Ultimate Guide To Achieving The Best Fake Tan Australia 2020

A sun-kissed skin looks so flattering, making our skin look radiant, youthful and firm! Who doesn’t want that, especially for special occasions! The dilemma of course is that none of us wants to risk the dangers of the sun. To assist solve the dilemma I have put together this comprehensive guide to self tanning,  the ultimate guide to achieving the best fake tan Australia 2020. 

Not only does this ultimate guide contain valuable self tanning tips but it also contains recommendations of the best self tanning products Australia wide.

Click HERE to see the overall best self tanner 2020 and click HERE to see the best face tanner Australia 2020 and click here for the best tanning mitt Australia wide.

Best Fake Tan Australia 2020 Comparison Chart

Use this chart to compare the recommended best fake tans Australia wide to identify the best tanning products 2020 Australia wide for your specific needs.

SELF TANNER	IMAGE	TYPE OF FORMULA	SIZE	BEST FOR	PRICE
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Dark		Foam	200mL	User Friendly Self Tan (Note: This Is The Top Selling Tanning Product in Priceline)	See Price Here
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Ultra Dark		Foam	200mL	Darker Tan User Friendly	See Price Here
Bondi Sands Aero		Aerated Foam	200g/225mL	Best Self Tanner Longer Lasting Tan	See Price Here
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold		Dry Tanning Oil	150mL	Best Dry Tanning Oil Best Fake Tan For Dry Or Sensitive Skin.	See Price Here
MineTan Nano Mist Atomiser		Mist	Mist Atomiser	Facial Tan & Topping Up Your Face, Arms & Decolletage Tan On The Go. Vegan Self Tanner. Cruelty Free Fake Tan.	See Price Here
ModelCoTan Airbrush In A Can		Spray	180mL	Spray On Self Tanner Even Looking Colour	See Price Here
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer Fair to Medium		Gradual Tan Moisturiser	221mL	Natural Tan With Added Skincare Benefits Good For Fair Skin	See Price Here
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer Medium to Tan		Gradual Tan Moisturiser	221mL	Natural Tan With Added Skincare Benefit	See Price Here
St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Tanning Lotion		Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion	200mL	Best For First Time Self Tanners and Fair Skin Best Gradual Tanner Australia	See Price Here
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs		Temporary Tan	75g	Quick Temporary Leg Tan	See Price Here

Keep reading to check out the best self tanners 2020 Australia reviews below.

Recommended Self Tanning Applicators Chart

PRODUCT	IMAGE	PRICE
Bondi Sands Reusable Exfoliating Mitt		See Price Here
St Tropez Velvet Luxe Tan Applicator Mitt		See Price Here
ModelCo Self-Tan Back Applicator		See Price Here

Best Self Tanner Product Formulas

Self Tan Foams & Mousse

Foam and mousse formula self tanners are wonderfully user friendly. They are easy to apply and you can see exactly where you have applied the formula and where you have missed.

For the best result apply foam and mousse formulas with an applicator tanning mitt using long sweeping motions.

The Bondi Sands tanning foam formula products are the best tanning foam 2020 products I’ve tried. They are all strong contenders for the overall best self tanner 2020 Australia wide.

Click here to see the recommended Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam, Dark and the Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam, Ultra Dark.

There is now also a brand new Bondi Sands aerated tanning foam which has an absolutely amazing formula and provides a beautiful longer lasting tan! I highly recommend it. It’s the Bondi Sands Aero.

Spray Tan / Self Tanner Spray

Spray tan products provide the most even colour distribution but you can’t apply these easily to your own entire body.

One of my best spray tan tips is to ask a friend to help you. You will need them to spray you where you can’t reach, such as your back.

Click here to see the recommended best spray on self tanner: ModelCo Tan Airbrush in a Can.

Tanning Oil / Dry Oil Tanner

Dry oil has a wonderfully nourishing lightweight texture that hydrates the skin while creating a beautiful streak free tan. It dries within minutes, isn’t sticky and isn’t greasy and doesn’t transfer. It’s one of the easiest fake tans to apply.

It’s the best tanning formula for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Click here to see our recommended best dry tanning oil: Bondi Sands Liquid Gold.

Fake Tan Lotions & Gels

Self tanning lotions tend to be fast drying. You need to apply these types of self tans quite quickly. The benefit of lotion and gel type fake tan formulae is that they are nourishing on the skin.

