Best fake tans of 2024 that won’t turn you orange
Top up your tan the safe way with this highly-rated tanning solution that's been named the "best I've ever tried".
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We all know the best and safest way to get a flawless tan is from a bottle and not the sun. From a subtle glow to a deeper tan, wearing fake tan is the essential summer item for 2024.
Not only will you protect your skin from cancer-causing and ageing UV rays, the DIY-option is cheaper than a professional spray tan and can be done from the comfort of your home.
Fake tan has also come a long way from the days when there were just a handful of options available.
These days we have dedicated fake tan brands like Bondi Sands and St Tropez offering top rated formulas, as well as your favourite beauty go-tos like Clarins offering fake tan products that double as skincare.
Whether you prefer an instant fake tan or a foolproof gradual formula, read on for our roundup of the best glow-getters to add to your routine and the expert-backed tips for a seamless tan - including the highly-rated Loving Tan Platinum Mousse that's been named "the best tan I've ever tried" by happy shoppers.
No matter if you have very fair skin or you just want a deeper tan, these best fake tans will leave you with no more orange finishes or strong chemical smells, ever.
RELATED: Best fake tans for your face
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST FAKE TANS
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse, $59.99 at Priceline
Why we love it: It's a completely customisable tan, depending on how long you leave it on for.
What to consider: Not ideal if you're looking for a super dark fake tan.
Formula: Liquid mousse
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 200ml
What You Need To Know
St. Tropez is one of the most trusted brands in the world of self-tanning, so it’s no surprise their best selling and award-winning formula is at the top of our list.
This is an easy to apply tinted tanning mousse that promises a streak-free finish and an amazing deep colour.
You can leave it on for one hour for a light glow, two hours for a medium tan or three hours for a deep tan – depends on what you’re after and how much time you have on your hands.
We also love that the formulation is suitable for all skin types, 100 per cent clean and vegan friendly.
The Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse has racked up over 9000 five-star ratings on Amazon with countless shoppers commenting it “blended really well”, “smells good and fades well throughout the week”.
It’s also received rave reviews from TikTok users, with many noting it offers a “perfect tan in just three hours”.
Loving Tan Platinum Mousse, $64.95 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Customers love this fake tan for the way it lasts and fades on the skin.
What to consider: May not be best for beginners.
Formula: Liquid mousse
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 200ml
What You Need To Know
Loving Tan is a cult favourite for a reason – their products are not only affordable and Australian made, but also do the job so well. The Platinum Mousse is by far the brand’s most popular, leaving users “obsessed”, and others noting it offers an “elite” and “stunning” colour.
"The best tan I ever tried", commented another five-star rating shopper.
“It’s a gorgeous colour, it goes on so beautiful with the gloves, so silky,” @hondroutwins said in one video viewed more than 288,000 times.
Platinum Mousse is Loving Tan’s darkest shade with a high concentration of fake tanning ingredients designed to give you a glow in just one application. It also dries in as little as sixty seconds which is a huge win in our books.
Bondi Sands Aero 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam, $26.99 at Myer
Why we love it: Affordable price point.
What to consider: Some users feel it is not dark enough for them.
Formula: Liquid mousse
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 225ml
What You Need To Know
Another cult favourite, Aero 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam is set to make you feel like you’ve just been tanning for hours on Bondi Beach (minus the skin damage). Especially great if you’re short on time, this one hour express tanning foam is sure to be your new best friend. The foam is super lightweight and quick-drying, plus the formulation promises to hydrate your body.
St Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, $59.99 at Priceline
Why we love it: It's the original fake tan from St Tropez and is loved by many.
What to consider: Some users feel you can find better for cheaper.
Formula: Liquid mousse
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 240ml
What You Need To Know
The St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse is the original and iconic self tanner is their alternative to their Self Tan Express option.
Regarded as one of the best fake tans on the market with over 9000 five-star reviews, users say that "no one knows it's fake".
Tanners rave that it's simple to use, non-patchy and incredibly effective, resulting in a medium, golden glow that lasts up to 10 days.
BEST FAKE TAN MOUSSE
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, $45 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Comes in multiple shades - medium, dark and ultra dark.
