Best self-tanning products from St Tropez, Bondi Sands and more

The idea of wanting to achieve the perfect sunkissed tan is no new phenomenon, especially for us beach-loving Australians.

In fact, topical self-tanners were developed back in the 1960s and 1970s, in response to growing research into UV exposure and skin cancers, and because tanning was fast becoming a mainstream fashion trend.

Considering some people resorted to sunbathing in baby oil or cooking oil (do not try this at home), it's really a great thing these products hit the shelves.

All the same, when I think of self-tanners, it's hard to forget the streaky, orange-hued fake tans of the 1990s and early 2000s, and shudder.

As a personal victim of this tangerine fashion trend, it was difficult for me to revisit the self-tanning section of the supermarket last year.

Yet, being almost 60 years in the making, the formulations of these self-tanning products have come a remarkably long way.

Some self-tanning products even claim to benefit the skin like skincare, offer zero (or little) transfer onto bed sheets, and promise to provide a pleasant odour that doesn't smell like musty cat pee.

Here, I break down the best self-tanning products in 2024 - from mousses to serums to tanning drops, their pros and their cons, and where to find them.

Top self-tanning products:

St Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse is a lightweight, silky and fast-drying self-tanning mousse in a buildable colour that adapts to your skin tone.

This product is designed to give a natural-looking tan without the harmful effects of UV exposure. It contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with eths skin's surface to provide a gradual tan that lasts up to 10 days.

The mousse formula is tinted, which helps guide application and ensure even coverage. It also contains skin-conditioning ingredients like aloe vera, which helps keep the skin hydrated and smooth.

While the tinting provides the skin with a bronzy colour, the tint can also transfer onto sheets and clothing, especially if it has not had the time to properly dry on the skin.

This product typically takes 4-5 hours to develop and fades evenly over time. It is vegan-friendly and free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops are a lightweight, customisable self-tanning face product designed specifically for the face.

These drops allow you to control the depth of your tan by mixing them with your favourite moisturiser, serum, or facial oil. It typically takes about 2-6 hours to take effect.

Formulate with natural DHA derived from sugar, the drops develop into a natural, streak-free tan within a few hours. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores. This makes it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Enriched with Balinese botanicals, including coconut water, dragon fruit and hyaluronic acid, the product nourishes the skin while giving it a sun-kissed glow.

However, if you are using skincare products and cleanse your face daily, you will need to reapply daily or every other day to see the best results.

It is also vegan and cruelty-free, with no parabens or sulfates. If you wish to see a video review of Emily Billings wearing Coco & Eve Sunny Hunny, check out this TikTok below.

Bondi Sands Dark Tanning Mist is a lightweight, aerosol self-tanning spray that provides an easy and even application for a natural-looking, deep tan.

The mist offers a dark, sun-kissed glow inspired by the iconic Australian beach lifestyle. It has a light coconut scent.

The formula is enriched with aloe vera and coconut to help hydrate and nourish the skin while developing a streak-free tan.

The tanning mist dries quickly and develops over 6-8 hours after application. It can be layered for a deeper colour if desired.

One downside of the mist spray is that it can be difficult to master (and come out streaky) if you don't know how to properly apply it. To resolve this issue, always follow the skin prep and application instructions on the bottle.

It is vegan, cruelty-free, and suitable for all skin types, and for people looking for a more intense tan.

Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tan Lotion is a lightweight, hybrid oil-lotion that combines a gradual self-tanner with a hydrating daily moisturiser.

This product is designed for both the body and face, offering a buildable, natural-looking glow over a few days of use. It develops over 2-4 hours and becomes more intense with regular use.

Its formulation includes DHA derived from rapeseed oil and Cellutone Complex, which claims to firm and tone the skin while promoting an even tan. It also has a mild scent, despite its inclusion of DHA.

Unlike traditional self-tanners, The Gradual is meant to be used daily or every other day to gradually enhance your natural skin tone with a subtle glow. See an example of the Tan-Luxe Gradual Tan in this video featuring Devin Raimo on TikTok.

While this is great for those with fair skin, it can take time to build colour and requires frequent reapplication.

It is also vegan, cruelty-free and free from parabens, sulfates and mineral oils.

Isle of Paradise Light Self Tanning Drops are designed to provide a customisable, sun-kissed glow that can be adjusted based on how many drops you mix with your moisturiser, serum or body lotion.

These drops contain colour-correcting actives with a peach base, which helps brighten and even out skin tone while providing a subtle, natural tan.

The formula is enriched with avocado, chia seeds and coconut oils, which hydrate the skin and ensure the tan develops smoothly.

