Whether you're working to make your summer tan last longer or want to make it look like you've been travelling abroad for the last 3 months, gradual tanning lotions and mousses are the perfect place to start. Infused with nourishing and hydrating ingredients, apply gradual tan instead of, or in addition to, your moisturiser each day to build up a natural-looking, beautifully sun-kissed bronze.
As they don't offer as much instant colour as regular self-tanners, gradual tans are perfect for those who are new to tan or want to quickly add some golden colour without worrying about unevenness or streaks. Slowly building up to your desired colour, they offer a golden glow which is perfect for any season.
Our Top Picks of the Best Gradual Tan Products
- Self Glow by James Read Endless Summer Gradual Tan Moisturiser
- Coco & Eve Anti-Ageing Tanning Serum
- The Fox Tan Gradual Glow Body Lotion
- Bondi Sands Technocolor Caramel Self Tanning Face Serum
- Lancaster Self Tan Golden Body Gel
- Bali Body Gradual Tan
- Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan
- SKINNY TAN Gradual Tanner
- Loving Tan Deluxe Gradual Tan
Which is the Best Gradual Tanning Product for me?
To help you find your perfect formula, we have curated an edit of the best gradual tan products which help to hydrate the skin and build up your desired natural-looking, sun-kissed glow.
1. Self Glow by James Read Endless Summer Gradual Tan Moisturiser 200ml
Experience sun-kissed luminosity with the Self Glow by James Read Endless Summer Gradual Tan Moisturiser, where the nourishing properties of advanced skincare meet the glow-boosting benefits of self-tan.
The hybrid formula effortlessly glides and melts into the skin to visibly tone and smooth, while providing warmth and radiance. Ideal for all skin tones, the serum features plant-based DHA that adapts to each complexion, delivering a natural-looking, luminous glow from top to toe.
2. Coco & Eve Anti-Ageing Tanning Serum 30ml
Blending skincare actives with tanning pigments, this hybrid formula provides intense hydration and nourishment to help minimise the appearance of fine lines, while delivering a sun-kissed radiance to your complexion.
Infused with Vegetan Premium Plus, use every other day until your ideal colour is achieved. The revolutionary self-tanning active that blends antioxidants with self-tan, along with polyglutamic acid and niacinamide, ensures you wake up to a bronzed and hydrated glow every morning.
3. The Fox Tan Gradual Glow Body Lotion 300ml
Renowned for their trademark Australian glow, discover the Gradual Glow Body Lotion from The Fox Tan. Skincare meets tanning with the lightweight formula that moisturises and nourishes your skin while building up sun-kissed tan that is completely customisable.
Wave goodbye to unwanted fake tan smells, as the reduced scent technology and tropical-inspired fragrance transports you to a summer vacation with every use. A blend of hyaluronic acid, camellia oil, argan oil and hemp seed oil delivers a surge of glow-enhancing moisture with each application, for a tailor-made tan all year round.
4. Bondi Sands Technocolor Caramel Self Tanning Face Serum 50ml
Made specifically with deep skin tones in mind, the Bondi Sands Technocolor Self Tanning Face Serum in ‘Caramel’ encourages a golden glow.
Featuring Dermachromatic™ Colour Technology, the formula adds instant warmth and radiance to the skin. The serum’s non-comedogenic composition and Blemish Control Complex™ makes the self tan suitable for those prone to blemishes and sensitivity, while chamomile nourishes with every application. Discover the other shades available in the
Bondi Sands Technocolor range.
5. Lancaster Self Tan Golden Body Gel 125ml
Want to build a sun-kissed, glowing tan and moisturise in one, simple step? Utilising naturally-derived DHA and a Tan Activator Complex to ensure an even, natural-looking colour, the Lancaster Golden Body Gel provides a bronzed glow that lasts up to one week. Thanks to its streak-free composition, enjoy seamless results with every application without having to worry about streaking or colour transfer.
6. Bali Body Gradual Tan 200ml
Revealing a luxurious golden glow, the Bali Body Gradual Tan is the ultimate tanning essential for long-lasting results. The everyday moisturiser offers a customisable, flawless-looking tan to suit your skin tone, gradually building colour over time. Enriched with a sumptuous blend of coconut oil, coffee seed extract and cocoa butter, the creamy formula instantly hydrates and nourishes the skin, while promoting a bronzed glow all year round.
7. Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Cream 400ml
With a beautiful cream-gel formula,
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan both hydrates your skin and creates a natural-looking tan making it the one-stop product. Formulated with coconut oil, soy oil and Vitamin E, it deeply hydrates the skin and protects your skin against environmental aggressors to improve moisture retention and help your faux-glow last longer. Finished with a luxurious scent of pear, mandarin, sandalwood and musk, it is a treat to apply.
8. Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner 125ml
Casting a veil of moisture over the skin to hydrate, SKINNY TAN Gradual Tan is a rich body butter infused with a low level of tan which can be used daily to create your desired golden glow. Infused with guarana berries to hydrate and firm the skin, it visibly perfects the skin and minimises the appearance of imperfections including cellulite and stretchmarks. It can also be used on your face for a natural-looking, hydrated glow.
9. Loving Tan Deluxe Gradual Tan 150ml - Dark
Got a medium to dark skin tone but after an even deeper bronze? The Loving Tan Deluxe Gradual Tan helps to enhance and extend your mousse fake tan for up to two weeks. Acai berry and coffee extract combine to provide antioxidant protection. Enriched with shea butter, the gradual tanning lotion nourishes your skin as it applies, leaving your body feeling soft and smooth. The instant colour guide adapts to your skin tone to develop the perfect natural-looking shade every time.
My large family of mainly women has made me passionate about all things beauty from a young age: from routines passed down from my grandmother, to trying the latest products and trends. After training as an MUA at MAC Cosmetics, my love for makeup has now evolved into making sure my skincare creates the perfect canvas for any look. I love anything that can make my base feel fresh & bright while accentuating my features – Bobbi Brown's Face Base is my holy grail at the moment!
