The Best Gradual Tans In Australia, According To Your Reviews

A gradual tan is the secret to a low-commitment, streak-free golden glow — perfect for those not quite confident in their fake tan abilities. The best thing about gradual tans is that the colour builds up gradually (hence the name…) so it’s far easier to get an even tan than with a dark foam or spray. 

If you prefer a deeper fake tan, a gradual tan can also help top up the colour and keep it looking fresh for longer — win! 

But don’t just take our word for it. Below we’ve rounded up nine gradual tans with great reviews from our beautyheaven members and all available here in Australia, so you can find your perfect match just in time for summer to start. 

The best gradual tans in Australia

#1 Dove Summer Glow Gradual Self Tan Body Lotion

We say: Dove Summer Glow Gradual Self Tan Body Lotion is infused with intense moisturising ingredients to hydrate dry skin while giving you a very subtle fake tan. Having received 4 out of 5 stars from an impressive 436 member reviews, this $10 gradual tanner is always a steal for the summer.

You say: “This is such an easy tanner to use! It smells nice, and applies a tan evenly. It is also super affordable. There is a noticeable difference within about 4 days and you end up with a lovely golden glow, no orange to speak of.” – missm7393. 

$9.99 at Chemist Warehouse

#2 Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk

We say: Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk has a dual-actual formula that gives a deep and long-lasting tan while also moisturising the skin. Antioxidants, aloe vera and vitamin E help to give 24-hour hydration. 

You say: “It is really easy to apply, even with hands, and doesn’t come out streaky at all. It dries down completely and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy all day like the last one I used (another huge plus). It smells great, but is just a subtle smell, not overpowering. And best of all the colour is very natural, in two coats it looks like a real tan.” Midnight Blue.

$17.95 at bondisands.com.au

Read more Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk reviews.

#3 Ella Baché Great Sunkiss

We say: Ella Baché Great Sunkiss is formulated with cocoa butter to give you instant radiance while protecting against moisture loss. This one is ideal as a top-up to an existing fake tan, to keep the colour rich and unpatchy for as long as possible. 

You say: “I love Ella Bache products and have been a long time user of their body moisturisers, so I was thrilled to test this and also to end up loving it. The smell is so much better than a lot of the tanning products out there in the marketplace and the result is a lovely healthy glow.” – justjo. 

$39 at David Jones

Read more Ella Baché Great Sunkiss reviews.

#4 Natio Sun-Kissed Glow Gradual Tan Lotion

We say: Natio Sun-Kissed Glow Gradual Tan Lotion is a quick-drying gradual tan that gives you a golden glow within a few days. Scented with cinnamon and tangerine, this is a summery but festive fragrance perfect for the holiday season. 

You say: “I have been using this tan moisturiser for over 2 years now and it is by far the most natural looking tan, easiest to apply and most hydrating I have tried”. – fernegully.

$14.95 at Myer

Read more Natio Sun-Kissed Glow Gradual Tan Lotion reviews.

#5 pureTAN Pure Bronze Gradual Tan SPF15

We say: pureTAN Pure Bronze Gradual Tan SPF15 is enriched with extra virgin coconut oil to keep skin nourished while building a natural tan. 

You say: “This gradual tanner is so gorgeous on the skin and smells absolutely heavenly! The formula is a rich, white cream that sinks into the skin. My skin felt moisturised and fresh, not sticky at all. This gradual tan can be used as both a gradual tanner and as a tan extender. I like how it is versatile depending on how urgent my tanning needs are. ” – bh member Bee1.

$29.95 at puretan.com.au

Read more pureTAN Pure Bronze Gradual Tan SPF15 reviews.

#6 St. Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Infusion Everyday Moisture Miracle Body Lotion

We say: The St. Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Infusion Everyday Moisture Miracle Body Lotion is ideal for those who hate the traditional smell of fake tan. With a refreshing watermelon scent and a hyaluronic acid-infused formula, it’s as juicy on the skin as it is on the nose. Providing moisture for up to 72 hours, it’s certainly one of the best gradual tans of recent years.

You say: “I have tried many different gradual tanners. This is hands down my new favourite! First of all and most importantly is tha amazing watermelon smell. No nasty fake tan smell. I smell lovely and fruity even after a few hours. It is an easy creamy formula to apply. Leaves a subtle glow that you can build on daily. Streak free, and super-easy.”  – Yafffy.

$18.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Read more St. Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Infusion Everyday Moisture Miracle Body Lotion reviews.

#7 Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion 

We say: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion combines cocoa butter and vitamin E for deep hydration. When using daily, you will develop a natural glow within a few days. The classic Palmer’s cocoa scent makes sure there’s no lingering chemical scent.  

You say: “Now I hate going to the effort of fake tanning it’s time consuming and I often end up patchy or getting it on my clothes or bed sheets even tho I only ever tan my legs but with the palmers cocoa butter gradual body bronzer I just apply like my everyday moisturizer it’s so quick and easy and with fast results in a matter of days and leads me to such a natural looking tan”. – pamela278. 

$11.26 at Priceline

Read more Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion reviews.

#8 Bronze by La Mav® Gradual Tanning Moisturiser – Medium

We say: Bronze by La Mav® Gradual Tanning Moisturiser – Medium is infused with magnesium to deeply hydrate the skin as it develops a rich bronze tan. It contains argan, macadamia and camellia oils to soften and hydrate skin. ‘Medium’ is suited to those who are after a deeper colour.

You say: “My skin is left looking so hydrated but it also leaves my skin with a matte sort of feel which is great because it’s nice that it’s super non-sticky and it ‘dries’ almost straight away so it doesn’t feel like it’s going to rub off onto clothing or anything. I also love how it comes in variations of lighter tans to darker tans. I’d repurchase this in spring when I’m more prone to using a fake tanning product.” – clearcrystalwater.

$39.95 at Adore Beauty

Read more Bronze by La Mav® Gradual Tanning Moisturiser – Medium reviews.

#9 JERGENS Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturiser

We say: JERGENS Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturiser gradually tans the skin, while also helping to firm and improve elasticity. 

You say: “The lotion has a nice light scent to it, and absorbs really quickly. It doesn’t have a fake tan smell to it and I can get dressed quickly after it. If I want to achieve a deeper tan I use it twice a day after my morning and evening shower. It fades really well if you stop using it so once you achieve your desired colour you can just take a break from using it while it fades.”- bh member GigiandBobbi.

$11.19 at Priceline

Read more JERGENS Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturiser reviews.

#10 Body Blendz Face & Body Gradual Tanning Anti-Cellulite Lotion

We say: Who doesn’t love a multipurpose product? And honestly, we’re so here for anything that takes the hassle out of tanning, right? Not only does Body Blendz Face & Body Gradual Tanning Lotion eliminate the hassle of changing tanning products between your face and body (because who wants that awkward pale face?), but it’s also infused with botanical extracts that help firm (and hydrate) your skin, while working to reduce the appearance of cellulite. We told you, it’s a multifunctional godsend!

$24.99 at Body Blendz

*This article has been updated since its original publication date. 

What do you think is the best gradual tan? Have you tried any of the above?