The light shade is perfect for fair skin tones or those looking for a more subtle, gradual glow. The drops are suitable for both face and body, making them versatile for all-over tanning.

While these drops are effective, the results may be too subtle for some, and they may find that the regular maintenance and reapplication is not worth the cost.

It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

Vani-T Liquid Sun Express Self Tan Mousse is a rapid-developing, salon-quality self-tanner that delivers a bronzed glow in as little as 1 hour.

This mousse is formulated with natural and organic ingredients, including aloe vera, Australian kakdu plum and vitamin C, to nourish and hydrate the skin while the tan develops.

The formula offers a streak-free, long-lasting tan that continues to develop after rinsing. It's a great option for those looking for a quick tanning solution with minimal wait time.

The colour can be customised based on how long the mousse is left before rinsing - 1 hour for a light tan, 2-4 hours for a medium tan, or up to 8 hours for a deep, dark tan.

However, because of this, it requires precise timing to achieve the optimal tan for your skin tone. It also requires frequent moisturising to ensure the tan fades evenly.

Bare by Vogue Self-Tanning Foam is a lightweight, quick-drying mousse developed by Vogue Williams.

It promises a natural, streak-free tan that lasts up to 5-7 days. Available in multiple shades (light, medium, dark), this tanning foam allows users to achieve their desired level of tan.

However, it is important to follow the skin prep instructions, which usually means using an exfoliator pre-application, and a moisturiser post-application. This reduces potential patchiness of the tan.

The formula contains skin-nourishing ingredients such as goji berry, chamomile extract, pomegranate extract, and oat kernel extract, which help to hydrate, soothe and protect the skin.

These ingredients also give the product a pleasant scent that makes it stand out from other self tanning products.

The foam is easy to apply with a tanning mitt and develops over 4-8 hours to reveal a sunkissed glow. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, with no parabens or sulfates.

Self Tan By O Cosmedics Tanning Body Oil is a luxurious, lightweight tanning oil that provides a natural, golden tan while deeply nourishing and hydrating the skin.

This self-tanning oil is formulated with dihydroxuacetone (DHA) to develop a long-lasting tan over several hours.

However, it may require regular maintenance and reapplication to keep the tan looking fresh and radiant.

It is also infused with antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, and argan oil, which help moisturise and soften the skin.

The oil offers a streak-free application and is quick to absorb without leaving a greasy feeling. It is particularly suited for people with dry or sensitive skin.

This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from chemicals like parabens.

Achieving a flawless self-tan requires the right preparation and application technique. Follow these steps to ensure an even, streak-free glow:

The key to a smooth tan is pepping your skin by exfoliating 24 hours before application.

Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees and ankles, as these can absorb more product and become patchy if not prepped.

Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin cells.

On the day of your tan, apply a light layer of moisturiser to dry areas, such as the elbows, knees, hands and feet. This will help prevent the product from sticking and creating uneven patches.

Always apply self-tanner with a mitt to ensure a streak-free finish. Pump or pour the product directly onto the mitt, then use long, sweeping motions to spread it evenly over your body.

Start from the legs and work your way up your body, ensuring you don't miss any areas.

When applying to areas like your hands, feet and face, use less product and blend carefully.

For a more natural look, lightly apply the remaining product from your mitt to these areas to avoid a heavy or artificial appearance.

Most self-tanners need at least 4-8 hours to develop. Avoid showering, sweating or getting wet during this time to ensure the tan sets properly.

If you're using an express tan, follow the specific product instructions for rinsing time.

To prolong your tan and ensure it fades evenly, moisturise daily. Hydrated skin helps to maintain the tan and prevents it from becoming patchy as it fades.

Once you have your tan, avoid exfoliating again until you're ready to reapply or until the tan starts to fade. Exfoliating too early can cause an uneven fade.

Self-tan products, lovingly known to many Australians as fake tan, have evolved dramatically from their first development in the 1960s and 1970s.

Today, there is an astonishing variety of tanning brands, products and shades available to purchase, dependent on your desired depth of tan and skin needs.

Now, more than ever, tanning products contain nourishing skincare ingredients as well as tanning agents, meaning it's possible to achieve both a radiant glow, while attending to skin concerns.

Whether your priority is hydration, convenience, depth of tan or customisation, the best self-tanners in 2024 cater to a range of skin tones, types and preferences.

When using fake tan, always remember to wear sun protection, which includes applying sunscreen daily.

Because while a self-tanning product can offer you what appears to be a youthful, sun-kissed glow, it can't protect your precious skin from the sun's real and harmful UV rays.