***update***
I’ve been using this now for over 6 months and still love it! I reapply every five days, but only one coat, as I still have color from before. I also don’t exfoliate every time, just every other, and do use a moisturizing body wash every time I shower, with or w/o intent of using the self tanner.
My face and hands do lighten faster, but I’m assuming that’s because I wash my face and hand multiple times a day. So, I bought a daily moisturizer from bondi sands, called “gradual tanning milk” to use on my hands/face in between doing my whole body (I’ll add a pic of the moisturizer above, if you want to try it).
It goes well over the self tanner and blends nicely with it. I don’t use it everyday though, just when I notice my face/hands are getting lighter then the rest of me, so once or twice in between full applications.
After doing a full application, I wait a few minutes (don’t know how long, as I usually clean out my shower, and wipe down my bathroom, while I wait), before dressing. I have a dedicated pair of pajama pants, socks and a hoodie, that I wear after applying now. I wait at least 6 hours, then hop in the shower to rinse off (not wash, just rinse). Then I’m good for another 5-6 days.
Of course, there was more then once where I didn’t apply for weeks. I kept color for about 7 days, before I noticed my toes turning orange. Whenever this has happened though, I made sure to exfoliate, use no moisturizers (even a different body wash) and did the two coats, 30 minutes apart (pretty much the same thing I did the first time I used it).
(all pics above are the difference in my skin, from w/o sun-using this in dark. Unfortunately they don’t upload in order, so each is marked).
(Hopefully) the last one (might not be the last) was snapped quickly this morning, day 4 after using this product (no new application). Wasn't planning on sharing, so didn't even check the quality of the photo when I took it..so sorry. BUT, you can still see my skin, which is what's important.
All are added, because, when I first started my "I'm going to see if I can find a self tanner", I was upset by the before photos in reviews, not giving ANY background on the skin type, or how much sun exposure they had before using. So, I found the photos kind of useless. This way, when reading my review, you can SEE the difference I am talking about.
Need to start with I bought the dark. Not because I am naturally dark, but because I was trying to get one that wouldn't have that "sun-kissed glow" crap, because I turn ORANGE. Even w/professional spray tans.
skin color backstory:
I'm mixed, Native American and white (don't let the eyes fool you, I have Waardenburgs syndrome, so I don't have melanin in my eyes. Otherwise they would be brown. I make jokes all the time about how I'm to brown to be white, but to white to be brown.
Unfortunately, since my skin went completely unprotected all throughout my adolescence and in to young adult, I was always VERY dark. Add to that, my constant exfoliating and moisturizing of my skin, due to extreme dry skin issues...yeah, I soaked in sun.
So, when I saw my first dermatologist, around 22 years old (for my dry skin, btw, not my skin color, but obviously it was brought up, since the light colored eyes make it look like I am not mixed, but rather a fake and bake...), and he told me that my UV exposure from the past, could already lead to cancer down the road.
Needless to say, I took action! Every morning, I started putting on spf 50 spf, when I moisturized, and again around 1pm, (when I moisturized my second time), every day. Even if I didn't plan to go anywhere. Because I didn't want to risk my skin being exposed because I had to run out.
Still, I tan, even with the spf. Just not as dark as I did before. Obviously, from Oct-Mar, I would definitely get lighter, but I’d have my "winter tan", face/neck and hands would be tan. The rest of me, however, would be tinged with yellow. (One of the pics is from the fall of 2019, so my regular sun exposure, pre covid, with spf 50).
However, if I was locked up away from the sun, which has happened a few times in my adult life...once during a pregnancy, I stayed in the hospital for almost 2 months before the baby was born, which is what I have pictured, above (can't find any other photos of my skin completely unexposed that show the yellow tint my skin takes on w/any sun exposure.
Since 2020, I’ve been working from home and by the time Im done, sun is down. Unfortunately, when my skin turns yellow, it becomes extremely noticeable and people assume I'm sick…
Since I am locked up, I have gone back to my jaundice colored skin. Now, over the years, I have tried of self tanners in the past. First was a professional spray tan and I went oompa loompa orange (mid-late 2000's). Didn't try again, until jergens came out with their daily use moisturizer/tanning lotion (think its called daily glow, or natural glow..not sure).
Orange again...
Didn't even look at a self tanner again, until Oct 2019, when my daughter wanted to get a spray tan for homecoming (she has porcelain white skin, my husband is white and she definitely took after him, especially in skin tone). So I took her up to a salon and while waiting on her, the workers, started pitching their spray tanning packages.
