Australia is known for being a sunny country (unless you live in Melbourne, in which case it’s either extreme heat or icy cold). So when it comes to golden, sunkissed skin, we’re pretty much an authority. But if you don’t want to fall victim to the perilous effects of the sun, don’t worry; we’ve also got the best fake tans here in Australia for an easy, faux glow.
Whether you’re after a deep bronze look or more of a natural vibe, there’s a multitude of fake tan brands out there to cater to your taste. Some may prefer gradual tans for an easy transition from winter to summer, but if you’re looking for instant golden goddess results, a fast-developing coat of colour will do the job.
If you don’t like sleeping in fake tan overnight, these days most formulas only require an hour to three at most to do their thing. Plus, the smell has gotten a lot better.
So whether you’ve got money to spend or if you’re just after some cheap thrills, here’s our edit of the best fake tan in Australia.
The best fake tans in Australia
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Dark
from $11.97 at The Iconic
It’s Kylie Jenner’s go-to and a cult-favourite for a reason. Bondi Sands self tanner is an affordable option for tanning addicts who want to do so safely and out of the sun.
Review:
“Bondi Sands really know how to make a tan. I have about 20 bottles of this in my room and all for good reason. This is a amazing tan, little to no smell for this product and it glides onto the skin so smoothly. My only complaint is that it dries super quickly, so there’s little time to buff out mistakes. Also, a little bit more orange than preferred, but its unnoticeable to anyone but me. I truly TRULY recommend this to anyone who wants to begin tanning, a cheap and reliable option that has helped little pale me billions of times.” — aedrhon, bh member
Read more Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Dark reviews…
Key features:
Streak-free foaming formula
Coconut scented
Extra dark finish
Develops over six hours
Available at:
- $11.97 from The Iconic
- $14.39 from Priceline
- $19.99 from Chemist Warehouse
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
from $48.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty
St. Tropez has always been seen as the gold standard of tan and for good reason. Formulated with a unique aromaguard fragrance technology, this quick-drying formula reduces odour by 70 per cent, leaving a light and subtle fragrance. AKA it’s ideal for those who can’t stand the smell of fake tan. Plus, it’s infused with aloe vera, for a glowing tan and lightly moisturised skin.
Key features:
Streak-free tinted formula
Develops in four to eight hours
No self-tan smell
Infused with hydrating jojoba and aloe vera
Available at:
- $48.95 from Oz Hair & Beauty
- $51.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $59.99 from Priceline
Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse Ultra Dark
from $29.96 at Adore Beauty
Ask any seasoned tanner who takes the job very seriously what the best fake tan in Australia is and their answer will be: Loving Tan. If you don’t mind splurging, it’s an excellent option — especially if you’re partial to a deep bronze tan. Loving Tan’s Deluxe Bronzing Mousse Ultra Dark is the one you want; it’s super fast-drying and it provides a lovely golden colour that’s dark, but still natural.
Key features:
Streak-free formula
Instant and long-lasting tan
Develops in eight hours
Natural olive undertone and ultra dark finish
Available at:
- $29.96 from Adore Beauty
- $40 from Sephora
The Quick Flick Quick Glow Whipped Tan & Body Moisturiser Mousse Dark
from $17.40 at Priceline
Quick Flick’s foaming mousse went viral thanks to it’s clear formula, which doesn’t stain clothes or sheets like traditional fake tan. Plus, it doesn’t need to be rinsed off either!
Key features:
Clear, no-stain formula
Non-sticky, streak-free and fast-drying
Infused with naturally derived DHA and Vegetan®
No rinse formula
Available at:
- $17.40 from Priceline
Three Warriors Self Tanning Mousse
from $29.21 at Adore Beauty
Looking for a speedy self-tanning mouse? This pick from Three Warriors develops in just one hour and is enriched with moisturising natural ingredients to ensure your skin looks nourished and healthy after you rinse off too.
