These are the 10 best fake tans for everyone, from pros to novices
Fake tan season is upon us! As spring eases into summer and we begin to prep our legs for party season and the arrival of warmer weather, you may want a bit of a (literal) glow-up in the form of faux tanning.
A far better alternative to actually laying in the sun, fake tans have come a long way in the last decade and are no longer going to see you waking up bright orange. Instead, there are formulations designed for those who are nervous about fake tanning, ones for the experts who want a dark result fast, and even varying bases to suit different skin tones, so your fake tan always looks natural.
Below, find our picks for the best fake tans in 2023 for everyone.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Best all-rounder fake tans
Loving Tan 2HR Express Mousse, 200mL
One of the most popular fake tans in Australia, Loving Tan has a cult following among tan aficionados thanks to a quick-dry formula that doesn't streak and plenty of options depending on how dark you want your tan to appear. It has a tint that makes it easy to apply, although total newbies may prefer using the longer-developing formula over the express. "I can't say enough good things about it," writes one buyer on Amazon.
Bondi Sands Self Tan Foam, 200mL
Another brand that has a fan following, Bondi Sands has plenty of fake tan options for all preferences, but it's the original Self Tan Foam in Dark that has the most hype. Those with fair skin rave about its natural results. "As an extremely fair-skinned person, self-tanning always seemed terrifying to me," one buyer writes on Adore Beauty. "I feared going way too dark or coming out completely orange and unnatural, but thanks to this product, I'm now way more comfortable tanning at home."
Best fake tans for beginners
St Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
One of the original fake tans to develop a following for giving a natural bronzed finish, St Tropez remains one of the best – although it is less talked about these days, the Classic Bronzing Mousse is an excellent buy for anyone with fair skin or nervous about tanning. It has a tint so you can see where it's been applied, and the colour is a light-medium bronze.
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturiser, 221mL
Jergens gradual tanning moisturiser has been popular for years – it's easy to apply, doubles as a nourishing body lotion, and, most notably for newbies to fake tanning, slowly builds up a natural bronze colour over time, so you can live without the fear of waking up darker than you anticipated.
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Best organic fake tans
Eco Tan Organic Invisible Tan, 150mL
Formulated with organic ingredients, including skin-loving additions like macadamia and avocado oils, aloe juice and chamomile, Eco Tan's Organic Invisible Tan is also vegan and cruelty-free. "It absorbs into skin well and builds to natural-looking colour," one buyer writes on Adore Beauty.
Three Warriors Self Tan Mousse, 150mL
Tasmanian-owned fake tan brand Three Warriors is fast becoming a go-to for many regular tanners due to a rich, natural bronze finish and organic ingredients, plus the fact it's free from silicones, synthetic pigments, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), petrochemicals, parabens and phenoxyethanol. One reviewer on The Iconic says, "I have been using self-tan for years now and have tried so many," claiming that Three Warriors "lasts longer and has a deep colour," plus has "no smell and no patches as it wears off."
Best for lazy fake tanners
Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Lotion Tinted Skin Perfector, 150mL
With its subtle tint, this gradual tan from Bondi Sands is excellent for those who prefer not to wash their sheets after every application and instead wear their fake tan throughout the day. It's easy to apply and offers buildable colour, it's also a good option for anyone wanting to add an immediate glow to skin for an event.
Tan Luxe The Water, 200mL
Another option for those who hate fake tan on their sheets is Tan Luxe's The Water. This colourless liquid formulation dries fast and adds colour within two to four hours, and with the claim that it comes with no tell-tale fake tan smell, it's also an excellent choice for those who forgot to fake tan before an event – just apply while you're getting ready, and by the time you're out, you'll be glowing.
Best for darker skin tones
Eco Tan Hempitan Body Tan Water, 140mL
This ultra-dark tanning water is fast-drying and long-lasting if you moisturise regularly, but also contains nourishing ingredients like hemp seed extract and hyaluronic acid, preventing skin from drying out. "I love this fake tan it produces such a great colour!" writes one user on Adore Beauty. "The best part of it is you can barely feel it on your skin leaving no sticky feeling like some other tans do."
MineTan Violet Self Tan Foam, 200mL
MineTan is unique in the market as it offers not just a variety of fake tans but a variety of fake tans with different base colours – these work to offer the most natural finish depending on your skin tone. The Violet Self Tan Foam, for example, is formulated for those with olive skin, neutralising orange and yellow undertones. Other products include Dark Ash, which reduces red undertones, and Caramel, a warmer colour finish.
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