Fair Folk Rejoice, You Can Get A Tan In A Can Too

So, we’ve heard your fake tanning efforts often have you cruelly mistaken as cosplaying an Oompa Loompa? We bet your foundation shade is named something like ‘alabaster’, ‘porcelain’ or ‘snow’. Hitting the nail on the head? Welcome to the meeting of the people-with-pale-skin-who-want-to-be-tanned club.

Yep, we might’ve accepted that ‘ghostly’ is our usual skin tone but that doesn’t mean we can’t add a (hearty) layer of (self) tan to dial up our glow levels. But if you’re anything like us, the balance between Lindsay Lohan in the early ‘00s and glowing goddess is a very fine line. So, let’s make sure we’re on the right side of said barrier and check out the best fake tans for pale skin…

2024’s Top 3 Pale Skin Fake Tan’s

1. Tan-Luxe The Water Self Tanner, $68, ASOS
2. Luna Bronze Glow Gradual Tanning Moisturiser, $33.95, Luna Bronze
3. Bondi Sands Technocolor Sapphire 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam, $26.95, Bondi Sands

Tan-Luxe The Water Self Tanner

From $68 at ASOS

Looking at this bottle, we bet you’re thinking, ‘hmm I know I’m pale but I’d like more of a tan than crystal clear water’, which is a totally fair assessment. However this bottle of hydrating mist contains a golden secret… Formulated with Scottish spring water and lovingly infused with ultra-nourishing hydrating vitamins (B,C and E), this odourless spray will give your pale skin a gorgeous golden glow. How? Leave that to science, but trust us when we say your porcelain skin will be looking a few shades more golden in the morning. 

Key features:

• Odourless 
• Blend of skin-loving vitamins and minerals
• Infused with purified Scottish spring water

Available at:

• $68 from ASOS
• $81.83 from Revolve Clothing
• $51 from Sephora

Luna Bronze Glow Gradual Tanning Moisturiser

From $33.95 at Luna Bronze

We’re sure it comes as no great surprise that a gradual tanning moisturiser has made the list. It’s been a true friend amongst fair-skinned folks for many years. But of course, we’ve all been done dirty by overdoing it or trying a new darker shade that our (very tanned) friend said we just had to try. Well, Luna Bronze is here to change that. With a soothing, gentle-on-the-skin formula, it’s a moisturiser that absolutely everybody can use. Designed specifically to enhance and illuminate pale skin, the natural (98 per cent certified organic) ingredients in this Aussie-made moisturiser are set to help you look your golden best. 

Key features:

• Soothing and gentle on the skin
• Scented with essential oils
• Designed for people with pale skin

Available at:

• $33.95 from Luna Bronze
• $57.97 from Revolve Clothing

Bondi Sands Technocolor Sapphire 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam

From $26.95 at Bondi Sands

When most Aussies think fake tan, we’re almost sure they think of our own iconic Bondi Sands. While many of our friends might reach for a can of Ultra Dark mousse, we think it’s best to take a step back and assess the tan aisle before you come out looking like Ross from Friends. Sure, the OG classic Bondi Sands Light/Medium foam is a great option (make sure to err on the side of less tan developing time), but what really takes the pale skin-friendly cake is their latest launch of tans, a range based on undertones. Choosing the Sapphire option will cancel out the orange tones (phew) and leave you with a natural glow. Bonus: the express formula only takes one hour!

Want to read more? Read Bondi Sands Technocolor Sapphire 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam Reviews here…

Key features:

• Unique undertone matching formula
• Made with a low level of tanning actives
• Dermachromatic colour technology 

Available at:

• $26.95 from Bondi Sands
• $22.99 (usually $26.95) from Chemist Warehouse

Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse

From $29.95 at Adore Beauty

This mousse has been formulated with 100 per cent natural DHAs to ensure a subtle streak-free tan. Bali Body has even added enriching, skin-loving chamomile and pomegranate to boost your skin’s hydration while it develops. The best pale skin feature this tan has to offer is the extended time frame it develops over. Leave it on for as little as one hour to get a hint of golden glow, or if you’re feeling brave (and want to be bronzed) get your eight hours of beauty rest and wash it off in the morning.

