8 Top-Rated Self-Tanners and Vitiligo Camouflages
The products included this roundup were submitted by readers with vitiligo in our annual Skin and Beauty Product Survey. To be a part of future surveys from Living Dappled, join our mailing list. This post contains affiliate links, which means Living Dappled may earn a commission on product link clicks.
Looking for a self-tanner or camouflage to cover your vitiligo? You aren’t alone. Despite the pro-acceptance movement for vitiligo among those living with it, many people still choose to cover their vitiligo (because yes, covering your vitiligo is okay, too!). And self-tanners and camouflage can be a great way to do just that.
Self-tanners and camouflages – also called sunless tans or fake tans – work by applying a lotion, mousse or spray product to the skin to temporarily tan it due to an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. Most often, self-tanners and camouflages are used over large areas of the skin and therefore are often the preferred choice for those with significant loss of pigment (because yes, it will also tan your pigmented skin if applied there).
For those with vitiligo, covering with tanner can provide a renewed sense of control by providing the option to choose how you look. However, tanners can also be time-consuming to apply and maintain, in addition to being expensive and difficult to color match.
That’s why we turned to the experts – our readers – to find their go-to recommendations for tanners and camouflages. Here’s what they said.
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse is a tinted tanning mousse that is easy to apply, streak-free and adapts to your skin tone–with none of that classic self-tan smell. Here’s what our readers had to say about this product:
“It is full coverage, dark enough to give me a confidence boost, doesn’t smell bad as it develops and is pretty long lasting!” – Samantha
“It looks natural, doesn’t smell bad and doesn’t streak.” – Alicia
“Good coverage, dries quickly, smells nice.” – Kathy
“It dries quickly, has a natural color and doesn’t come off too easily. I feel extra confident wearing this product and it’s my go-to. I buy it every time.” – Ferdinand
Read More: Why I Use St.Tropez Exclusively to Cover My Vitiligo
St. Tropez Bronzing Face Lotion
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Face Lotion is lightweight, quick-drying and won’t block pores. The lotion also hydrates skin. Here’s what one reader had to say about this product:
“Gives some nice color to my skin since most of the pigment is gone on my face. Dries quickly and I can apply makeup afterwards.” – April
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam develops in 6-8 hours and is enriched with aloe vera and coconut to hydrate and nourish skin. The foam is available in three shades. Here’s what our readers had to say about this product:
“The color is the best match I’ve found–a very olive tone and it doesn’t smell too horrible.” – Brandy
“It looks natural, smells good and disguises my vitiligo well.” – Cheryl
Vitiligo Vanquish
Vitiligo Vanquish is a camouflage liquid created in partnership with Fake Bake to flawlessly hide pigmentation loss caused by vitiligo. Vitiligo Vanquish is unique in that it is applied to vitiligo spots with brushes (as opposed to all of your skin) for a more even camouflage. Here’s what we heard about this product:
“You can customize it to your skin tone, it doesn’t rub off, it’s a reasonable price and the product goes a long way.” – Carol
Tanologist Face and Body Drops
Tanologist Self-Tan Drops can be mixed with your favorite skin products for a customizable tan. More drops create a darker tan when mixed with your own lotion, makeup or other preferred skincare product. Here’s what one reader had to say about this product:
“I love these self tan drops. You have the flexibility of adding as much or as little color as you would like to the lotion you already use. I get to use the lotion I love and receive the benefit of a self tanner. It never smells and looks very natural. I have tried many products and services to cover my vitiligo and this is by far the best. Love this stuff!” – Laura
Vitiliglow
Designed specifically for those with vitiligo, VITILIGLOW® is an all-in-one camouflage cover for the skin, which blends depigmented patches with remaining skin tone. The camouflage is water resistant and has been designed to cover even the largest of depigmented patches. Here’s what one reader had to say about this product:
“It covers well and blends nicely with the rest of my skin. Dries quickly and stays on. Not too thick like some of the others, and can be used like lotion.” – April
L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion
L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion provides an instant bronze glow with subtle shimmer. The lotion contains Vitamin E and AHAs to moisturize skin. The lotion is available in medium and deep tan shades. Here’s what one reader had to say about this product:
“I usually use this product after spray tanning to create a more even look. It creates a great glow for my skin and dries quickly.” – April
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer gradually enhances and deepens your natural skin tone to provide the look of a tan without sun exposure. The scented lotion contains antioxidants and Vitamin E to boost moisturization. Here’s what one reader had to say about this product:
“Dries fairly quickly and looks natural.” – Tracy
Ready to shop?
If you’re ready to try one of these foundations, click to shop below.
Shop St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
Shop St. Tropez Bronzing Face Lotion
Shop Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
Shop Vitiligo Vanquish
Shop Tanologist Face and Body Drops
Shop Vitiliglow