Again, pointed out what had happened w/spray tan in the past, but they assured me that the stuff had come a LONG way in 15 years, and that now they actually mixed the color to the individual skin tone. My daughter (who I am pretty sure was just hoping I'd get in to spray tanning, so I'd be willing to take her up more often) was done getting hers, and was pressuring me with them, to "just try it". They even offered it at $15, just so I would try it. Finally, I agreed.
By the next morning, I looked like Donald Trump. My students (I teach online) told me so, NONSTOP, until it finally faded away.
So, completely swore off ALL self tanner, until this year. Since I work online, and the lighting in my house is NOT great, I was using makeup to hide my yellow skin tone (nothing beats having your students think your in liver failure...except when they compare you to Trump).
But the makeup, although top of the line, was REALLY drying out my skin.
To the point, my forehead started to flake, as well as my jawline and collarbone (Had to put make up on my neck and upper chest, as again, trying to hide the yellow undertone to my skin).
So, during summer break, I decided I was going to order all the top self tanners that swore they worked on olive skin and wouldn't turn me orange, (As in, I spent a little over $400 on different self tanners) that had good reviews, by others who said they had an olive skin tone, which explains all the photos above, as olive skin is a BRIAD spectrum of tones, making it hard for me to know if what worked for others, would work for me.
I figured, throughout the summer, I would try them all.
And pretty much ALL of them turned me orange within a few hours of application, although one of them did okay the day of, but the next morning, I was definitely orange (do still have two more that I haven't tried. This kind, in medium and another one, but probably won't, since I know this one works).
I didn't have much hope for this one either. Seemed almost all of them were made to give the "glowing tan" that most white people get. Problem with that is, I don't tan with a "glowing" tan, naturally. My skin does not glow. Only reason it might look al little shiny in the pics is because I moisturize A LOT.
Actually, the darker my skin gets with natural UV, the more my skin turns ashen, because of how muted my skin tone is. So, anything made to give the glowing, brown tan, isn't going to work on me, even when my skin is light and yellow, because the red in the "glow" will mix and turn me orange.
Finally there...MY REVIEW:
So, I put this stuff on my skin, Sunday morning. It had been a 3 weeks since my last self tanner catastrophe, and I had exfoliated the night before, did not moisturize that night or the morning of. (My only BIG complaint is that it needs to go on unmoisturized skin). It immediately started to darken, so was easy to see if there was any streaking, and fix that up (only on my shoulders, but, I was rushing a bit, and...since I expected it to fail, I didn't take my time).
I set a timer for 30 minutes, as I figured I wouldn't use it again, so I could do their 2nd application, which was SURE to turn me orange...(figured, it was necessary as even on the slight chance it did work, I would have to apply over it again, to keep the look, so why waste time when there were directions on how to do two applications on the same day).
BUT...I DIDN'T TURN ORANGE! NOT EVEN AN ORANGE TINT!
Okay sure...might look good the day I applied...but will definitely fade quickly and turn orange, probably flaky (my skin was pretty tacky for a few hours after I used it, so figured it would flake off, especially since I had to put it on dry, unmoisturized skin).
But still, it didn't! here it is, Wednesday morning, and its holding strong! Even with my moisturizing Sunday night (rinsed my skin 6 hours after applying the second coat, and moisturized like I normally do, every day since)..
Fourth pic was taken this morning, just after I got ready for work. Sorry for the poor quality...it was a quick snap on my phone, in my living room, before the sun even came up, and the living room light wasn't even on. Only the kitchen light and the TV were on, so I could catch the morning news. Just planned on sending it to my siblings, who are in the same boat as me with skin color. Didn't actually plan to put the picture online.
I only have on some eye make up and lip gloss in the photo, no foundation or powder. I have washed my skin daily as well, and I still look pretty darn dark! It's been 4 days! I thought these things were only supposed to last, at most, 3?!?!
So yes, I have Finally found a self tanner I can use!I honestly didn't even think it existed, but here it is! Actually came on to add it to my subscribe and save, but figured, if others like me, read reviews and are looking for a tanner for their skin that doesn't fit in a box for light, medium or dark. This kind, in dark, is what you want!
My only complaints:
1. smelled like tanning lotion
2. My skin was tacky for a few hours after, but might not have been that long, if I wouldn't have applied the second layer, 30 minutes after. But it WAS still tacky when I put on the second layer.
3. Has to go on unmoisturized, exfoliated skin, so the skin on my face, hands and joints felt REALLY tight, even after moisturizing for a full day on Monday. So, it isn't moisturizing enough for someone with really dry skin.