What to consider: Some users felt it didn't agree with their skin.
Formula: Liquid mousse
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 200ml
What You Need To Know
Created using a Cellushape formula to hydrate and firm the skin, this non-sticky and fast-drying tanning mousse comes from Coco & Eve – a brand so popular that it’s been selling a tanning product every 30 seconds. The green-grey base and colour guide technology ensures you’ll never turn orange, and you can control your level of tan by removing after two hours or leaving on overnight.
“No streaks, a perfect golden tan and dries super fast, what girl wouldn’t want a tan like that!” wrote a reviewer.
Eco Tan Cacao Tanning Mousse, $34.95 at Myer
Why we love it: Formulation is vegan and organic.
What to consider: May be too light for certain skin tones.
Formula: Liquid mousse
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 125ml
What You Need To Know
This lightweight formulation glides over skin, drying quickly so you don’t have to stress about your tan transferring to all your clothes and sheets. Vegan and cruelty free, it has a delicious subtle chocolate scent. Customise your tan by leaving the mousse on as long as you like – the colour develops over time so you can experiment with achieving your perfect shade.
“Perfect tanning product, easy application, no streaks, natural and good for your skin, what else do you need,” wrote one of many happy reviewers.
BEST EXPRESS FAKE TAN
Bondi Sands 1hr Express Foam, $24.95 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Affordable price point.
What to consider: Formulation can be streaky and patchy for some.
Formula: Liquid mousse
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 200ml
What You Need To Know
It’s the fake tan seen all over TikTok, where thanks to the video sharing app shoppers from around the world have discovered our best-kept secret to a glowy tan.
The hashtag #bondisands has been viewed more than 650 million times on TikTok, with the brand’s 1hr Express Foam by far the most popular product.
Users praise the tanner for being easy to apply and leaving a “flawless” skin finish.
“It always looks so natural,” one shopper on TikTok wrote.
The foaming tanner contains vitamin E and dihydroxyacetone, which tans your skin by causing a natural reaction.
The Australian-made fake tan will give you a tan in just an hour, but users also recommend applying the night before for a more bronzed effect.
“I use this tan and I swear by it … Definitely develops overnight more than after an hour though,” one said.
BEST FAKE TAN CREAMS
Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, $42 at Myer
Why we love it: Very easy to apply.
What to consider: Can be streaky for some.
Formula: Gel
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 125ml
What You Need To Know
This non-oily fake tan cream is designed to give you an even glow while leaving skin silky soft. Five star reviews say Clarins’ formula is “foolproof” and delivers an even tan easily.
“Get loads of positive comments about how natural it looks. It also lasts for about a week so it’s good value,” one shopper shared.
Ella Baché Great Tan Without Sun, $44 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Very easy to apply.
What to consider: Did not give enough colour pay-off for some.
Formula: Cream
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 130ml
What You Need To Know
This nourishing tan has been enriched with cocoa butter, lanolin and vitamin E to add moisture back into your skin. The fragrance is minimal and you can control whether you want an instant bronze tint post-application or let the tan develop for a deeper colour.
“Very easy to apply and doesn’t smell nasty. It’s very natural and feels wonderful. Definitely one that I reach for a lot!” wrote a five-star reviewer.
BEST GRADUAL FAKE TAN
Three Warriors Gradual Tan, $34.95 at The Iconic
Why we love it: Gives a great colour and fades nicely.
What to consider: Could be streaky for some.
Formula: Cream
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 150g
What You Need To Know
If you’re after a more gradual, natural-looking tan, you can’t look past this one from the brand Three Warriors. The certified organic tanning cream is formulated with loads of skin-loving ingredients – think Tasmanian olive oil – to keep your complexion feeling soft and nourished.
It’s racked up an average rating of 4.8 out of five stars from Google Reviews, with countless happy users describing it as “so easy to apply” and “the best” they’ve ever used.
Loving Tan Deluxe Gradual Tan, $29.95 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Super hydrating and nourishing formula.
What to consider: Some users feel it didn't give enough colour.
Formula: Lotion
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 150ml
What You Need To Know
Great for newbies, this tan wins on versatility. While you can build the depth of your tan through daily use, the lotion also gives you instant results thanks to its colour-guide technology. Nourishing ingredients like acai berry and coffee extract hydrate the skin too. For best results, use with a tanning mitt.
