The 8 Best Tanning Towelettes

I used to avoid self-tanner like the plague. The smelly mousses, the streaky lotions, the stained bedsheets… it was just too much work. Then I found self tanning towelettes, and they totally changed my mind.

They’re basically just little wipes soaked in tanning solution. You just unwrap one and swipe it over your skin. No mitts, no mess, no drama. They’re perfect for traveling or for a quick tan before a night out.

I tried a bunch of them to find the ones that actually work. Some gave me a perfect bronze, while others were a bit of a letdown. Here are the self tanning towelettes that are actually worth your money.

 

 

The Best Self Tanning Towelettes I Tested

TanTowel Self Tan Towelettes Classic

A 6-pack costs about $38. This is the OG for a reason. If you’re new to self-tanning or just want something foolproof, this is it. The towelette is just damp enough to glide over your skin without dripping.

It was so easy to apply. I just swiped it on after my shower and let it dry, which only took a couple of minutes. The color developed in about three hours into a really natural, sun-kissed glow. It’s perfect for a quick trip when you don’t want to pack a whole bottle of tanner.

The Downside: One towelette is labeled for a “half body,” so you’ll definitely need two to cover everything. That can make it a little pricey for regular, full-body use.

 

 

TanTowel Self Tan Towelettes Plus

You can get a 6-pack for around $38. If you have medium or olive skin or just want a deeper tan than the Classic version, this is the one to get. It gives a noticeably darker color without looking fake or orange.

The formula is clear, so there’s no guide color to stain your clothes or sheets. I found the tan lasted for a solid five days and faded really evenly, which is a huge plus. No weird patchy spots at all.

The Downside: After a few hours, that classic self-tanner smell does start to develop. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s definitely there.

 

 

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes

This pack of 6 is super affordable at just $13. It’s a great drugstore find if you’re on a budget. The application is clean and simple, and it dries down really fast.

The color you get is very subtle. It’s more of a light glow, which is great if you’re just looking to take the edge off pale skin. The Vitamin E and AHAs made my skin feel surprisingly smooth afterward, too.

The Downside: You get a very light tan from one application. To build up any real color, you have to use them daily for a few days in a row.

 

 

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Towelettes

For about $12, you get 6 towelettes. Jergens is a name everyone trusts for a gradual, natural-looking tan, and these wipes deliver just that. They’re perfect for fair skin tones.

The color builds up slowly, so it’s almost impossible to mess up. I didn’t see a single streak, and once it dried, it didn’t transfer onto my clothes. It’s a reliable, easy choice for beginners.

The Downside: Just like the TanTowels, you’ll probably need two of these to cover your entire body, which cuts into the value a bit.

 

 

SOL by Jergens Full Body Towelettes

This pack is usually around $11. This one is designed to give you a quick, sun-inspired color. The formula includes coconut water, which sounds nice and actually makes the application feel smooth.

I liked the color I got from this one. It was a believable bronze that lasted for several days before I needed to reapply. The wipe glides on pretty easily for a fast application.

The Downside: You have to be pretty careful and methodical with your application. If you rush it, this one can get a little streaky around the ankles and wrists.

 

 

Bondi Sands Express Instant Tan Wipes

These run for about $25. Bondi Sands is a huge name in self-tanner, and these wipes are great for a quick fix. I use them for touching up my mousse tan or if I just need some color on my legs before going out.

They give a really nice golden tan without any hint of orange. The application is even, and the color develops fast. It’s a solid choice for a last-minute glow.

The Downside: There’s a light guide color, and I noticed it transferred a tiny bit onto my clothes while the tan was developing. It washed out, but it’s something to be aware of.

 

 

St. Tropez Express Self Tan Wipes

You can find these for around $30. If you want a dark tan and you want it fast, this is your wipe. The color starts showing up in just 15 minutes, which is wild. You can leave it on for different amounts of time to customize how deep the tan gets.

It’s a great option for people with medium to dark skin who want a noticeable bronze. The result was streak-free and looked pretty professional, honestly.

The Downside: The fragrance is really strong. If you’re sensitive to scents, this one might be a bit much for you.

 

 

Tournesol SunPop Tanning Towelettes Dark

A 5-pack costs about $12. My skin tends to get dry from self-tanners, but this one was different. It felt super hydrating, almost like I had put on lotion. My skin didn’t feel tight or itchy at all as the color developed.

The color payoff is impressive. It gives a deep tan that looks just as good as a lot of mousses I’ve tried. It’s a really nice surprise, especially for the price.

The Downside: You can smell the DHA right when you open the packet. The scent fades after application, but it’s pretty noticeable at first.

Honestly, self tanning towelettes are the easiest way to get a tan. They take all the guesswork and mess out of the process. You can throw them in a bag and get a streak-free glow anywhere.

Just pick one based on your budget and how much color you’re looking for. For a subtle glow, go with L’Oreal or Jergens. If you want a deep, fast tan, St. Tropez or TanTowel Plus are your best bets.