Best fake tans in Australia

The best fake tans in Australia

• Best overall fake tan: St. Tropez Luxe Whipped Creme Self Tan Tanning Mousse
• Best express fake tan: St. Tropez Self Tan Express
• Best gradual fake tan: Loving Tan Deluxe Gradual Tan
• Best instant fake tan: Tan-Luxe Instant Hero Self-Tan
• Best fake tan foam/mousse: St. Tropez Luxe Whipped Creme Self Tan Tanning Mousse
• Best fake tan water: Tanologist Self Tan Water
• Best fake tan lotion: Bondi Sands Pure Gradual Tanning Lotion
• Best fake tan oil: Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil
• Best fake tan for pale skin: Bondi Sands Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
• Best fake tan for dry skin: Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil
• Best fake tan for sensitive skin: St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Water Gel
• Best fake tan for your face: Bondi Sands Gradual Tan Face Lotion
• Best fake tan for men: Isle of Paradise Fake Tan Water
• Best organic fake tan: Coco & Eve Self Tanner Mousse Kit

Fake tan, also known as self-tan, is a product that gives you a sun-kissed look without actually being in the sun. You'll find it in sprays, lotions, and mousses, all containing an ingredient called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that reacts with your skin to create a tan.

When you're looking for the best fake tan, you need to check the DHA concentration for a deeper tan. Higher concentrations mean a darker outcome. Second, you should think about the product type. Lotions are great for beginners, while sprays and mousses might need a little more skill. Also, consider whether you want a gradual or instant tan and if you need the product to have a scent.

To find the best products for your needs, our team has evaluated hundreds of fake tan products found on online retailers like Amazon, Chemist Warehouse, Adore Beauty, and more. We considered key features such as price, effectiveness, ease of use, and customer reviews.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

The St. Tropez Luxe Whipped Creme Self Tan Tanning Mousse has earned its place as the best overall fake tan in this list. With a user rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Chemist Warehouse, it's clear that this product is a consumer favourite.

This luxurious self-tan boasts an ultra-lightweight tinted mousse that provides an even, streak-free sun-kissed glow and comes packed with high-performing natural skincare ingredients. It has nacinamide, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, echinacea, and vitamin E to hydrate, protect, and even out skin tone.

Some customers noted that the mousse can be difficult to blend evenly, leading to patchy results if not applied carefully. Additionally, the product has a subtle fragrance that may not be to everyone's taste. However, this self-tanning mousse's overall quality and effectiveness greatly outweigh these minor drawbacks.

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The St. Tropez Self Tan Express is easily one of the best express fake tans available online, with a remarkable rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on both Amazon and Chemist Warehouse.

This has an advanced 3-in-1 Express tanning mousse formula, which offers the flexibility to control the depth of your tan. Whether you're aiming for a light tan, a medium golden bronze, or a deep, dark tan to match your skin tone, this product is easy to work with.

The mousse is tinted, making it effortless to apply for natural-looking results that last a week. It's quick-drying, non-sticky, and fades evenly over time. Plus, it's 100% vegan-friendly with natural tanning actives.

Note that for some customers, the fragrance lingers longer than they'd like. A few users also found the product a bit expensive compared to similar options in the market.

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The Loving Tan Deluxe Gradual Tan is a fantastic product that has earned a stellar 4.5 out of 5 stars on both Adore Beauty and Sephora. It's also our choice if you want a gradual fake tan.

Its lightweight formulation allows for a tan that develops gradually, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to maintain a prolonged glow. This gradual tan offers a buildable intensity over a few days, resulting in a professional-looking, streak-free finish.

You can also build a deeper tan by reapplying daily until you reach the perfect shade. Plus, its acai berry and coffee seed extract not only helps defend your tan and skin from environmental aggressors but also claims to revitalise your skin, eliminating dullness.

It comes with an instant colour guide to ensure flawless application every time. To top it off, this product pampers your skin with Shea butter's natural conditioning and hydrating properties, leaving the skin softer and smoother. Plus, it's paraben-free, alcohol-free, and cruelty-free.

However, while it claims to offer an intense tan, it may not provide the same level of colour as a traditional self-tanner. It also only comes in three shade options.

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The Tan-Luxe Instant Hero Self-Tan is nothing short of revolutionary when it comes to achieving that sun-kissed look instantly. Garnering 4.1 out of 5 stars on Adore Beauty and Amazon, it's a fantastic option due to its blend of instant bronzing and full coverage properties that mimic body makeup.

