As a veteran beauty editor with fair skin, you may be surprised to learn that I was once a self-tanner skeptic. Despite testing numerous formulas and writing multiple stories on the subject, I struggled to find a self-tanner that worked well for my skin. While my mom effortlessly achieved a sun-kissed glow with her olive skin, I was left looking streaky and unnatural. However, my skepticism was shattered when my colleague recommended Saltyface Tanning Water ($42) to me last year, and I fell in love with it. Here’s my honest review.
The Benefits of This Self-Tanner
It turns out that I wasn’t the only one who adored this product, as it went on to win a 2025 NewBeauty Award. The formula comes in two universal shades, Light to Medium (which I use) and Medium to Dark, both of which provide a natural-looking bronze. The DHA in the formula, derived from organic sugar beets, delivers an even and gradual tan without causing breakouts. Additionally, the inclusion of aloe leaf and cucumber flower extracts provides hydration, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and nourished.
One standout feature of the Tanning Water is its lack of synthetic fragrance, eliminating the typical unpleasant odor associated with self-tanners. The formula is oil-free and gentle on the skin, making it a favorite among customers who appreciate a natural-looking tan without the drawbacks of traditional self-tanners.
Saltyface’s Tanning Water Upgrade
Following feedback from customers, Saltyface made a significant upgrade to the Tanning Water. While the formula remained unchanged, the product now comes in a more durable glass bottle with a fine-mist sprayer, making application easier and more efficient. Customers can now enjoy a seamless and streak-free application, whether using their fingers or the brand’s Brush No. 1. It’s important to avoid exfoliating the skin after applying the self-tanner to maintain a consistent tan.
The Tanning Water isn’t the only product that received an upgrade—Saltyface underwent a broader rebranding. The popular Tanning Foam now comes in a lighter, more sustainable packaging, and the Freckle Paint is also housed in environmentally friendly packaging. This rebrand emphasizes an effortless and natural glow with fewer steps and less waste.
following sentence: “The cat quickly ran across the street.”
The feline swiftly raced across the road.