Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you fancy getting your legs tanned to flaunt them, you can check out our list of the best leg bronzers to choose the right one. Tanning your legs could be trickier than you’d expect, especially with the wrong bronzer by your side. Sometimes, you could even end up with a blotchy or uneven tan, and the look of your leg may get ruined. But, your legs can attain an even tan and smooth finish easily with the right bronzer.
Leg bronzers with a good-quality pigment can give your legs a temporary tan that makes your legs look polished and smooth. With various products available, you can read on to learn more.
Top Picks
10 Best Leg Bronzers To Get An Instant Tan In 2024
1. Best Water-Resistant:Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Lotion
The water- and transfer-resistant formula helps keep the shine in place for long and is easily removable with soap, water, and a washcloth. Enriched with palmaria extract, the lightweight lotion can cover freckles, imperfections, and veins smoothly and stimulate microcirculation for firmer and healthier-looking feet and legs. Its quick-drying formula allows you to get ready quickly. Click this review video to learn more about this dark bronzing lotion.
Pros
- Won’t rub off on clothes once dry
- Dry skin-friendly
- Good coverage
- No orange cast
Cons
- Might not successfully cover age spots
- May contain glitter
"It has boosted my confidence to showcase my legs again. This one delivers a natural finish to my discolored skin, and its endurance is commendable."
Quick fact2. Best Lightweight:Onyx Sexy Legs Tanning Lotion
Get tanned legs without soaking in the sun with the Onyx Sexy Legs tanning lotion. This lotion is formulated with DHA and erythrulose to offer a long-lasting rich color look. It helps even the skin tone and keeps the skin conditioned. The dermatologically tested formula has nourishing natural ingredients, including coconut oil, coffee, and yerba mate to moisturize your skin and improve firmness and smoothness.
Pros
- Free of paraben, alcohol, SLES, and SLS
- Fast-absorbing and lightweight formula
- Suitable for hard-to-reach areas
- Streak-free results
Cons
- Some may find the quantity insufficient
- May slightly stain
"It has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly on my skin, and a little product goes a long way. The tube is slightly smaller than I expected, but the promising results and pleasant scent justify a repurchase."
3. Best Natural DHA:Millennium Tanning Solid Black Leg Bronzer
The super-dark bronzer is coupled with cellulite fighters and hair re-growth inhibitors to keep your legs smooth, tight, and toned. This natural DHA bronzer can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Enriched with natural ingredients such as black tea and green tea, this professional-grade bronzer and anti-aging lotion has antioxidant properties to decrease blemishes and mask red tones. If you want a deep bronze color, this is the one for you.
Pros
- Infused with aloe vera, coffee bean and wild carrot
- Helps fight skin aging
- Moisturizes
- Works fast
- High-pigment bronzer
Cons
- May not offer UV protection
- May have a peculiar smell
"I struggle to even out my tan, and this tanning lotion works best for me to achieve the desired results. It provides a glamorous finish, though proper application is warranted for maximum effectiveness."
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Lotion Best Water-Resistant | Onyx Sexy Legs Tanning Lotion Best Lightweight | Millennium Tanning Solid Black Leg Bronzer Best Natural DHA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry | Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | All, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal |
| Dimensions | 1.22 x 2.4 x 6.42 inches | 1.5 x 2.25 x 7.25 inches | 2 x 2 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 4 Ounces | 5.07 Ounces | 8 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 11,787 | 41 | 18,710 |
| Price | $11.19 | $26.95 | $32.91 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Vegan: Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion
Get a gorgeous sun-kissed glow with the Beauty by Earth self-tanner lotion. It is formulated for your face and body. This lotion is infused with organic aloe vera to hydrate the skin and shea butter to soften it. However, remember to exfoliate your skin before applying the creamy body lotion and stay away from water for six hours to achieve the desired results.
Pros
- Dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic
- Free from harsh chemicals or dyers
- Suitable for all skin types
- Easy-to-apply leg makeup product
- Long-lasting effect
- Buildable formula
Cons
- May stain your hands after the application
- Consistency may be a bit thick
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 18,710 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
5. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Self Tanner
Hydrate your skin while you achieve the perfect summer bronze color with the Natural Glow self-tanner by Jergens. This firming tanning lotion is infused with coconut water to hydrate your skin and antioxidants to fight against aging skin. It also doubles as a cellulite remover as it is infused with elastin, green tea infusion, and collagen. You can also use this leg makeup product as a regular lotion.
