way of achieving that perfect-looking sunless tan.
So, what are the best self-tanners available for men’s legs?
One of the biggest obstacles for men to overcome when self-tanning is their legs. Hair can get in the way of applying self-tanner, leaving it looking patchy and orange, which is a look nobody sets out to achieve.
In most cases, men looking to self-tan their legs need to choose the right product and follow the correct preparation and procedure to get perfectly tanned legs.
5 Best Self-Tanners For Men To Use On Legs
Here are some of the best self-tanners for men to try when applying self-tanner to their legs.
1. St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Firming Lotion
This is the least fussy way to tan your legs, which matters when leg hair and dry shins are what usually wreck the job. You put it on like a body lotion after a shower and let it build.
The color comes up gradually over a few days, so an uneven first pass commits you to nothing. Go again the next evening and even it out.
It absorbs fast and stays streak-free. Hyaluronic acid and antioxidants are in the formula for 72-hour moisture, so your shins won’t go ashy a day later.
It is vegan and cruelty free, and the 6.7 fl oz tube goes a long way at one application a day.
It rates 4.3 stars across nearly 1,600 reviews. St. Tropez no longer sells the old Gradual Tan In Shower version, and this lotion is what carries the line now.
2. SunLabs Overnight Self-Tanning Lotion
SunLabs is a trusted name in the self-tanning industry, and you really can’t go wrong with one of their products.
Their overnight self-tanning lotion is made with a blend of natural ingredients, all paraben-free.
It is soft and smooth on the skin, nourishing it as it develops a sunless tan.
They believe that only healthy skin looks great with a tan, so their product takes care of both sides of the equation, giving your skin a flawless look.
The self-tanning lotion is easy to apply and will leave you free of streaks or orange blotches.
After the initial application, the self-tanning lotion takes 8 hours to develop, which allows the tan to develop to the intensity that you desire.
It can be used by both women and men and works well, especially in trickier areas of the body, such as the legs. It can also be used all over the body for a natural-looking sunless tan.
3. St. Tropez Self-Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse
St. Tropez is another brand that is widely trusted in the self-tanning community.
Their products have been tried and tested repeatedly and have always been a great and reliable choice.
The bronzing mousse is super-lightweight and really easy to apply. It has a velvety feel and will leave you with an even tan all over.
You can choose the intensity of the tan you want by choosing when to shower and wash the product off.
- Light tan – 1-hour development
- Medium – 2-hour development
- Dark – 3-hour development
The mousse has no smell, which helps you avoid that unwanted self-tanning scent.
It is quick drying and transfer-resistant, so there should be no residual staining left on linen or clothes.
The mousse gives you a well-rounded, even-looking tan and hydrates skin, leaving it looking fresh and nourished, highlighting the tan.
4. The Fox Tan Self-Tanning Lotion
The Fox Tan Self-Tanning Lotion is a unique formula that builds your tan when you are indoors and outdoors.
The elixir in the form of a lotion is used as a daily moisturizer.
It boosts melanin production in the skin. It can be used before spending time in the sun or to build a tan.
The elixir creates a golden base tan on your skin, even if you don’t spend time in the sun. The mist spray boosts the look of the tan, enhancing the natural glow even further.
The FoxComplex contained in the elixir is an active amino acid that helps to stimulate rapid melanin production. This helps you develop a tan quicker, even with minimal time in the sun.
Not only will the Fox Tan Self-Tanning Lotion help you gradually achieve an amazing tan, but it is also a great moisturizer.
It is made from almond oil, aloe vera, jojoba, olive oil, and cocoa butter, everything your skin needs to look and feel nourished.
The Fox Tan products are really versatile and allow you to be in control of your tan.
5. Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer
This is another tan-in-shower self-tanner, but this one doesn’t require a rinse after application.
Instead, you can pat yourself dry with a towel (don’t worry, the color won’t transfer) and go about your day or night.
It’s important not to rub yourself dry with the towel, but to lightly pat it to make sure you don’t get any streaks.
Pay attention to your skin tone, as this product comes in two shades: fair to medium and medium to tan.
If you are very light-skinned, start with the fair to medium shade. If you tan easily or have an olive skin tone, go with the medium to tan.
How To Apply Self-Tanner to Legs (Guide for Men)
There are different ways to apply self-tanner to different areas of the body. For men, legs are one of the trickier areas. In order to ensure a smooth and even application, follow these steps:
1. Choose your product – Once you have done your research, you should be able to decide on a product that is right for you.
2. Shave— If you do not shave your legs prior to the self-tanner application, you will have a really funky-looking tan.
3. Exfoliate – Exfoliation is key to ensuring an even tan. Once you have shaved your legs, exfoliate in the bath or shower that evening.
4. Moisturize — Moisturizing the day before your self-tanning application is important. It hydrates your skin and gives it everything it needs to hold a tan and look healthy while doing so.
5. Application – You need to ensure that you have an even, blotch-free tan. Work your way from your feet up, moving your hands in a circular motion in order to get all areas covered evenly.
6. Do not overdo it – Especially if it is your first time, you might be more tempted to apply more product to your legs to get an instant tan.
7. Maintenance— After applying self–tanner, keep your skin hydrated. Moisturize daily and try to stay out of the sun.
Healthy and nourished skin maintains a self-tan much longer, and it will only enhance the sun-kissed tan look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Legs The Hardest Area For Men To Self-Tan?
Hair can get in the way of applying self-tanner, leaving it looking patchy and orange, which is a look nobody sets out to achieve. For men, legs are one of the trickier areas to get even.
Should Men Shave Their Legs Before Using Self-Tanner?
If you do not shave your legs prior to the self-tanner application, you will have a really funky-looking tan. Shave first, then exfoliate in the bath or shower that evening.
Do You Need To Exfoliate Before Self-Tanning Your Legs?
Exfoliation is key to ensuring an even tan. Once you have shaved your legs, exfoliate in the bath or shower that evening, and moisturize the day before you apply.
Can You Apply Too Much Self-Tanner To Your Legs?
Yes, and it is the most common first-timer mistake. You might be tempted to apply more product to your legs to get an instant tan, but building the color up over a few days is what gives an even result.
How Do You Make A Leg Tan Last Longer?
After applying self-tanner, keep your skin hydrated. Moisturize daily and try to stay out of the sun, because healthy and nourished skin maintains a self-tan much better.
Final Thoughts
Applying self-tanner to your legs can be tricky, especially if you are a man! Hair and other bits and bobs get in the way, and can often cause a blotchy and streaky tan.
Rather, follow proper preparations, choose the right products, and perform a proper application, and you will be really happy with the results.
There really is no reason to walk around pale and morose, instead, get your hands on one of the great self-tanning products on this list and give yourself that amazing summer glow that you would usually have to work so hard to achieve!
