The 10 best gradual tanners to keep your summer glow

If you're after a gentle kiss of colour when reaching for your self-tan, Maria Åkerberg's ‘Tan in a Bottle’ may be your new best friend on the bathroom shelf. Ideal for fair skin tones seeking a subtle sun-kissed glow, this product provides a natural-looking tan that develops over three to four days, allowing you to build colour to your desired intensity. Better yet, this eco-conscious formula is infused with lemongrass, masking a distinct self-tan scent with a delightfully fresh, invigorating fragrance.

A two-in-one beauty punch, Danish Rudolph Care's gradual self tan drench your skin in moisture that transforms into bronzed glow. The result? A gentle, radiant tan that builds naturally on every singly skin type. Lightweight and velvety, it is easy to apply and absorbs quickly, meaning it is perfect for those on the hunt for frequent year-round use.

If you're looking for a tan-tastic one-stop-shop, Germaine de Capuccini's tanning milk is the way to go. Notably crafted for both face and body, it leaves the skin with golden glow without the sun's harsh effects. Better yet, its skin-friendly composition addresses common self-tanning concerns, such as streaks and uneven colour, all while boosting the skin barrier – boasting antioxidants to minimise free radical damage and hydrators to help keep the skin plump.

If you're dedicated enough to regular visits to tanning salons, it may be worth investing in Sensai's Silky Bronze Self Tanning. Highly praised for its luxurious texture and effective results, the gel cream applies streak-free and quickly, providing a sophisticated sun-kissed look. Applied two to three times a week, the indulgent blend leaves the skin feeling silky soft and with velvety pigmented results.

What's not to love about the intense hydration and nourishing properties of Sisley's skincare-infused self tanner? Well-regarded for its dual function, working both as a self-tanner and skin plumper, the formula includes macadamia oil and a quenching complex of active ingredients like Biosaccharides and Stevia leaf extract. Quick-drying nature and long-lasting, it is well worth the price for a skin-boosting tan that closely mimics a natural sun-kissed glow.

Practically made for first time users, the St. Tropez gradual tan provides a natural-looking bronze boosted by up to 72 hours of hydration. Lightweight and non-sticky, this buildable tan is quick to absorb into the skin – making it perfect for daily use. Designed to be forgiving and easy to apply, this gradual tan helps avoid common mistakes (such as streaking or uneven colour) that can easily occur for first-time tanners.

If your issue with gradual tanners is patchy application after a couple of round, Tan-Luxe's The Butter present a pigmented alternative that slides on streak-free. While you still have the manageable and customisable ease of a buildable tan, this formula is celebrated for its radiant results. Packed with reflective particles that help illuminate the skin, it develops into streak-free colour that over time intensifies into lust-worthy lit-from-within glow.

Finding most gradual tanners lacking in terms of colour pay off? If so, Bondi Sands' Pure Gradual Tanning Lotion presents a pigmented alternative. Delivering a natural and even tan, this formula is infused with skin-loving ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Vitamin C for radiance, and Vitamin E for repair. The product is designed to be colourless and fragrance-free, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. That said, it doesn't skimp out when delivering a deep golden bronze.

If you've tried a lot of self-tanners, you'll know the importance of colour correction when considering your skin tone. Are you cold, neutral, or warm? Isle of Paradise's Self-Tanning Butter is designed to offer a gradual tan using technology that helps even out any issues with hue – avoiding mis-tinted tans that give away their unnatural origin.

A gradual tan is a type of self-tanning product that develops a tan gradually over several applications. Unlike instant tanners, gradual tans are usually available as lotions or creams that moisturise the skin while providing a natural-looking, subtle, and long-lasting color that can be built up gradually.

For the best results with a gradual tan, you should start by exfoliating your skin to remove any dead skin cells – creating a smoother canvas for the product. Then, apply the gradual tan lotion evenly across clean and dry skin as you would do with a regular moisturiser. For the most consistent results, it is recommended to reapply the lotion daily or every other day to deepen and maintain the tan.

Yes, it's possible to use gradual tan products on your face. Still, it's recommended to go for products specifically formulated for facial skin, which is more delicate than body skin. Typically, these products are non-comedogenic and have added skincare benefits to moisturise and nourish the face.

Gradual tans typically develop within three to five days of consistent application. The colour will continue to deepen with regular use, allowing you to control the intensity of your tan.