Fake tanning is one of those love/hate beauty rituals, isn’t it? On one hand, there’s nothing better than waking up feeling like a sun-kissed goddess, but on the other… well, the whole process can be a bit of a faff. From the endless exfoliating to the awkward waiting-around time while it develops (ideally without sticking to your clothes or furniture), it’s a bit of a commitment. And let’s not even start on the horror of waking up to find your once-pristine white sheets now have a suspiciously orange tinge.
But what if you could get that gorgeous glow without the hassle of stained bedding? Thankfully, more and more brands are bringing out clear tanning formulas that promise to deliver a flawless, bronzed look—without leaving muddy marks behind.
To find out if they really live up to the hype, we put some of the most popular ones to the test…
Best clear fake tans to buy in 2025, tested by our Mirror team
Nip+Fab Faux Tan Mist Caramel
£8.65 from Amazon
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Mirror)
The claim: The mist has glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin so the colour fades evenly. The finished result should be an even, caramel tone.
Tester Rosie says: “The thing I hate about fake tan is the sticky feeling – I can’t sleep in it. Because this was a water, it felt really refreshing and didn’t stick to my pyjamas.
“It was harder to apply than a mousse because I couldn’t see where the mist was falling, so I was worried I’d missed patches, but when I woke up in the morning it was a lovely even colour, with just a couple of streaks around my wrists.”
St. Tropez Purity Bronzing Water Gel
£33 from LookFantastic
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Megan Bramley)
The claim: A tropical-scented gel that develops into a natural, golden tan in three hours – no need to rinse. It also promises 72 hours of hydration.
Tester Megan B says: “This was my first time ever using fake tan. I found the gel very easy to apply and was pleasantly surprised by the smell – fresh, not biscuity, as I’ve heard they can be. The tan took well to my legs and arms, but although I thought I’d been careful by using a mitt, it went slightly patchy on my wrists. This may be my amateur application.
“Everyone has commented on what a lovely bronze glow it has given me so I’d use it again and hope that practise makes perfect!”
Isle of Paradise Glow Clear Self-Tanning Mousse
£19.95 from LookFantastic
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Megan Bramley)
The claim: Comes in light, medium and dark versions and promises to colour correct your skin tone to give you a perfect, personalised glow in four hours.
Tester Megan R says: “It rubbed in easily and didn’t feel too sticky while I waited for it to dry. I’m a regular fake tanner, but this was my first time trying a clear mousse.
“I left this dark version on overnight and when I woke up it was pretty even and I had a lovely golden shade (natural and not too dark at all).
“It smells lovely and it’s lasted pretty well throughout the week. I would definitely use it again.”
St. Moriz Advanced Express Tan Foaming Water
£10.99 from LookFantastic
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Megan Bramley)
The claim: The colour starts to develop in an hour – just rinse it off when you’ve reached the shade you like. Even claims to have a ‘mood-boosting’ scent.
Tester Bex says: “I’m not an expert fake tanner but I’ve used others in the past. This one had quite a strong tan smell.
“I applied it before bed and it didn’t make a single mark on my white sheets, which was great. The colour also lasted ages on my skin before fading, which saved me from reapplying. I just don’t think it suited me, as the tone was very yellow. I’d leave it on for less time if I tried it again.”
Best clear fake tans to buy in 2025, tested by shoppers
Skin + Tan Clear Self-Tanning Mousse Ultimate Dark
£24.99 from Boots
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Boots)
The claim: This delivers a deep, natural-looking glow without staining clothes or sheets. Infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and aloe vera, it hydrates while bronzing. The lightweight, fast-drying formula develops over time and features a fresh pink grapefruit scent for a luxe tanning experience.
Tester says: “I have been tanning for years, so I managed to get a really nice even tan with this clear mouse, I would maybe caution tanning newbies to get one with a guide colour initially. I love the colour this tan gives, and it fades really nicely, it doesn’t stain your bedsheets too. Overall I would recommend!”
b.tan Clear Self Tanning Gel
£16.99 from Amazon
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Amazon)
The claim: An affordable tan that offers a deep, natural-looking bronze without the mess. This transfer-resistant gel is enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to keep your skin hydrated and radiant. Its clear, fast-absorbing formula means you can apply it and go about your day without needing to rinse off, and there’s no risk of staining your clothes or sheets.
Tester says: “I have used lots of different self-tanning products from different brands, and this is by far the easiest no-fuss product I’ve used. It may be more difficult for beginners to use as it has no guide colour, but it dries very fast and is comfortable. It is not the most intense dark shade ever, but turns out evenly on my skin.”
Tan-Luxe Hydra Mousse Hydrating Self-Tan Mousse
£36 from LookFantastic
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Tan-Luxe)
The claim: The formula is enriched with a skin-loving blend of Vitamins B, C and E while Raspberry Oil and Aloe Vera soothe and hydrate. This mousse creates a clean, natural-looking tan without a guide colour to prevent streaking, clogging the pores or dehydrating your skin.
Tester says: “I only discovered this tan recently and I now wouldn’t ever use anything wise. It goes on (with a mitt) streak-free. It doesn’t stain bed sheets and doesn’t smell either. I really like the colour of the tan too. It can be easily built up if applied each evening.”
Tanologist Clear Self Tan Mousse Dark
Currently £10.99 from Superdrug
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Tanologist)
The claim: Hydrate while you tan with this vitamin-infused mousse, packed full of skin-loving ingredients.
Choose your natural skin tone match from light, medium or dark and personalise your result by waiting 1-4 hours depending on your desired end result. Then rinse off in the shower.
Tester says: “Bought this product as heard great things about it, and I’m glad I did as it goes on nicely so easily applied no guide colour though but I don’t mind. I would only say is the longer you leave it on the deeper the colour and it also looks better when applied with gloves and not a mitt as the mitt soaks it in the product but otherwise great product and great colour results.”
Garnier Ambre Solaire Vegan Natural Bronzer Intense Clear Self Tan Mousse
£15 from LookFantastic
(
Garnier)
The claim: A transparent self-tan mousse that provides a streak-free, natural-looking tan with a quick drying time. Suitable for face and body, the formula works to give a natural-looking tan in just one application.
Tester says: “As someone who doesn’t fake tan (as I am not very good at it) this was really easy to apply and the finish was really natural. It also has a lovely smell.”
Source: Mirror
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