Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
I was always more of a tanning-lotion devotee—until I started at Allure. After testing countless foamy mousses, I abandoned lotions altogether. Mousses leave a more realistic finish, let you see exactly where you’ve applied them, and often deliver the same amount of hydration as lotions. Still, plenty miss the mark with streaky finishes, ashy undertones (on my olive-leaning skin), or color that fades after a few days.
Until now, my gold standard has been the Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse (which also won a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award), with one caveat: It has an eight-hour development time. So, when I heard the brand was launching an express version that develops in just two hours, I was intrigued (and admittedly skeptical) that it could deliver the same lit-from-within glow in a fraction of the time. After testing it, I’ve never been happier to be so wrong.
Save to wishlist
Dolce Glow
Express Self-Tanning Mousse
Dolce Glow
In This StoryLargeChevron
- What Makes the Dolce Glow Express Self-Tanning Mousse Special
- How I Applied the Self-Tanner
- How the Self-Tanner Performed
- My Final Thoughts
What Makes the Dolce Glow Express Self-Tanning Mousse Special
While the original Lusso Mousse is popular amongst our editors, it does come with an eight-hour development time, which is hard to manage during busy weeks of running around the city from event to event. Express mousses aren't new to market—but it is Dolce Glow’s first foray. Perfect for days when you’re short on time (I’ve definitely been there), it develops in a minimum of two hours for a light tan and a maximum of four hours for a deep tan, so you don't need to bask in it for a full day. It’s powered by DMI, or dimethyl isosorbide, a bio-based solvent that boosts the stability of tanning actives, so they absorb deeply and evenly.
To prevent streaks and patchiness, the formula infuses glycerin, avocado oil, and prickly pear seed oil to draw moisture into the skin. Plus, sugarcane gently exfoliates for an even finish, acting like a backup for the exfoliation you already did as prep. In comparison to the Lusso, which has hydrating ingredients in its own right, such as jojoba and macadamia oil, the Express features even more nourishing ingredients to counteract the shorter development time.
Applying Dolce Glow Express Mousse to my arm with a mitt
Lily Wohlner
My right arm (bottom) untanned and left arm (top) tanned after two hours
Lily Wohlner
How I Applied the Self-Tanner
As with any tanning mousse, prep is key. I like to exfoliate in the shower first—either with a body scrub or an exfoliating mitt—and skip moisturizer or body oil, so the mousse goes straight onto my skin for a flawless, streak-free finish. I used about three pumps per body part, rubbing the formula in with a tanning mitt using circular motions, making sure every inch was covered. On drier spots like my elbows, knees, and ankles, I applied a little less—and for my hands and feet, I only used the excess self-tanner on the mitt to avoid building too much product up in one spot. Even without my roommate (my usual go-to self-tanner assistant), my back—using a larger towel applicator—looked totally streak-free, thanks to how evenly and smoothly the glycerin-rich formula spreads.
With whatever product was left over at that point, I also tanned my face, using smaller, circular motions to cover all the nooks and crannies. I’ve also used the Lusso tanner on my face, and it’s never caused breakouts. That aside, if you want to use a tanner made specifically for the face, Dolce Glow offers tons of options.
Me before applying the Dolce Glow Express Self-Tanning Mousse
Me after applying the Dolce Glow Express Self-Tanning Mousse, leaving it on for two hours, and rinsing it off
After the self-tanner was fully absorbed, I threw on my favorite comfy sweats and waited for the two-hour minimum. (FYI: You can leave the mousse on longer, up to four hours, for a deeper finish.) The color develops gradually, so when it's time to rinse, hop in a warm shower until the water runs clear—don’t use soap!—pat dry, and you’re done.
How the Self-Tanner Performed
Having tested dozens of self-tanners, my standards are high, and yet The Express Self-Tanning Mousse scored high across the board. It's silky on the skin and the dark tint makes even application foolproof. Stepping outside while you soak in it might make you feel like a bronzed fish out of water this winter (due to how dark it looks during the development period), but after the two-hour dry time and a rinse, I was rewarded with a glow so natural, it could’ve fooled anyone into thinking I’d just come back from a beach vacation. The best part? No trace of that dreaded self-tanner smell! Instead, it has a light floral aroma that makes it far more enjoyable to apply and sit in.
Five days, plus a few workouts and showers later, my tan still looks fresh. One coworker even stopped me in the office to compliment my glow—without guessing it was fake, which, for me, is the ultimate win. My face has faded due to daily washing, but my body tan is still very much intact, which lives up to the brand’s claims (tans should last a full five days before beginning to fade). After giving it a few days to compare to the Lusso, I find that its staying power is just as strong, despite the shorter (and more convenient) development time. The only hiccup I noticed was a little patchiness on my hands—but I blame my still-amateur application skills for that. I’m confident that, with a bit of practice, I’ll figure out how to get into all those tiny crevices.
My Final Thoughts
Considering how well my tan has lasted the past five days without any stench, streaks, or patchy fading, this has officially become my go-to for my weekly tan—or, frankly, anytime I can’t spend hours marinating in self-tanner—since it only requires a minimum of two hours. Compared to up to six hours for the Lusso, that's a huge win in my book. (For a deep tan, you’d leave Lusso on for six hours or more, while the Express delivers the same depth in three to four hours.) The Express's finish looks just as even and bronzed as the original, with no visible differences. I do wish it were a bit less expensive (it is $2 cheaper than the Lusso), but after all’s said and done, it’s hands-down the best rapid self-tanner I’ve tried.
Save to wishlist
Dolce Glow
Express Self-Tanning Mousse
Dolce Glow