BEST FAKE TAN FOR YOUR FACE
Eco Tan Face Tan Water, $39.95 at Myer
Why we love it: Super hydrating formula that's great for sensitive skin.
What to consider: If you apply it with your hands, you need to make sure you wash them properly afterwards.
Formula: Liquid
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 100ml
What You Need To Know
This fake tan has a cult following and bills itself as the “only organic and natural face tan water”.
The lightweight water product can be applied everyday to give you a sun-kissed glow and contains natural hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated.
Did we mention it’s also Australian made and certified organic?
Tanologist Face and Body Drops Dark, $23.99 at Priceline
Why we love it: Totally customisable tan that you can mix into any lotion or cream.
What to consider: If you apply it with your hands, you need to make sure you wash them properly afterwards.
Formula: Liquid
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
This concentrated self-tanning formula is seriously versatile — add it to your skincare, makeup or bodycare to give yourself the glow you desire.
It’s also non-comedogenic meaning there’s less chance of breakouts, while ingredients like pink grapefruit, juniper and goli berry will brighten and hydrate your skin.
“Got the Tanologist self tan drops in dark, and I love them! It’s so easy to just mix a couple drops into moisturiser for a quick and easy glow,” one five star review reads.
BEST FAKE TAN WATER
TAN-LUXE The Water Self Tanner, $89.59 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Infused with loads of vitamins to keep your skin looking healthy.
What to consider: Clear formula can make it hard to apply.
Formula: Liquid
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 200ml
What You Need To Know
This self-tanning water is seriously luxe — for a start, it contains “soft” Scottish water which is said to be some of the best quality water in the world (fancy).
The scentless formula includes vitamins B, C and E, raspberry oil and aloe vera which sprays as an ultra fine mist to provide a gorgeous natural glow that won’t transfer or clog pores.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING SELF TANNERS?
Purchasing a self tanner can be a daunting task. There are so many tanning products available in the market, from lotions to drops and everything in between. Whether you're a tanning professional or new to the self-tanning mitt, there are a few things you need to look for when shopping for the best self tanner for a bronzed glow that will leave you looking naturally tan.
What is your skin type? Your skin type might be the most important factor to consider before buying self tanners. Some tanning formulas are better suited for dry skin, but if your skin is sensitive or oily, you may need another product entirely. Look for products that are suitable for your skin type to avoid any adverse reactions and the best tanning results.
Formula Type: No self tanner is made the same. There are various formulas, application types and consistencies, including body lotion, self tanning mousse, spray and gel. Choose a formula that you feel comfortable applying and fits your lifestyle. Sprays might be more convenient for quick touch-ups, while lotions provide better hydration. And if you've got an active lifestyle, you'll want a formula that's less prone to streaks.
Colour Depth: Fake tans offer different levels of colour depth, ranging from subtle glows to deep bronzed looks. It's important to make sure your level of tan is a shade that is consistent with your complexion. If you're new to tanning, start with a lighter shade to avoid overdoing it.
Base Skin Tones: Self tanners come in a variety of undertones; some are suitable for people with pale skin, and others will only complement those with naturally bronzed skin. It's important to match your natural skin tone to the self tan to ensure it looks as natural as possible. The common skin tone bases found in self tanning lotions are:
Cool undertones: If you have pale skin, a self tanning lotion or spray a with cool undertones is ideal. These tans will often have hints of violet or ash tones to counteract any orange hues. Self tanner that has a cool undertone will result in a tan that looks more natural for individuals with a fair to lighter skin tone that have pink undertones.
Application Method: Some fake tans require using a mitt for even application, while others can be applied directly with hands (although, you may want to consider a latex glove to avoid deep-set overtanning of your hands). Find a self tanner that you can easily apply - sometimes a helpful set of hands are necessary to apply fake tan to hard-to-reach places.
Drying Time: How long it can take for a self tanner to set will depend on the brand and formula. Some can be washed off in just one hour, while others provide a gradual glow overnight. Look for fake tans with quick-drying formulas to avoid smudges and stains on your clothes or sheets. Self tanners that dry fast allow you to get dressed sooner and go about your day without worrying about leaving a bronzed trail in your wake. Most self tanners require you to leave the product on for a set time period; consider how long you will need in advance.
