You’ve surely heard of tanning drops—but what about its lighter-weight, translucent counterpart? The best tanning water provides a natural bronze when misted or brushed on. Think of it as a face mist or toner that leaves behind a subtle sun-kiss, with no UV rays necessary.
Miami-based board-certified physician associate Paula Brezavscek knows more than a thing or two about a natural-looking tan. “Unlike tanning drops, which are highly concentrated and typically mixed into your moisturizer, tanning waters are pre-diluted and ready to mist straight onto skin,” Brezavscek tells Vogue.
Vogue’s Favorite Tanning Waters
I have, historically, never been someone who self tans—not mousses, not drops, nor lotions. My olive tone complexion tans easily and rarely burns. Even just strolling outside during the summer can leave me with awkward tan lines from whatever clothes I’m wearing that day. Blame it on a religious daily skin-care routine, but what occurs then is a fairer face, but a toastier torso and arms. With that in mind, even I, a longtime self-tan skeptic, was convinced to dabble in tanning waters as a simple solution to making sure my face wouldn’t look paler than the rest of my body once the color started to fade. My experimentation started a year ago, when I first began working on this story.
According to Bethany Menzel, co-founder and creative director of Saltyface, transparent tanning products that develop gradually are the way to go for an everyday glow that’s easy to maintain. “This will make your tan routine feel maintainable and avoid transfer onto your clothing and sheets,” Menzel previously told Vogue.
I purchased my own bottle of Salty Face thanks to it’s non-comedogenic formula, and found a reliable summer favorite. But I’ve tested more along the way too, out of genuine curiosity and some boots on the ground journalism. Below are six of best tanning waters, according to myself, a few fellow bronzing buffs, estheticians, and derms.
In This Story
Best Hydrating Mist: Tan-Luxe The Water Hydrating Self Tan
- Why We Love It: Tan-Luxe’s tanning water formula is enriched with vitamins B, C, and E, along with raspberry seed oil and aloe vera, providing deep hydration while delivering a natural tan. “It’s packed with vitamin E and raspberry seed oil to nourish while it tans,” Brezavscek says of this skincare-meets-bronzer option. Board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp cosigns it too, adding that the ingredients list boasts deeply hydrating benefits—plus it’s paraben- and sulfate-free.
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