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‘I keep getting asked if I've been on holiday’: 9 best instant fake tans
Achieve a last-minute glow with one of these GH editor-approved instant fake tans
As we've all learnt over the years, the best fake tans require a bit of time and patience for flawless results, so when you've left it late and the garden party/beer garden/new summer dress is calling, you need one of the best instant fake tans.
Not only does it do exactly what it says on the tube, it’s a totally risk-free option. You’re not exposing your skin to damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause premature skin ageing (introducing: the best anti-wrinkle eye creams) as well as skin cancer.
And because instant tans are quick and easy to wash off, there’s no danger of being stuck with the telltale streaking of a poorly-applied regular fake tan. Read our fake tan application tips if this sounds familiar.
Best instant fake tans 2025
How to apply instant fake tan
To help you get the best results, we recommend using one of the best body scrubs regularly to create a good canvas for instant bronzer. Always moisturise everywhere before applying an instant tan, so the colour goes on evenly and blends well. A traditional tanning mitt is helpful, too. Not only does it buff your tan to a seamless, smooth finish, it prevents excess colour building up on your palms – not the bronzed look you’re aiming for.
That aside, it’s an easy product to master, especially if you’re using one of the formulas recommended by the GH team. Here are the favourites we keep on standby for instant gratification.
"This sunny serum is perfect for days when skin feels dull. Since its launch earlier this year, I've been wearing it mixed into my moisturiser for an added glow, especially on days when I can't be bothered with base makeup. Since I've added it into my routine, I keep getting asked if I've been on holiday.
The formulation is full of skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, squalane and jojoba oil, putting it firmly in the 'multi-tasking beauty' category. I haven't tried it for this yet, but apparently it's great for highlighting the collarbones and shoulders before a night out, too." – Florence Reeves-White, Senior Beauty Writer
Key specifications
| Type | Bronzing serum |
|---|---|
| Volume (ml) | 30 |
| Number of shades available | 1 |
| Tan development time (according to brand) | N/A |
| Guide colour | No |
| Mitt included | No |
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Golden Shimmer Multi Usage Dry Oil
"This is body shimmer, but for grown-ups. The gold-flecked dry oil creates more of a sunny radiance than a deep tan, but a few spritzes blended into limbs creates a gleaming, even finish and a good hit of non-greasy hydration, thanks to a nourishing cocktail of moisturising plant extracts.
You can smooth any excess product over the ends of your hair for extra gloss and it doubles up as a comforting summer scent too. I even wore it on my wedding day!" – Anna Lao-Kaim, Beauty Editor
Key specifications
| Type | Serum |
|---|---|
| Volume (ml) | 50 |
| Number of shades available | 2 |
| Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
| Guide colour | No |
| Mitt included | No |
"This tan is perfect for when I’ve got an impromptu event and need a glow fast. I pop it on the morning when I’m working from home, leave it develop for 1-3 hours, rinse off at lunch and I’m good to go.
I love that it doesn’t have that biscuity smell that some tans have and leaves my skin feeling moisturised. Thanks to the range of shades available you will never turn orange either. The olive tone matches the colour I naturally go in the sun, so I get loads of compliments when I wear it." – Rebecca Johnson, SEO Manager
Key specifications
| Type | Foam |
|---|---|
| Volume (ml) | 200 |
| Number of shades available | 4 |
| Tan development time (according to brand) | 1 hour |
| Guide colour | No |
| Mitt included | No |
"As soon as I start seeing blossom on the trees and daffodils in grass verges by the side of the road, I reach for this handy mist. There's a super-sized version if you like to use it all over your body, but a few spritzes of this before my SPF every morning mean I can rush to the office without makeup on while still maintaining a semblance of put-togetherness. A tan really does hide all manner of sins (and sleepless nights).
The spray format means it's easy to distribute evenly over the face, and I just dab at it with a makeup brush to ensure an even finish." – Florence Reeves-White, Senior Beauty Writer
Key specifications
| Type | Spray |
|---|---|
| Volume (ml) | 30 |
| Number of shades available | 1 |
| Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
| Guide colour | Yes |
"My skin is brown already, so I never need to 'tan' per se, but I love to add a little healthy glow if I'm going out for drinks on holiday, or attending a summer event.
I only discovered this recently, but it levels up my look when I've got my legs out, and makes me feel more confident. It's hydrating as well as adding a little glimmer, and it smells really good. It's like a perfume and tinted body oil in one." – Priyankaa Joshi, Senior Health & Wellbeing Writer
Key specifications
| Type | Oil |
|---|---|
| Volume (ml) | 75 |
| Number of shades available | 2 |
| Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
| Guide colour | No |
| Mitt included | No |
"It's rare that you'll find me not wearing any fake tan, but on those post-scrub days when I need a little something extra, this instant formula from Bare by Vogue is my hero.
I'll apply a few squeezes using a body brush, and my skin is left looking naturally golden in seconds. Just be prepared to accept those last-minute plans!" – Maddie Evans, Lifestyle Writer
Key specifications
| Type | Cream |
|---|---|
| Volume (ml) | 150 |
| Number of shades available | 3 |
| Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
| Guide colour | Yes |
“Clarins' quick-drying formula means you don't have to wait before getting dressed after application, something I definitely need. It never leaves marks on my clothing, which is a non-negotiable.
It isn't streaky, leaves a healthy, moisturised glow, and the woody vanilla scent is nostalgic to me (as I've used it for years) although some might find it too strong.” – Megan Geall, Homes Writer
Key specifications
| Type | Gel |
|---|---|
| Volume (ml) | 125 |
| Number of shades available | 1 |
| Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
| Guide colour | No |
| Mitt included | No |
“As an avid user of fake tan, this instant one from Skinny Tan is a convenient and quick option for days when I don't have time to put on a fresh layer of developing tan. It doesn't transfer onto clothes, so there's no fear of any mysterious orange stains around the armpit or neck area of your top.
I apply a generous dollop using a mitt and it leaves behind a nice, natural looking glow. The subtle iridescent shine makes it great for evenings, and topping up a holiday tan. I love that it means I can avoid hours of scrubbing any patchy residue too, as it rinses off at the end of the day. It's the perfect glow for on the go.” – Maddie Evans, Lifestyle Writer
Key specifications
| Type | Cream |
|---|---|
| Volume (ml) | 100 |
| Number of shades available | Three |
| Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
| Guide colour | No |
| Mitt included | No |
"As a Geordie girl, a pre-night out tan is a sacred ritual among my friends. This is one I remember from my youth, but it still holds up as a great way to add a little healthy colour to somewhat lacklustre legs. It also helps even and smooth out my skin tone.
I still keep a can of this in my bathroom for those ‘forgot-it's-warm-enough-to-wear-skirts-now’ moments, right next to my razor and best body moisturiser." – Millie West, Senior Food and Drink Writer
Key specifications
| Type | Spray |
|---|---|
| Volume (ml) | 75 |
| Number of shades available | 4 |
| Tan development time (according to brand) | Instant |
| Guide colour | Yes |
| Mitt included | No |
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
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