Fake tanning from the neck up has always been a tricky business. You may reap the benefits of looking sun-kissed and glowing all-over, but you also run the risk of an impending breakout within an hour.
That is, until the new kid on the face tan block arrived: face tanning water. Often formulated using ingredients you’d find in a serum, it’s time for you to meet the skin care and fake tan hybrid that needs a spot in your regimen.
Here are seven hydrating, non-comedogenic face tanning water formulas for a skin-loving glow minus the congestion.
What exactly is a face tan water?
In contrast to traditional fake tans, which are applied with a tanning mitt or your hands (if you live dangerously), these colourless, liquid formulas are applied the same way you would your toner – with a soaked cotton pad or mixed in with your moisturiser or night cream.
Non-comedogenic tanning waters are formulated to promote healthy and hydrated skin, with the addition of hyaluronic acid almost always making an appearance (do away with the days when fake tan would stick to your dry patches).
Which face tan shade is right for my skin tone?
Any! Tanning waters typically won’t come in the usual colour ranges like light to medium and medium to dark. Due to their buildable, transparent nature, they will work for any skin tone, based on how many layers you choose to apply.
The best face tanning waters to try
SugarBaby OUT-GLOWING
Offering a finish so luminous, SugarBaby’s OUT-GLOWING formula will double as a primer or have you ditching makeup altogether. The sensitive skin-friendly formula combines coconut probiotic extract with antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil to hydrate dry skin and neutralise uneven skin tone.
$26.95 at Sugarbabybeauty.com.au
Clarins Radiance-Plus Glow Booster for Face
A convenient and concentrated formula that you can mix with your regular day or night cream for a year-round glow.
$40 at Myer
Eco Tan Face Tan Water
The OG of tanning waters, Eco Tan’s moisturising formula doubles as a toner to reduce redness and camouflage blemishes, all while building a gentle, natural colour.
$39.95 at Eco Tan
St Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
With 100 per cent natural tanning agents and antioxidants like hibiscus extract and green mandarin water, this tanning mist leaves no fake-tan smell, sticky residue or visible traces behind.
$34.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water Medium
Unlike the other buildable formulas, the Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water range comes in three colour-correcting shades depending on your skin tone and desired result. Violet provides a deeper, darker tan while reducing sallowness and yellow tones in the skin, green leaves a medium-golden colour while correcting underlying redness, and peach imparts a lighter sun-kissed glow and an immediate brightening of dullness.
$38 at MECCA
Main image credit: @theisleofparadise
Which fake tan do you use on your face? Would you try a water?
I spend so much money to keep my face fair. This is the polar opposite of what I am after but it is certainly an interesting category of product. I usually use a bit of bronzer to give that sunkissed glow. I don’t want it any more permanently than that.
I struggle with melasma and already have brown skin that I quite like! Lol
Sounds like a good option for those who want to tan.
Not a product I need, but good to know how it works.
I’ve heard about it before and I wouldn’t mind trying it out
I’ve got the St Tropez one yet to try it 🙂
I’m not into fake tanning of any kind
I thought I’d heard it all!
I go opposite way, working to keep skin on my face lighter (having melasma for such a long time, now lightened and evened out).
Really want to try the Eco tan one as I’ve heard so many positive reviews
I usually only tan for an event.
I haven’t heard of this before! So glad there is such a thing out there. I would love to give one a go.
Eco Tan Face Water is THE BEST! Great for sensitive skin types and very hydrating and easy to apply! Honestly nothing compares to this!
I usually only use a bit of fake tan to take the glare off my shockingly white legs & feet in summertime. I don’t bother with my face.
I guess it’s a good idea. I’m happy with my fair skin. I’d rather look after it with good skincare
I’ve not heard of these before. Only tanning cream.
Hmmm, I’m not into fake tans usually, but a tanning water for my face I would like to try
tan lux is the best
These look worth a try!
I don’t try to tan my face as I am sure it will just end up looking dirty. Happy to have a light sun glow.
Not a fan of the tan. I’ll pass on these.