With summer comes a multitude of increases: Sunshine, day light, and, well, skin exposure.
And while a big increase in vitamin D can only bring good things to our body, there is another very important addition to our skin routine that many of us will be starting to think about – self tanning.
Yes, now is the time where those not blessed with a natural sun-kissed glow will rub, spray and scrub their skin regularly over the summer months as they vie for the perfect tan.
But before you start thinking horrible smells, tangerine colour and obvious-from-a-mile-away streaks, there are tanners that are swifter, sheerer and better than ever.
They work overnight or in mere hours, last for weeks, protect with sunscreen and smell just as good as regular lotions. Use our handy guide to find the best tan for you, so you don’t end up having an unfortunate fake tan fail like the A-listers in the video above!
Keep reading to see our 13 top tanning picks for the most flawless summer glow.
Sukin Sunless Bronzing Gel
If you’re concerned about the long-term effects of the tanning agent dihydroxyacetone (DHA), this lets you bronze away without the worry. Free from parabens and skin nasties, plus enriched with aloe vera, Australian lemon myrtle and lime oils, it will hydrate while leaving a sheer, streak-free tint.
Sukin Sunless Bronzing Gel, $15, from Chemist Warehouse
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glotion body moisturiser
If you’re serious about anti-ageing and want more than just glowing skin, this daily moisturiser contains lactic acid to improve cell turnover, glycolic acid for anti-ageing and caffeine for firming. A winning combo.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glotion body moisturiser, $69.50, from Strawberry Net
St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Tanning Lotion
If you want a natural glow with minimum effort, you’ll love this innovative in shower tanning lotion. Wash, turn off the shower, slather over, and wait three minutes (do a hair mask while you wait) then rinse. Use daily to build up the glow – it gives a great subtle result. Perfect for first-timers.
St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Tanning Lotion, $22, from Beauty Bay
For busy women this quick-drying tanning oil is ideal, simply spritz and go. After 4-6 hours the skin is hydrated (thanks to organic coco nut oil) and develops into a dewy, golden medium tan. Triple bonus, this self-tanner has a summery coconut scent.
Skinny Tan, Tan & Tone Oil, $39.99, from Skinny Tan
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Minetan Express Tan Super Dark
This express, super-dark formula will give you the Brazilian look in no time. Who needs the beach when you have an express tan this dark? Just keep an eye on the time, as it quickly develops in one hour.
Minetan Absolute X40 self tan foam, $13, from Chemist Warehouse
Everyone is getting their post-lockdown Summer glow ready with the Sunny Honey range – it’s so popular that a tanning product sells every 30 seconds. Not only will it give you a smooth, summer-ready glow, this product also claims to have anti-ageing benefits. Win-win!
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam Dark, $44.90, from Adore Beauty
Eco Tan Face Tan Water
Great for oily and acne-prone skin, this non-comedogenic tanning water won’t clog your pores. Soak a cotton pad and wipe the water over your face for a subtle glow. It’s made from all-natural ingredients so it’s great for super-sensitive skin.
Eco Tan Face Tan Water, $39.95, from Adore Beauty
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The Body Shop Honey Bronze Drops of Sun Holiday Glow Creator
Just add a few drops of this gel into your morning moisturiser and it will give you a light holiday glow by the end of the day.
The Body Shop Honey Bronze Drops of Sun Holiday Glow Creator, $25, from The Body Shop
Bondi Sands Everyday SPF 15 Gradual Tanning Milk
With the added benefit of sunscreen, you can protect your skin while developing a golden glow. This milk contains skin-calming vitamin E and aloe vera and it smells of cocoa butter.
Bondi Sands Everyday SPF 15 Gradual Tanning Milk, $17.95, from Bondi Sands
James Read Overnight Tan Sleep Mask Tan for Face
Besides self-tanning while you sleep (best invention ever) this night mask simultaneously moisturises and hydrates with ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, yielding a radiant, sun-kissed glow and all while you get some shut-eye. Genius.
James Read Overnight Tan Sleep Mask Tan for Face, $50, from MECCA
St Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil
This tinted oil tanner is easy to apply and dries down to a smooth, natural-looking tan. It’s infused with Brazil nut oil to keep skin moisturised and fragranced with essential oils of neroil, lemongrass and grapefruit.
St Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil, $37.75, from Beauty Bay
