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The Best Fake Tans in Australia: Mousses, Gradual Tanners and Face Tans
Whether you're a tanning pro or a bronzing beginner, these are the best fake tans in Australia to help you glow all year round, without the sun damage.
Want an all-over, natural-looking and subtly shimmering glow this summer? We’ve got you covered. The best fake tans in Australia right now include St. Tropez’s Classic Bronzing Mousse for a foolproof first tan, Coco & Eve’s Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam for hydrating, mango-scented colour, and Lust Minerals’ Clean Self Tanning Mousse for sensitive skin. For a slower build, Eco Tan and KORA Organics make gradual tanners that double as daily moisturiser, while Tan-Luxe’s Super Glow Serum takes care of the face.
We’ve sorted every pick by format, from mousses to prep tools.
PS: (Don’t forget to protect your glow by applying sunscreen generously!)
In This Guide:
Sitchu Picks: Our Top 3 Fake Tans 2026
Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tanning Drops
Loving Tan 10 Min Express™ Self-Tanning Smoothing Mask
TANOLOGIST Self Tan Water
Editor’s Picks: The Best Fake Tans in Australia at a Glance
Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops, $39
For that just-back-from-holiday glow without booking a flight (or committing to a full fake tan), Three Warriors’ Hydrabronze Tan Drops are worth a spot in your beauty cabinet. Mix a few of these clever little drops into your moisturiser and build your bronze to suit, while hydrating hyaluronic acid keeps skin looking fresh and dewy. Even Daisy Edgar-Jones is a fan of the Australian tanning brand, calling on Three Warriors for red-carpet moments including Cannes. Consider this your shortcut to looking a little more sun-kissed, whatever the weather.
Luna Bronze Self Tanning Jelly, $38.95
With its bright purple colour and jelly-like texture, this product is a little different from your usual fake tan. Luna Bronze’s Self Tanning Jelly has been selling out on repeat after developing a cult-following for its natural-looking, sun-kissed finish, without the dreaded orange tinge. In even better news, there’s now a Jumbo size available for those who use it on repeat.
Best Self-Tan Mousses, Foams and Lotions in Australia
Sontse Golden Hour Self-Tan Mousse, $44.95
Nicknamed “sunshine in a bottle”, this lightweight and silky formula glides on smoothly for an even, flawless tan. With a formula infused with Mandarin Peel and Coconut Oil, skin is nourished and hydrated while its natural glow is enhanced.
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, $45
A cult classic among self-tan enthusiasts, one bottle of this Bronzing Foam is sold every 20 seconds. The anti-cellulite, anti-ageing self-tan is made with zero nasties and has been created using unique Cellushape formula to hydrate and firm the skin. Plus, it leaves skin with a delicious tropical mango and guava scent.
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, $59.99
One of the most iconic self-tan brands, this mousse from St. Tropez is a cult classic. Foolproof and natural-looking, this easy-to-apply mousse adapts to your skin tone for up to 10 days of wear with no self-tan smell. It’s the perfect first fake tan if you’re starting out, thanks to its quick-drying, non-sticky and non-transferable formula.
Lust Minerals Clean Self Tanning Mousse, $32
This long-lasting formula is designed for all skin types (yes, even sensitive) and nourishes the skin while giving it a gorgeous golden hue. With the addition of Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil, skin is left nourished and hydrated… it’s no wonder this fake tan is fast becoming a fan favourite!
LAMAV Self Tanning Lotion, $34
The only certified organic tanning range in Australia, this Self Tanning Lotion by LAMAV contains a nourishing blend of Argan Oil, Macadamia Oil and Green Tea Extract to hydrate skin and deliver a golden tan all in one go. Revolutionary bio-active hero ingredient magnesium also contributes to overall well-being and relaxation, while supporting skin’s collagen production.
Best Gradual Tanners in Australia
O COSMEDICS Gradual Tanning Body Butter, $25
From the brand’s recently launched SELF Tan range, this Gradual Tanning Body Butter is lightweight and fast-drying. Infused with caffeine to firm, tone and boost elasticity, it’s also highly nourishing and revitalising. A sunkissed glow while prioritising skin health? We love.
