This article contains affiliate links, whereby we may earn a commission if you click on a link – at no cost to you.
When it comes to self-tanning, few brands have reached cult status quite like Loving Tan. Known for their professional-quality mousses that deliver a rich, long-lasting bronze, the brand has earned a devoted following—including Sabrina Carpenter, who swears by their signature formula for a flawless glow.
Now, Loving Tan is shaking up the tanning game once again with the launch of the 2 HR Express Tanning Lotion—a skincare-infused body lotion designed to deliver the same pro-level tan as their beloved mousses, but with added hydration and nourishment. Infused with shea butter, vitamin E, and antioxidant-rich coffee and açai extracts, this formula promises to moisturise while it bronzes, making it perfect for anyone looking to glow and go without sacrificing skin health.
We put it to the test to see if this fast-acting, ultra-hydrating tanning lotion truly delivers the radiant, streak-free tan Loving Tan is known for.
Shades: Comes in shades medium and dark
Formulation: Lotion
Key Ingredients: Loving Tan proprietary DHA, shea butter, vitamin E
Vegan & Cruelty Free: Yes
Dermatologist Tested: Yes
Made In: Australia
Price: $34.95
- Hydrating ingredients
- Colour guide
- Dries fast and no sticky feeling
- No overpowering fake tan smell
- Developes into a natural-looking glow within a few hours
- We found it a bit harder to remove
- A small bottle (100ml) compared to standard self tanner bottles (200ml)
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Tanning Lotion Review
Application
Applying the Loving Tan 2 HR Express Tanning Lotion is effortless, especially when paired with the application mitt. The silky, lightweight texture glides onto the skin seamlessly, while the built-in colour guide ensures even coverage and helps prevent missed spots—something I always appreciate in a self-tanner. Unlike some lotions that require heavy layering, this formula spreads easily, and a little goes a long way, covering a wide area with just a small amount.
The lotion blends smoothly without clinging to dry patches or feeling sticky, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced tanners. Thanks to its hydrating ingredients, the application feels more like a luxurious body cream than a traditional self-tanner, ensuring a streak-free, airbrushed finish with minimal effort.
The Results
I opted for the shade Dark for this review, and while the initial application appeared quite light, the formula developed beautifully over the next few hours into a rich, natural-looking glow.
The colour payoff was impressively even, with no patches or streaks in sight, and the finish had that signature Loving Tan radiance—deep yet believable, without any orange tones. Thanks to the hydrating formula, the tan looked smooth and seamless, enhancing the skin’s natural warmth rather than just sitting on top of it.
Longevity
Following my usual Thursday exfoliation and Friday application routine, the tanning lotion delivered a beautiful, natural-looking glow just in time for the weekend.
The colour remained even and radiant for around four days before beginning to fade, and thanks to its hydrating formula, it wore off gradually and without patchiness.Â
Removal
By the time Thursday rolls around, my self-tan is usually patchy and ready to be scrubbed off, but I noticed that Loving Tan’s 2 HR Express Tanning Lotion clung to my skin a little longer than expected.
Unlike other formulas that fade unevenly or dry out the skin, this one seemed to wear more evenly, likely due to its hydrating ingredients that keep skin nourished and prevent excessive dryness. While it required a bit more effort to fully remove—especially in drier areas like elbows and knees—this longevity is a testament to its skin-loving formula, keeping the glow intact for longer.
The new Loving Tan 2HR Express Collection is available to shop now via their website.
