You can eschew any thoughts of heavy, sticky and smelly self-tanning products of beauty nightmares past.
A new crop of tanning products—formulated to be quick drying, odourless and weightless—has been ushered in.
Advancements in technology and smarter ingredients lead to a new generation of fake tan that’s designed not to look – dare we say it – fake.
Find below, the best self tanners for the perfect, sunkissed glow sans the the time spent laying under harmful UV rays.
The Best Fake Tans 2024
Bondi Sands Aero, $25.95
Aero is an aerated self-tanning foam which means it’s weightless, ultra-fast drying and quick absorbing. Plus it’s enriched with vitamin e and jojoba to nourish your skin and provide an even longer lasting tan.
Shop at Adore Beauty
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey, $45
With their patented Cellushape formula, Coco & Eve’s cult tanning foam not only gives you a fresh holiday glow, but works to hydrate and firm the skin. Made with no nasty chemicals, it also smells like a beach vacay—think: coconut, papaya and sunshine. Plus, if you have a hard time tanning your face with foam formulas, their Antioxidant Tanning Face Mist gives a perfect application every time.
Shop at Coco & Eve
Fenty Beauty Body Sauce, $69
Although not your traditional tanning oil, Body Sauce has earnt its position atop this list for two very important reasons. Firstly, it smells like heaven, is flattering and has an instant colour payoff. It’s bottled sunshine. Secondly, and most importantly for anyone who has to doll out their own money for linen, it comes off when you’re ready.
Shop at Sephora
Bali Body Self Tan Body Serum, $32.95
If you want the results of a foam, oil or spray on tanner without the downtime spent hanging out in your old rags waiting to wash off, this ultra-hydrating body serum delivers, big time. With the texture, absorption and formulation of a moisturiser, you’ll develop a deep tan in a matter of hours with no rub off.
Shop at Adore Beauty
Clarins Self Tanning Milky-Lotion, $42
This next-gen formula is a new complete face and body treatment, self-tanning and moisturising for 24 hours at the core of a rich and creamy milk. Aloe vera gel and Fig extract soften skin and ensure long-lasting hydration, with a fresh, fruity fragrance.
Shop at MYER
James Read Tan H2O Tan Mist, $49
Boasting a two-weeks-in-Ibiza tan worthy glow, this translucent tanning mist is your passport to a fuss-free, streak-free tan. The gradual tan builds in intensity over time, so use daily until you reach your desired depth of tan and then just top it up 2-3 times a week. This sunless tan is formulated with organic rose water and vitamins and minerals to soothe, restore hydration.
Shop at Mecca
Elle Effect Tan Bottle, $45
This beauty launch is a first for Australian fashion blogger Elle Ferguson. Just a few days after it’s release Kim Kardashian posted a photo of the sleek white bottle to her Instagram Story. Speaking of, the black-and-white design is fully customizable. Each tan kit comes with a sheet of cute millennial-friendly stickers. In addition, you get a reusable white bag which is perfect for travel and a clever tanning mitt for a full-proof application.
Shop at Mecca
St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Water Mousse Purity, $49.99
Inspired by the booming global beauty trend – Korean beauty waters – this self-tanning mousse is weightless and clear just like, well, water. Bronzing waters are designed to refresh and revive skin for a healthy sunkissed glow, in lieu of a deep tan you might expect from a spray formula.
Unlike their counterparts on the market, tanning water is colourless which is great for your sheets and bathroom tiles. Waters don’t leave a guide colour on your skin so you won’t see any results until the tan has developed.
Shop at Priceline
Tan-Luxe The Water, $51
Another tanning water to make the list – are you sensing a pattern yet? This one is infused with vitamins B, C and E, Raspberry Seed Oil and natural tanning actives, your skin will be left hydrated, illuminated and bronzed.
Shop at Sephora
When is the best time to tan?
Bondi Sands co-founder Blair James warns against applying self-tanner after a shower or bath.
Steam makes your pores expand – resulting in those pesky dark dots that commonly occur when applying fake tan to your legs or arms.
For foolproof tanning, wait for your skin to cool down and always start at your feet as not to run the risk of creating lines or creases from bending over.
Here the best self-tanning products for foolproof streak-free application and a natural glow, without the telltale signs.
Looking to save money on self tanner? Check out our coupon codes for Sephora, Adore Beauty and more.
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