Self-Tan Complete Hub

Every article + ranking + guide.

Getting self-tan right the first time

Self-tan is the sun-safe route to colour, and in a country with Australia's UV levels it is the only tan we will ever recommend. It is also a category where technique matters as much as the bottle. Most tanning disasters, the streaky shins, the orange palms, the patchy fade, come down to preparation and product choice rather than bad luck.

This hub holds every self-tan resource on GLOW: rankings for classic self-tan, face tan, gradual tan and tanning water, guides to the tools that quietly make the difference, tanning mitts and tan erasers, and how-tos covering application without streaks, fixing an orange tan, removing a failed one and extending one you love. If you are choosing between the big names, our Bondi Sands vs Loving Tan comparison puts them head to head.

• Exfoliate about 24 hours before tanning, then run a light moisturiser over knees, elbows and ankles just before you apply. Dry patches grab extra colour.
• Always use a mitt. It gives an even finish and keeps the product off your palms.
• New to tanning, or fair skinned? Gradual tan and tanning water are far more forgiving than a dark mousse.
• Use a dedicated face formula. Body mousse on the face tends to go patchy around the brows and hairline.
• When a tan goes wrong, a tan eraser beats frantic scrubbing, and your skin will thank you for it.

Start with the full best self-tan in Australia ranking, then keep how to apply self-tanner without streaks open for your first coat.