Whether you’re a year-round fake tan devotee or like to add a golden glow before a summer getaway, the best gradual tans deliver a natural, sun-kissed finish. While mousses and mists often get all the attention, lotion and cream formulas are an underrated beauty essential, and arguably one of the easiest ways to build a soft, subtle and believable bronze.After years of experimenting with fake tan, I’ve put countless formulas through their paces, from lightweight lotions and fast-drying creams to nourishing body butters and silky serums. Unlike traditional tanning products that can leave skin looking patchy or parched, these more hydrating hybrid formulas help create a smoother, more even glow, and make notoriously tricky spots like elbows, knees and ankles much easier to perfect.Packed with skin-loving ingredients, gradual tanning lotions do more than simply build a bronzed glow, they help keep skin feeling soft, nourished and hydrated long after you’ve applied them. Because they’re used in the same way as a standard body lotion, they’re also much more beginner-friendly than instant tans, with a lower risk of patchiness or streaks. Just remember to wash your hands afterwards to avoid the dreaded Wotsit-orange fingers.Perhaps best of all, gradual tanners allow you to achieve the right level of bronze for you. Reapply as often as you like to build up your glow, stopping once you’ve reached your ideal shade – and don’t forget about about the face, of course. “For the best results, apply your tan an hour after showering so skin is hydrated,” Jules Von Hep, celebrity fake tanning artist, advises. “When applying, start from the ankles and work your way up, massaging the skin as you go,” Von Hep says. “Imagine you’re frosting a cake, spreading the tan onto the skin.” “As a rule whatever you apply on each arm double or triple for the leg,” he adds. Armed with this expert advise, I’ve tested the best gradual fake tans for 2026, from bargain buys to luxury lotions.Read more: Best face tanners, tried and tested for a sun-kissed glowTesting the best gradual tans for 2026 (Daisy Lester)Best overall – DoveSpa gradual self-tan body lotion: £4.25 Amazon.co.ukBest budget buy – Garnier summer body hydrating gradual tan moisturiser: £12, Amazon.co.ukBest for hydration – Tan-Luxe the gradual illuminating tanning lotion: £20, Amazon.co.ukBest luxury buy – Gatineau golden glow gradual tan: £44, Lookfantastic.comBest for a steak-free finish – Loving Tan deluxe gradual tan: £27.95, Lookfantastic.comRead more: This fake tan is the best I’ve ever tried – and it doesn’t stain clothes or sheets