BodyBlendz Face & Body Gradual Tanning Anti-Cellulite Lotion, $24.99
Tanned, toned and hydrated? This Gradual Tanning Lotion has you covered. Control your glow by adjusting the amount of lotion you apply to your skin (more lotion = more tan), all while helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite thanks to naturally-derived ingredients that enhance skin regeneration, soothe irritation and help repair damaged skin.
Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Drops, $17.95
A completely customisable way to tan, these self-tan drops are designed to be mixed with your favourite moisturiser and lotion to boost your colour and radiance. With a unique combination of antioxidant-rich Australian fruits, the drops help nourish, smooth and moisturise skin. (P.S. They’re also available in a darker shade, too.)
Eco Tan Winter Skin Gradual Tanning Moisturiser, $30
This 2 in 1 nourishing body moisturiser and gradual tanning lotion is perfect for bronzing newbies. A sun-kissed glow is as easy as applying your daily lotion, with colour buildable depending on how much product you use (and how often).
KORA Organics Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion, $68
Build a gradual glow with this hydrating body lotion that nourishes the skin thanks to ingredients like Noni Fruit, Rosehip and Sea buckthorn Oils. With a quick-drying and non-sticky formula, the sunless tanner is a must-have for those seeking an easy tanning solution year-round.
LAMAV Gradual Tanning Moisturiser, $34
A completely customisable tan, this gradual tanner provides a beautiful, buildable and brilliant tan with the benefits of a daily moisturiser. Simply apply in circular motions with a self-tanning application glove to clean, dry skin. Leave for 6-8 hours before showering for best results, and use across consecutive days to build from a subtle glow to a rich, honey tan.
Best Face Tanners in Australia
Tan-Luxe Super Glow Serum Self Tanner, $61
The world’s first hyaluronic acid, superfood, self-tan serum, it’s suitable for daily use and quenches the skin for a plumper appearance. With added anti-ageing benefits, it’s easy to use: simply apply a few drops directly to the face and décolleté daily, massaging with circular motions.
St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Tan Tonic Drops, $39.99
Self-tan meets skincare with this multi-tasking tonic that’s infused with Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Echinacea and Acerola Cherry extract, as well as a 100% natural tanning active. Apply these drops directly to the skin, or dilute into your daily moisturiser or serum to suit you and your skin tone, no matter the time of year.
Coco & Eve Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist, $45
This new product has become an instant fave, selling out twice since its release. Offering a sun-kissed glow while nourishing the skin with powerful antioxidants, its lightweight formula is also enriched with hyaluronic acid and dragon fruit extract. Simply mist a light layer over a clean face and neck for instant hydration, waiting 30 seconds for the product to be fully absorbed before continuing on with the rest of your skincare routine.
Sontse Sun Lit Face & Body Tan Mist, $34.95
Guaranteeing a natural, gradual glow, this mist is an easy way to build on an already-existing tan or enhance your complexion. The fast-drying formula is enriched with natural ingredients to hydrate skin, plus it boasts a tropical scent of rose and orange peel oil to instantly transport you to paradise as you spray.
Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops, $39
Gradual, glowing skin more your thing? This ultra-hydrating (and dermatologically-tested) face tanner is uniquely formulated with Bali Botanicals and super-hydrating hyaluronic acids to increase skin elasticity, all while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The best part? You’re in control of your glow. For a deeper tan, simply use more drops.
LAMAV Anti-Ageing Face Tan Serum, $32
This lightweight and luxurious facial treatment has a buildable, blendable formula that provides a natural, radiant and sun-kissed honey hue over 24-48 hours. Made with the likes of Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Argan Oil, Hyaluronic Acid and Co-Enzyme Q10, it also fights the visible signs of ageing while nourishing, soothing and hydrating the skin.