Gradual Tan Moisturiser

A gradual tanner is the best fake tan for beginners to use and the best fake tan for pale skin Australia wide. A gradual tanning moisturiser contains only a small amount of tanning ingredient and is applied exactly like a regular body moisturiser. You can build up the colour by applying the product on several consecutive days in a row.

After trialing a number of different gradual tan products this is my product pick for the best gradual tan 2020.

Gradual tan moisturisers are also the best fake tan for older skin as they are effective in combating the dehydration issues more common in mature skin.

Click here to see the recommended best gradual tan moisturiser Australia 2020 wide, Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturiser. It gradually creates a beautiful natural looking colour. It comes in Medium to Tan and also Fair To Medium.

The Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturisers also have the added benefit of creating visibly firmer skin with improved elasticity. This is the best gradual tan Australia 2020.

In Shower Gradual Tan

Another gradual self tanner perfect for first timers is the St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower. This innovative gradual fake tan takes minimal effort. It’s the best gradual tanning lotion Australia wide for those wanting to apply fake tan whilst in the shower. Unlike other self tanners this one applies to wet skin. Wash, turn off the shower, slather on and wait for 3 minutes, (you can apply a hair mask while you wait) then rinse off. So easy!

You can use it daily to build up the glow. The result is a lovely subtle glow.

This gradual tanner is also a strong contender for the award of best gradual tan for pale skin Australia wide.

All the St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower reviews I have read have all been overwhelmingly positive.

This is the best gradual tanner Australia 2020 for in shower use.

Click here to check out the St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower.

Temporary Tan

A temporary tan is your self tan formula of choice when you want a fake tan for a special event but don’t want it to last any longer than the event. It’s also a good option for people that have never tried a fake tan before and are unsure of how it will suit them. Temporary tan body bronzers are a bit like makeup for the body that can be washed off after you no longer want it.

This is the best instant tan Australia wide.

It is also the fastest best fake tan legs option in my opinion. Numerous instant fake tan reviews Australia wide agree with this statement.

Click here to check out the Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs temporary tan.

Best Fake Tan Australia Reviews

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Dark Review

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Dark is the best selling self tanner in Priceline and for very good reason. In fact, a lot of the best tanning products Australia wide are from Bondi Sands.

Bondi Sands foam self tanners are user friendly, easy to apply, absorb fast and result in a perfect tan.

This self tanner is enriched with aloe vera and scented with coconut.

It lasts almost a week on my skin, comes off gradually and not in patches.

The resultant rich natural looking golden glow tan is just perfect! There is no tinge of orange-ness to this tan!

This is the best self tanner Australia 2020 that I’ve used!

Click HERE to purchase the Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam in Dark.

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Ultra Dark Review

The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam in Utlra Dark is very similar formula wise as the above Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam in Dark but results in a deeper bronze tan. If you are wanting the darkest fake tan Australia offers this self tanner would be your best pick.

This is the best self tan Australia wide for those wanting a beautiful darker tan.

Click HERE to purchase the Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam in Ultra Dark.

Bondi Sands 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam Review

This is the best self tanner for last minute tanning. It results in a light to medium tan in 30 minutes. If you leave it on for an hour you achieve a wonderful deeper sun kissed looking tan.

This is the best 1 hour fake tan I’ve used. Needless to say it’s also the best 30 minute fake tan I’ve used too!

This tan applies easily like the other Bondi Sands foam self tanners. It is quick drying on your skin.

As I tend to always be short of time and leave things to the last minute I keep a bottle of Bondi Sands 1 Hours Express Self Tanning Foam in my bathroom to use when needed.

This self tanner is currently out of stock. I will add a link as soon as it becomes available again.

Bondi Sands Aero Review

Bondi Sands Aero is the latest bronzing mousse to be released by this global number one selling brand this year at Coachella.

It is an aerated self tanning foam that is weightless and thus ultra fast drying and super quick absorbing.

It has the added benefit of leaving your skin soft, nourished and moisturised thanks to it’s inclusion of Vitamin E and Jojoba. This also helps it provide an even longer lasting tan.

It has a beautiful coconut scent.

This new generation self tanner is a strong contender for the award of Best Self Tanner Australia 2020.

Click HERE to purchase the Bondi Sands Aero.

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Review

Tanning Oil is a great alternative to other tanning products. It has a nourishing lightweight texture that makes it perfect for those with dry skin or sensitive skin.

