The Fake Tan I’m Currently Obsessed With (That Smells Like Chocolate Mousse)
Let’s be real: as much as I love a good fake tan mousse — the kind you apply with a mitt, let it develop, then rinse off — life doesn’t always give you time for that full tanning routine. Sometimes the sun makes a surprise appearance, or you’ve got an unexpected invite to the beach, and you want to glow now.
That’s why I started using the Bondi Sands Skin Perfecting Gradual Lotion, and honestly, it’s been a game changer.
Review of Bondi Sands Skin Perfecting Gradual Lotion
I still love my weekly mousse tan, but I wanted something quicker and more low-maintenance — something I could throw in my bag on holiday or use on a busy day when I didn’t have time to tan properly. I was after a streak-free, cruelty-free, high-quality product that gave me instant results and looked natural, and this ticks every single box.
It’s also perfect in winter when I don’t necessarily want a full-body tan but still want to look alive (especially on my face). A lot of fake tans don’t work well on the face or can clog pores, but this one? No issues. In fact, it’s become my go-to instead of foundation or BB cream because it blurs imperfections and smooths my skin like I’ve applied a soft-focus filter.
How to Use Bondi Sands Skin Perfecting Gradual Lotion
When I first used it, I was immediately sold on the smell — it’s like chocolate mousse in a bottle. No metallic, fake tan scent. Just a gorgeous cocoa smell that makes every application feel like a treat.
The texture is rich and silky, glides on effortlessly, and gives your skin an instant glow and a gradual tan that builds with each use. So whether I’m in a rush or slowly building colour, it delivers.
Bondi Sands Skin Perfecting Gradual Lotion Results
The colour? Chef’s kiss. It’s a beautiful, natural golden glow without a hint of orange. It doesn’t scream “I’ve fake tanned!” — it just looks like healthy, even, sun-kissed skin. I saw visible results after the first use, and over time, it builds beautifully.
It also evens out skin tone and blurs imperfections really well — especially on areas like my legs and arms, which often need a little love after a long winter or too much time indoors.
Does Bondi Sands Skin Perfecting Gradual Lotion Go Streaky?
I apply it with my hands, not a mitt. I’ve tried both, but the mitt tends to soak up too much product, and considering the bottle is only 150ml and not the cheapest on the market, I want every last drop to count.
Surprisingly, it doesn’t streak when you use your hands — which isn’t always the case with tanning products. It applies evenly, absorbs fast, and doesn’t leave you waiting ages before getting dressed. Plus, it doesn’t transfer (a dream if, like me, you live with white cushions and pale furniture — no more orange sofas!).
Skin prep? I might shave or moisturise beforehand, but honestly, the Bondi Sands Skin Perfecting lotion is so hydrating and forgiving that I don’t stress too much about exfoliating or doing a full prep routine beforehand.
Is the Bondi Sands Skin Perfecting Gradual Lotion Worth It?
This lotion is perfect for:
Pale to light olive skin tones
People who want a natural glow without the commitment
Busy mums or entrepreneurs who want to look polished fast
Anyone who hates the smell and mess of traditional fake tan
If you have a darker skin tone, I wouldn’t recommend this as your primary tanner, as the colour is quite subtle and might not be noticeable enough.
Would I repurchase? Absolutely. Despite the smaller bottle size and slightly higher price point, it’s worth it. The versatility alone — using it in place of makeup, topping up between mousse tans, or applying it last-minute before heading out — makes it a staple in my beauty drawer.
If you’re looking for an instant, natural tan that smells divine, dries fast, doesn’t transfer, and leaves your skin looking like it’s been gently filtered in real life, Bondi Sands Skin Perfecting Gradual Lotion might just be your new favourite too.
