When it comes to
Many people are recognising the impact of long-term sun exposure on your skin and turning to self-tanning in order to still achieve a glow. As the popularity and use of
With this in mind, we have created the ultimate guide for the best
Quick Guide – Best Fake Tan Australia
Best For | Our Pick | |
Best Spray Tan | Bondi Sands Aero | |
Best Fake Tan for Face | Eco Tan Face Tan Water | |
Best Gradual Tan | Loving Tan Deluxe Gradual Tan | |
Best Fake Tan Mousse | Tanologist Express Extra Dark Self Tan Mousse | |
Best Fake Tan Water or Oil | Bondi Sands Liquid Gold |
Jump to:
Best At-Home Spray Tanners
Best Face Tanners
Best Gradual Tanners
Best Foams & Mousse
Best Waters & Oils
Best At-Home Spray Tanners
Bondi Sands Aero
The Bondi Sands Aero Self Tanning range is the perfect way to get a natural–looking, sun–kissed glow without the damaging effects of the sun. This range of lightweight, aerated foams are easy to apply and dry within seconds, leaving you with a streak–free, long–lasting tan.
Formulated with intense hydrating ingredients, this range is Australian-made, cruelty–free and vegan.
With five variations to choose from – Light/Medium, Dark, Ultra Dark, 1 Hour Express and Liquid Gold – you can find the perfect shade for your skin tone. If unsure which one to pick, you can obviously go by shade or the 1-Hour Express is a best seller.
Overall, this is another excellent product range from Bondi Sands, however, if you are new to self-tanning, you might want to try a foam as they can be easier to apply. Additionally, the Aero products, dry really quickly so you need to work fast to apply and they need to be left on for a while to see a deeper colour.
Mls: 225ml | Shades: Light / Medium, Dark, Ultra Dark, 1 Hour Express, Liquid Gold | Scent: Coconut
ST TROPEZ Self Tan Express Bronzing Mist
ST TROPEZ Self Tan Express Bronzing Mist is the perfect solution for those looking for a quick and easy way to get a sun–kissed glow. This 360°, easy-to-apply mist delivers a streak–free finish with no self-tan smell, thanks to its mood–boosting fragrance.
It‘s quick–drying and non–sticky, and it‘s also hydrating with an even fade. Wait just 1 hour before showering to achieve a light sun-kissed glow, 2 hours for a medium golden tan, or leave on for up to 3 hours for a deep, dark bronze.
The only downside is the price. It‘s one of the more expensive at-home spray tanners and you will likely use it up quickly.
Mls: 200ml | Shades: One shade | Scent: Subtle fresh scent – no
Le Tan in Le Can – Classic Tan
Le Tan in Le Can Self–Tanner is a great choice for those looking for a natural–looking tan with a flawless, airbrushed finish. The lightweight mist is easy to apply with the 360° nozzle and gradually develops into a natural bronze tan that lasts for days.
The formula is enriched with Vitamin E to keep skin hydrated and has a delicious vanilla scent.
It‘s an affordable and reliable product that has been on the market for years, but it can be a little on the orange side and you may find you use it up quickly, especially if looking to apply it to your whole body.
Mls: 150ml | Shades: Light / Medium & Medium / Dark | Scent: Sweet Vanilla/Maple Syrup
Best Face Tanners
Eco Tan Face Water
There is a lot to love about Face Tan Water — the au-naturale ingredients, no breakouts and it creates a subtle and stunning glow on your face.
As mentioned, it is made with natural and organic ingredients, including aloe vera, witch hazel, and chamomile, which help to nourish and hydrate the skin while providing a natural–looking tan.
The formula is lightweight and easy to apply, and it dries quickly without leaving any streaks or patches. It also has a pleasant scent and won‘t clog pores or cause breakouts.
Eco Tan Face Water is one of the best self–tanners for the face because it provides a natural–looking tan without any harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients. It is also vegan and cruelty–free, making it a great choice for those looking for an ethical self–tanner.