4. There is no instruction on the bottle on when to reapply, or if there is anything that needs to be done differently when you reapply. So, not sure if next use will be as awesome as this one.
Pros:
1. I am not orange!!!! So that, in itself, beats out all the others. I don't even have an orange tint.
2. Even with my overzealous skin routine (moisturizing multiple times a day) it is lasting very well.
3. Easy to see if there were any streaks, while applying, so you can fix it right away. Don't have to wait hours to see if you look like a zebra.
4. I have VERY dark circles under my eyes (even in baby photos I had them, so obviously, its just my face) and the tanner matched them to my face, so don't need to even use concealer under my eyes now.
5. Price. Now, I know that the price probably seems pretty steep compared to others, and it is...if you can use something like jergens. But I bought others in the $50-$65 range and they turned me orange. So the price is pretty good, I think. Plus, it feels like I still have over half a bottle and I did head to toe, twice.
6. Although my skin was still tacky, I’m always busy. I put on some older clothes after a few minutes (assuming there would be transfer), so I could get stuff done around house. Pj pants/hoodie. There is no difference in the color of my arms to my face. Even after the second application, even though I dressed moments after the 2nd application. Also, no finger spots on my upper chest, where I kept poking to see if I was still tacky.
7. I'm getting on in years, so night sweats are a part of my life. But no transfer on my bed either (I did put it on in the morning though and did rinse off after 6 hours in the shower).
FINAL THOUGHT: I LOVE IT
Hope you find it helpful!
Oh, and my daughter (light skin, rosy cheeks, gorgeous porcelain skin) used it on Monday and she didn't come out as dark as I did, but it gave her a VERY NICE tan look as well. I will add her pic as well, but will be covering her face for privacy. Left on hers, was taken a few weeks ago, to show her normal skin color, with a bit of sun. Right was after using the product. So it does work on lighter skin as well. Both were taken outdoors, the left was actually in the evening, and the right was early afternoon.
Additional Details
Small Business
Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazon’s store. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazon’s commitment to empowering them.
Small Business
This product is from a small business brand. Support small.
Make it a bundle
We found 3 bundles with this item:
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam | Lightweight, Self-Tanner Foam Enriched with Aloe Vera and Coconut Provides an Even, Streak-Free Tan
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
-
Bondi Sands Dark Self Tanning Foam + Back Applicator | Includes Lightweight Foam and 1 Back Applicator with 3 Replacement Pads ($36 Value)$29.00 $36.00This bundle contains 2 items -
Bondi Sands Tan + Maintain Kit | Includes Dark Self Tanning Foam, Mitt, and Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk for a Long-Lasting Tan ($49 Value)$39.00 $49.00This bundle contains 3 items -
Bondi Sands Dark Self Tanning Foam Value Kit | Includes 2 Lightweight Sunless Tan Foams + 1 Application Mitt for a Flawless Finish ($54 Value)$43.00 $54.00This bundle contains 3 items
Buy it with
- +
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
More items to explore
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Product Description
-
Step 1
Remove stubborn tan & prep your skin for a fresh layer of self-tan.
-
Step 2
Effortlessly washes away residue & leaves skin feeling smooth and soft.
-
Step 3
Enables the application of a streak-free, flawless tan while keeping hands stain-free.
-
Step 4
Our PURE iconic golden glow with skin-loving Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Vitamin C, & Vitamin E.
-
Step 5
Best for those looking for an easy, gradual tan with a fuss-free application
1 Remove 2 Exfoliate 3 Apply 4 Face Tan 5 Maintain
Tanning Routine
 Step 1 |  Step 2 |  Step 3 |
|---|---|---|
Body TanBest for those with an olive complexion or those who prefer a darker glow | ApplyEnables the application of a streak-free, flawless tan, & keeps hands stain-free | MaintainBest for those looking for an easy, gradual tan with a fuss-free application |
Size6.76 fl. oz. | SizeOne Size | Size12.68 fl. oz. |
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
0:37
Click to play video
how to apply Bronze Tan sunless tanner!
Existing Beauty Rep
Videos for this product
0:45
Click to play video
Organic Face Tanner That Rejuvenates and Nourishes Your Skin
amz
Videos for this product
3:09
Click to play video
This self-tanner is easy to use! No mess! Smells good!