Key features:
Infused with aloe vera, coconut oil, Tasmanian olive oil and vitamin E
Develops in just one hour
Made with natural, plant-based ingredients
Long-lasting and fades evenly
Available at:
- $29.21 from Adore Beauty
- $38.95 from The Iconic
- $38.95 from David Jones
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
from $33.75 at Adore Beauty
Beloved for it’s super smooth, no-streak finish, Coco & Eve’s fake tan creates the blurred, flawless look of body makeup without the threat of transfer.
Key features:
Flawless blurred effect
Super smooth, streak-free finish
Transfer-proof
Anti-ageing and firming benefits
Available at:
- $33.75 from Adore Beauty
- $45 from The Iconic
- $45 from MYER
Main image credit: @khloekardashian
What’s your favourite fake tan?
I’ve used the Lycon and Bondi Sands ones before.
I must say brands have definitely up-ed their game with Self-tanning lotions! i remember back in the days they were gross and everything you touch would leave a finger print on it and people were looking orange!
I have been there too !!
Would love to try one of these tanners for Summer
Oooh I would love to venture into this new product range for me
St Tropez has been one of my favourites for many years.
makes me feel like self tanning
Love Bondi sands aero foam the best so far
I haven’t used any of these before, I’m not a fan of the tan.
Yeah, I just don’t like fake tan either and try not to tan.
I don’t use fake tan as much as I used to
Have used one in past for fun. But prefer my natural skin tone
i always notice that Bondi Sands makes these lists
I have only ever used cream moisturiser that tans my legs and arms. When spring arrives and my legs are white from not seeing the sun for a few months.
I think the technique is also important, it’s not enough to buy a good quality tan product.
St Tropaz is great. So many choices and hard to pick -WOW!!
Bondi Sands is fantastic
The last brand I purchased was Dove. Great smell and it went on evenly. Previous to that I had another brand (can’t remember which one) where the tan was for 1 day only. It washed off.
I like St Tropez and will be using some on my legs as we head into summer.
I like Bondi Sands but in a lighter shade and St Tropez.
While I’d love to remove the shocking white glare from my skin, I find the scent of fake tan overpowering.
Loving Tan is the best
This kinda makes me wanna try self-tanning but I spend so much money trying to stay pale lol
Stay pale!
I don’t use fake tan – I just don’t like it.
I absolutely HATE fake tans, or real tans, so I’d never touch these. Give me perfectly pale skin any day, I’ll be the one smothered in SPF, with a hint of silver shimmer ✨ Natural skin tone is best.
Not for me, just not a good look
I like to use the tinted moisturister as it looks very natural and you can get a very light one.
some lovely options
i am sure they smell nicer now to what they use to
I’m not a fan of the fake tan
I don’t have a favourite because I don’t do fake tan.
Been a long time since I could be bothered with the fake tan look.
I don’t tan my skin.
I am going to Bali soon and am thinking of how white my winter arms and legs are. Have got lots of sun cream.
so many new choices now
These save the skin from sun exposure
I just can’t get on board with fake tanning. I don’t like the look.
Keep trying, there is one for you. I really like them
I’ve never used fake tan before but do want to try it!
I don’t need to take tan, I tan so easily.
Wish I tanned easily, my legs are always so white at the end of the winter
I don’t need to tan my skin.
Nice they smell nicer now too
so so much better !!
Bondi Sands is fantastic. Also a fan of Jergens to build up a steady glow
Fake tan is my friend in early summer until my skin catches up.
Bondi Sands is good
Come the summer I always use some fake tanning cream but usually just the body cream ones.
I am not a fan of tans, whether they’re real or fake. Just not a look I like.
I’m so pale, I should try one
You should, I find they work rather well.
I’ve only tried the Bondi Sands and St Tropez and can recommend them both.
I’m currently trying to use up some smelly fake tan that I want to get rid of. It’s so hard to find one that lives up to the “no fake tan smell” claim.
I never got into tanning. I spend so much money on eliminating hyperpigmentation.
Updated list has some great options
Bondi Sands is a good brand
quick flick seems to look quite nice