Kayla Young
Australian beauty company Bondi Sands is one of the leading producers of high-quality self-tanning products. Their foam offerings are among the best in the industry, and they can work magic on your skin. With two popular lines of self-tanning foam (the Self Tanning Line and Liquid Gold line), you can easily achieve a beautiful, natural color in a matter of hours.
In this article, we’ll do a Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam Review, and go over everything you need to know to choose the right self-tanner for your skin tone and tanning goals.
Let’s get right to it!
Contents
Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam Review
Let’s start with a brief look at the key points of Bondi Sands’ foaming self-tanners. We’ll then dig into the advantages and disadvantages of this system.
Key Features at a Glance
- Comes in a foam format for easy application
- The Self-Tanning Foam comes in three shades (light, dark, and ultra-dark)
- The Liquid Gold foam comes in two shades (Liquid Gold and Aero)
- Works on all kinds of skin tones
- Different formulas will set in different time periods
- Features coconut infusion for an improved scent
- Cruelty Free and Vegan
- Generates a natural, sun-kissed tan
- Comes in a 7.04 fl oz bottle (200 ml)
The Details
Bondi Sands is known for producing some of the best self-tanning products on the market, and we’re glad to say that this product stands up to their excellent reputation.
Natural Tan Color
Both the Liquid Gold and Self-Tanning Foam lines are designed to give you a quick fake tan that looks natural. Like the Beauty By Earth self-tanner we reviewed here, Bondi Sands is going for a natural look, even in the darker shades.
For most users, that’s perfect!
While this may sound like a joke, it isn’t. The experts who developed this formula at Bondi Sands ensured that the color would look natural on all kinds of different skin types.
The tan color itself is a deep gold, instead of the strange hues that you can expect to get with some competing self-tan solutions.
That said, the Ultra Dark gets pretty dark! So unless you know what you’re doing, you may want to start with a lighter shade.
We’ve seen it all, with some fake-tanners giving skin a reddish tinge or even a greenish one (yuck!). But this product from Bondi Sands is one of the most natural-looking options around.
One thing to keep in mind is that you should wash it off after the target time has passed. The tan will continue to darken, which can bring out unwanted color tones.
Variable Application Time
That length will vary between 3-6 hours, depending on which Bondi Sands foam you choose. The Liquid Gold takes 2-3 hours, and the Aero takes about 6 hours. The Self Tanner Mousse line takes about 6 hours, as well.
We should note that Bondi Sands also makes a 1-Hour Express Foam but it doesn’t last very long, and it doesn’t go as dark.
Another great thing about this self-tanner is that it comes out as a foam, which makes it much easier to apply to your skin than your typical lotions.
Since it’s a foam, you also won’t have to worry about this tanner feeling oily on your skin while you wait for it to take effect. This helps you avoid the icky feeling typically associated with lotions. However, it will feel sticky after application, before you was it off (see the disadvantages section for more).
It’s best to get a self-tanning mitt to use with this self-tanner. Use long, even strokes and you’ll get a streak-free tan.
If you don’t have a mitt, see our application tips here.
Hydration
The inclusion of argan oil as a main ingredient in this self-tanning foam ensures that it will also hydrate your skin, keeping it healthy as you tan.
This allows you to combine your tanning regimen with a skincare routine that will ensure that your skin is hydrated enough to reach the deep colors that you want it to attain.
Beautiful Scent
The foam also features a pleasant coconut scent, which is what you’d expect from tanning lotions and similar products. This is a plus compared to some of the Self Tanning Foam’s competitors, which can have the chemical DHA smell. The DHA is there, but it’s largely covered up by the coconut scent.
Easy to Wash Off
Showering after self-tanners and spray tans is important. The shower removes any remaining tanner and prevents things from going too dark. There is a technique to it! Also, be careful washing your hair, as well.
We appreciated how this tan can’t be washed off in a single shower. Instead of having to plan out your showers, you won’t have to worry about choosing between being clean and being able to enjoy your darker, deeper skin tone.
How to Use
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foams are generally easier to use than many competing products. Application is pretty simple, and it’s fairly easy to get an even, streak-free tan with the mousse format.
Plus it sets quicker than many other sunless tanners, so you can be out and about more quickly! That’s why it was our top choice among the best self tanners for beginners.
You’ll get better results if you exfoliate the night before you apply your Bondi Sands foam. This will ensure that any loose dead skin cells are removed, and the tan will last for a longer time.
When applying the mousse, be sure to use long, even motions. This will result in a more even application. And if you’re looking to deepen the color of your skin further, apply it once and then reapply it after 30 minutes have elapsed.
You don’t even have to shower off after you’re done applying this product, you can just get dressed and you’ll be ready.
Just note that it can stain your clothes before you wash it off! See below for more.
Downsides
There are a few downsides to this product, but nothing major.
Green Color Upon Application
One of the main complaints users have is that it goes on greenish. That can be helpful, as it gives you some sense as to where you’ve already applied the lotion. But it then fades to clear after you rub it into your skin, making it harder to tell where you’ve applied it.
If you’re not making an active effort to remember where you applied the product, you may end up missing some spots.
You also want to be very sparing with your use in the areas around your hands, feet, elbows, and knees. It’s really hard to get these areas right, and it’s better to use too little material in those spots, rather than too much.
Sticky Feeling
After Bondi Sands foam has been applied, the skin feels fairly sticky until the formula has dried. It’s a bit of a weird sensation, and it goes away after a little while, but there’s a stickier feeling than what happens with many other self-tanners on the market.
Stains Fabric
The Bondi Sands foams will stain fabrics until it’s been washed off. This includes clothing!
Just be aware of what you’re wearing, and what you sit on while you wait to wash off the solution.
The stains typically come out in the wash.
Smell
The only other common issue is the spray tan smell. Overall, this self-tanner has much less smell than many of the other products out there.
It mostly smells like coconut. Awesome!
But there’s still some lingering DHA in there, which will go away after you shower in 3-6 hours after application (depending on which one you choose)
Conclusion
Overall, Bondi Sands’ foam self-tanners rock. They work fairly quickly to provide an even, luscious, natural, golden tan that lasts for about a week. Beautiful! There’s a reason these self-tanning foams are so popular!
Each of the tanners in this line works well. Pay attention to the development time of the tanner you’re looking at, and don’t dive into Ultra Dark unless you know what you’re doing.
Follow the instructions, go light on your hands, feet, knees, and elbows, and shower when you’re supposed to. Your skin will thank you!
