One Cosmo editor says: “Moisturizing and tanning at the same time usually isn’t a thing, but this body butter makes my skin feel so soft while imparting a soft bronzy look in a few days. And it doesn’t have the usual chemical-y tanner smell.”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

Why we love it: If you’re also obsessed with the moisturizing, lightweight feel of milky essences on your face (á la Rhode Glazing Milk), then you’ll love it on your body too. Cyklar’s Milky Essence is hydrating and smooth, gliding softly over skin. And now, it comes in a self-tanning version that coats your skin in soft color. Just apply with your fingers (yup, no mitts necessary—make sure to wash your hands after, though), and let it develop for 8 to 12 hours. There’s no need to wash it off, either—huge win for the lazy.

One Cosmo editor says: “I’m extremely adamant about not getting any sort of ‘real tan’ these days—a huge departure from my teens, which I fear I’ll be making up for well into my 50s. So I really love having some type of self-tanner on at all times... but I’m mega lazy, unfortunately, and won’t spend a ton of time rubbing something in and waiting to wash it off. That’s why I’ve been obsessed with this milky essence for the last few months. It’s no fuss, really. I don’t have to pull out a mitt to apply it, and I love skipping the wash-off step too, which always makes figuring out when to apply a ~whole thing~ for me. I also love the gentle color. It’s soft and natural, never orange.”—BG

Why we love it: Ah, the dreaded self-tanner smell. But this gradual tanner genuinely doesn’t have it. Instead, it smells like a soft, milky sandalwood perfume with zero traces of that chemical scent we all hate. When they say gradual, they mean it here. This one only provides a teensy tint upon first application, but over a few days, it slowly builds up to a stronger color (although, it’s still extremely natural).

One Cosmo editor says: “This gradual tanning cream not only helps slowly build up a sunless tan, it also hydrates skin with shea butter, cocoa butter, squalane, and avocado oil, all while smelling like my favorite fresh, clean woodsy santal perfume.”—BG

Why we love it: Saltyface is one of the few self-tanner brands that’s specifically making products for acne-prone, sensitive skin. And this facial tanning water is fantastic for creating a sun-kissed glow in just a spritz. Not to brag, but it did win a Cosmo 2026 Holy Grail Beauty Award.

One Cosmo editor says: “Practically every facial self-tanner breaks me out, but not Saltyface. All I do is spritz it on as the last step of my skincare routine at night, and I wake up with a bronze glow that’s natural and soft.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Another Cosmo editor’s review: “I have never found such a natural-looking self-tanner as Saltyface, and it’s a major bonus that it doesn’t break me out (an issue I have with practically every other formula, even those designed for face). It’s also so damn easy to apply. I don’t even have to blend it out. Just spray and go.”—BG

Why we love it: So you want to look like you just came back from a tropical, sun-filled vacation, huh? That means you need a bronzing formula that gives you a deep color sans the dreaded orange undertones. Enter: This bronzing foam from clean and sustainable brand Coco and Eve. The fast-developing formula comes in three shades (medium, dark, and ultra-dark) and is packed with antioxidants for some skin repairing and protecting benefits.

One Cosmo editor says: “A mousse self-tanner is so classic, but I find they often create a really strong color that can be hard to blend on fair skin. But the medium shade of Coco and Eve’s looks subtle. I really love that it has a guide color as I’m applying, which makes sure I get in every nook and cranny for an even glow.”—BG

Why we love it: Adding a little color to your face can feel daunting if you have pale skin, but this makeup-turned-tanner makes it so easy. The serum-based formula is encased in a sponge-tip applicator, not too different from many liquid bronzers on the market. It imparts a bit of warmth when you first apply it, but this actually converts to a soft tan as the day goes on.

One Cosmo editor says: “I first fell in love with this as a summertime bronzer. It’s so natural-looking and adds warmth without going orange or looking muddy on my face. The fact that it helps add a long-lasting contour to my cheekbones? Bonus.”—BG

Why we love it: Self-tan drops were practically made for fair skin because they’re inherently customizable. Add one drop to your moisturizer or face serum for the lightest tint, or a couple for a deeper glow. It also comes in three shades—light, medium, and dark—to even further tailor the level of tan to your skin tone.

One Cosmo editor says: “I stole this from the Cosmo beauty closet ages ago when I needed a new self-tanner, and I love that I can use it on both my face and body depending on the moisturizer I mix the drops in with. It gives me a nice light, gradual glow, and the undertones look really natural.”—SARAH MABERRY, FASHION AND LUXURY COMMERCE EDITOR