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7 products that add a sun-kissed glow to your face

These fake tanners look golden and believable

By Iantha Yu

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / February 09 2024

It’s always the case that your complexion doesn’t quite match up to how tan your body looks, especially if you're spending more time outdoors in the sun (with sunscreen on, of course!). And although you can use a bronzing powder to warm up your complexion or get an all-over spray tan to give you that airbrushed appearance, a facial fake tan is longer-lasting than bronzer and more convenient than a pro spray tan.

So to get a tan that's even from head to toe, add one of these tanning products that are specially formulated to be used on the face to your tanning routine. We've even found the best fake tan option to match your top concern.

Top tip: Just remember to wash your hands after applying self-tanning products to your face, as they can stain your palms. Also, don't use a tanning mitt as they're not able to precisely apply product evenly around the contours of your face, which makes it hard to get a streak-free finish.

Body Blendz Face & Body Gradual Tanning Anti-Cellulite Lotion

Filled with naturally-derived ingredients this face and body gradual tanning cream provides intense hydration for up to 72 hours, all the while avoiding those unwelcomed breakouts. And, while you radiate the summer glow your skin will benefit from the joys that is artichoke extract (yep, all natural over here). But what does that even mean you may be wondering? Well, while stimulating circulation, its cohesive and adhesive properties work to strengthen the skin barrier - SUBLIME!

$24.99 at Body Blendz

Frank Body SPF50+ Hydrating Body & Face Sunscreen

Working alongside the fun of tanning waters and mists is the trusty SPF! Looking after the money maker is a top priority (especially in the Aussie heat), so locating an SPF that serves your protection and skin care needs is a must. Frank Body has you sorted with this four hour water resistant baddie, filled with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract for maximum hydration. Plus, with no white cast left over you can serve looks all day long.

$30 at Frank Body

Luna Bronze Illume Tanning Water

What better way to freshen up than with a nutrient-rich tanning mist? Serving golden glamour, this tanning water from Luna Bronze is guaranteed to up your skin care routine. If you are one of the no-makeup makeup girlies, or you love going foundation-free, then this is the product for you. Made from vegan and organic ingredients and supercharged with Vitamin C and E for optimal skin health, this is a tan your face will thank you for.

$39.95 at Luna Bronze

Le Tan Uber Glow Facial Tanning Drops 12.5ml

Add a few drops of Le Tan Uber Glow Face Tan Serum to your moisturiser every few days to leave your skin looking caramel and flawless. Alternatively, mix half a pump of Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster to your moisturiser for just a kiss of colour or just apply it on its own for a darker tan on your face.

$22.20 at Fresh Beauty Co

Bali Body Face Tan Serum

Magic in a bottle should be the official term for face tanning drops. Whether you have dry or dehydrated skin, or you are one of the lucky ones, this lightweight serum formula infused with vitamins, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid (the goat of hydration) is set to impress. Veer away from the morning of *insert event* meltdown, and wake up with an effortless everyday glow.

$29.95 at Adore Beauty

Ella Bache Great Tan Without Sun

Replace your face moisturiser with Ella Baché's Great Face Tan Without Sun, which is loaded with vitamin E, cocoa butter and green tea to give skin a golden glow while also strengthening your skin’s natural barrier.

$42 at Ella Bache

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad For Face - Intense Glow 20 Towelettes

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow Self Tanner For Face is basically a fusion between a makeup wipe and a fake tan. The fake tanning wipes are loaded with DHA and soy proteins to enhance your tan, and it also contains vitamin D to help even out your skin tone. While the results aren't ultra dark, we think these are super handy, especially if you're looking for something you can pack in your suitcase.

$72 at Fresh Beauty Co

Is your skin more on the sensitive side? Why not try these streak-free, flawless tanning solutions for sensitive skin?

Iantha Yu

Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.