Whether you are new to self-tanning or it’s something you now cannot live without (like me!), foam fake tan is considered a convenient and effective way to get bronzed at home.
I detailed why they should become part of your fake tan routine here.
The benefits of using a foam fake tan are:
- Value for money – a small pump can generally cover large sections
- Absorbs nicely to your skin when applied
- Spreads evenly and streak-free results
- Minimal cleanup
Whereas at home spray bottled fake tan:
- Can stain your surroundings and require extra clean-up
- Requires half to a full can in order for tan your whole body
- Stick onto the fine hairs or surface of your skin, not absorbing properly
- Can often be streaky and hard to achieve a consistent colour all over
So, now you understand why foam fake tan is a preference for many tanners alike, it’s time to work out which brand is right for you. Below is listed some of the best and most popular foam fake tanners on the market and why.
Foam Fake Tan 1: Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam 200ml
It would be hard to talk about foam fake tan and not mention the Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam. It comes in both a light/medium and dark shade.
Bondi Sands is a well-known and well-loved brand for those who self-tan at home.
The light/medium shade is a great option for those who already can tan naturally and just want a top coat or alternatively, those who are brand new to tanning and want subtle results. I stress the word subtle as if you are looking for a deep colour, you will not find it here. The great thing about the light/medium product is that it provides a natural-looking colour and is buildable if you are new to fake tanning.
If you are wanting a deeper tan, then Bondi Sands Foam in dark would be an option for you. It leaves a natural, dark but not too dark tan. This product would be perfect for someone with quite fair skin as it will take you many shades darker than your natural skin colour without looking orange.
A recommendation for using the Dark Foam, if you have an event on, apply your first coat 2 days before the event and wash off (once you are happy with how it processed). Then the day before the event, apply another coat and again wash off once you are happy with how it processed. With this product, once it is washed off you tend to lose a few shades, so 2 coats can help achieve a dark tan.
With both the light/medium and dark Bondi Sands Foam, the product dries quickly, does not leave streaks and has a nice coconut scent. Easy to see why this is a favourite for many tanners!
Foam Fake Tan 2: Le Tan Ultra Dark Foam 200ml
Without a doubt, this has to be one of my favourite foam tanners!
On the first application, you will get a very dark result. I would not recommend this for someone who has never fake-tanned before or is already quite tanned naturally. The green-based formula leaves a deep, brown, natural-looking tan that dries very quickly.
This product spreads so easily and you would only need a few pumps to cover your entire body. There is no sticky feeling and the smell much more pleasant and subtle than many of the other tanning products I have used.
I find one application of this is equivalent to 2 x application of Bondi Sands Dark foam fake tan and it tends to last a lot longer (around 7 days).
I highly recommend this tan for those looking for natural but reliable results.
Foam Fake Tan 3: Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse Dark 120ml
This is a very popular brand with many bloggers and you have probably seen many reviews if you know anything about fake tan.
Recommendations will be based on the Deluxe Bronzing Mousse in Dark as I have only tried this product, however, they also offer a medium and an ultra dark (if you are brave enough) shade along with other tanning products in their line.
While this is one of the more expensive foam fake tan products, it also delivers what it promises. It provides an instant bronze colour that develops over 8 hours. If you are someone who likes a really dark tan that doesn’t dramatically fade once you shower, then this product would meet your expectations.
If you are new to self-tanning, I would recommend using a lighter shade as the dark and ultra shades can be quite prominent on first application.
In terms of the colour, I would have to say it was on the more orange end of the spectrum, however, it does provides a deep, natural-looking tan without streaks. Additionally, it dries super quickly and does not leave you with a sticky feeling as it develops.
Foam Fake Tan 4: Selfie Tan’ Go Bronzing Mousse – Super Dark Tan 220ml
You can read my full review on Selfie Tan N’ Go Super Dark Tan here.
In short, it delivers a distinctly dark tan that dries very quickly and has no overpowering smell.
The only downfall of this product is that once I had showered, the result was tan many shades lighter. You would certainly need more than one application if you were after a deeper shade.
Foam Fake Tan 5: St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse 120ml
Once you use this product, it is easy to see why it is a trusted favourite in the tanning world.
It is certainly one of the more expensive self-tanning products, however, it is worth the premium cost. It simply delivers a great tan.
The mousse is tinted which means you can easily apply an even tan without missing areas. It is a green base formula which creates a natural looking bronze and doesn’t leave you looking orange.
With the price comes all the benefits of a great fake tan including being easy to apply, a streak-free formula and no overpowering smell.