Key features:

• Developed to be suitable for all skin types
• Customisable colour
• Enriched with naturally hydrating ingredients 

Available at:

• $29.95 from Adore Beauty
• $31 from Woolworths
• $29.95 from Chemist Warehouse

SugarBaby OUT-GLOWING Face and Décolletage Tanning Water

From $18.90 at Myer

Specifically developed to tan your face and décolletage, this spritzing water comes prepared to work as a dual-action product. Sure, it’s working on giving you an ultra-enviable tanned glow (what we’re out here to see) but it’s also infused with hydrating godsend hyaluronic acid and seriously nourishing bioactive coconut extract. Get ready to be obsessed with skin care meets tanning.

Want to read more? Read SugarBaby OUT-GLOWING Face and Décolletage Tanning Water Reviews here…

Key features:

• Formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid 
• Dermatologically-tested 
• Nourishing coconut ingredients and scent

Available at:

• $18.90 (usually $27) from Myer
• $27 from Big W
• $22.99 (usually $27) from Chemist Warehouse

#ThereWeGlow Clear Self Tan

From $34.95 at There We Glow

A completely clear tan might sound like a confusing thought, but we need you to know: mess-free application will be your fair skin’s best friend. Not only that, but this tan features odour eliminating technology that won’t leave you with the giveaway fake tan smell. With a fast-absorbing formula and nourishing ingredients, this tan might end up the number one secret you share with your pale brethren. 

Key features:

• Completely clear tan
• Formulated with odour eliminating technology
• Enriched with nourishing argan oil and vitamin E

Available at:

• $34.95 from There We Glow

JERGENS ® Natural Glow Daily Moisturiser in ‘Fair to Medium’

Like we said before, gradual tanning is a great way to slowly develop a natural glow for fair skin. Not only are you able to build and top up your tan each and every day, it serves as a fantastic reminder to moisturise your skin. Yep, if you’re anything like us, hopping into bed beats slathering your body in a round of moisturiser. But when an unbeatable natural tan is on the cards, we’re happy to coat ourselves head to toe in something like this hydrating, antioxidant infused lotion. 

Want to read more? Read JERGENS ® Natural Glow Daily Moisturiser in ‘Fair to Medium’ Reviews here…

Key features:

• Formulated with antioxidant vitamin E
• No fake tan smell 
• Infused with coconut oil

Available at:

• $27.82 from iHerb
• $7.19 (usually $11.99) from Priceline
• $6.99 (usually $11.99) from Chemist Warehouse

Can pale people fake tan?

Definitely. There’s no ifs, doubts or buts about faking tanning pale skin. But what we want to focus on is getting the right undertone and not overdoing it. Finding the right tone to not turn you into a ghastly shade of terracotta is the best start. From there it’s all about trial and error with timing. Our advice to stay safe? Whatever time the bottle says develops its ‘lightest’ shade, go under it. For example, one hour becomes 45 minutes, that is until you feel comfortable in dabbling with a longer development time. But you don’t know what suits you until you start, and requiring a top-up is better than dealing with tan regrets.

What colour fake tan is best for pale skin?

Now, this is a trickier question to answer. Because every shade (and tone) of pale skin is unique in its own right, there’s not one holy grail shade of fake tan for pale skin. But for the porcelain-skinned amongst us, make sure you’re matching your undertone to your tan undertone (i.e Bondi Sands’ sapphire shade). Clear tans are also your friend! And if all else seems too daunting, revert back to the days of old with a super subtle gradual tan formula. 

Related Links:

• Not quite so alabaster? Check out our other fake tan recommendations…
• So you know what tan you’ll be using, but how do you get it to go on perfectly? 
• Bronzing glow turning to tarnished patches? Here’s how to remove your old tan…

Main Image Credit: Getty

Do you fake tan? Will these products help your pale skin?