Self Tan

The best way to find a shade that will look natural, is to choose based on your natural skin tone and desired depth. Light/Medium is great for fair skin tones or those looking for a soft bronze; it's a good shade for beginners who are nervous about their tan being too deep. Dark and Ultra Dark is for experienced tanners looking for a deep bronze (or their deepest bronze) and can suit deeper skin tones. If you're looking for a golden glow over a bronzed tan, Liquid Gold is for you. If you're unsure or a beginner tanner, we recommend you start lighter and build up, remember you can always reapply if you're looking for a deeper shade!

The difference between Instant, Express and Gradual all comes down to how quickly you want colour and how much control you’re after.

Instant gives you immediate colour that you can see straight away. It’s perfect for a last-minute glow and washes off with soap and water.

Express develops in as little as 1 hour. You can rinse after 1–3 hours depending on how deep you want your tan to be. The longer you leave it on (within that window), the deeper the result. If you need your deepest glow in 1 hour, Ultra Express will be your go to for same-day ready occasions.

Gradual is developed for daily use, building subtle colour over time. It’s a great low-commitment option if you prefer a softer, more natural-looking glow. Our Gradual Self Tans are also a great product if you're wanting to maintain your tan and keep your glow going.

If you need colour tonight, go for Instant or Ultra Express. If you’re after something more subtle and buildable, Gradual is your best bet.

Lotions: Smooth, hydrating, and great for even coverage. Foams: Lightweight, quick drying, and easy to apply Oils: Nourishing with a dewy, radiant finish. Mists: Perfect for those hard to reach areas and an even glow. Gradual Tanners: Build colour over time and top up every 2–3 days to maintain your tan.

All Bondi Sands products, including self tanning foams, can be used on the face. For the best results, our face-specific formulas are non-comedogenic (so they won't clog your pores!) and have been specially designed with gentle, skin loving ingredients like Chamomile and Vitamin C, making them ideal for sensitive facial skin. If you’re using self tanning foams, apply the excess product from your mitt for an even glow. Always patch test first, then gently blend onto areas like the forehead, cheeks, and jawline to build a natural, streak free tan. Face formulas help maintain hydration, reduce irritation, and give a smoother, more even finish compared to body products.

To avoid orange tones and streaks, it’s all about prep, shade choice, and application. Start by exfoliating and moisturising dry areas so the tan applies evenly 24 hours before application, choose a shade that suits your skin tone (lighter to medium shades for fair skin, deeper shades for olive or deeper skin), and apply using a tanning mitt in light, even layers. Make sure you don’t over apply, especially on hands, feet, knees, and elbows, and allow the tan to develop for the recommended time before rinsing, following these steps helps ensure a natural, golden glow rather than an orange finish.

To remove an old tan or to fix a mistake and start fresh, use our Tan Eraser as your reset step. Apply it generously to dry skin, leave it on for 5–10 minutes to break down the self tan, then rinse in the shower while gently exfoliating with our Exfoliating Mitt. Finish by moisturising well so your skin is smooth, hydrated, and ready for a fresh, even tan application in 24 hours. Perfect to keep on hand if you're worried about self tanning mistakes!

Your Bondi Sands tan typically lasts 5–7 days, and with proper skin preparation and regular moisturising, it can last even longer and fade evenly. Keep in mind that everyone’s skin exfoliates at a different rate, which can affect longevity. To maintain your glow and extend your tan, our Gradual Tanning Products are the perfect solution.