AVA'S MUST HAVES!
used on my mixed skin, olive skin tone (Native American/white) and *shocker* I didn't turn ORANGE!!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2021
***update***I’ve been using this now for over 6 months and still love it! I reapply every five days, but only one coat, as I still have color from before. I also don’t exfoliate every time, just every other, and do use a moisturizing body wash every time I shower, with or w/o intent of using the self tanner.My face and hands do lighten faster, but I’m assuming that’s because I wash my face and hand multiple times a day. So, I bought a daily moisturizer from bondi sands, called “gradual tanning milk” to use on my hands/face in between doing my whole body (I’ll add a pic of the moisturizer above, if you want to try it).It goes well over the self tanner and blends nicely with it. I don’t use it everyday though, just when I notice my face/hands are getting lighter then the rest of me, so once or twice in between full applications.After doing a full application, I wait a few minutes (don’t know how long, as I usually clean out my shower, and wipe down my bathroom, while I wait), before dressing. I have a dedicated pair of pajama pants, socks and a hoodie, that I wear after applying now. I wait at least 6 hours, then hop in the shower to rinse off (not wash, just rinse). Then I’m good for another 5-6 days.Of course, there was more then once where I didn’t apply for weeks. I kept color for about 7 days, before I noticed my toes turning orange. Whenever this has happened though, I made sure to exfoliate, use no moisturizers (even a different body wash) and did the two coats, 30 minutes apart (pretty much the same thing I did the first time I used it).(all pics above are the difference in my skin, from w/o sun-using this in dark. Unfortunately they don’t upload in order, so each is marked).(Hopefully) the last one (might not be the last) was snapped quickly this morning, day 4 after using this product (no new application). Wasn't planning on sharing, so didn't even check the quality of the photo when I took it..so sorry. BUT, you can still see my skin, which is what's important.All are added, because, when I first started my "I'm going to see if I can find a self tanner", I was upset by the before photos in reviews, not giving ANY background on the skin type, or how much sun exposure they had before using. So, I found the photos kind of useless. This way, when reading my review, you can SEE the difference I am talking about.Need to start with I bought the dark. Not because I am naturally dark, but because I was trying to get one that wouldn't have that "sun-kissed glow" crap, because I turn ORANGE. Even w/professional spray tans.skin color backstory:I'm mixed, Native American and white (don't let the eyes fool you, I have Waardenburgs syndrome, so I don't have melanin in my eyes. Otherwise they would be brown. I make jokes all the time about how I'm to brown to be white, but to white to be brown.Unfortunately, since my skin went completely unprotected all throughout my adolescence and in to young adult, I was always VERY dark. Add to that, my constant exfoliating and moisturizing of my skin, due to extreme dry skin issues...yeah, I soaked in sun.So, when I saw my first dermatologist, around 22 years old (for my dry skin, btw, not my skin color, but obviously it was brought up, since the light colored eyes make it look like I am not mixed, but rather a fake and bake...), and he told me that my UV exposure from the past, could already lead to cancer down the road.Needless to say, I took action! Every morning, I started putting on spf 50 spf, when I moisturized, and again around 1pm, (when I moisturized my second time), every day. Even if I didn't plan to go anywhere. Because I didn't want to risk my skin being exposed because I had to run out.Still, I tan, even with the spf. Just not as dark as I did before. Obviously, from Oct-Mar, I would definitely get lighter, but I’d have my "winter tan", face/neck and hands would be tan. The rest of me, however, would be tinged with yellow. (One of the pics is from the fall of 2019, so my regular sun exposure, pre covid, with spf 50).However, if I was locked up away from the sun, which has happened a few times in my adult life...once during a pregnancy, I stayed in the hospital for almost 2 months before the baby was born, which is what I have pictured, above (can't find any other photos of my skin completely unexposed that show the yellow tint my skin takes on w/any sun exposure.Since 2020, I’ve been working from home and by the time Im done, sun is down. Unfortunately, when my skin turns yellow, it becomes extremely noticeable and people assume I'm sick…Since I am locked up, I have gone back to my jaundice colored skin. Now, over the years, I have tried of self tanners in the past. First was a professional spray tan and I went oompa loompa orange (mid-late 2000's). Didn't try again, until jergens came out with their daily use moisturizer/tanning lotion (think its called daily glow, or natural glow..not sure).Orange again...Didn't even look at a self tanner again, until Oct 2019, when my daughter wanted to get a spray tan for homecoming (she has porcelain white skin, my husband is white and she definitely took after him, especially in skin tone). So I took her up to a salon and while waiting on her, the workers, started pitching their spray tanning packages.Again, pointed out what had happened w/spray tan in the