There is no doubt that self-tanning is the way to go if you want to protect your skin from damage done by the sun. However, the self-tanning market is growing rapidly, and with it, the range of products on offer is growing as well.
Trying to decide which is the best self-tanner to use, especially if you are a newbie to the self-tanning phenomenon, can become overwhelming.
Understanding the different products and options, such as lotions, creams, mousse, oils, gels, and sprays can take some time.
However, there is one self-tanner that is recommended for beginners, thanks to its ease-of-use and forgiving application, and that is a foam self-tanner.
Is a foam self-tanner right for you? And if it is, which one should you use?
Foam self-tanners are perfectly suited to those who want to self-tan easily at home, and for those dipping their toes into the self-tanning experience. The foam is easy to use and offers a wonderful bronze glow.
Due to the lightweight formula of foams, they are fairly forgiving and do not leave behind streaks and patches, which is a self-tanners worst nightmare. Instead, you will be left with an even, natural-looking tan that fades just as evenly too.
To make the choice of which self-tanner is best for you, we have rounded up the best out there at the moment.
Best Foam Self-Tanners
Here are the best foam self-tanners which will give you a flawless summer radiance:
1. Coconut Water-Based Long-Lasting Self-Tanner Foam
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For the best results and ultimate nourishment for your skin, the Coconut Water Based Foam from MineTan is a great option.
The one-of-a-kind self-tanner is supercharged with antioxidants, thanks to the coconut water base. These help to restore the hydration of the skin, giving it a revitalization which helps the tan glow and lasts long.
The formula is nearly weightless, absorbing into the skin quickly to lock down moisture, all while delivering a dark bronzed finish to the skin.
The fast-drying formula reduces the risk of staining on clothes or linen and contains no orange tones. It is also free from the usual self-tanner smell and instead has the fresh scent of coconut.
Free from parabens, and made with 100% natural DHA, the MineTan formula is kind and gentle to all skin types.
Containing Fast Tanning Active along with Quad Bronzing Technology, the 1 Hour Tanning Formula tans the skin quickly, absorbing deep into the skin to develop a dark, natural-looking tan. You are able to control the depth of your tan, by washing the foam off after an hour for a natural tan, 2 hours for a dark tan, and 3 hours for a deep dark tan.
Fatty acids found naturally in coconut help to soothe dry areas and work to improve the texture and tone of the skin, making the tan appear flawless.
This self-tanning foam is one of the better options for beginners and for those who feel their skin needs an extra bit of love and care.
2. Rodan and Fields Tanning Foam
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Easy to apply, this lightweight formula is perfect for first-timers, offering a hassle-free experience that results in the most gorgeous summer tan.
Being a lightweight foam, the application will be mess-free, fast drying and oil-free. The non-comedogenic formula prevents breakouts and irritation, rather caring for the skin than doing harm.
RF-Dcell technology has been built into the formula, helping the tan last longer than most other self-tanning products on the market.
Ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamin A, C, and E, help to protect the skin from free-radical damage and help to keep the skin hydrated and nourished.
The scent of the foam is pleasant, and the application is done quickly with no mess. The tan will be streak-free and have no orange tones, perfect for those who are nervous with a first-time application!
3. MineTan Self-Tan Foam Caramel
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Offering up a picture-perfect finish, the self-tan foam from MineTan gives skin a sun-kissed golden glow, no matter the time of year.
The caramel tone of the foam is suited for many skin tones, being not too dark and no too light. It is the classic gold finish which is still natural-looking. The formula is self-adjusting, meaning there will be no streaks or patches left once the tan has developed.
The Color Base Tan allows you to choose the right tone for your skin, customizing it to highlight your skin tone, not cover it completely.
The 1-hour fast tan formula speeds up the tanning process, by combining naturally derived tanning actives and antioxidants to help the tan develop faster than normal while maintaining a long lifespan.
Free from parabens and using 100% natural DHA, the foam is nourishing to the skin, and will not irritate or dry the skin out. Added ingredients help to moisturize the skin throughout the tanning process, ensuring the skin is kept hydrated to hold the tan in the most flawless of ways.
Fast-acting, the caramel tone achieved with the self-tanning foam will be irresistible and is suited to be used all year round.
4. Vita Liberata Invisi Foaming Self-Tanning Water
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Bursting full of organic botanicals, the foaming tan water is incredibly hydrating to the skin, creating the perfect canvas for a tan.
Ingredients such as Ginkgo Biloba and Raspberry moisturizes and nourishes the skin, giving an anti-aging treatment as you tan. The clear foaming water has no chance of transfer, and is super-fast drying, allowing for tanning on the go.
4-6 hours after application, a tan will develop which will be a natural deep bronze glow.
The Invisi Tan formula develops darker than other self-tanning lotions, making it suited for those who want a luxuriously dark tone.
Incredibly caring and nourishing for the skin, the foaming tanning water is the answer to self-tanning prayers. No risk of transfer, no orange tones and a clear, streak-free application, with a fast-fry formula, it will soon be your go-to product for a deliciously dark tan, without having to step foot into the sun.
5. MineTan Blue Black Self-Tan Foam
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Another great self-tanning foam from MineTan, the Blue Black foam gives a dark, sultry looked, topped with a cool edge.
The Blue Black foam contains shades which cool down warmer tones, capturing and reflecting light for the ultimate radiance. The Color Base Tan has unique bronzers, generating different tones of browns to suit your skin tone and desired result, suiting all skin types.
A development time of 1 hour makes this a great on-the-go tanner, with a seamless application where the foam is spread evenly into the skin, drying quickly and locking in much-needed moisture.
