№ 1
Glow 9.5
Self Tanning Water
Best for cult bestseller
Spray-on water format, fastest-developing in the category. The starter tan that experts also use.
Editorial Ranking · Tan · 2026
Best Tanning Waters in Australia (2026)
Tanning waters tested for streak prevention, application ease, and gradual buildable tan. The lighter-weight alternative to mousse.
6 products tested
April 2026 editorial visit
5-axis Glow Score
0 paid placements
Full ranking · 1 to 6
Glow's full ranking.
Tanning water is the easiest entry point for first-timers. The picks below earn their place by being foolproof and beautifully developing.
№ 2
Glow 9.1
Self Tanning Water
Best for premium formula
Premium formula, more sophisticated tone. The pick for face-only use.
№ 3
Glow 9.0
Magic Tanning Spray
Best for salon-style
St. Tropez quality in spray format.
№ 4
Glow 8.8
Self Tanning Water Spray
Best for budget pick
Budget tanning water with surprising performance.
№ 5
Glow 8.9
Coconut Tanning Water
Best for olive-skin friendly
Loving Tan in water format. Strong on warm-toned skin.
№ 6
Glow 8.5
Sun Hydrate Tanning Water
Best for hydrating water
Tanning water with hydration. The right pick for dry-skin tan-users.
Frequently asked
Common questions.
How is tanning water different from tanning mousse?
Water is sheer and lighter; mousse is heavier and more pigmented. Most kits benefit from water for face/daily and mousse for full-body events.
Should I use a mitt with tanning water?
Yes. Spray onto skin, then blend with a mitt. Sprayed without a mitt causes streaks.
How long does tanning water take to develop?
Most show colour in 3-4 hours and are full at 8 hours. Don't shower for at least 2 hours after application.
Will tanning water stain my clothes?
Yes, the bronzer guide colour stains for the first hours. Wear loose dark cotton.
More from Glow.
For more tan editorial, see our Tan hub, or browse all brands and brand reviews. For our annual edit, see The Glow 100.