Those of you who know me will know that during the summer months, I love a bit of fake tan. What can I say? I like looking sun-kissed and glowy, especially in the warmer weather. However, this autumn, I'm determined to keep my sun-kissed glow alive, even if the grey skies are against me. That said, I'd like to put aside the heavier tanning mousses for something lightweight and natural-looking, and luckily, I've found just the thing. Tanning mists.

We all know that no fake tan is effortless, but tanning mists are one of the quickest and easiest ways to get a sun-kissed finish (alongside my gradual tanning lotions, of course). I've tested some of the best tanning mists on the market, and even asked an expert for their top tanning tips, so keep on scrolling to find out more.

(Image credit: @rebeccaferrazwyatt)

What Is a Tanning Mist?

"Tanning mists make it effortless: just mist, go and let the glow develop," says James Read, tanning expert and founder of Self Glow by James Read. "They’re quick, even and completely hands-free, making them perfect for busy, on-the-go tanners or first-time tanners."

So, how do they differ from your typical mousse formula? "I’d say the biggest difference is that mists let you mist and go — no hands, no tanning mitt and no blending," explains Read. "Mousses, by comparison, require more application and preparation."

How to Apply a Tanning Mist

It's always best to follow the instructions on the product you are using; however, Read has some great tips and tricks for an even glow. "Hold the mist around 15cm away from the skin and spray across the front of the face, then each side, followed by the front and back of the neck," he says. "For an extra-realistic finish, I also use tanning mist on my hands." If you're using a mist on your body, I recommend prepping in the usual way, by exfoliating your skin and moisturing any dry areas such as your elbows or knees.

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

The Best Tanning Mists

  • Best Body Tanning Mist: Bali Body Self Tan Body Mist, £29
  • Best Face Tanning Mist: Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist, £32
  • Best Hydrating Tanning Mist: Self Glow By James Read Sunblush Hydrating Tan Mist, £39
  • Best Affordable Tanning Mist: Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Quick-Drying Body Self-Tan Mist, £13
  • Best Instant Tanning Mist: By Terry Tea to Tan Face & Body, £59
1. Bali Body Self Tan Body Mist

best body tanning mist

Bali Body Self Tan Body Mist

This body mist is a dream to use, and I reach for it in both summer and autumn. It features micro mist technology that makes it super easy to apply and means the product is dispersed evenly so you don't have to worry about streaks. All I do in the evening (after exfoliating with a body scrub and prepping my skin) is spray it on and blend it out with either a brush or mitt, and I wake up with the most natural-looking, sun-kissed glow. One thing to note is that the mist is totally clear, so there is no guide colour. I recommend starting with a small amount and building up the colour depending on your desired finish.

Pros

  • Quick and easy to apply
  • One layer adds a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow

Cons

  • No guide colour
2. Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist

best face tanning mist

Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist

Our beauty director, Shannon Lawlor, raves about this face tanning mist from Three Warriors. Designed to achieve a radiant, glowing complexion, the fine spray is infused with skin-loving ingredients such as rose oil and aloe vera. It develops in as little as three hours, and you don't even have to wash it off. Lawlor's top tip? Blend the product with a brush just after application for a smooth, even finish.

Pros

  • Contains skin-loving ingredients for a glowing complexion

Cons

  • Works best when blended with a brush
3. Self Glow By James Read Sunblush Hydrating Tan Mist

best hydrating tanning mist

Self Glow By James Read Sunblush Hydrating Tan Mist

James Read's tanning products are so innovative, and this mist is no exception. I've gone through countless bottles of the stuff thanks to the hydrating, skincare-infused formula. The lightweight mist adds a golden glow and features rosewater, hyaluronic acid and plant-based DHA. It's the kind of product that really will have people thinking you just got back from a restful week in the sunshine. Newer from the brand is the Golden Days Milky Tan Toner (£39), a milky mist toner-tan hybrid that hydrates and soothes the skin. I can definitely see myself testing this one out during the autumn months when my skin gets a little dry and irritated.

Pros

  • Hydrating formula
  • Lightweight mist

Cons

  • Has a subtle scent that not everyone will love
4. Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Quick-Drying Body Self-Tan Mist

best affordable tanning mist

Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Quick-Drying Body Self-Tan Mist

I've tried so many tanning products over the years, and I genuinely think Garnier's offering is one of the best out there. I've tried both the face and body versions of this mist, and I'm always impressed by the quick-drying formula. Yes, it sprays out quickly, so application can take a little while to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked on the quick-and-easy-to-use formula. One spritz delivers a natural-looking tan, but you could definitely customise the finish if you wanted.

Pros

  • More affordable than others on the market
  • Quick-drying formula

Cons

  • Application can take a little while to get used to
5. By Terry Tea to Tan Face & Body

best instant tanning mist

By Terry Tea to Tan Face & Body

If you don't have time to wait for your tanning mist to develop, don't fear, as the By Terry Tea to Tan mist delivers a sun-kissed effect in seconds. I've written about my love for this product many a time, but each time I use it, I'm blown away by how it takes my skin from lacklustre to luminous in an instant. The formula is infused with red and black tea extracts, alongside an active bio-cherry fruit essence, which temporarily "tans" the skin. You don't have to wait for it to develop, and thanks to the guide colour, you know exactly where you've applied it. I spray a small amount onto the skin and buff it in with a brush for the best results.

Pros

  • Provides an instant sun-kissed effect
  • Can be used on the face and body
  • Doesn't transfer
  • Matte finish

Cons

  • Would be nice to see additional shades in the future
6. St.Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

best radiant tanning mist

St Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

Last but not least, let's talk St Tropez. The brand's Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist has been a favourite of mine for years. The lightweight formula feels like a regular face mist (it's so lightweight, you don't even need to buff it in with a brush), adding a sun-kissed glow and a hydrating, radiant finish thanks to hyaluronic acid, Hibiscus extract and green mandarin water. The mist itself is clear, but develops over four to eight hours for a golden glow. You can apply it under or over makeup, but I personally prefer to mist it on to clean, dry skin and let it do its thing. Plus, the tropical scent is simply divine.

Pros

  • Super lightweight and easy to apply

Cons

  • Scent might be too strong for some

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 over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup 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.