past, but they assured me that the stuff had come a LONG way in 15 years, and that now they actually mixed the color to the individual skin tone. My daughter (who I am pretty sure was just hoping I'd get in to spray tanning, so I'd be willing to take her up more often) was done getting hers, and was pressuring me with them, to "just try it". They even offered it at $15, just so I would try it. Finally, I agreed.By the next morning, I looked like Donald Trump. My students (I teach online) told me so, NONSTOP, until it finally faded away.So, completely swore off ALL self tanner, until this year. Since I work online, and the lighting in my house is NOT great, I was using makeup to hide my yellow skin tone (nothing beats having your students think your in liver failure...except when they compare you to Trump).But the makeup, although top of the line, was REALLY drying out my skin.To the point, my forehead started to flake, as well as my jawline and collarbone (Had to put make up on my neck and upper chest, as again, trying to hide the yellow undertone to my skin).So, during summer break, I decided I was going to order all the top self tanners that swore they worked on olive skin and wouldn't turn me orange, (As in, I spent a little over $400 on different self tanners) that had good reviews, by others who said they had an olive skin tone, which explains all the photos above, as olive skin is a BRIAD spectrum of tones, making it hard for me to know if what worked for others, would work for me.I figured, throughout the summer, I would try them all.And pretty much ALL of them turned me orange within a few hours of application, although one of them did okay the day of, but the next morning, I was definitely orange (do still have two more that I haven't tried. This kind, in medium and another one, but probably won't, since I know this one works).I didn't have much hope for this one either. Seemed almost all of them were made to give the "glowing tan" that most white people get. Problem with that is, I don't tan with a "glowing" tan, naturally. My skin does not glow. Only reason it might look al little shiny in the pics is because I moisturize A LOT.Actually, the darker my skin gets with natural UV, the more my skin turns ashen, because of how muted my skin tone is. So, anything made to give the glowing, brown tan, isn't going to work on me, even when my skin is light and yellow, because the red in the "glow" will mix and turn me orange.Finally there...MY REVIEW:So, I put this stuff on my skin, Sunday morning. It had been a 3 weeks since my last self tanner catastrophe, and I had exfoliated the night before, did not moisturize that night or the morning of. (My only BIG complaint is that it needs to go on unmoisturized skin). It immediately started to darken, so was easy to see if there was any streaking, and fix that up (only on my shoulders, but, I was rushing a bit, and...since I expected it to fail, I didn't take my time).I set a timer for 30 minutes, as I figured I wouldn't use it again, so I could do their 2nd application, which was SURE to turn me orange...(figured, it was necessary as even on the slight chance it did work, I would have to apply over it again, to keep the look, so why waste time when there were directions on how to do two applications on the same day).BUT...I DIDN'T TURN ORANGE! NOT EVEN AN ORANGE TINT!Okay sure...might look good the day I applied...but will definitely fade quickly and turn orange, probably flaky (my skin was pretty tacky for a few hours after I used it, so figured it would flake off, especially since I had to put it on dry, unmoisturized skin).But still, it didn't! here it is, Wednesday morning, and its holding strong! Even with my moisturizing Sunday night (rinsed my skin 6 hours after applying the second coat, and moisturized like I normally do, every day since)..Fourth pic was taken this morning, just after I got ready for work. Sorry for the poor quality...it was a quick snap on my phone, in my living room, before the sun even came up, and the living room light wasn't even on. Only the kitchen light and the TV were on, so I could catch the morning news. Just planned on sending it to my siblings, who are in the same boat as me with skin color. Didn't actually plan to put the picture online.I only have on some eye make up and lip gloss in the photo, no foundation or powder. I have washed my skin daily as well, and I still look pretty darn dark! It's been 4 days! I thought these things were only supposed to last, at most, 3?!?!So yes, I have Finally found a self tanner I can use!I honestly didn't even think it existed, but here it is! Actually came on to add it to my subscribe and save, but figured, if others like me, read reviews and are looking for a tanner for their skin that doesn't fit in a box for light, medium or dark. This kind, in dark, is what you want!My only complaints:1. smelled like tanning lotion2. My skin was tacky for a few hours after, but might not have been that long, if I wouldn't have applied the second layer, 30 minutes after. But it WAS still tacky when I put on the second layer.3. Has to go on unmoisturized, exfoliated skin, so the skin on my face, hands and joints felt REALLY tight, even after moisturizing for a full day on Monday. So, it isn't moisturizing enough for someone with really dry skin.4. There is no instruction on the bottle on when to reapply, or if there is anything that needs to be done differently when you reapply. So, not sure if next use will be as