Pros
- Provide natural bronze color by deepening the original skin tone
- Streak-free color
- Has a pleasant fragrance
- Free of parabens
- No animal testing
- Suitable for mature skin
Cons
- May take time to show visible results
- Consistency may be a bit runny
"This self-tanner gives my legs a natural boost of color without being overwhelming. I like its pleasant fragrance and non-greasy application. The firming aspect isn't miraculous, but it did improve my skin texture."
Beauty tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 1,791 good reviews on Amazon.
6. Best For Immediate Glow:Isle of Paradise Disco Tan Instant Body Bronzer
If you are looking for a transfer-resistant body bronzer, try the Isle of Paradise body bronzer. This leg and body makeup product is infused with light-reflecting particles for a celebrity-inspired sheer look. In addition, you can apply the bronzer in sweeping motions for instant glow, and for a deep-tanning effect, apply it twice. It is suitable for all skin tones and also helps blur imperfections.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Easy-to-apply leg makeup product
- Delivers a deep bronze color
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- Simple to remove with warm water
Cons
- May look orange on pale skin
- May have a peculiar smell
"It is the perfect product for getting an instant tan. It glides on smoothly and delivers instant color without the off-putting scent some tanners have. I also like that it doesn�t stick to clothes."
7. Best Hair Regrowth Inhibitors:Devoted Creations Lavish Legs Bronzer
The bronzer is formulated to use along with the tanning lotion to obtain dark, beautiful legs. Its hair re-growth inhibitors help you maintain the color by slowing down the hair growth rate. This bronzer can tighten, tone, and firm the skin, delivering a gorgeous glow in a short time. It has coffee bean extracts that help decrease swelling and increase blood circulation.
Pros
- No orange cast
- Good fragrance
- Gluten-free
- DHA-based
- Provides a dark bronze color
Cons
- Streaking may happen if not rubbed in well
- Some may find the quantity insufficient
"After using this tanning lotion, my legs caught up with the rest of my tan more quickly than usual. It doesn't leave an orange hue and has a pleasant scent that doesn�t linger. Ensure proper blending to avoid streaks though."
8. Best Streak-Free:Body Drench Quick Tan Gradual Bronzing Lotion
Achieve a mess-free application with the bronzing lotion by Body Drench. With a quick absorption formula, this tanning lotion dries quickly without staining your clothes. It comes with an expert-recommended formula using DHA and other moisturizers for even tanning. In addition, this creamy lotion is loaded with the goodness of aloe vera, chamomile, sea kelp, orange extract, and walnut for nourishing, cooling, and soothing the skin.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Patch-free application
- Long-lasting tan
- Free of tan odor
Cons
- May leave a greasy residue
- May be slightly thicker in consistency than expected
"This tanning lotion provides a natural hue even on my fair skin and is very easy to apply. The color develops over hours, so it took a few tries to get desirable results. I like mixing it with my scented lotion to cover the slight tanner smell."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 333 reviews on Amazon.
9. Best Anti-Aging:Ed Hardy Hollywood Bronze Bronzer Tanning Lotion
Enjoy an instant tan glow and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with the Ed Hardy Hollywood tanning lotion. The dark color lotion offers an immediate tanning effect. It is infused with essential oils and vitamins to keep the skin hydrated and fight free radicals with proven efficacy. In addition, this dark bronzing lotio also contains MelanoBronze to let you achieve a long-lasting rich color.
Pros
- Streak-free application
- Provides even tan
- Has a pleasant fragrance
- Doesn’t leave you with an orange tint
- Works as an anti-aging lotion
Cons
- May leave greasy residue for some
- May be less suitable for sensitive skin
"While I was a bit skeptical about purchasing a tanning lotion online without any recommendations, I was amazed by its performance. Its gradual bronzing and absence of odor impressed me too."
10. Best For Deep Tan:Onyx X-Legs Ultra Dark Tanning Bronzer
Containing natural DHA, erythrulose, and caramel, this bronzer offers an instant deep tan. Its active hair growth inhibitors can make your hair softer and less visible. This bronzer is formulated with precious oils to offer silky, smooth skin and helps enhance the skin’s overall appearance by covering imperfections, veins, and freckles. This bronzer has coconut oil, cocoa butter, and aloe vera to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated while delivering a dark bronze color.