This product provides a buildable tan that lasts up to 24 hours, making it the perfect companion for that last-minute event or photo shoot. The quick-drying cream formula is also smooth, offering an easy application with its integrated sponge. As it hydrates the skin, expect to be left with a radiant, glowing tan. Notably, it's devoid of any streaks or the typical fake-tan smell, and it's DHA-free.

On the downside, the sponge requires frequent cleaning, so remember before purchasing the product. It also produces a deeper tan, so it may not suit those looking for a more subtle result.

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With a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating on Chemist Warehouse, the St. Tropez Luxe Whipped Creme Self Tan Tanning Mousse is also our pick for the best mousse option.

Its superior dual tanning technology and high-performing natural skincare ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin E offer a smooth-sailing tanning experience. This ultra-lightweight tinted mousse hydrates protects, and evens skin tone, delivering a natural, streak-free, sunkissed glow that lasts all week and fades evenly. Customers have praised its luxurious texture, making it a must-have for those looking to achieve a perfect tan without harmful UV rays.

However, a few users have reported experiencing orange undertones or an oompa-loompa effect, making it important to properly exfoliate for best results. Additionally, some may find the subtle fragrance overpowering.

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For the best water option, Tanologist's Self-Tan Water is our best pick, earning a remarkable 4.3 out of 5 stars on both Amazon and The Iconic.

This multi-use mist creates a natural-looking tan for both face and body, encapsulating the epitome of effortless, at-home spray tanning. It has no colour guide to block pores, dry out the skin, or transfer onto your pristine white sheets or clothes.

The formula is free from irritating ingredients that might lead to breakouts or clogged pores. It also claims to brighten, soften, and hydrate skin with a signature trio of pink grapefruit, goji berry, and juniper.

Plus, the application process is as fast as it is mess-free. Just mist it onto the skin and blend. With 3 adaptable shades to choose from based on your desired result: light glow, medium tan, and dark bronze.

But because it's transparent, the application is slightly harder as you can't really see where you've applied it. Secondly, those with very dry skin might find the hydrating properties of this self-tan water insufficient and may need to use a separate moisturiser.

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Bondi Sands Pure Gradual Tanning Lotion is truly a cut above the rest when it comes to achieving that iconic golden glow. With an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars on both Amazon and Chemist Warehouse, this tanning product is our pick for the best lotion choice.

The colourless, fragrance-free formula is easy to apply and buildable, perfect for those seeking a natural-looking tan. It's also infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E, ensuring your skin receives ample hydration, radiance, and repair. Even those with sensitive skin can safely use this product, as it has been dermatologically tested and found to be safe.

However, since it's a gradual tan product, it may take slightly longer to achieve your desired shade than instant tan products. Those with oilier skin may also find that the lotion takes a little longer to dry.

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With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Chemist Warehouse, we recommend the Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil as the best fake tan oil.

This product combines body oil's nourishing benefits with a fake tan's radiant effects. Upon application, it leaves the skin tantalisingly soft and supple, accompanied by a subtle glow that is both glowy and natural.

Promising the longest-lasting tan in Bondi Sands' line-up, Liquid Gold requires no washing off and gradually develops over six hours, delivering a golden hue that lasts up to a week. It's formulated with pure argan oil, it deeply nourishes dry skin, ensuring the tan appears even and smooth. The formula is also cruelty-free and vegan, adhering to ethical practices.

Note that it does have a coconut scent, which some may find too strong. Additionally, the tan may transfer onto clothes or sheets if not fully dry.

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With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Chemist Warehouse, we recommend the Bondi Sands Dark Self Tanning Foam for a seamless, sun-kissed glow for pale skin.

This self-tanning foam is enriched with aloe vera and suffused with a refreshingly tropical coconut scent, making the application a veritable mini-vacation of its own. Its lightweight formula allows for an effortless, streak-free application that guarantees a flawless finish every single time. It's also cruelty-free and vegan, underlining the brand's commitment to ethical beauty.

However, it's worth noting that despite its many benefits, some users found the drying time to be a bit longer than expected. A few others noticed slight colour transfer onto their clothing.

These issues aside, Bondi Sands Dark Self Tanning Foam is undoubtedly a top-notch product for achieving a bronzed tan, even for the fairest skin tones.

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We recommend the Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil for those with dry skin. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Chemist Warehouse.

