Is there a self-tanner that doesn't stain clothes?

BEAUTYcrew investigates

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / August 08 2024

If you're a committed self-tanner (like Hilary Duff) then you know how fraught the weekly task of slathering on lotions and mousses in the pursuit of sun-kissed skin can be. Suffice to say, your clothes, bed sheets and towels will never be the same. 

But what if we told you you didn't have to destroy all your household linens and wardrobe? 

Sure, there are many self-tanning brands that boast no-transfer claims, but few have the co-sign of reality stars and influencers who have access to the most expensive tanning products on the market.

Especially an Australian brand that's dedicated to affordability above all else.

Introducing: Sol del Sur.

Founded by Melbourne locals Chloe McCarthy and Tanya Grant, Sol del Sur has built a solid reputation as a white sheet friendly tanning brand since it's inception in October of 2023.

The Aussie start-up has found fans in the Selling Sunset cast, and Australian and American influencers alike, who all praise the brand's natural olive-toned bronze finish, and smell and stain-free formula.

The Sol del Sur formula

Sol del Sur's self-tanning mousse comes in bronzed and clear variations  if you prefer a colour guide or can do without. But both ranges promise a no transfer finish to save your clothes and sheets from ruin, and a vitamin-rich, green base that counteracts pink undertones, creating a beautiful olive skin appearance.

There's the Express Vitamin Rich Self Tanning Mousse in 'Medium Dark' ($29.95 from Sol del Sur), which offers a healthy medium dark bronzed glow, and the Express Vitamin Rich Self Tanning Mousse in 'Extra Dark' ($29.95 from Sol del Sur) for an extra dark olive tan — both go on bronze for an instant glow.

The Express CLEAR Vitamin Rich Self Tanning Mousse in 'Medium' ($29.95 from Sol del Sur) and Express CLEAR Vitamin Rich Self Tanning Mousse in 'Dark' ($29.95 from Sol del Sur) provide the same olive-toned medium and dark bronzed finishes as the aforementioned pair, but this duo goes on clear.

The brand also boasts a Vitamin Rich Gradual Tanning Lotion ($29.95 from Sol del Sur) that can be used to gradually build a subtle bronzed glow or to extend the life of a tan. Plus, it's enriched with hyaluronic acid, shea butter and mango seed to ensure a moisturised and radiant finish.

Sol del Sur reviews

Sol del Sur has garnered positive reviews from celebrities, influencers and consumers, which shows just how universally accessible the Melbourne brand's products are.

“You guys know I love [having my tan be] super dark. It’s like you guys know me. You got me ‘medium dark’ and ‘extra dark’, which is perfect. You know exactly what I want.”
Nicole Young
/
'Selling Sunset' Cast Member
“It doesn’t smell at all, does not transfer, it’s not sticky. It also just gives you the most natural, beautiful, brown, bronzy glow. You know those people that you know that have that natural, olive skin tone? This is what [Sol del Sur] makes you look like. I’m not kidding you. I can also put this on, get dressed and go out, and feel totally fine and not gross. Just trust me, trust me on this.”
Meeghan Mullin
/
Fashion Influencer
"They are fantastic. I'm loving the gradual tan, especially coming into winter. It's Australian-made, it's vitamin-enriched, it's vegan-friendly.... I'll sleep in it — no more stains."
Maz Lifestyle
/
Australian Lifestyle Influencer

Want to test Sol del Sur's stain-free claims out for yourself? You can shop the entire range of tanning mousse, gradual tanner, tan remover, accessories and bundles at the Sol del Sur website.

Main image credit: @romeestrijd

Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).

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