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Fake tans for dark skin tones have been overlooked for decades. Most formulas on the market have traditionally catered to light skin, overlooking the undertones and depth needed for deep complexions. However, fake tan formulations (along with bronzer and bronzing drops shade ranges) have come a long way, and with Black-founded brands such as Caribé expertly catering to the needs of dark complexions within the tanning space, there are now more tailored formulations of fake tan for dark skin tones.
“A common misconception of fake tan is that it is only used to darken skin,” says Phoebe Ellis, co-founder of Caribé. “On darker complexions, however, this isn’t the sole aim—we use fake tan to enhance what’s already there by evening out tone, boosting warmth and blurring the appearance of dark spots,” she says.
“Historically, tanning was never an option for us because the tones on the market just weren’t cutting it. The depth wasn’t there,” says Ellis , who also mentions that fake tan is a safer way to achieve a glow without the risk of sun damage. “You can have the option for getting your summer glow back without compromising on your skin health and lying out in the sun all holiday just to keep the tan up all year.”
Ahead, Ellis shares her expertise about what to look for when considering the best fake tans for dark skin, and I also asked our Who What Wear UK editors to put the best formulas on the market to the test to see how they perform on dark skin. Plus, Ellis shares all the tips and tricks to make sure your fake tan application is on point.
What to Look For
“For those with darker skin, there are three key things to look for: hydrating ingredients, the right undertones and buildable formulas with a deep tone,” says Ellis. “Our skin is naturally drier, so choosing formulas that add moisture instead of stripping moisture away is always recommended,” she says.
“The best formulas for dark skin are those with olive or red hues, depending on the depth of your tone. These hues complement our natural skin shade and prevent that ashy or overly orange look many generic tans can leave behind—no Oompa Loompa vibes,” she says. “Dark-skin-friendly self-tanners are also made in richer shades, and when having buildable mousse, you can deepen the glow gradually and naturally,” she says.
Scroll ahead for the best fake tans for dark skin, as tested by our editors.
Best Fake Tans for Dark Skin, Tried & Tested
1. Caribé Tanning Mousse
Shades: 2
Formula: Tanning mousse
Developing time: 4-6 hours
Pros
- Formulated for dark complexions specifically
- Dries quickly and easy to apply
- No tell-tale fake tan scent
Cons
- It dries fast, so you need to move quickly when blending
Before
After
Editor review: “Fake tan was something I was previously told that I didn’t need as a black woman with melanin-rich skin. I’d heard enough streaky orange horror stories to steer right clear, although my mum credits past sun bed use for evening out her skintone. However, after some extensive research, I concluded that the safest and easiest way to get a summer glow is fake tan,” says acting senior fashion & beauty editor for branded content, Felicia Pennant.
“Co-founded by two sisters and fellow women of colour in 2024, the brand describes itself as ‘the world’s first tan for melanin-rich individuals’ and the reviews from ordinary women, beauty editors and influencers are unanimously positive. So much so that I wondered if the best-selling tanning mousse was too good to be true. Spoiler alert: It isn’t, and I love it,” she says.
“As a fake-tan newbie, I have nothing to compare the lightweight and darker-than-expected formula to. It does smell tropical as promised, rather than the overwhelming biscuit-y or nutty fake tan scent I’d heard about. I already apply cocoa or shea butter head to toe every time I shower, so I was pleased to see the latter amongst the nourishing and hydrating ingredient list, alongside aloe vera juice, glycerin and apple extract. The part I was most scared about was picking the right colour to achieve a sun-kissed, natural-looking tan. By colour-matching my skin tone to the four visual references (no mention of cool and warm undertones, though), I deduced that I was between light and medium and opted for the medium C94 shade. Caribé also offers a matching tanning mitt and brush to shield your hands and create the most seamless finish,” she says.
“Following the clear instructions, I slipped the mitt on my hand, added three pumps of the mousse to my covered palm and rubbed it up and down the inside of the opposite arm in circular motions. I chose to fake tan there instead of my legs because it’s one of the lightest parts of my body and arguably the best place to patch-test a new product. I did notice that the mousse dried and dissolved into the mitt very quickly, so if you’re not quick enough, it’s gone before it reaches your skin,” she adds.
“In the photos and in real life, I could see the difference straight away. It was subtle and looked like my suddenly radiant arm was lit from within, making the dullness of the other arm more stark. I’m about two shades darker, like I’ve been on a beach holiday, which is enough for me, and the website recommends applying more mousse for a deeper colour. Watching it develop over the next day was beautiful, and my skin didn’t feel dry at any stage,” she says.