Pros
- Contains anti-cellulite oil
- Natural-looking tan
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor tanning
- No animal testing
- Skin-firming properties
- Quick and easy to apply
Cons
- Contains soybean oil
- May contain alcohol
"I�m pleased with the natural-looking boost it offers without that odd orange hue. Its texture is not sticky, and the scent is quite tolerable."
Quick tipHow To Choose The Right Leg Bronzers?
Here are a few factors to keep in mind when buying a leg bronzer.
- Compatibility: Ensure the bronzing formula is suitable for your skin and doesn’t have any ingredients that you could be allergic to. So test the product before use. You may also choose products made using organic or natural ingredients.
- Features: Choose bronzers that can make your skin soft, hydrated, and smooth, apart from the natural glow.
- Occasion: If you wish to tan your legs for a specific occasion, pick a product that can come off easily, but if you wish to use it daily, you can choose a product that offers easy application and stays long.
- Results: Look for a bronzer that provides an even tan and doesn’t leave any streaks behind. It should blend into your skin color seamlessly.
, a makeup artist and esthetician with more than 15 years of experience, says, “If you do not have much time for makeup, make sure the formula you choose gives you instant pigment. Besides tanning the skin, it should also condition the skin for the ultimate glow.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I apply bronzer to my legs?
You should use gloves to apply bronzer to your legs to avoid staining your hands. Take a small amount of bronzer and spread it across your skin in circular motions so that it blends well, and then let it air-dry. If you want to make your tan appear darker, you can apply another layer before the first layer has dried. However, always start with a small amount.
2. How long do leg bronzers last?
Typically, leg bronzers can last up to 12 hours. However, it varies from person to person.
3. Does a bronzer wash off?
Yes, bronzers are temporary and can be easily washed off. Therefore, you should avoid exfoliating and taking long baths to ensure that your tan lasts for a longer period of time.
4. Are leg bronzers safe?
Look for leg bronzers that are suitable for your skin type. However, always avoid bronzers formulated with sulfate, parabens, and other harmful chemicals. And, as with any cosmetic product, always do a patch test before using a leg bronzer.
5. What should I avoid after bronzing?
Avoid taking a shower for at least four to six hours, and even after that, avoid scrubbing and taking long baths. Use a mild cleanser to clean your body in the shower. Rosalie Beautie, says, “You should also avoid wearing light-colored clothing or sitting directly on leather seats after bronzing.”
6. How long does instant bronzer take to work?
Depending on the formulation, some instant bronzers can start to tan your skin in about an hour. However, it takes at least six to ten hours for a tan to fully develop. This varies from person to person. If your body already produces adequate amounts of melanin, it will take much less time to tan than others.
You don’t need hours of sunbathing to tan your legs, as you can simply apply the right bronzer for a sun-kissed glow and natural-looking color. Some products can help you improve your skin’s texture and give it a celebrity-inspired tan. The options listed here for the best leg bronzers are water and transfer-resistant, and fast-drying. Before choosing, ensure the bronzer is compatible with your complexion and formulated with ingredients that suit your skin and body, so you can look and feel fantastic every day. You may also look for clinically-tested bronzer if you have sensitive skin.
Infographic: How To Apply A Leg Bronzer?
Leg bronzers offer a convenient and effortless method to achieve gorgeously tanned legs, imparting a sun-kissed glow to your appearance without the harmful consequences of sunbathing or tanning beds. To obtain flawless and long-lasting results, refer to the infographic below. It outlines the essential tips for ensuring a frustration-free application of leg bronzers.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Sunless Tanners & Bronzers
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/sunless-tanners-bronzers
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a writer and editor creating in-depth product reviews to bring you the best products. While her interests are diverse, she loves to write about the best and boldest in contemporary fashion, skincare, and makeup. From recommending the most relevant and highly rated products to simplifying the purchase process with detailed buying guides, she attempts to provide readers with a holistic shopping experience through her articles. Her list of the best leg bronzers ensure skin-friendly ingredients, smooth finish, and effectiveness.
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