Naked Tan Face Tan Mist, $18.95
Your go-to solution for a quick and convenient facial tan, this mist also nourishes and rejuvenates skin while it works. Proudly crafted in Australia, the mist is infused with the cooling freshness of cucumber so skin is not only tanned but smoothed and revitalised, too.
Best Fake Tan Prep, Application and Removal Products
Coco & Eve Soft Velvet Tanning Mitt, $21
Custom-designed to fit like a glove, this tanning mitt ensures an even application (and no gathering on dry areas). Made of hypoallergenic, soft velvet material, it also has a protective lining so there are no worries about finding your hands orange the day after tanning.
Sontse Rinse and Repeat Bundle, $49.90
Just as the name suggests, this bundle is the perfect pairing for smooth, silky and even skin. Featuring Sontse’s Crystal Clear Face & Body Scrub (infused with Shea Butter, Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera) and Clean Slate Exfoliating Mitt, the natural exfoliators are gentle on the skin for a perfect prep.
Ohh My Glo Self Tan Setting Spray, $19.95
A game-changer for your tanning game, Ohh My Glo’s Fake Tan Setting Spray is the secret to kissing post-tan stickiness goodbye. Simply spray the quick-setting formula over your skin after tanning and voila! You can slip into your fave outfit right away and let your golden glow marinate.
Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser, $19.95
While fake tan fades on its own (often with the help of some exfoliation), sometimes you need a product to step up to the plate and help wash it away quickly. Enter: Bondi Sands’ revolutionary Self Tan Eraser, which removes self-tan in just 5 minutes without excessive scrubbing. Plus, it leaves skin moisturised and silky smooth…and ready for your next application.
Ready to take your tan on the town? Pair your new bronzed glow with these resort wear looks we’re lusting over, or prep for your next party with these pool party must-haves.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Fake Tans in Australia
For a first self-tan, St. Tropez’s Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse ($59.99) is one of the easiest formulas to get right. It adapts to your skin tone, dries quickly, doesn’t feel sticky and won’t transfer onto clothes, and it wears for up to 10 days without the typical self-tan smell. If you’d rather build colour slowly, Eco Tan’s Winter Skin Gradual Tanning Moisturiser ($30) works like a daily body lotion, so colour deepens over several applications and mistakes are far less noticeable. Applying with a tanning mitt helps either option go on evenly.
Most fake tans last around five to 10 days, depending on the formula, your skin type and how often you exfoliate, swim or shower. Instant mousses and foams such as St. Tropez’s Classic Bronzing Mousse are designed to wear for up to 10 days, while gradual tanners fade faster and are made to be topped up every day or two. To extend your tan, exfoliate before applying and moisturise daily afterwards. When it starts fading unevenly, a dedicated remover such as Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser clears it in around five minutes, ready for a fresh application.
Lust Minerals Clean Self Tanning Mousse ($32) is formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and uses aloe vera and jojoba oil to keep skin hydrated while the colour develops. LAMAV, which describes its tanning range as certified organic, is another option for anyone who prefers plant-based ingredients, with both a self-tanning lotion and a gradual tanning moisturiser at $34. Whichever formula you choose, patch test on a small area of skin 24 hours before a full application, particularly if you’re prone to reacting to fragrance, since many tans contain added scent.
No. Fake tan changes the colour of the outer layer of your skin but doesn’t provide meaningful protection from UV rays, so a self-tanned glow is no substitute for sunscreen. Even with a deep tan, your skin can still burn and sustain sun damage. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen generously whenever you’re outdoors, and reapply every two hours or after swimming and sweating. The upside is that fake tan is one of the safest ways to get a bronzed look in Australia, delivering colour without the UV exposure a natural tan requires.
Most patchy or orange results come down to preparation and application rather than the tan itself. Exfoliate the day before tanning with a scrub or exfoliating mitt to remove dry skin, then apply with a tanning mitt in circular motions so the product spreads evenly. Use a kabuki brush or a light hand on tricky areas such as hands, feet, knees and elbows, where tan tends to cling. If you’re nervous about colour, start with a gradual tanner that builds slowly, or mix self-tanning drops into your moisturiser so you control the depth.
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