As the warmer months approach, it’s time to ditch the winter layers and ease into spring/summer dressing with a subtle, sun-kissed glow. Gradual tanners are the perfect way to achieve a bronzed complexion without the commitment, offering a buildable, streak-free finish that feels effortlessly natural.
Why choose a gradual tanner?
Choosing a gradual tanner offers a flawless, sun-kissed glow without the intensity or unpredictability of instant tanning products. These formulas allow you to build your tan at your own pace, ensuring a more even, natural-looking result. Gradual tanners are also packed with hydrating ingredients, so they not only provide a subtle bronzed hue but also nourish and condition your skin. Plus, with streak-free application and the ability to deepen your shade, gradual tanners are the perfect choice for those seeking a soft, healthy glow that’s effortlessly buildable and perfect for any season.
How to use a gradual tanner:
To get the best results from a gradual tanner, start by exfoliating your skin to remove any dead cells, ensuring an even application. After showering and drying off, apply the tanner in circular motions—paying extra attention to areas like your elbows, knees, and ankles where the skin tends to be drier (you’ll generally want to leave these to last). Allow the product to fully absorb before getting dressed. For a natural-looking glow, build the tan gradually by applying daily or every other day, depending on your desired intensity. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after each application to avoid stained palms.
Shop our top 10 gradual tanners:
Whether you’re looking for a hint of colour or a deeper golden hue, these products blend skincare with self-tanning ability. We’ve curated the 10 best gradual tanners to give your skin that radiant, just-back-from-holiday look, perfect for pairing with bermuda shorts, dresses and sun-soaked days ahead.
Eco Tan Winter Skin, $32.95
If you’re new to the tanning world and a bit worried you’re going to mess it up, then this is the tan for you. It’s a 2-in-1, nourishing body moisturiser and gradual tanning lotion that gives you a sun kissed glow.
St Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan Lotion, $46.99 from Life Pharmacy
Gradually build a natural, sun-kissed glow with this subtly tinted moisturiser boasting up to 72hrs hydration. Formulated with protecting antioxidants, hydrating dual molecular hyaluronic acid which brightens and improves skin texture, plus blue-light protection to shield skin from digital pollution-induced ageing.
Luna Bronze Glow Gradual Tanning Moisturiser, $71.95 from Mecca
A natural and organic tanning moisturiser designed for everyday use. Containing a blend of ultra-nourishing and hydrating oils to replenish your skin whilst building a natural, even tan.
Dior Solar The Sublimating Oil, $125
Designed to deliver more glow than tan, Dior Solar The Sublimating Oil is a radiance-perfecting oil that enhances tanning and gives hair a glowing, pearly finish. This multi-purpose Dior oil can be used on the face, body and hair for a sun-kissed glow all year round.
Bondi Sands Skin Firming Gradual Tanning Lotion, $27.99
Enriched with a complex of Avocado Extract, Bentonite and Shea Butter to help firm, smooth and tighten skin, as well as low-level tanning actives to develop into a gradual tan for everyday glowing skin, this is ideal for daily application to leave you with healthy-looking, nourished skin.
Tan-Luxe The Butter Self Tanner, $53 from Sephora
The Butter is a 4-in-1 skin treat that replenishes, hydrates, perfects, and illuminates all while creating a gradual glow. If you like a rich body moisturiser, this is the tan for you.
Bali Body Gradual Tanning Butter, $33.95
Low-level tanning actives are paired with deeply hydrating skincare ingredients, making Gradual Tanning Butter the perfect daily body moisturiser with illuminating and bronzing benefits. The antioxidant-rich formula instantly leaves skin with a subtle gold shimmer while gradually developing into a natural looking tan.
Elle Effect The Glow, $49.50 from Mecca
Not a tan, per se, but designed to maintain any existing sef-tanner, ‘The Glow’ is powered by maca, a potent botanical extract known to boost collagen production, and visibly firms from top to toe. The formula also contains Australian Kakadu plum to brighten and improve elasticity, while a dash of mica reflects light, creating a lit-from-within luminosity that softens scars and blemishes.
Byron Bay Bronze Gradual Tanning Lotion, $45 from Spoilt Beauty
The Gradual Tanning Lotion is a natural self tanning cream formulated with macadamia oil to hydrate the skin and a high-quality nature-derived DHA to add a perfectly gradual bronze glow. This Gradual Tanning Lotion is perfect for first-time tanners or our year-round tanners who want to maintain a constant natural glow.
Eco Tan Invisible Tan, $37.95
Achieve a beautiful sunless tan for both face and body with this easy-to-apply and fast-drying formula, for a subtle glow that’s perfect for all skin tones. This nourishing formula not only works as a gradual and buildable tan, but hydrates your skin for a healthy and glowing complexion.