My only gripe with this product is that it will fade very quickly — especially if you are using active ingredients in your skincare routine. You will need to apply it every 1 – 2 days for consistent colour.
Despite some tough competition, I believe this is the best
Mls: 100ml | Shades: One shade | Scent: Light & Fresh – no
Luna Bronze – Good Night Face Bronzing Serum
30ml
If you’re after a self-tanner that doubles as a serum, the Luna Bronze Good Night Face Bronzing Serum is an excellent option. Best of all its 100% vegan, cruelty-free, natural and organic, and made in Australia
The formulation is infused with Vitamin C and Australian native extracts that work to hydrate, brighten and nourish the skin while providing an effortless, natural glow overnight.
The serum is easy to apply and dries quickly, so you can get a beautiful tan in no time. It also has a pleasant scent and won‘t leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy.
We love an economical product and with this serum, a little goes a long way.
Mls: 30ml | Shades: One shade
Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist
The Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist is a luxurious and natural face tanning mist that helps to give your skin a beautiful, sun–kissed glow.
It is made with ultra–fine Tasmanian water, which is rich in minerals and electrolytes, as well as rose oil, aloe vera, and Tasmanian olive oil to help hydrate, soothe, and soften the skin. The natural and organic ingredients provide high levels of antioxidants to protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV rays.
This face tanning mist is vegan, certified organic, certified Australian toxic–free, and certified cruelty–free. It is the perfect way to get a healthy and natural-looking tan without having to expose your skin to the sun‘s harmful rays.
Mls: 100ml | Shades: One shade | Scent: Jasmine, Rose and Vanilla
Tan Luxe The Face
One of my biggest fears when it comes to using any face tanning product is waking up with an orange face. I want an even, natural result that won’t break my skin out.
Tan Luxe is well-loved by those in beauty community for good reason — it delivers!
There are two colour options; Light to Medium or Medium to Dark which develops over several hours.
You add the drops into your moisturiser, serum or face-oil, meaning it won’t disrupt your skincare routine and is buildable.
Mls: 30ml | Shades: Light / Medium & Medium / Dark | Scent: Raspberry Fragrance
Tanologist Face & Body Tanning Drops
While this is not the best
These self-tanning drops have a clear consistency and are designed to be mixed with your skincare, makeup or body care. Adding more drops will result in a darker tan. The face tanner comes in three shades; Light, Medium and Dark. As someone who has a fair complexion, I would recommend going for the lightest shade and building from there.
The downside of this product is the final result. I initially purchased the medium and found as it developed it was way too dark. Despite using it sparingly with a moisturiser, the results look like an orange mask rather than a ‘vacay bronze’ as the brand claims.
It’s hard to comment on dry time as it was mixed with a serum or moisturiser on application but overall the drops were easy to apply. I will generally look to face self tanners that can be easily integrated into my skincare routine.
Mls: 30ml | Shades: Light, Medium, Dark, Extra Dark | Scent: Fresh Eucalytupus
Best Gradual Tanners
JERGENS® Natural Glow® + FIRMING Daily Moisturiser
This is a super-affordable but very effective option for those who want a buildable
There are two shades available; Fair to Medium and Medium to Dark.
One of the key ways to maintain a
This product is quick-drying, too, meaning you won’t have to worry about feeling sticky all day.
Mls: 221ml | Shades: Fair to Medium and Medium to Dark | Scent: Coconut
Dove Summer Glow
You don’t have to opt for exxy brands to achieve a gradual glow.
This is another gradual self-tanning lotion that has stood the test of time.
This product builds SO nicely into a subtle bronze glow — all while moisturising your skin. This is perfect to top up a fading tan or for those who prefer to build their colour.
Mls: 250ml | Shades: Fair to Medium and Medium to Dark | Scent: Cocoa Butter
Tan-Luxe The Gradual
One reservation I have with gradual tans, is that when they develop you can often find streaks. That is not the case with The Gradual.
So, what else is different about this self-tanner? It’s an oil/lotion hybrid that begins to warm within an hour of application. It is quickly gaining reputation as one of the best gradual tanning products on the market.