awesome as this one.Pros:1. I am not orange!!!! So that, in itself, beats out all the others. I don't even have an orange tint.2. Even with my overzealous skin routine (moisturizing multiple times a day) it is lasting very well.3. Easy to see if there were any streaks, while applying, so you can fix it right away. Don't have to wait hours to see if you look like a zebra.4. I have VERY dark circles under my eyes (even in baby photos I had them, so obviously, its just my face) and the tanner matched them to my face, so don't need to even use concealer under my eyes now.5. Price. Now, I know that the price probably seems pretty steep compared to others, and it is...if you can use something like jergens. But I bought others in the $50-$65 range and they turned me orange. So the price is pretty good, I think. Plus, it feels like I still have over half a bottle and I did head to toe, twice.6. Although my skin was still tacky, I’m always busy. I put on some older clothes after a few minutes (assuming there would be transfer), so I could get stuff done around house. Pj pants/hoodie. There is no difference in the color of my arms to my face. Even after the second application, even though I dressed moments after the 2nd application. Also, no finger spots on my upper chest, where I kept poking to see if I was still tacky.7. I'm getting on in years, so night sweats are a part of my life. But no transfer on my bed either (I did put it on in the morning though and did rinse off after 6 hours in the shower).FINAL THOUGHT: I LOVE ITHope you find it helpful!Oh, and my daughter (light skin, rosy cheeks, gorgeous porcelain skin) used it on Monday and she didn't come out as dark as I did, but it gave her a VERY NICE tan look as well. I will add her pic as well, but will be covering her face for privacy. Left on hers, was taken a few weeks ago, to show her normal skin color, with a bit of sun. Right was after using the product. So it does work on lighter skin as well. Both were taken outdoors, the left was actually in the evening, and the right was early afternoon.
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2021
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
used on my mixed skin, olive skin tone (Native American/white) and *shocker* I didn't turn ORANGE!!!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 20, 2021Size: 6.76 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Color: DarkVerified Purchase
used on my mixed skin, olive skin tone (Native American/white) and *shocker* I didn't turn ORANGE!!!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 20, 2021
***update***Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 20, 2021
I’ve been using this now for over 6 months and still love it! I reapply every five days, but only one coat, as I still have color from before. I also don’t exfoliate every time, just every other, and do use a moisturizing body wash every time I shower, with or w/o intent of using the self tanner.
My face and hands do lighten faster, but I’m assuming that’s because I wash my face and hand multiple times a day. So, I bought a daily moisturizer from bondi sands, called “gradual tanning milk” to use on my hands/face in between doing my whole body (I’ll add a pic of the moisturizer above, if you want to try it).
It goes well over the self tanner and blends nicely with it. I don’t use it everyday though, just when I notice my face/hands are getting lighter then the rest of me, so once or twice in between full applications.
After doing a full application, I wait a few minutes (don’t know how long, as I usually clean out my shower, and wipe down my bathroom, while I wait), before dressing. I have a dedicated pair of pajama pants, socks and a hoodie, that I wear after applying now. I wait at least 6 hours, then hop in the shower to rinse off (not wash, just rinse). Then I’m good for another 5-6 days.
Of course, there was more then once where I didn’t apply for weeks. I kept color for about 7 days, before I noticed my toes turning orange. Whenever this has happened though, I made sure to exfoliate, use no moisturizers (even a different body wash) and did the two coats, 30 minutes apart (pretty much the same thing I did the first time I used it).
(all pics above are the difference in my skin, from w/o sun-using this in dark. Unfortunately they don’t upload in order, so each is marked).
(Hopefully) the last one (might not be the last) was snapped quickly this morning, day 4 after using this product (no new application). Wasn't planning on sharing, so didn't even check the quality of the photo when I took it..so sorry. BUT, you can still see my skin, which is what's important.
All are added, because, when I first started my "I'm going to see if I can find a self tanner", I was upset by the before photos in reviews, not giving ANY background on the skin type, or how much sun exposure they had before using. So, I found the photos kind of useless. This way, when reading my review, you can SEE the difference I am talking about.
Need to start with I bought the dark. Not because I am naturally dark, but because I was trying to get one that wouldn't have that "sun-kissed glow" crap, because I turn ORANGE. Even w/professional spray tans.
skin color backstory:
I'm mixed, Native American and white (don't let the eyes fool you, I have Waardenburgs syndrome, so I don't have melanin in my eyes. Otherwise they would be brown. I make jokes all the time about how I'm to brown to be white, but to white to be brown.
