I tried Kmart's new self-tan range to see if you can keep a summer glow on the cheap

For no more than $10 per item, it feels too good to be true. So, is it?

Cassidy Pearce

5 min read

March 7, 2025 - 12:02PM

We tried kmart’s tanning range—Is it worth it?

Lifestyle

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Finding a fake tan you love can be tricky at the best of times.

There are hundreds of different options available at your local supermarket, and staring down the wall of bottles with different brands, undertones and dry times is daunting to say the least. And, if you pick the wrong one, you’re stuck with an orange, patchy mess for a week that probably cost you $40.

Just in time for the weather to cool down, Kmart has thrown their hat in the ring with a full self-tanning range of their own - and I’ve put them to the test so you don’t have to (but, spoiler alert, I actually think you should).

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Kmart's new self-tanning line. Image: Supplied / Cassidy Pearce.

The new range

To make sure your summer tan extends into the cooler months, Kmart has come out with their very own self-tanning range. OXX’s Glow Getter range offers self-tanning aficionados and beauty enthusiasts a full suite of tanning products for a glowing tan, without the dangers of sun exposure.

The line-up includes their 2-in-1 Tanning Prep and Remover Mist, Clear Tanning Gels, Tanning Mousses, Instant Tanning Lotions, and two different Face Mists - one with shimmer and one without.

The best part is - it’s all $10.

When you compare this to other brands, it’s less than half the average price, with Bondi Sands setting you back $23.95 for their Self Tanning Foam in Dark, Loving Tan’s popular Deluxe Bronzing Mousse costing $34.95, and Coco & Eve’s Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam a whopping $45.

But, the real question is, is it any good?

The OXX Bodycare Glow Getter Clear Tanning Gel - Light/Medium, compared to the OXX Bodycare Glow Getter Tanning Mousse - Medium/Dark Brown immediately after application, then again the next morning after being rinsed off. Image: Supplied / Cassidy Pearce.

The application process

Over the past week, I’ve put the OXX Bodycare Glow Getter Tanning Mousse in Medium/Dark Brown to the test - as well as both of the face tanning mists.

The mousse, which retails on Kmart’s website for, of course, $10, is advertised as being able to achieve a ‘deep and radiant tan’ with a ‘smooth and streak-free finish’ - and I’ll admit, I was very excited to see if this was true.

Starting off with the scent, I do think it’s pretty similar to your typical coconut-y fake tan smell, with a bit of a tropical twist.

The colour has a warm and almost yellowish undertone, rather than a neutral or green one.

It is a relatively thin formula, which I found makes it easy to apply quickly and smoothly. I did a few pumps for each part of my body, then used the excess on the mitt to go over trickier sections like the knees, elbows, hands and feet.

Once I was finished, I used the OXX Bodycare Glow Getter Gradual Tanning Face Mist, also in Medium/Dark. Following the directions on the bottle, I spritzed it all over my face and didn’t blend it out.

I then washed my hands to get the excess off, and went about the rest of my night.

I will say, this tan does take a very long time to dry - if it all.

I did everything I could to make it dry - standing under the fan, using a hairdryer - and nothing! I continued to feel sticky for 5 hours, which is not ideal for anyone.

But, given it says on the bottle to let it develop for 4-6 hours, I was then able to wash it off - and wash off it did. I was truly worried that nothing would be left on my body after seeing the amount that flowed down my shower drain. Thankfully, in the morning, I woke up looking bronzed as ever.

As far as the colour goes, I would say it’s not as dark as I anticipated it to be, lightening up a lot after being washed off. However, the undertone on me worked really well - I got compliments from my boyfriend, my pilates instructors, and even my parents (which is kind of a big deal, because if it was giving oompa loompa, they’d be the first to say so).

I would also say it holds up on its promise of looking smooth and streak-free - there were no dark, orange patches on my knees, elbows or knuckles, which is a huge feat. My tan has truly never looked so flawless!

Testing the tan out in the wild. Image: Supplied / Cassidy Pearce.

But does it last?

The real test was seeing how well this tan lasted over the course of the week, and I will say, it passed with flying colours.

Not only did it get through a full week of wear without turning into tiger bread, it also got through a hot pilates class where I was quite literally dripping in sweat.

The face tan wore as expected, looking beautiful and glowy in the beginning, but fading as I was washing my face so regularly. But, the good thing is that it’s super easy to reapply if needed - and you can also use it on your chest, hands, and wherever else it starts to fade.

I will say, I did try the OXX Bodycare Glow Getter Facial Tanning Mist with Shimmer for the sake of this experiment, and I’d recommend sticking with the original. Not only did it seem to smell stronger than the others (which is not fun when it’s literally all over your face), but the glitter in it was also very present - if you don’t want to look like Edward Cullen in the sun, I’d recommend using it on your body as a topper instead. It would look super cute for events!

Whilst it did fade beautifully on its own, I did want to test out the 2-in-1 Tanning Prep and Remover Mist to see how easily it would come off after almost a week. I didn’t use it for prep as I wanted to ensure my base was the same as it is for other tans (what kind of test would this be without a controlled variable?), but as a removal method, it works! Just apply 5 minutes before a shower, and exfoliate away.

My final thoughts

Overall, I am very impressed with Kmart’s new tan line.

I’ve tried and tested a lot of different fake tans over the years, and I’d definitely reach for this one again.

The colour on me looked natural, albeit a bit light for the Medium/Dark label - though I’m sure if you let it develop for longer or applied two layers, this would amend the issue. In my patch test, the OXX Bodycare Glow Getter Clear Tanning Gel in Light/Medium actually came out darker, so I’d be very intrigued to try it again on my whole body (though I usually tend to avoid clear tans out of fear that I’d skip a whole body part by accident, and not realise until it’s too late).

The gradual face tan was what surprised me the most. I don’t normally use them out of fear that they’ll cause a reaction on my skin, but this one looked really natural and glowy - I’d use it again even paired with another brand’s tan on the body.

The only reason I may not gravitate towards this tan is because of the dry time. Generally I prefer something quick drying so I can go about my day, or even sleep in the tan if possible - I could never do that with this one. However, if you’re someone who works from home and can sit in the tan throughout the day, or if you don’t mind a little bit of a sticky feeling, it’s absolutely worth the $10.