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold tanning oil is super easy to apply. It isn’t sticky nor greasy and it doesn’t transfer.

One of the best things about Bondi Sands Liquid Gold is that it conveniently requires no wash off, develops over 2 to 3 hours and lasts up to a week.

It gives you a natural looking subtle tan, turning your skin a gorgeous shade of gold. It is perfectly named, it really is liquid gold!

Click here to purchase Bondi Sands Liquid Gold.

MineTan Nano Mist Review

The MineTan Nano Mist Atomiser is definitely the best face tanner Australia wide that I have seen!

It’s also the best vegan fake tan and best cruelty free fake tan I’ve come across.

The new on the market MineTan Nano Mist Atomiser is a complete tanning game changer! It’s the ultimate compact beauty tool that combines an amazing facial moisturiser with a self tan. It atomises tan solution into tiny nano sized particles designed for faster penetration and leaves your skin feeling soft, hydrated and refreshed with a flawless skin finish. It has a fast drying formula that builds a natural tan gradually over the next few hours. The atomiser must be used with the included Nano Mist Drops and can’t be used with other tanning solutions as the Nano Mist Drops have been specially formulated to atomize in the device. Other tanning solutions will block up the spray nozzle. Refills can be purchased.

You can re-apply to achieve your desired colour depth. It has an easy to use refill dropper & USB charger. It’s the perfect solution for a golden glow on the go.

I find it great for topping up the tan on the back of my hands which fades faster than the rest of my tan probably due to my frequent hand washing.

Impressively this product is also paraben free.

Click HERE to purchase the MineTan Nano Mist Atomiser.

ModelCo Tan Airbrush in a Can Review

ModelCo Tan Airbrush in a Can delivers an even looking natural tan that deepens over four hours after application.

It contains aloe vera to nourish your skin and leave it feeling soft and moisturised and is scented with coca butter.

Spray tans offer the most even colour distributed tan and a beautiful resulting natural looking tan but I recommend asking a friend to help you apply it as some areas of your body are simply too difficult to reach yourself.

I’d also be careful where I was using this spray as the fine mist can go everywhere. Personally I peg up a big tarp around my shower to ensure I don’t need to scrub fake tan off my shower recess and tiles. I have a friend who applies her spray tan outside on a grassed area.

Click HERE to purchase ModelCo Tan Airbrush in a Can.

Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturiser Review

Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturiser is a body moisturiser that gradually tans skin and reduces the signs of cellulite.

You do need to use this product on several consecutive days to build up the colour. The resulting colour this product achieves is a sun kissed natural looking shade.

It comes in two different shades: Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan.

Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer is the best fake tan to use when you are not only wanting a gradual tan but are also wanting the added benefit of firmer skin with improved elasticity. I love these sort of multi tasking products!

Click HERE to purchase Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer in the shade Fair to Medium.

Click HERE to purchase Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer in the Medium to Tan shade.

St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Review

St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower is the best tanning lotion specifically formulated for use in the shower. It is quick and easy to use and virtually mess free.

St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower is as the name states a gradual tan and I recommend using it several days in a row for the best results. It results in a lovely subtle tan.

This is one of the best self tans for beginners and also the best fake tan for fair skin Australia wide.

Click HERE to purchase the St Tropez Gradual Tan in Shower.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Review

This temporary tan transfer-resistant makeup has been designed specifically for the legs. It is the best instant fake tan Australia wide for legs.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is a lot faster to apply than a traditional fake tan that needs to develop. You do need to blend it out a bit using a tanning mitt.

It effectively covers freckles, veins and other imperfections and is enriched with vitamin K. It has a pleasant scent.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is the best fake tan for legs when you’re in a hurry and only want a temporary tan. It’s perfect for applying to your legs prior to going out clubbing or to a special event when you want your legs looking their best!

Click HERE to purchase Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs.

Fake Tanning Tips

All self tanner and fake tan products come with their own set of instructions which I recommend you follow to achieve the best results when using that particular self tanning product.

Even when using the best self tanning Australia products you won’t necessarily get the best results that you desire unless you follow the instructions accompanying that product.

For your information I’ve also compiled this tanning guide of some universal self tanning tips for ensuring the best long lasting fake tan.