Unfortunately, since my skin went completely unprotected all throughout my adolescence and in to young adult, I was always VERY dark. Add to that, my constant exfoliating and moisturizing of my skin, due to extreme dry skin issues...yeah, I soaked in sun.
So, when I saw my first dermatologist, around 22 years old (for my dry skin, btw, not my skin color, but obviously it was brought up, since the light colored eyes make it look like I am not mixed, but rather a fake and bake...), and he told me that my UV exposure from the past, could already lead to cancer down the road.
Needless to say, I took action! Every morning, I started putting on spf 50 spf, when I moisturized, and again around 1pm, (when I moisturized my second time), every day. Even if I didn't plan to go anywhere. Because I didn't want to risk my skin being exposed because I had to run out.
Still, I tan, even with the spf. Just not as dark as I did before. Obviously, from Oct-Mar, I would definitely get lighter, but I’d have my "winter tan", face/neck and hands would be tan. The rest of me, however, would be tinged with yellow. (One of the pics is from the fall of 2019, so my regular sun exposure, pre covid, with spf 50).
However, if I was locked up away from the sun, which has happened a few times in my adult life...once during a pregnancy, I stayed in the hospital for almost 2 months before the baby was born, which is what I have pictured, above (can't find any other photos of my skin completely unexposed that show the yellow tint my skin takes on w/any sun exposure.
Since 2020, I’ve been working from home and by the time Im done, sun is down. Unfortunately, when my skin turns yellow, it becomes extremely noticeable and people assume I'm sick…
Since I am locked up, I have gone back to my jaundice colored skin. Now, over the years, I have tried of self tanners in the past. First was a professional spray tan and I went oompa loompa orange (mid-late 2000's). Didn't try again, until jergens came out with their daily use moisturizer/tanning lotion (think its called daily glow, or natural glow..not sure).
Orange again...
Didn't even look at a self tanner again, until Oct 2019, when my daughter wanted to get a spray tan for homecoming (she has porcelain white skin, my husband is white and she definitely took after him, especially in skin tone). So I took her up to a salon and while waiting on her, the workers, started pitching their spray tanning packages.
Again, pointed out what had happened w/spray tan in the past, but they assured me that the stuff had come a LONG way in 15 years, and that now they actually mixed the color to the individual skin tone. My daughter (who I am pretty sure was just hoping I'd get in to spray tanning, so I'd be willing to take her up more often) was done getting hers, and was pressuring me with them, to "just try it". They even offered it at $15, just so I would try it. Finally, I agreed.
By the next morning, I looked like Donald Trump. My students (I teach online) told me so, NONSTOP, until it finally faded away.
So, completely swore off ALL self tanner, until this year. Since I work online, and the lighting in my house is NOT great, I was using makeup to hide my yellow skin tone (nothing beats having your students think your in liver failure...except when they compare you to Trump).
But the makeup, although top of the line, was REALLY drying out my skin.
To the point, my forehead started to flake, as well as my jawline and collarbone (Had to put make up on my neck and upper chest, as again, trying to hide the yellow undertone to my skin).
So, during summer break, I decided I was going to order all the top self tanners that swore they worked on olive skin and wouldn't turn me orange, (As in, I spent a little over $400 on different self tanners) that had good reviews, by others who said they had an olive skin tone, which explains all the photos above, as olive skin is a BRIAD spectrum of tones, making it hard for me to know if what worked for others, would work for me.
I figured, throughout the summer, I would try them all.
And pretty much ALL of them turned me orange within a few hours of application, although one of them did okay the day of, but the next morning, I was definitely orange (do still have two more that I haven't tried. This kind, in medium and another one, but probably won't, since I know this one works).
I didn't have much hope for this one either. Seemed almost all of them were made to give the "glowing tan" that most white people get. Problem with that is, I don't tan with a "glowing" tan, naturally. My skin does not glow. Only reason it might look al little shiny in the pics is because I moisturize A LOT.
Actually, the darker my skin gets with natural UV, the more my skin turns ashen, because of how muted my skin tone is. So, anything made to give the glowing, brown tan, isn't going to work on me, even when my skin is light and yellow, because the red in the "glow" will mix and turn me orange.
Finally there...MY REVIEW:
So, I put this stuff on my skin, Sunday morning. It had been a 3 weeks since my last self tanner catastrophe, and I had exfoliated the night before, did not moisturize that night or the morning of. (My only BIG complaint is that it needs to go on unmoisturized skin). It immediately started to darken, so was easy to see if there was any streaking, and fix that up (only on my shoulders, but, I was rushing a bit, and...since I expected it to fail, I didn't take my time).
