Everyone loves waking up to a fresh faux glow, but the sticky feel and unsightly stains that heavy-duty tans often bring with them are certainly less than ideal.
It’s safe to say that faster-developing, darker formulas can also steer into treacherous territory (think streaks and over-the-top colour) very fast if not treated with extreme caution.
That’s where our affinity for gradual tans comes in—formulas designed to develop over a few days (and nourish the skin as they go) are able to offer a subtle wash of sun-kissed colour without going overboard.
They also happen to be very versatile, perfect for starting from scratch if you’re looking to add a little extra life into lacklustre limbs or topping up and extending an existing tan.
So, in the name of eternally flawless radiance that won’t crack, peel or ruin your sheets, we’ve rounded up the best gradual tan formulas that we’d trust every time.
Tan-Luxe Gradual Illuminating Body Moisturiser
Developing in just one hour, this weightless yet nourishing formula smooths and conditions the skin whilst subtly dialling up a supernatural glow. Can be used as an aftersun and is perfect to maintain a post-holiday glow.
Gradual Illuminating Body Moisturiser by Tan-Luxe, $39 at Sephora.
Kora Organics Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion
This organic lavender-scented lotion is ideal for reactive skin types, gently imparting a golden glow while also maintaining its non-greasy, fast-drying status.
Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion by KORA Organics, $62 at Sephora
Eco Tan Organic Winter Skin Gradual Tan
A certified organic daily gradual tanning moisturiser, Eco Tan’s offering gives you the easiest honey-bronze glow after just a few applications. Best suited for fair to medium skin tones, this moisturiser will hydrate the skin, minus any nasties or synthetics.
Winter Skin Gradual Tan by Eco Tan, $29.95 at Adore Beauty.Natio Sun-Kissed Glow Gradual Tan Lotion
This aromatic two-in-one moisturiser and self-tan lotion is infused with a hint of tanning agent. The deeply hydrating lotion helps achieve a natural, healthy-looking wash of colour, while keeping skin moisturised all day long.
Sun-Kissed Glow Gradual Tan Lotion by Natio, $14.95 at Myer.
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Infusion Body Lotion
Tired of the dreaded tan smell? This fruity formula features a fresh watermelon scent, plus a generous dose of hyaluronic acid for a smooth, streak-free glow.
Gradual Tan Watermelon Infusion Body Lotion by St. Tropez, $29 at ASOS
Le Tan Uber Glow Gradual Self Tanning Lotion
A luxurious yet light lotion loaded with iridescent light-reflecting particles and moisturising macadamia oil, it leaves the body hydrated, sun-kissed and looking luminous.
Uber Glow Gradual Self Tanning Lotion by Le Tan, $12.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Foam
Partial to a foamy formula? This lightweight aloe vera and coconut butter-infused option buffs into skin in minutes to avoid it feeling even the slightest bit sticky.
Everyday Gradual Tanning Foam by Bondi Sands, $19.95 at Bondi Sands
Minx Tan Bliss Gradual Tanning Body Serum
Give your glow a new lease on life with this tan-replenishing serum (yes, a skin-nourishing serum); the Kakadu plum-enriched formula is so silky you’ll be wanting to re-apply for the experience as much as for the bronzing benefits.
Bliss Gradual Tanning Body Serum by Minx Tan, $24.90 at Minx Tan
Mecca Cosmetica Sunless Goddess Gradual Tan
An even skin surface is the secret to an authentic-looking faux glow, and this vitamin E and jojoba seed oil gradual lotion takes care of that in spades, helping to hydrate, smooth and bronze your body.
Sunless Goddess Gradual Tan by Mecca Cosmetica, $36 at MECCA
Isle Of Paradise Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow
Formulated with colour corrective additives and radiance boosting particles, Isle of Paradise’s gradual tan hydrates *and* provides a soft and natural sun-kissed glow. Post-application, skin is left soft and supple with a golden glow, without the fake tan fragrance.
Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Tan by Isle Of Paradise, $30 at MECCA.