• Shave, wax or use an alternate hair removal technique the day before applying self tan.
• Exfoliate and remove old fake tan using an exfoliating mitt. This will ensure a more even and longer lasting tan. For more information about the best way to remove fake tan see the specific ‘How To Remove Self Tan’ section below.
• Use a tanning mitt to ensure a natural, streak free tan without stained hands.
• Use a self tan back applicator for more easily applying the self tan to your back.
• Do not use moisturiser, body lotion, deodorants or fragrances on the day of applying the self tan as these can act as a barrier to the fake tan and result in an uneven blotchy result. Some fake tans recommend moisturising first however. Always follow the instructions provided with the fake tan product you are using.
• Apply to clean, dry skin. Note in shower tanning lotions are an exception to this.
• Do not apply immediately after a hot shower when your pores have expanded and are more open so the fake tan doesn’t enter your pores and leave you with a dotty pattern on your skin.
• Apply sparingly over elbows, knees, ankles and feet where the skin is dry. It’s a good idea to moisturise these areas first to create a barrier to avoid over tanning these areas.
• Always start applying your fake tan from the feet upwards so you don’t get any crease marks in your tan when you bend over to reach your feet.and legs.
• Wait for the product to dry completely before getting dressed.
• Moisturise your skin to prolong your tan once your tan has full developed.

It’s important to remember that a fake tan does not protect your skin from the sun. You still need to apply sun protection. Click HERE to see how much sun screen is recommended.

You may also be interesting in reading our Cracked Heels guide which details the causes of cracked heels and more importantly how to fix cracked heels to have your feet looking their absolute best! If you’re looking your best with the best fake tan you also want your heels looking good as they are often visible in Summer!

Best Self Tanning Applicator Mitt, Exfoliating Mitt and Back Tan Applicator

Bondi Sands Exfoliating Mitt Review

Preparation is key to achieving the best flawless finish fake tan result possible.

Fake tan grips more to dead skin cells, so buff them and any residual fake tan away in the shower using an exfoliating mitt prior to self tanning to ensure a more even and longer lasting tan.

Click HERE to check out the recommended Bondi Sands Reusable Exfoliating Mitt. 

Self Tanning Gloves Review

Always use a tanning mitt / self tanning glove to achieve the best streak free self tan finish with the best even colour distribution while keeping your hands stain free.

I’ve used several dud self tanning mitts in the past that break apart after only a couple of uses or leave hard to remove fibres on your skin whilst you use them. The best tanning mitt Australia wide that I’ve found is the St Tropez Velvet Luxe Tan Applicator Mitt.

Click HERE to check out the recommended St Tropez Velvet Luxe Tan Applicator Mitt.

Self Tan Back Applicator Review

A commonly asked question is how to fake tan your back. Without the proper applicator it is difficult to apply self tan evenly to your own back.

You definitely need a fake tan back applicator.

Not only does a self tan back applicator help you access difficult to reach areas for a flawless self tan but a back tan applicator also protects your hands from unwanted tanning stains.

Click HERE to check out the recommended ModelCo Self Tan Back Applicator.

How To Remove Fake Tan

The best way how to remove fake tan and how to get fake tan off is to use a fake tan eraser. My preferred fake tan eraser product is the Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser.

Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser is super easy and effective to use!

This is not only a fabulous method to remove Bondi Sands fake tan but other brands’ fake tan too.

The Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser also moisturises the skin and leaves it feeling wonderfully silky smooth.

In my opinion Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser is the best fake tan remover Australia wide.

Another of my fake tan removal tips is to use an exfoliating mitt such as the Bondi Sands Exfoliating Mitt for any remaining stubborn areas of fake tan or dry skin.

Click HERE to check out the recommended Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser and Click HERE to check out the recommended Bondi Sands Reusable Exfoliating Mitt.

What is your preferred choice of fake tanner?

THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. 

Ingrid Norris

Ingrid is a lifelong beauty lover living in Australia who started Fabulous and Fun Life in 2014 to share her love of all things beauty. Being a qualified ergonomist Ingrid is especially interested in researching & testing beauty appliances to write product buying guides to help you find the best beauty appliance suited to your specific needs. Ingrid was an Influencer Judge in the TVSN Beauty Awards 2023, and also in 2021 in the hair care category. She has worked with numerous beauty brands & PR companies. To contact Ingrid, visit her contact page. Ingrid’s best beauty secret is sleeping on a silk pillowcase.