Sunless Tanner | Fast-Drying & Natural Glow
Skip the Sun. Keep the Glow.
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Not sure where to start?
Before & After
⏱ Takes 60 seconds
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll match you to the right formula for your skin tone.
Find Your Glow
How To Get The Perfect Tan
Prep
Exfoliate and moisturize dry areas like knees, elbows, and ankles. Start with clean, dry skin.
Apply
Apply Sunless by MAKAI in circular motions from ankles up. Use sparingly on hands, feet, and face.
Develop
Let dry fully before dressing. Your glow develops over 4 to 8 hours. Rinse for your perfect shade.
What Is Sunless Tanning
Sunless tanning gives you a natural glow without UV damage. Using natural DHA, it safely darkens the skin's outer layer to deliver a bronzed, sun kissed finish without sunburn, premature aging, or harmful rays. Unlike traditional tanning, sunless tanning works with your skin's natural chemistry to build color gradually and evenly, so it's the safe, skin loving alternative to UV exposure that works year round regardless of season or weather.
Explore our self tanner collection, check out the self tanner for men, and pair your glow with women's activewear. For more tips, visit the blog.
Self Tan Education
A good self tanner does not just give you color. It gives you the kind of tan that makes people wonder if you just got back from somewhere warm. Here is what actually matters before you buy.
Why No Orange Tones
Most self tanners default to an orange leaning undertone because DHA reacts differently depending on a formula's base. Makai self tanner is built on a balanced undertone designed to develop into a true bronze, not the orange or yellow cast that's common in drugstore and mass market formulas. The result is a tan that reads as natural sun, not a fresh coat of color.
Why Makai vs Other Self Tanners
Prestige self tan brands set the standard for salon quality color at home, and Makai is built to deliver that same level of result with a few key differences. Our formulas are designed specifically to avoid the orange and green undertones that even premium tanners can leave behind on certain skin tones. Every Makai self tanner is vegan, paraben free, sulfate free, and cruelty free, with a fast drying, low odor finish so you are not stuck waiting around or living with the smell. And with mousse starting at $35, you get a buildable, salon level glow without the salon price tag.
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Which Shade Is Right For You
Medium is the go to for fair skin or first time self tanners. Dark is our best seller for an everyday natural bronze. Ultra Dark and Ultra Plus deliver the deepest, richest color for those who want maximum depth. Still not sure? Take our 60 second Find Your Glow quiz and we will match you to the right formula.
Find your glow
Make Your Tan Last Longer
Moisturize daily, since hydrated skin holds color longer than dry skin. Avoid hot showers and baths, which speed up fading. Skip harsh exfoliation while your tan is active, and save deep scrubbing for right before your next application. Pat dry instead of rubbing after showering, and reapply every 5 to 7 days to keep your color consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Makai self tanner look fake or orange?
No. Makai formulas are built on a balanced undertone designed to develop into a natural bronze, not the orange or yellow cast common in mass market self tanners.
How long does a Makai tan last?
With proper prep and daily moisturizing, your tan will typically last 7 to 10 days before it begins to fade naturally as skin cells turn over.
What should I expect in the first 24 hours?
Let your tan develop for 4 to 8 hours before rinsing, depending on the formula. Rinse without soap first to reveal your full color, then pat dry. Avoid sweating or getting wet during the development window for the most even result.
Do you have how to self tan guides or tips?
Yes. Visit our full Tan Guide for step by step application instructions, or the Men's Tan Guide if you are tanning for the first time as a guy.
What are the benefits of going sunless?
Sunless tanning gives you a natural glow without UV damage. It avoids sunburn, premature aging, and the long term risks that come with UV exposure, while still giving you that warm, healthy looking color.
What shade is right for my skin tone?
Start with Medium if you are fair skinned or new to self tanning. Dark is our best seller for an everyday bronze. Ultra Dark and Ultra Plus give the deepest color. Take our Find Your Glow quiz for a personalized match.
Can individuals with sensitive skin use Makai?
Yes. Our formulas are paraben free and sulfate free. If you have very reactive or sensitive skin, we recommend patch testing on a small area first.
Are your formulas made with natural ingredients?
Yes. Makai uses natural DHA as the tanning agent, the same approach recognized by dermatology and skin cancer organizations as a safer alternative to UV tanning. Every formula is vegan, paraben free, sulfate free, and cruelty free.
Should I apply lotion on dry areas before applying?
Apply a light layer of lotion to naturally dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles before tanning. This helps prevent those spots from absorbing too much color and going darker than the rest of your skin.
How do I tan my face?
We recommend our Face Mist for facial application, since it is formulated specifically for facial skin rather than body skin.
Is it safe to use during pregnancy or with acne prone skin?
Many customers use self tanner during pregnancy and with acne prone skin without issue, but we recommend checking with your doctor or dermatologist first, especially for facial application.
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