This cruelty-free and vegan product is truly a gem, offering a gorgeous golden glow that develops seamlessly over six hours. It has an enriching formula that ensures an even, smooth tan that lasts up to a week without the need for washing off.

It is also Australian-made, free from artificial fragrances, sulphates, and parabens. Plus, it's scented with coconut, adding an exotic touch to your tanning routine.

Some users may not like the coconut scent, as it can be overpowering. Others also reported that it can be slightly streaky if not applied carefully.

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We recommend St. Tropez's Self Tan Purity Water Gel for sensitive skin. The product has an impressive rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on both Amazon and Chemist Warehouse.

The formula is 100% clear, clean, and vegan-friendly, which is great for those interested in ethical consumption. It's infused with natural skincare actives and hyaluronic acid to plump, regenerate, and protect the skin. The tan is streak-free and instantly hydrating, ensuring your skin is not only bronzed but also healthy and nourished.

Plus, the no-rinse, no-transfer, and no-self-tan smell features make this product an absolute standout for beginners. It's easy to apply, coming with a light sheen that guides you, ensuring a foolproof process.

But while this is marketed as a clean and vegan-friendly formula, some customers have noted that it does contain a slight fragrance they would prefer to avoid.

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The Bondi Sands Gradual Tan Face Lotion is easily our pick for the best face fake tan. It has a 4.35 out of 5-star rating on Amazon and Chemist Warehouse.

The lotion's dual-action formula delivers that much-desired natural tan and nourishes and hydrates the skin, ensuring you can flaunt a healthy, sun-kissed glow regardless of the weather. The cocoa butter scent is a pleasant bonus, turning your daily tanning routine into a sensory delight.

Designed for daily use, this product makes maintaining a year-round golden tan a breeze. It's worth noting, though, that for the best results, the skin should be clean, exfoliated, and free of any moisturizers before application.

And since the lotion has to be applied daily for continuous results, it might not be ideal for those with a busy schedule. Secondly, the lotion takes a while to dry, so you would need to wait before dressing up.

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The Isle of Paradise Fake Tan Water is our pick for men looking for a natural-looking, golden tan. It has an impressive rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

It's a tanner and a hydration enhancer infused with grapefruit, chia seed, and avocado oils. The green colour-correcting actives work to cancel out any red tones, guaranteeing the perfect golden tan. Plus, it claims to enhance all skin tones.

Suitable for the face and body, you can easily mist the tan water onto your skin without a colour guide, meaning no blocked pores and no transfer onto sheets or clothing.

It's important to note that some users have pointed out it may take some time to dry. Addiitonally, the eucalyptus and cucumber scent, although refreshing for some, can be too strong for others.

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The Coco & Eve Ultimate Glow Kit is our top choice for the best organic option to achieve your desired natural golden tan. This product has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

The kit comes with the brand's Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, which has a green-grey base that eliminates the unappealing orangey tones typically associated with self-tanners. It then develops into a naturally looking tan in just 2 hours, and the tropical fruity scent is a pleasant departure from the typical 'fake tan' smell. The kit also includes a Soft Velvet Tanning Mitt, a tool that prepares the skin for a flawless, streak-free tan by exfoliating dead skin cells and stimulating blood flow.

However, its price point is higher than that of other self-tanning products. This may deter some potential buyers. The fast-drying formula may also challenge first-time users who might struggle to spread the product evenly before it sets.

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Amazon prices last updated on 20 November, 2024 at 06:01 am

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eBay prices last updated on 20 November, 2024 at 11:09 am

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The Iconic prices last updated on 20 November, 2024

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How to fake tan

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The dos and don'ts of tanning

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Frequently asked questions

• Can fake tan stain clothes or bedding?

  Yes, some fake tans can stain fabrics, particularly lighter colours. This is especially true if the tan hasn't fully dried. It's best to wear dark, loose clothing after application and avoid light-coloured bedding.

• Does fake tan provide any protection from the sun?

  No, fake tan does not offer any UV protection. It merely dyes the skin temporarily and doesn't affect the skin's ability to produce melanin, the body's natural defence against sunburn. Always use sun protection when outdoors.

• How long does a fake tan last?

  The longevity of a fake tan can vary between a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on factors like the product used, skin type, and aftercare. Regular moisturising and gentle exfoliation can help prolong the tan.

• Can I shower after applying a fake tan?

  It's advisable to wait at least 6-8 hours before showering to allow the tan to fully develop. Showering too soon may result in a lighter tan or uneven application.