Get your summer tan off to a head start with our pick of the best fake tans for all skin types
Want to achieve a fabulous faux glow this summer? Our pick of the best fake tans, gradual tanners and tanning lotions will give you a gorgeous, natural colour without a ray of sunshine in sight.
Exfoliate
Gently exfoliate any dry skin and leftover oil from the skin to ensure your skin is smooth and primed so your fake tan is even. You can choose either a scrub mitt or a body exfoliant.
Organic Formulation Hydrating Body Exfoliant
Wotnot Body Exfoliating Mitt
The Jojoba Company Jojoba Bean Natural Exfoliant 200g
Remove hair
Remove hair the night before – not the day of – the tan or the solution will sit in the hair follicle and create a not-so-special dotty appearance to your skin.
Nair Sensitive Hair Removal Cream 75g
Veet Easy Grip Wax Strips Hair Removal 40 Pack
Gillette Venus Sensitive Women's Disposable Razors
Have the right accessories in hand
You want luminous skin, but you don't want orange hands, right? From exfoliating to application, a tanning mitt can be used to perfect every step of the tanning process. Besides, when you have the right accessories, your tanning products will go on more evenly than it ever could with your bare hands.
Le Tan 2 In 1 Tanning Application Mitt
Bondi Sands Reusable Self Tan Application Mitt
Le Tan Total Control Self Tanning Application Mitt
Choose the right product for you
Best Fake Tan Lotions
Most gradual tans are lightweight lotions, which is perfect if you’re a beginner. You’ll get a natural glow that develops day by day, and it’s versatile enough to use on both your face and your body. They look just like your average moisturiser, so be sure to wash your hands straight after application, or alternatively you can use a mitt.
Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning 100mL
MooGoo Gradual Tanning Cream 120g
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Lotion Light/Medium 200mL
Best Fake Tan Foams
If you’re looking for a deeper, long lasting tan, a foam application is super easy to use and gives a gorgeous natural finish. You can find instant/wash off tans, but most of the foams are designed to last. Apply the foam, then leave on for a specific amount of time before showering (always read the directions as each brand/product differs). It’ll last for a few days without the need of any further top-up. The best part about foams — they guarantee a flawless, streak-free finish.
Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Foam
Le Tan Classic Foam Medium/Dark 180mL
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Liquid Gold 200mL
Best Fake Tan Mists
Lightweight, fast-absorbing and super easy to apply, a mist is perfect for a quick fuss-free tanning session. Application takes a matter of minutes, so you can even do a quick spritz in the morning before you head off to work. It also dries down on contact, so you won't need to worry about leaving part of your tan on your furniture. Mists give a subtle, even and natural glow, so if you’re a rookie on the tanning game, then this is a great place to start.
Best Fake Tan Oils
Super hydrating with a luxurious silky finish, tanning oils are perfect for those who suffer with dry skin. They’re also great for areas that tan likes to stick to — knees, knuckles and elbows. This texture penetrates the skin to replenish and rejuvenate, revealing an all-over bronzed glow. Hello summer!
Bondi Sands Coconut Beach Tanning Oil 150mL
The Jojoba Company Jojoba Glow 125mL
Reef Coconut Shimmer Sun Tan Oil SPF15 125mL
Best Fake Tan Areo Foams
Need an instant tan? The Areo foam tan from Bondi Sands will give you the tan of your dreams within the hour! This range is designed to dry fast, offering either a light or dark finish, depending on your preference.
Bondi Sands Aero Aerated Self Tanning Foam Liquid Gold 225mL
Bondi Sands Aero Aerated Self Tanning Foam Liquid Dark 225mL
Bondi Sands Aero Aerated Self Tanning Foam Liquid Light/Medium 225mL
Loved our best fake tans? We've got plenty more women's health and beauty advice on our Health & Wellness Edit, guaranteed to give your body a well-deserved boost. Suffer with dry skin? Here's how to give your skin a hit of hydration, plus a deep cleansing skincare routine to prep your skin ready for summer. Is your lady V giving you grief? Here's how to keep your vagina healthy and happy.
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