The self tanners we swear by for party season

Fool proof.

If you’ve grown up in Australia, chances are you’ve had some sort of experience with fake tan. Some of us have over-used them and subsequently sworn off them, while others have struggled to find ones to suit our skin tone. Many of us have, at some point in our lives, been left bright orange and reeking of coconut biscuits.

Thankfully, the self-tanning aisle has come a long way from what was on the shelves twenty or even ten years ago. Once a ‘one-colour-fits-all’ product, most beauty brands have turned to colour theory and new technology to create faux tans that cater to a more diverse range of skin tones, offering tailored results. 

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Here at FJ, we know how much you love a personal beauty recommendation, especially a hyper-focussed one. We turn to makeup artists to tell us how to properly use bronzing drops, we quiz real people on the best sunscreens that won’t leave a white cast on melanin-rich skin, and we pester hair stylists with questions like: ‘Can I do a keratin smoothing treatment at home?’.

With summer soirees and holidays quickly approaching, we thought it perfect timing to share the trusted tanning foams, face tan waters, bronzing serums and lotions we’ve developed long-term relationships with. 

For the fake tan novice:

St Tropez Gradual Firming Body Lotion

 

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Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor

Some people are obsessed with Botox and filler, I’m obsessed with being bronzed. Which is actually more high-maintenance, considering the skin is our largest organ and temporarily staining it an even colour requires top-ops every few days. Even though I love being tan, I’m terrified of actual tanning foams and spray tans. I’ve been called “carrot legs!” before (from a boy in high school who obviously had a crush on me) and I won’t risk it again.

Now I only use gradual tanners. Think of it like adding seasoning to a soup – you can always add, it’s harder to take away. I was a fan of Dove Summer Glow for years before I discovered the St Tropez Gradual Firming Body Lotion (I use Medium/Dark), which absorbs and dries down much faster, has minimal smell and delivers a very natural-looking bronzed result.

Buy it here.

Le Tan Gradual Face Tanning Serum Night Repair

 

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Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor

Similarly, I like to take a slow and steady approach to my face tan. I do this more regularly than my body as my face is usually a shade or two lighter than the rest of me (SPF 50 every day). Every third night, I’ll blend a few drops of the Le Tan Gradual Face Tanning Serum Night Repair to clean skin and I wake up super smooth and glowy, thanks to the added retinol and squalane. Just remember to wash your hands afterwards – I once forgot to do this before bed after a few drinks, and I woke up with stained hands and a wedding to go to.

Buy it here.

For the time-poor tanner:

Bondi Sands Aero Self Tanning Foam 1 Hour Express

 

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Picked by: Georgina Woolcock, Fashion Journal’s Branded Content and Production Executive

I’ve tried pretty much every fake tan on the market and despite having over 20 bottles at home, I always find myself going back to the same one I used in high school. Bondi Sands Ultra Dark tends to get a bad rep as the tan teenagers use every Thursday to be bronzed on the weekend, but due to Australia’s (problematic) tanning culture, we do tend to have the best on the market! If you know how to use it and it suits your undertone, it can create a really flattering, deep bronzed complexion.

Buy it here.

For the tanning pro:

Le Tan Ultra Dark Tanning Foam

 

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Picked by: Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor

I’ve worked as an editor for roughly 10 years and in that time, have been sent plenty of fake tans to trial. Every time though, I come back to Le Tan’s tanning foam. The formula has changed a lot since I first started using it in high school (it’s much less orange now), and I’ve found it’s best for easy and even application, longevity and natural tone. ‘Dark’ tans can scare people but I find they’re typically less ‘orange’ than the lighter versions. If I want a lighter colour, I prefer to go easy on application and rinse off the tan early on.

Buy it here.

Face tan for a hint of colour:

Three Warriors Radiant Complexion Serum By Sonia Kruger

 

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Picked by: Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor

I’m cheating here and inserting a second fake tan because I think it’s worth writing about. This serum made by Australian brand Three Warriors doubles as a face tanning product which gives the nicest subtle glow. Sometimes I forget about the tanning element then catch my reflection, wondering why my skin looks so healthy despite sleep deprivation, dehydration and stress. This product is why. I’ve tried other top-rated face tanning products, but all are stinky and orange-y to the point where I’ve given them away. This is easily the winner.

Buy it here.

Eco Tan Face Water

 

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Picked by: Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor

I’ve never quite nailed the fake tan routine or learnt how to avoid streaks, so I’ve mostly put it in the ‘too hard’ basket. I’m half-Fijian though, and while I make sure to slip, slop, slap and be as sun-safe as possible, thankfully I can spend time in the sun without burning. But one product I do swear by is the Eco Tan Face Water. It’s incredibly easy to apply, I just wet a cotton pad and use it like a toner on clean skin before bed. My face is often a lot paler than my body, so this evens up my complexion and makes me look incredibly well-rested and glowy. 

Buy it here.

For the pale girlies:

Bondi Sands Technocolor Sapphire 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam

 

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Picked by: Molly Griffin, Fashion Journal’s Advertising and Partnerships Manager

I’m naturally extremely fair, covered in freckles and have been told by the doctor who does my skin checks  I can “probably pull back on my visits” (I refuse to do that), needless to say I’ll never tan naturally. My holy grail tan is the Bondi Sands Technocolor Sapphire 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam. It’s a cool-toned, hydrating formula that keeps true to my fair undertones but gives me a delicious natural glow, if you do it right. I’m talking full exfoliation before you apply, wash it off with water only, then use soap on your next shower and then moisturise daily. It will last a full week before you need to re-apply. My facialist has a strict no-face-tan policy so when I’m not wearing makeup, I use the Mecca In A Good Light Illuminating Drops SPF30 and I’m good to go.

Buy it here.

For more on fake tan prep, head here.