This is an ideal product for a low-maintenance gal, who wants a natural-looking golden glow.
Eco Tan Invisible Tan
Compared to many other gradual tanners, I really love the natural-looking colour Eco Tan Invisible Tan produces. To set expectations, this is not going to make you several shades darker overnight but you will be able to build a nice colour.
Additionally, this is moisturising AND super easy apply.
Loving Tan Deluxe Gradual Tan
The Deluxe Gradual Tan by Loving Tan uses advanced colour-guide technology to deliver a streak-free application, transforming your skin into a luminous, sun-kissed glow.
There’s a lot to love about this gradual
Consistent application over 1 – 3 days will build a beautiful deep tan. This is a great product to use to prolong or top up a tan. As you would assume, those with fair-light skin tones will want to choose shade Light, those with light-medium will want to choose shade Medium and those with medium-deep skin tones will want to opt for shade Dark.
It has a pleasant smell as is packed with some amazing ingredients such as Acai berry, coffee seed extract and shea butter which work in tandem to hydrate, soften, revitalise and protect the skin from external environmental aggressors.
This is easily one of the best
Bondi Sands Pure Gradual Tanning Milk
This is gradual tanning lotion is part of the Bondi Sands Pure range recently released. What’s different about the Pure range, is that they have combined the iconic Bondi Sands glow with skin-loving ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Vitamin C for radiance and Vitamin E for repair. The skin is further moisturised by a rich blend of Cocoa and Shea Butter.
If you’re looking for a skin-nourishing gradual tanner that would be the product for you.
As with any
Tan Luxe The Butter
The Butter by Tan Luxe does exactly what you assumed it would — melts into the skin like super-soft butter. Easily one of top rated gradual tanning moisturisers on the market, it delivers an effortlessly bronzed look.
The Butter is formulated with a mix of vitamin E and raspberry seed, oat and coconut oils, plus cocoa and shea butter. These ingredients work to hydrate and nourish the skin while delivering a perfect golden glow.
A highlight of this gradual tanner is the ‘Cellutone Complex’ (a combination of caffeine and palmitoyl) which reduces the appearance of cellulite, intensely nourishing skin as it gradually builds into a sun-kissed tan.
Best Foam and Bronzing Mousse Tanners
GlowBronze Self Tanning Mousse
The brand that launched Australia’s first
It contains an EcoCert DHA (the ingredient that gives
The easy-to-blend formula, brown-based guide colour, and rinse control technology (buildable shades) ensure an even, streak-free glow without unwanted orange tones. Best of all, the self-tanner has a pleasant, beachy fresh scent so you can avoid the stinky
Mine Tan Colour Base Self Tan Foam
I would be lying if I said I have tried all the shades in the Mine Tan Colour Base range. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as there are A LOT of shades to choose from.
For anyone who is new to tanning or is looking for their perfect colour, different tanning formulas vary in their colour base. Green-based tans tend to be the most popular and often produce a very deep, dark finish. Violet-based tanners produce a warmer colour and work to counteract yellow and orange undertones.
The Mine Tan Colour Base range has 6 colours to choose from, so you can imagine there really is a colour for everyone.
I would probably not recommend this to anyone who is new to tanning. You should try a few other brands first to establish what colour and formula works best for your skin type first.
Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam
200ml
Bondi Sands is going to make a few appearances on this list – why? Simply because they have so many great tanning products.
For this product in particular, well, I like it. Would I wear it every day? No, that’s purely because I like darker shades. However, this is a perfect tanner for those who want a really subtle look, perhaps already have tanned skin, and want to top up their shade.
I do like that this is buildable tanner and would definitely recommend it for tanning newbies. It’s so easy to apply and doesn’t result in any streaks or dramatic results.
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
120ml
I have mixed feelings when it comes to St. Tropez and particularly this product. I took it on a trip to Bali, expecting to resemble an exotic, bronzed goddess. It fell a little flat on my expectations. Perhaps, I have become more accustomed to uber-dark tanning products.