Longevity: Do you need that tan to last just the evening, or do you want a glow the entirety of your one-week Bali vacay? Some fake tans offer a temporary glow that washes off after a single shower, while others can last up to a week or more with proper maintenance.
Ingredients: Check the ingredients list to ensure the fake tan is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients, including hydrating agents like aloe vera or glycerin to keep your skin moisturised. Avoid any ingredients that could irritate your skin.
Smell: Some fake tans can have a strong scent due to the presence of certain chemicals. However, many of the best fake tans on the market are made with pleasant fragrances, and nothing says summer quite like the scent of coconut. If you're sensitive to smells, a fragrance-free self tanner is the way to go.
HOW WE CHOOSE SELF TANNERS ON THIS LIST
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DOES FAKE TAN WORK?
Whether it comes out of the bottle as a mousse, spray or cream, fake tans use the ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the top layer of your skin, temporarily darkening it. As your skin naturally sheds its dead cells, you’ll also notice your faux glow fading as well.
For the best results make sure to exfoliate and hydrate your body the day before you tan – but avoid using oil-based moisturisers immediately before you use fake tan as this can create a film on your skin that prevents the product from developing.
HOW DO YOU FAKE TAN FOR BEGINNERS?
For an expert-backed foolproof fake tan, we asked Ella Baché’s National Training Manager Gina Cook to share her six-step guide:
1. Always allow 24 hours after waxing and IPL treatments to ensure an even, streak-free tan. I would also recommend moisturising 24 hours before tanning.
2. Freshly polished skin will really help application and your tan last longer; exfoliate your body in the shower and used a facial exfoliant to buff away dead skin cells and eliminate any flaky patches in preparation for your tan.
3. Avoid mistakes and ensure a perfect finish by using gloves or a tanning mitt. Apply your tan, blending in circular motions and sparingly on dry areas like ankles, knees, and elbows.
4. If you haven’t used a mitt or gloves, carefully wash your hands with a mild soap afterwards, being careful not to wash off any tan from your wrists and forearms. Allow tan to dry for 15 minutes before dressing.
5. Avoid using any physical or chemical exfoliants (like AHAs, BHAs, or Retinol) on your face or body as they will prematurely wear away your tan. Fragrance contains alcohol which will also affect your tan so spray your favourite scent on your clothes and hair instead.
6. Ensure skin is well hydrated as once your tan dries and as it starts to fade, it will do so more seamlessly if you moisturise daily.
HOW DO I TAKE FAKE TAN OFF?
Made a mistake? Don’t fret. Having a specially-formulated tan remover will strip the DHA (the coloured compound found in fake tan). Amping up your exfoliation routine with a mitt or a gritty body scrub will also help to budge stubborn colour. In a similar effect, so will waxing or shaving as both hair removal methods remove the upper layer of skin which the fake tan has clung onto.
Streaks can also be corrected with some clever blending as well.
“If you do end up getting stains or streaks, get a sponge, make it just slightly damp, put a little bit of tan on the sponge and blend the tan into the problem area, patting it down to help fix any streaking,” says Gina.
When it comes to your face, a chemical exfoliant will dissolve the pigment, however avoid over-exfoliating your skin as this will make your skin feel raw and stripped.
WHY DOES FAKE TAN SMELL?
The distinctive smell often associated with self tan is primarily due to the presence of DHA. When DHA interacts with the skin - specifically with amino acids in sweat and oils on the skin - a chemical reaction occurs, producing that 'musty' fake tan smell.
Additionally, some self-tanning products contain other ingredients design to mask the presence of DHA; however, these can sometimes enhance the odours.
While the smell of fake tan can be unpleasant, it won't last long. It will typically face as the tan settles on the skin.
If you're looking to avoid the fake tan smell, choosing a fragrance-free self tanner with an odour-neutralising formula can help reduce the effects. When applying any sort of tanning solution, you should also make sure you're in a well ventilated room and allow it to fully dry to reduce the smell intensity.
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