Ask the experts

A 101 GUIDE TO BONDI SANDS

 

tanned legs by a pool

No matter the season, a glowing tan can work wonders for how you look and feel. Plenty of us can get a tan by sizzling in the sun in summer months, and the lucky few can jet off to sunnier climes for an enviable winter tan, but if that’s not an option for you or, more importantly, you want to protect your skin from those harmful (and downright ageing!) UV rays, then it’s time to fake it ‘til you make it. And who better to turn to than {tanning} icons {Bondi Sands}?

bondi sands dark tanning foam against a blue and white background

Bondi Sands has established itself as one of the biggest names in the tanning game since they launched in 2012, with a global audience all keen to get their share of that iconic Australian glow. And whether you’re a special-occasion-only kind of tanner or prefer a natural daily glow, these tanning legends have the right product for you.

 

Our 101 guide spills all about Bondi Sands’ best selling products, including tips from Cult Concierge expert {Ryan} on how to achieve that flawless sun-kissed glow.

 

WHICH BONDI SANDS TAN IS BEST?

Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s all about finding the right tanning product for you! Bondi Sands does a cracking job of catering for every skin tone and type, so each and every one of you can unlock your inner bronzed goddess.

 

BEST BONDI SANDS TAN FOR PALE SKIN

Pale-skinned beauties know the struggle of catching a tan…it’s much better to leave the job to the experts! Here are some of our top picks:

{Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk}

 Want a lightweight, buildable tan and complete charge of the coverage? Perfect for pale skin, Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk can be applied like a lotion on dry skin after a shower. It doesn’t need to be washed off, and you can build the product up daily until you reach your desired colour – without an orange streak in sight!

{Bondi Sands Pure Self Tan Foaming Water – Light/Medium}

 Combining their iconic golden glow with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and vitamin E to give your skin a real treat, Bondi Sands’ Pure Self Tan Foaming Water in Light/Medium is a godsend for super-pale complexions. Gentle and quick-drying, it works by gradually developing over six hours into an even and natural-looking tan.

BEST BONDI SANDS TAN FOR DARK SKIN

Dark but want to go darker? Here are the darkest Bondi Sands tanners that are bound to make an impact:

 

{Bondi Sands Aero Self Tanning Foam – Ultra Dark}

 If you’re after a deep, bronzed glow with minimal fuss, then the Aero Self Tanning Foam in Ultra Dark will quickly become your new best friend. Light as air and touch dry in seconds, this Bondi Sands’ self tanner couldn’t be easier to use. And, quite frankly, the results speak for themselves!

{Bondi Sands Pure Concentrated Self Tan Drops}

 Customise how dark you go with Bondi Sands’ Pure Concentrated Self Tan Drops: simply drop into your moisturiser and go! For a ‘day spent at the beach’ kind of glow (we’re talking Ibiza, not Skegness), add four drops. Or add a couple more to achieve the look of a green-eyed-monster-inducing two-week holiday in Mexico.

{Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam – Ultra Dark}

 Perfect for deeper complexions, Bondi Sands’ Ultra Dark Tanning Foam lets you customise your tan. The darker you want your tan to go, the longer you should leave it on for—the choice is yours! Apply, leave for a few hours and then rinse it off in the shower for a head-turning tan.

BEST BONDI SANDS TAN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

If you love a tan but have sensitive skin, Bondi Sands have plenty of products that have been specially designed to be extra gentle. Here are some of our faves:

 

{Bondi Sands 1 Hour Express Aero Aerated Self Tanning Foam}

 Designed to hydrate and nourish sensitive skin, this tan only takes an hour or so to develop, making it ideal for a quick application before a night out. Sweep the foam over your skin with a {tanning mitt}, leave on for just an hour (or up to three if you want a darker look) then rinse off in the shower ‘til the water runs clear.

{Bondi Sands Pure Self Tan Foaming Water}

 Containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and vitamin E, the Bondi Sands Pure Self Tan Foaming Water is perfect for sensitive skin! It’s super gentle and super nourishing, leaving you with an even and natural-looking tan, and no redness.

{Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk}

If you’re after a gradual tan that won’t irritate your sensitive skin, then look no further. Working as a 2-in-1 tanner and moisturiser, this tanning milk turns your skin golden over time, while helping to promote silky-smooth hydration.

 

BEST BONDI SANDS TAN FOR FACE

You can use any Bondi Sands tan product on your face, but we’d recommend the face-specific tanners for a longer and more even coverage.

 

{Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Sleep Mask}

Apply their sleep mask evenly over your face and neck, settle down for a night’s beauty sleep, and wake up to gorgeously sun-kissed skin! This product contains {hyaluronic acid}, vitamin C and vitamin E so your skin will feel lovely and smooth too.

(Did you know…Bondi Sands also does skin care, including cleansers, serums and moisturisers!)

 

{Bondi Sands 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Face Mist}

 Getting ready in a hurry? The 1 Hour Express Tanning Face Mist is here to save the day! Spritz onto your application mitt and massage into your face, then wash off after an hour. Tans don’t come much quicker than that!

{Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Face Mist}

Working to develop more gradually, this tanning mist takes around four to six hours to develop, but it’ll keep developing for 24 hours! Watch your glow gradually build – just like the real deal!

 

HOW TO GET THE PERFECT TAN WITH BONDI SANDS

Cult Concierge expert Ryan is on hand with some top tips to help you achieve the perfect golden glow…

Prep your skin

Ensure your fake tan looks its best by prepping your skin at least one day beforehand. Exfoliating, moisturising and hydrating your skin will allow for an even application that lasts as long as possible.

  1. Begin with a Bondi Sands tan remover like the {Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser} to gently and effectively exfoliate the skin, using the {Bondi Sands Reusable Application Mitt} on more stubborn and flaky areas.
  2. After rinsing, apply a thin layer of {Bondi Sands Thirsty Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum} on to wet skin to hydrate, then finish with a moisturiser.
  3. To prevent any product build-up, apply a small amount of cream or thicker balms on dry areas like your elbows and knees before application.

 

Apply your Bondi Sands fake tan

Once your skin is prepped, it’s time to apply your tan:

  1. For an even and well-applied tan, a tanning mitt is key. Grab your favourite Bondi Sands self tanner and apply a small amount to your {Bondi Sands Reusable Application Mitt}.
  2. Use long strokes to evenly sweep the tan over your body, working in small sections to make sure the tan is nicely blended.
  3. Start small and then build up! Once you’ve applied the tan to your entire body (or the areas you want to do), you can then return to areas that need touching up. Fix any patches before they dry by buffing them away with your mitt.
  4. Now it’s time for the best part: sitting back and doing absolutely nothing. Allow your Bondi Sands tan to completely dry before putting on loose, dark clothing that you don’t mind the tan transferring on to.
  5. It takes Bondi Sands tan at least four to eight hours to develop, so give it some time before you jump in the shower. Some people like to tan before bed so they wake up glowing!
  6. It’s time to see the finished results. Hop in the shower and rinse your skin with lukewarm water. Once the water runs clear, pat yourself dry with a towel and admire your new tan!

If you’re using any of Bondi Sands’ instant tans, then you don’t have to shower. Simply apply your tan using the first three steps above and then enjoy that newly bronzed feeling.

 

Keep your tan looking great with aftercare

Preserve your golden brown skin and stay bronzed for longer with some aftercare and general upkeep. To keep your tan lovely and smooth, moisturise daily and gently exfoliate your skin every three days while you shower.

Avoid hot baths, as hot water can dry out the skin and cause it to shed, taking your golden tan with it!

 

HOW LONG DOES BONDI SANDS TAN LAST?

 Your Bondi Sands tan will last on average around five to seven days—though with the right preparation and aftercare it should last even longer!

 

SHOP BONDI SANDS >>



Cult Beauty

Cult Beauty

Writer and expert