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Our Favourite Instant Wash-Off Tans

Our Favourite Instant Wash-Off Tans
A 12-hour tan that comes off in the shower is ideal for sunny days and special events.

Staying well protected from the sun is a non-negotiable if you care about your skin, but it’s still possible to look tanned.

Planning ahead and working up to a believable bronze all-over with a gradual tanning product is ideal.

But for those of us pulling out a swimsuit or a party dress in a panic, there are a number of great instant bronzing products that will quickly add a touch of colour.

The best option is an instant wash-off tan that swiftly delivers a bronzed glow in minutes and can be applied to the face or body.

These products don’t have any dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – the ingredient in fake tan that deepens skin for a number of days. Instead, easy-to-use liquid bronzer creates a beautiful tanned look that will last through the day and night but washes away easily.

They are quickly applied just where you need it, like your lower legs, by rubbing in with your hands but remember, just like fake tan, colour will catch on any dry or flaky areas. Make sure you exfoliate and moisturise first and wait for body cream to sink in well, before you add colour. 

One tricky area with instant tan is its tendency to transfer on clothes. Some products are better than others, but be aware it can happen, especially with a white dress!

By Terry Tea To Tan Face & Body Matte

Arguably the hero of the category, this water-based mist spray is so easy to use. It gives a long-lasting tint that reliably washes off when your day (or night)  is done.

It was first created 10 years ago, and has been so popular it’s been updated to modernise it slightly, but it’s still as good as the original. It blends in easily and looks beautiful across the face and décolleté.  It also contains cherry essence and antioxidant black and red tea extracts that protect the skin from aging. The only downside is its popularity, it’s often sold out!

Bali Body Instant Tan

For quick coverage on larger areas, this spray-on tan is a winner. We do suggest getting the thick dense bristle brush that was made to go with it to apply, as it helps blend for a seamless finish. This one is sweat and splash proof but can be washed off with warm, soapy water.

Bondi Sands GLO Matte One Day Tan and Mist

There’s a reason Bondi Sands is so dominant in the self-tanning space, and that’s becaue the Australian company has a tanning product to suit every desire. Beyond its fantastic lasting self-tan products, including those developed to work with a variety of skin tones, there are several wash-off products.

If you’re looking for a serious tan for a special event, we recommend one of these two products. Again, they do need to be blended well, so it’s best to spread with a dedicated tanning brush or velour mitt. Wait until they dry and they are relatively transfer-proof.

Le Tan Instant Coconut Wash Off Tanning Spray

This one has been around for years too, and works well. It also comes in light or dark variations. Just be aware the brand also makes a fake tanning spray in very similar packaging that leaves lasting colour, so you want to look carefully for the words ‘wash-off,’ if you only want colour for one day.

SugarBaby Bronze Radiance Instant Glow Wash Off Bronzing Crème

If you don’t want to spend a lot but need soemthing in the cabinet for ‘surprise sunshine’ days throughout the year, this is a cheap and cheerful option. It does have a slightly shimmery finish so that’s something to be aware of, but the coconut and shea butter extracts leave skin feeling hydrated and smooth.

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