Bondi Sands Light vs Dark. Which Will Make Your Skin Glow?

When you think of Australia, you’ll probably picture in your mind bronzed bodies on surfboards and Instagram influencers soaking up the sun while looking absolutely amazing.

So, if you’re a fan of self-tanning, then you’ll no doubt have heard about Australia’s number one self-tan brand Bondi Sands, which is named after the country’s most infamous beach, Bondi in Sydney. Bondi Sands is Aussie-owned, made, and proud.

This popular brand now offers a range of skincare and body products dedicated to the safe tanning lifestyle. Here we’re going to take a look at whether you should opt for Bondi Sands Light vs Dark formulations to get your self-tan on.

---

Bondi Sands Light vs Dark

Bondi Sands claims to now be the number one brand of self-tanning products, knocking the OG of self-tanning St. Tropez off its top perch. This is because self-tanning fans are enamored of the quality and staying power of the Bondi Sands formula, which some describe as incredible.

Both Bondi Sands Light vs Dark break the rules of the old self-tanning procedure.

For starters, the Bondi Sands’ foam self-tanners smell of coconut, they glide on the skin effortlessly, they leave the skin feeling silky soft, and smooth, and they don’t go patchy so that you stay looking bronzed for longer.

Of course, when it comes down to choosing whether you want to opt for using Bondi Sands Light or Bondi Sands Dark formula, you should go for the shade that’s going to make you feel the way you want to feel.

If you’re already versed at self-tanning and are after a more dramatic darker hue, then opt for Bondi Sands Dark. If you’re new to self-tanning and not sure what tone will suit you, then it’s probably best to choose Bondi Sands Light to start.

If you’re already versed at self-tanning and are after a more dramatic darker hue, then opt for Bondi Sands Dark. If you’re new to self-tanning and not sure what tone will suit you, then it’s probably best to choose Bondi Sands Light to start.

Now let’s take a closer look at each formulation…

The Light Stuff

If you have fair to very light skin, this means you have a pale and pinky or porcelain skin tone, and you burn quite easily with sun exposure. You may also have lots of freckles that help to warm your skin’s undertones.

This also means your self-tanning experience may not have been so smooth, because it’s easier to spot mistakes like patching. If this is the case, or it’s your first-time self-tanning, then you will probably want to use Bondi Sands Light.

Bondi Sands Light formula will build a more natural-looking tan with a subtle glow on your fair skin, which you can always reapply if you would like to create a deeper color.

The great thing about Bondi Sands is that you can leave it on your skin for up to eight hours, so you can control the color you want to achieve — the longer that you leave it on your skin, the darker it’ll get.

Here’s what the Light/Medium does:

Be sure to get a self-tanning mitt to make the application easier, and pay extra attention to your back.

The great thing about Bondi Sands is that you can leave it on your skin for up to eight hours, so you can control the color you want to achieve — the longer that you leave it on your skin, the darker it’ll get.

As you get used to the product, you can then work your way up to using the Bondi Sands Dark formula if you want to create a more dramatic look.

In The Dark

If you were born with olive skin or an even darker complexion, it’s most likely that your skin will have warmer undertones. Therefore, you can push the boat out and opt for getting your bronzed glow on with Bondi Sands Dark formula.

And if you’re a more experienced self-tanner looking for a darker shade, then Bondi Sands Dark will give your skin a smooth all-over deeper tan with a warm and bronzed glow that will suit your skin tone.

You may want to apply Bondi Sands Dark at least 15 minutes before bedtime and then shower in the morning for the most dramatic result. You’ll need to use a dedicated pair of pajamas for this process, so that you don’t ruin your bedsheets.

Don’t Forget the Ultra!

Bondi Sands sells a third level of self-tanner, the Ultra-Dark Bondi Sands.

It’s the most powerful level, and should only be used by those who already have fairly dark skin to begin with, or those who are experienced with self-tanners, and understand the levels. Don’t just dive in with this, as the color can go wrong.

But it can go so right, too!

---

Conscious Tanning

Another reason that the Bondi Sands brand has become so popular is because of its commitment to environmental sustainability and helping to heal the planet. For example, the brand has pledged to have 100% recyclable packaging across its entire range of products by 2025.

The entire Bondi Sands range is also PETA certified, so is never tested on animals, and Reef Friendly, which means its sunscreen products have been formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate in compliance with Hawaiian regulations of banning chemicals that damage coral reefs.

---

Conclusion

Bondi Sands Light and Dark (and Ultra!) are a bit more expensive than the usual drugstore brands of self-tanning products. However, because of their long-lasting formulas, you’ll end up using less, which ends up making them even more cost-effective, and probably another reason why the brand is so popular.

So, in the battle of Bondi Sands Light vs Dark, choosing the formula that will suit you comes down to your natural skin tone and how dramatic a tan you want to flaunt in your Instagram stories.

---