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Which Fake Tan Is Right For You? A Beginner's Guide To Each Type
Mousse, Drops, Lotion, Oils, Gel... how do you know which one to use? In this blog I will cover each of the most popular ways to fake tan, and the best way to apply each!
7/4/20263 min read
Introduction
Most people don't get bad fake tan because their product is bad - they get bad results because they're using the wrong type. Whether you're a beginner, have dry skin, want a quick glow, or need your tan to last all week, choosing the right formula makes all the difference.
Tanning Mousse
If you want a long-lasting, streak-free tan that’s beginner-friendly, fake tan mousse is one of the best options. Its lightweight texture spreads easily across the skin, helping you achieve an even application while reducing the risk of patchiness. Mousse formulas also tend to develop into a deeper colour and last longer than many other types of fake tan, making them perfect if you only want to tan once a week.
Recommended product: St. Moriz Professional Fast Tan Mousse – An affordable favourite that develops into a natural-looking glow, dries quickly, and is available in multiple shades to suit different skin tones.
Tanning Lotion
If your skin is on the drier side, a tanning lotion can give you a more natural, hydrated finish. Because lotions contain moisturising ingredients, they glide over dry patches more smoothly and fade more evenly than some mousses. They’re ideal if you prefer a subtle, sun-kissed glow instead of a very dark tan. However it isn't ideal for an instant tan - multiple applications is required to achieve a medium to dark tan I have found.
Recommended product: Bondi Sands Self Tanning Lotion – A nourishing lotion enriched with aloe vera that provides a natural bronze while helping keep skin soft and hydrated.
Gradual Tan
A gradual tan is perfect if you’re nervous about fake tanning or simply want a low-maintenance glow. Instead of developing all at once, the colour builds slowly over several applications, making it much harder to end up with streaks or orange patches. It’s also great for extending the life of your existing fake tan between full applications.
Recommended product: Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk – An easy-to-use daily moisturiser that gradually builds a natural-looking tan while keeping skin hydrated.
Self-Tan Drops
If you only want to tan your face or like customising your glow, self-tan drops are an excellent choice. Simply mix a few drops into your favourite moisturiser to control how light or dark your tan becomes. They’re ideal for skincare lovers because they fit seamlessly into your daily routine without feeling heavy on the skin.
Recommended product: Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops – Available in different shade options, these customisable drops blend easily with moisturiser to create a natural-looking facial tan.
Tanning Mist or Water
For anyone who wants a quick, lightweight application, tanning mists and tanning waters are a great option. They dry quickly, feel less sticky than many traditional tans, and work especially well for refreshing your colour between full tanning sessions. They’re also convenient for facial tanning thanks to their fine mist application.
Recommended product: St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist – A lightweight facial tanning mist that develops into a natural glow while feeling fresh and comfortable on the skin.
Essential Tanning Accessories
Even the best fake tan won’t look its best without the right preparation and application tools. Using a velvet tanning mitt helps prevent streaks and stained hands, while a kabuki brush makes it much easier to blend around your hands, feet, ankles and wrists for a seamless finish. Before tanning, an exfoliating mitt removes dead skin cells to help the tan develop evenly, and keeping your skin moisturised afterwards can significantly extend how long your tan lasts.
Recommended products:
Bondi Sands Application Mitt – For smooth, streak-free application.
Bondi Sands Exfoliation Mitt – Helps create the perfect tanning base.
Final Thoughts
Fake Tan is only complicated if you let it be! There has been lots of trial and error for me to find the products that work for me, but it was so worth it once I did! So keeping trying, keep experimenting and you will find the product for you!