Antioxidants and hydrating oils help the tan absorb deep into the skin, for faster development and a longer life span.
Skin loving ingredients and naturally-derived make this foam nourishing for your skin while giving it that much desired dark tone.
6. Bondi Sands Self-Tanner Foam
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Bondi Sands has been in the tanning arena for quite some time now, making them a truly trusted brand to work with.
The self-tanning foam from Bondi Sands dries in mere seconds, leaving smooth skin finished with a rich and natural-looking tan.
Aloe Vera and Coconut help to ensure the tan not only smells great but lasts long from added moisture and nourishment.
This foam is suited for darker skin tones, but there are other foams and products in the range that suit to different shades of skin. If you are looking for a deep, radiant tan, this is the foam for you.
Fast drying and full of hydrating ingredients, this self-tanner foam will soak into your skin, giving it an incredible radiance that lasts longer than most self-tanners. The foam is lightweight and easy to apply, giving you an enjoyable experience from the beginning.
Your tan will be streak-free and flawless, giving you extra confidence to show off your brand new summer glow.
Why You Should Use A Self-Tanning Foam
With so many options to choose from when it comes to self-tanning products, you need to know why you should use a certain product. Self-tanning foams have many benefits and are often overlooked when people choose self-tanners.
One of the biggest benefits of self-tanning foams is that they give a wonderful dark, bronzed tan in almost no time. Being fast-drying, the tanning formula is locked into the skin, giving it the best choice to develop a deep tan in a shorter period of time.
With the way the foam self-tanners layer into the skin, there is minimal risk of streaking. This helps prevent blotches and uneven patches as well.
Another great bonus with self-tanning foams is that they are incredibly hydrating to the skin. Not only is this because they have nourishing ingredients, but because the foam dries quickly on the skin, it seals in much-needed moisture to make the tan long-lasting.
For beginner self-tanners, foam is very forgiving, correcting mistakes on your skin you might not even be aware you are making. The color develops quickly and allows you to carry on with your day not worrying that you might stain clothing or linen.
Most foam self-tanners are also free from the usual self-tanner smell, instead, they have a wonderful fresh scent to match your beautiful new tan.
Most self-tanning foams are clear and do not appear as intimidating as heavily bronzed lotions or mists. For this reason, it is a great starter self-tanner. It with soothe and soak into your skin, treating it to some loving hydration, all while you get to enjoy a gorgeous summer glow.
How To Use A Self-Tanning Foam
Although self-tanning foams are fairly forgiving, it is important to follow the correct preparation and procedure to make sure your tan appears as flawless as possible. Do not rush or skip out any steps, you will only suffer from an unnatural or patchy tan that fades quickly.
Here is how to apply self-tanning foam at home:
Shave – It is a good idea to shave your legs and any other area of your body that you will be tanning. Avoid tanning once you have applied the self-tanning foam, as it could strip the color.
The other reason you should shave before the application is to stop the hairs acting as a barrier to the self-tanning foam, the hairs could cause the tan to appear patchy.
Exfoliate – Once you have shaved the necessary areas, you should exfoliate your whole body. Use a sugar scrub to gently remove any old product and dead skin cells from your skin. Pay extra attention to the areas that tend to be drier, such as ankles, knees, hands, and elbows. Drier areas with a build-up of dead skin cells can turn out darker than the rest of the body.
Moisturize – Moisturizing is such an important step. Apply an oil-free lotion from head to toe. The moisturizer will help to hydrate drier patches, given the skin a more even color when the self-tanner is applied.
Apply the foam – The next step is to grab your self-tanning foam. It is a good idea to use a tanning mitt, but if you do not hand one, make sure to wash your hands to avoid them staining darker than the rest of your body. Pump the foam into the palm of your hand, massaging the foam in small circles into your skin.
Start from your feet and work your way upwards, making sure not to forget small crevices and the drier areas. Ask a friend or partner for help if you are battling to reach your back, it needs to be tanned as well! Once done, make sure to wash any excess self-tanning foam from your hands and other areas, paying attention to your nails and hairline.
Shower – Once the self-tanning foam has been developing for the recommended amount of time, jump into the shower and wash it all off. Do not rub yourself dry after your shower, instead, you should pat your skin gently until it is dry.
Moisturize – Once again, you can’t forget to moisturize, even after tanning. Try and give yourself at least one dose of oil-free moisturizer a day. This will help your skin keep hydrated, and help the tan last for longer.
Removing an old tan – Once your gorgeous tan starts to fade, it is time to reapply a new coat. Do not apply the self-tanning foam over an already fading tan, it will highlight the patches and make it look so much worse. Instead, repeat the above steps, exfoliating your skin before tanning to remove the old product, create a fresh new canvas for the self-tanning foam to work its magic.
Self-Tanning Foams
Self-tanning foams really do provide a solution to many different self-tanning nightmares. They do not leave behind streaks or patches, there is little chance of staining clothes because the foam is fast-drying, and the foams help to lock in much-needed hydration into the skin.
There are some really amazing self-tanning foams on the market, all suited for beginners and expert self-tanners alike.
The color they leave behind will mimic a natural summer tan, but with an extra hint of radiance and nourishment. Your skin will love the extra hydration it gets from the foam.
Due to the self-tanner foams being so easy to use, they will slide in very easily to your beauty routine, and you will not roll your eyes in regret when you have to reapply the self-tanner. Self-tanning foams really are quite pleasant to use, and get the tanning job done in no time at all!
Choose the self-tanning foam you think is best for you and enjoy your new goddess tan!