The best drugstore self-tanners and bronzing lotions to ace a faux glow

Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow Moisturizer, $13, Well.ca.

This self-tanner gives you a hint of tint after one application but also allows you to reach a deeper hue after three consecutive uses. Available in Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan, it contains skin-jtone-specific colour enhancers to give you a bespoke glow.

Hard Candy Glow All the Way in Tropical Tan, $9, Walmart.

Boasting it’s infused with 24 carat gold (yes you read that right), this lightweight formula for face and body gives you the best of both worlds. It provides an instant hit of colour while gradually building a darker tan on your skin over time.

Custom Colour, $32, Jouviance.

This colour booster pairs with daily sunscreens or moisturizers to lend a sun-kissed look. Add anywhere from one to three pumps, depending on the desired effect.

Vichy Idéal Soleil Self Tanner, $25, Vichy.

Whether your skin is dry, oily or somewhere in-between, this moisturizing milk will give you an even glow. Safe for use on the face and body, it contains vitamin E to give your tan staying power and helps to hydrate skin for up to 12 hours.

Hawaiian Tropic Touch of Colour Tinted Spray Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15, $11, Walmart.ca.

This spray-on colour is a must to throw in your bag before a trip to the lake as it contains SPF 15 and the formula is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, which means your new tan won’t budge after a quick dip.

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Summer Express Washable Body Bronzer Lotion, $18, Well.ca.

Get an instant glow with this buildable formula. It’s sweat and transfer resistant so you don’t need to worry about getting streaks on your go-to summer dress and has zero commitment since it washes off when you hop in the shower.

Benefit Hoola Zero Tanlines Allover Body Bronzer, $40, Sephora.

With a handy sponge applicator housed in the cap, this gel body bronzer was born from the brand’s cult classic Hoola Bronzer. It gives skin a transfer-resistant, streak-free natural matte finish that stays put for up to 12-hours.

Avène Moisturizing Self-Tanner, $25, Well.ca.

Guaranteeing a gradual, natural-looking tan, this easy to use lotion is formulated for sensitive skin, has a gel-like texture that smooths on easily and absorbs quickly so your skin is left hydrated with no sticky residue.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, $51, The Bay.

This cult body oil (and fave among French women) just got a makeover. It now contains Tsubaki and Argan oil to nourish the skin while imparting a foolproof finish for a subtle golden glow, making it perfect for first time self-tanners of all skin tones.

NeoStrata Natural Insta-Tan, $27, beautyBOUTIQUE.

This bronzer/tanner hybrid is highly concentrated in DHA, a naturally derived sugar that gives skin a warm bronze hue. Your skin will instantly appear more sun-kissed but the colour will intensify over three hours.

Biotherm Aqua Gelée Autobronzante Face Self-Tanning Serum, $37, Biotherm.

Containing the brand’s signature life plankton along with hyaluronic acid, this lightweight tanning serum will seriously hydrate your skin. Swap out your daily serum for this version when you want a naturally illuminated complexion.

More: 10 amazing makeup finds under $10
10 superstar lightweight moisturizers to try for spring 10 beauty products to help you fake a good night’s sleep