6 easy ways to get an instant summer glow without fake tan
By Team BEAUTYcrew
Beauty Crew / December 17 2025
Sheets too expensive to mess up with self-tanner? Try these instead
By Team BEAUTYcrew
Beauty Crew / December 17 2025
Tanning products have come a LONG way. While we’ve all battled with streaks, bad smells and Geordie Shore-worthy orange hues in the past, new advanced formulas now deliver faster results, easier application and more choice for your end result.
But while a fake tan is one sure-fire way to nab that summer holiday glow, sometimes you’re short on time/can’t be bothered/just not up for wrecking those really nice sheets with a self-tanning formula. For times like these, you need some low-maintenance glow-up options that will get you there with zero commitment. And we know just the products for the job.
Here are six ways to nab instantly sun-kissed skin without the hassle of self-tanner.
1
Body shimmer
If you don’t want to go the whole hog on the tanning front, a shimmery body oil is where it’s at.
Bangn Body's Shimmer Firming Oil ($72 from Bangn Body) is probably the closest thing to sunshine in a bottle. Containing a blend of naturally derived oils (it won’t just make your skin glow, but it also helps keep it hydrated), this dry shimmer oil will give you a subtle and natural bronzed sheen without the annoying greasiness.
Mix a couple of drops with your everyday foundation or apply it over your body for an all-over glow. The best part? You can just rinse it off at the end of the day.
2
Bronzer
For an effortless, natural tan without the shine, try a lightweight bronzer, like Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Wave Bronzing Balm ($65 from Sephora).
Using a large brush, focus on the high points of your face, like your cheekbones and temples (pretty much apply it wherever the sun naturally hits your face).
Buff some bronzer down the front of your legs, arms and the décolletage for a head-to-toe radiance-boosting glow.
3
Body highlighter
Pull off that Insta-worthy glass skin look with a highlighter like Bali Body Body Highlighter ($24.99 from Chemist Warehouse).
These multitasking highlighters seamlessly melt into your skin for a luminescent, high-impact glow. Remember, highlighter on your shins works just like highlighter on your cheekbones to accentuate your best features!
Mix the liquid highlighter with your body moisturiser or simply apply it down the centre of your legs to make them not only look slimmer, but to give them a natural-looking tan, too.
4
Bright nail polish
While we all know a pop of nail colour can brighten your entire makeup look, you might not realise that it can also make you look more tanned — no matter how pale you may be, a bright nail polish can work wonders on your complexion. Red and yellow-toned colours, in particular, have the ability to accentuate warm tones in the skin and make you look extra tan. Think colours like coral (we like Essie Gel Couture in 'Rock The Runway' ($18.99 from Priceline)), raspberry pink, neon orange and sunny yellow hues (don’t forget to do your toes, too!).
5
Foundation
Looking more tanned can be as simple as going up a shade in your usual foundation. If this looks a little intense, simply add a couple of drops of a darker foundation shade to your regular base and blend it around the outside of your face to enhance your features.
Using a contouring brush, work it around your cheekbones, your jawline and the natural contours of your face to create the illusion of a tanned glow.
Try Merit's The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick ($61 from Merit) — it’s a lightweight, breathable formula that is perfect for those warm summer days.
6
Sunscreen with a shimmer
Get your sun protection and shimmer on with a multitasking goodie like Naked Sundays SPF Clear Glow Shimmer Sun Stick ($39.95 from Naked Sundays).
This vacay-ready clear glow shimmer stick will leave your skin with a dewy finish and a hint of shimmer. Plus, it’s rich in skin-loving antioxidants for silky smooth, hydrated skin.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
Main image credit: @haileybieber
Need more self-tanner tips? This is the correct way to tan your hands and feet.
