You’re hopefully well aware by now that extended sun exposure and our skin are not friends. Not only can the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays cause visible damage such as sunburn and pigmentation, melanoma and skin cancers are a huge cause for concern and far too common in Australia. Add on to that the long-term damage caused by depleted collagen like sagging skin and it makes you wonder, is that beach worthy tan really worth it?

The answer is hell no! But that doesn’t mean you have to go without a golden glow. At-home tanning products are continuing to innovate and change the way we safely achieve bronzed limbs.

As a regular self-tanner, I love nothing more than discovering a product that promises an easily achieved, golden and streak-free tan from the comfort of my bathroom, and that actually lives up to that promise.

Well, these are those products!

St Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Gel

I’ve never tried a tanning product like this St Tropez gel before and don’t know how I ever lived without it. The clear and scent-free gel turns to water as you apply it to your skin. It leaves behind a glossy look, not a dark trace pigment like other products, so you can walk out the door straight after applying it. In just three hours it works to give you a glowing bronze look and after eight it fully develops into a natural looking tan. The best part is, you don’t have to wash it off and it doesn’t transfer to or stain your clothes. It’s perfect for last-minute tanning sessions or touch-ups between sprays.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops

Gone are the days when your face colour is mismatched to the rest of your body. Regular self-tanners can look unnatural when applied to your face so these drops by Isle of Paradise are a game-changer. Available in three shades, light, medium and dark, you can easily mix a few drops into your regular moisturiser to add a touch of tan to your face, or even your body. You can control the colour pay-off by adjusting the number of drops you use and they’re hypoallergenic so won’t cause harm to sensitive skin.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Gradual Glow

A product that combines powerful anti-aging ingredients with a natural gradual tan? Sign us up! These easy to use wipes from Dr. Dennis Gross are a girl on the go’s best friend. They’re great for topping up your tan when you’re travelling or in a rush to get out the door because all you have to do is swipe it over your body and it gets to work in 3-4 hours. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids so it’s exfoliating and hydrating your skin while it gives you a subtle glow.

Featured image:

Photo: Bonnie Cee

Beauty: Bonnie G- OZ Beauty Expert

Model: Azizi