I set a timer for 30 minutes, as I figured I wouldn't use it again, so I could do their 2nd application, which was SURE to turn me orange...(figured, it was necessary as even on the slight chance it did work, I would have to apply over it again, to keep the look, so why waste time when there were directions on how to do two applications on the same day).
BUT...I DIDN'T TURN ORANGE! NOT EVEN AN ORANGE TINT!
Okay sure...might look good the day I applied...but will definitely fade quickly and turn orange, probably flaky (my skin was pretty tacky for a few hours after I used it, so figured it would flake off, especially since I had to put it on dry, unmoisturized skin).
But still, it didn't! here it is, Wednesday morning, and its holding strong! Even with my moisturizing Sunday night (rinsed my skin 6 hours after applying the second coat, and moisturized like I normally do, every day since)..
Fourth pic was taken this morning, just after I got ready for work. Sorry for the poor quality...it was a quick snap on my phone, in my living room, before the sun even came up, and the living room light wasn't even on. Only the kitchen light and the TV were on, so I could catch the morning news. Just planned on sending it to my siblings, who are in the same boat as me with skin color. Didn't actually plan to put the picture online.
I only have on some eye make up and lip gloss in the photo, no foundation or powder. I have washed my skin daily as well, and I still look pretty darn dark! It's been 4 days! I thought these things were only supposed to last, at most, 3?!?!
So yes, I have Finally found a self tanner I can use!I honestly didn't even think it existed, but here it is! Actually came on to add it to my subscribe and save, but figured, if others like me, read reviews and are looking for a tanner for their skin that doesn't fit in a box for light, medium or dark. This kind, in dark, is what you want!
My only complaints:
1. smelled like tanning lotion
2. My skin was tacky for a few hours after, but might not have been that long, if I wouldn't have applied the second layer, 30 minutes after. But it WAS still tacky when I put on the second layer.
3. Has to go on unmoisturized, exfoliated skin, so the skin on my face, hands and joints felt REALLY tight, even after moisturizing for a full day on Monday. So, it isn't moisturizing enough for someone with really dry skin.
4. There is no instruction on the bottle on when to reapply, or if there is anything that needs to be done differently when you reapply. So, not sure if next use will be as awesome as this one.
Pros:
1. I am not orange!!!! So that, in itself, beats out all the others. I don't even have an orange tint.
2. Even with my overzealous skin routine (moisturizing multiple times a day) it is lasting very well.
3. Easy to see if there were any streaks, while applying, so you can fix it right away. Don't have to wait hours to see if you look like a zebra.
4. I have VERY dark circles under my eyes (even in baby photos I had them, so obviously, its just my face) and the tanner matched them to my face, so don't need to even use concealer under my eyes now.
5. Price. Now, I know that the price probably seems pretty steep compared to others, and it is...if you can use something like jergens. But I bought others in the $50-$65 range and they turned me orange. So the price is pretty good, I think. Plus, it feels like I still have over half a bottle and I did head to toe, twice.
6. Although my skin was still tacky, I’m always busy. I put on some older clothes after a few minutes (assuming there would be transfer), so I could get stuff done around house. Pj pants/hoodie. There is no difference in the color of my arms to my face. Even after the second application, even though I dressed moments after the 2nd application. Also, no finger spots on my upper chest, where I kept poking to see if I was still tacky.
7. I'm getting on in years, so night sweats are a part of my life. But no transfer on my bed either (I did put it on in the morning though and did rinse off after 6 hours in the shower).
FINAL THOUGHT: I LOVE IT
Hope you find it helpful!
Oh, and my daughter (light skin, rosy cheeks, gorgeous porcelain skin) used it on Monday and she didn't come out as dark as I did, but it gave her a VERY NICE tan look as well. I will add her pic as well, but will be covering her face for privacy. Left on hers, was taken a few weeks ago, to show her normal skin color, with a bit of sun. Right was after using the product. So it does work on lighter skin as well. Both were taken outdoors, the left was actually in the evening, and the right was early afternoon.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 25, 2023
Size: 6.76 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Color: Ultra DarkVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Ashleigh
Fake!! Avoid!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 20, 2019Size: 6.76 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Color: Ultra DarkVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Not the real stuff!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 25, 2019Size: 6.76 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Color: DarkVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Don't waste your money.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 14, 2020Size: 6.76 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Color: DarkVerified Purchase
Miss Stephanie L Hines
Worth every penny
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on July 23, 2020Size: 6.76 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Color: Light/MediumVerified Purchase