Tanning waters tested for streak prevention, application ease, and gradual buildable tan. The lighter-weight alternative to mousse. Our winner this year is Australian Glow Self Tan Water (Glow 9.6/10, AU$24.99), the clearest, no-transfer water on shelf.
Tanning water is the easiest entry point for first-timers. The picks below earn their place by being foolproof and beautifully developing.
A clear, water-light self tan with no guide colour, so there's nothing to rub off onto sheets or transfer to your collar overnight. The cleanest application format Australian Glow makes, and the one our editors reach for on face and daily wear.
Spray-on water format, fastest-developing in the category. The starter tan that experts also use.
Premium formula, more sophisticated tone. The pick for face-only use.
St. Tropez quality in spray format.
Loving Tan in water format. Strong on warm-toned skin.
Budget tanning water with surprising performance.
Tanning water with hydration. The right pick for dry-skin tan-users.
Water is sheer and lighter; mousse is heavier and more pigmented. Most kits benefit from water for face/daily and mousse for full-body events.
Yes. Spray onto skin, then blend with a mitt. Sprayed without a mitt causes streaks.
Most show colour in 3-4 hours and are full at 8 hours. Don't shower for at least 2 hours after application.
Yes, the bronzer guide colour stains for the first hours. Wear loose dark cotton.
For more tan editorial, see our Tan hub, or browse all brands and brand reviews. For our annual edit, see GLOW 100.
Keep exploring