“The more I think about it, the more I consider Caribé a viable alternative to the shimmery body make-up I’ve seen all over my social feed. I hate feeling the weight of any products on my skin, and whilst the coverage is lighter, the glowy results of the tanning mousse last for up to a week, and it doesn’t stain. I have no issues with the price, which seems mid-range, but the bottle is small given I’m 5ft 11. I’m just not sure if the entire 150ml bottle will fully cover my arms, legs, decolletage and face more than once, which could make my brand-new fake tan habit more expensive than I anticipated.”
2. Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam in Caramel
Bondi Sands
Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam in Caramel
Shades: 4
Formula: Express tanning foam
Developing time: 1 hour
Pros
- Develops in one hour
- Contains a guide colour, so you can see where it has been applied
- Caramel undertones
Cons
- Colour can transfer onto clothing whilst developing
Before
After
Editor review: “As someone with a deep skin tone, I had never even considered fake tan as a product that I needed to invest in,” says editorial assistant Brittany Davy.
“That was, of course, until I spotted a number of my favourite beauty influencers on TikTok using it to even out their skin tone and provide them with a healthy summer glow, year-round. Now, I’m hooked. And my favourite by far is the Bondi Sands Technicolour 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam in the shade Caramel,” she says.
It’s extremely easy to apply, and I appreciate that you only need to wear it for an hour. Not only does it help to even out my complexion, but it also provides me with the golden caramel glow that I often lose throughout the colder months. I also have to mention that I have eczema and very sensitive skin, and this does not cause any flare-ups or burning at all.”
3. Isle of Paradise Self Tan Drops in Dark
Isle of Paradise
Self Tan Drops in Dark
Shades: 3
Formula: Clear facial drops, to be mixed with your skincare
Developing time: 4-6 hours
Pros
- Clear formula won’t transfer onto clothing or bedding
- Can be used on face or body, and mixed into your usual skincare
Cons
- No guide colour, so you have to ensure the product is carefully applied for even results
Before
After
“As a mixed-race fashion editor, I’ve always been highly sceptical of anything self-tan-related. You see, I never lack in pigment,” says junior fashion editor, Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki. “Now, I must admit I have tried a few facial tan products in my day; however, I always felt they left my skin looking discoloured and rather muddy, rather than the smooth base I was looking for. So when I was tasked with testing the Isle of Paradise tanning drops in Dark, I jumped at the task to give you, our beauty reader, my honest opinions,” she says.
“With a pipette applicator, it applies much like your run-of-the-mill serum. A blend of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, and the brand’s tan in Dark, it looks to help even out the appearance of discolouration whilst adding a healthy glow, which, after four months of little sunlight, is a must for me. The bottle advises that you mix with moisturiser and add between 1-12 drops (the more drops added, the darker the tan). For the most accurate test, I applied 12 to my Aestura moisturiser, let it sit for 20 minutes and was pleasantly surprised by the result,” she says.
“Whilst my face was touch sticky, the tan worked incredibly quickly. After 30 minutes, you could really start to see the result. My skin looked healthy, and a subtle sun-kissed glow was building throughout, visible to the naked eye. After applying a full face of makeup, everything was just that bit warmer. I had to opt for some of my ‘holiday shades’ of concealer to make it work, as what I’ve been using so far in London just felt a bit pale,” she says. “Four days in, and only now am I slowly starting to see the colour begin to fade (and I can’t deny, I’m not ready to let go of the colour just yet!), so I’ve prepared to apply again tonight. All in all, for its ease, payoff and the fact that it feels so well priced at £19.95, I have to say the Isle of Paradise tanning drops are definitely something I’d purchase again.”
How to Prep Before Fake Tan Application
“Preparation when tanning is a non-negotiable and so simple,” says Ellis. “Tied in with your typical everything shower, gently exfoliate and moisturise to ensure your skin is smooth and hydrated (specifically for darker skin tones, focus on dry patches on elbows or ankles as the tan can cling to these areas), then use a tanning mitt for even application,” she says.
“For deeper tones, a gradual tan formula with a guide colour gives you more control over the intensity of tan and helps avoid patchy results as you know where the tan is being applied,” says Ellis. “Following this routine helps to keep the tan routine up, meaning no more pale winters!”
How We Tested
We enlisted the help of Who What Wear UK’s editors to test the best fake tans for dark skin tones. They each tested multiple formulas over the past couple of weeks, from facial tanning drops to tanning mousses to express formulations, to find out which fake tans are truly the best for dark complexions. Each of our editors tested the fake tans first-hand, honestly evaluating the application, the undertone and the overall result, sharing their before-and-after photos in their reviews.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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