It won’t produce a super dark tan — at least not this product. I also noticed the colour faded very quickly. So, ended up having to reapply quite regularly. I guess it depends on what you are after.
Hot tip! I do actually use this product for my face and my hands. Because it fades a lot quicker than other products and has a very natural and non-streaky result, I feel it works best on my hands.
Le Tan Fast Tan Deep Bronze Instant Foaming Mousse
Le Tan is the OG when it comes to at-home tanning.
This fake tan – it has stood the test of time and will still be found in the beauty kit of many Australian girls.
All I can say is that this product is consistent. When used right, it’s a reliable tanning option for when you need that extra glow.
It’s a super affordable option and does the trick.
Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse
Bali Body is generally known for its range of tanning oils that help to accelerate and maximise your natural suntan. Personally, I have never been able to use them as I cannot tan naturally, and am not particularly keen on exposing my skin to the sun (even wearing sunscreen!).
That’s why I have been excited to try the Self Tanning Mousse from the Insta-famous tanning line. This is a serious contender for one of the best dark foam tanners.
This self-tanner will go pretty dark if left on for the recommended 8 hours. That said, you can wash off earlier for a lighter shade.
Overall, it has a great smell, and great colour and can be layered well.
Loving Tan Ultra Bronze Foam
120ml
This is one of my favourite tanning products. I always opt for darker tanning products and this does exactly that. It produces such a deep, olive shade — not a bright orange mess. The results are instant and noticeable, not subtle. So, just keep that in mind on the application.
I would definitely recommend this
Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Self Tan Mousse
If you’re someone who likes longevity from their
The unique pHenO2 technology delivers a beautiful instant colour that can help your tan last between 2 – 3 weeks. This would be ideal for anyone to apply before a vacation to avoid the 2-day tan top-up.
It applies easily, dries fast and develops over 4 – 8 hours.
One of the things I love about this Vita Liberata product is the ingredients. Its formulated with natural and organic ingredients such as Aloe Vera Leaf Water, Cucumber Extract and Witch Hazel which work to soften, soothe and condition skin for a smoother look and feel.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Mousse
Glow Clear Self Tanning Mousse by Isle of Paradise is a self-tanning foam that, despite going on clear, delivers a beautiful natural-looking tan.
Colour correcting actives and a water base work together to deliver the most hydrated glow without streaks, smells or orange tones.
One of the things I love about Isle of Paradise is the ingredients they pack their products with. This self-tanning mousse has an amazing mix of Avocado, Chia Seed and Coconut Oils.
Tanologist Express Extra Dark Self Tan Mousse
The Express Extra Dark Self Tan Mousse from Tanologist is easily one of the best
One application results in a beautiful deep bronze, golden tan. It’s incredibly easily to apply, has a pleasant scent and the colour lasts for about a week.
You can read my full review on the
Fake Tan Waters & Oils
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold
- Enriched with argan oil
- Touch dries in seconds
- Pump spray nozzle for mess-free application
An important thing to note about Liquid Gold is that it is a dry oil, meaning it won’t leave you feeling sticky all day.
I love the appearance of Liquid Gold as it develops on your skin. It truly looks like you have been kissed by the sun. Along with a gorgeous glow, argan oil works to hydrate and nourish the skin.
I would recommend this tanning oil to someone who has dry skin or those looking to maintain colour throughout the winter months. Watch out for catching areas like knees and elbows as it can build up and overdevelop.
James Read Coconut Water Tan Mist Body
James Read has several great self-tanners in their range, but the Coconut Water Tan Mist is a standout.
For those looking for a lightweight and buildable tanner, this would be a suitable option. As you may have guessed, being a mist, you must spray this on. I would definitely recommend us a tanning mitt to distribute the product evenly on your skin to avoid streaks.
It will definitely not produce dramatic results. This would probably work best for someone who can already build a natural tan and wants to maintain it or slightly add some more glow.
Wrap Up
I hope the above list helped you decide which is the best
Remember that with everyone having different skin types and expectations, you will find pros and cons in each product. The best
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