Self tanners for dark skin: NBC Selected names its 2026 top picks
NBC Selected’s 2026 guide spotlights self-tanners for deeper skin tones, with expert tips on shades, undertones and formulas.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
NBC Selected’s 2026 guide to self tanners for dark skin puts St. Tropez, Tan-Luxe and Jergens at the front of the glow-up queue, with experts warning that shade choice is the make-or-break detail for deeper complexions.
The shopping guide says sunless tanners can work across skin tones, but options for brown and deep skin can be harder to choose because some formulas leave an orange or brassy cast. NBC Selected says its recommendations were either suggested by experts or selected as top-rated products with shade ranges suitable for deeper skin.
The guide was informed by Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, and spray tan artists Sabrina Johnson of Gold Trim Aesthetics in Los Angeles and Kristina Black of Southern Luxe Beauty in Nashville.
What is the best self-tanner for dark skin?
NBC Selected named St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse its best overall pick. Garshick recommended the mousse because the color payoff can be adjusted by changing how long it stays on before rinsing, and she said it blends easily, dries without stickiness and settles evenly for a natural finish.
The guide lists the St. Tropez mousse as a one-shade, 6.7-ounce product sold at Amazon, Ulta and Sephora for $46. According to the brand, the formula also contains glycerin and aloe leaf juice for added moisture.
For a mousse aimed at cutting brassiness, NBC Selected highlighted Norvell Venetian Self-Tanning Mousse. According to the brand, its violet and brown bronzer tones are designed to counter orange-looking warmth and suit red or neutral undertones. The guide also notes that the product is noncomedogenic and has a streak-free finish.
The face drops, lotion and mist that made the list
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops were named the best tanning drops. NBC Selected says the drops can be mixed into serum or moisturizer, while Johnson said the bronzer-free formula makes it easy to apply and continue with the day. According to the brand, the drops include vitamin E and aloe vera.
Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Body Lotion took the best lotion slot. NBC Selected says the lotion builds color gradually over several days, a slower approach that can help the result look more natural. The guide lists the medium-to-deep shade among its options and notes that the product may take longer to show and can streak.
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water was selected as the best mist. According to the brand details cited by NBC Selected, the mist is clear, fast-absorbing, transfer-proof and safe for the face and body, with grapefruit and chia seed oils included for hydration and protection from environmental stressors.
How should dark skin tones choose a self-tanner?
Black advised starting with a lighter shade and moving darker if needed. NBC Selected says labels such as “ultra dark,” “deep” and “deep bronze” are often made for medium-dark to deep skin tones.
Undertone matters, too. The guide says violet-based self-tanners can help balance yellow or olive undertones, green-based options can offset pink or red undertones, and Johnson said neutral or red-leaning tanners often work well on darker skin.
NBC Selected also breaks down formulas by use: mousse is easy for beginners and can suit oily skin, Johnson said; lotion can help dry or sensitive skin while building color gradually; mists can reach awkward spots or refresh patchy areas; drops let users control how much glow goes into face products; and wipes are handy for touch-ups away from home.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.