Summer is most certainly on it's way and this bank holiday weekend, temperatures have soared to their mid twenties and I am READY for the warmer months. Unfortunately, my skin doesn't seem to have got that memo and, in an attempt to achieve a bronzed complexion without the arduous sunbathing, I've attempted a new fake tan! If you've read my first post in the Fake Tan Trials, you'll find that my main qualm with the Garnier Moisturising Lotion was the smell. I was urged to try the Bondi Sands tanning foam by a friend who claimed it smelt of coconut and so I purchased a bottle in the hope of swapping my biscuit aroma for a fresher, summery scent. Here's how I got on:
Day One
Have learnt from previous mistakes and bought the tan in Light/Medium. Fingers crossed. Instructions say I can wash off after one hour but am worried it won't leave much time for tan to develop, especially as have purchased a lighter shade. Apply before bed. Unlike the Garnier Lotion, the foam has colour so can see where I've applied to avoid streaks/missing patches. Friend not a liar. Does smell like coconut. Wooooo summer! Lighter on my skin than the Garnier and dries down MUCH quicker. No sticky feeling. Sit around for about half an hour before bed (have learnt from last time).
Day Two
Tan is beautiful and golden! Skin doesn't look as smooth as with the Garnier but the colour is definitely more even and less orange. Actually looks like I've been abroad. Am grateful I selected the lighter shade. God knows how the deep/dark would have turned out. Smell isn't toooo bad. Definitely a little coconuty but the biscuit scent has returned. Shower with Radox Feel Lively (the pink one) and now smell like peonies. Result. Tan doesn't wash away in the shower but does seem to even out even more after a rinse. Tan smell is slightly apparent throughout the day but it's nothing a spritz of body mist won't fix.
Day Three
Not that I NEED another layer of fake tan, but I decide to reapply the following evening. This time, I apply and leave on for a couple of hours before showering. Am worried colour might wash away but seems to stay put and doesn't come off on the towel when I get out. Phew. Feel a little fresher going to bed.
Final Thoughts
After experimenting with the Bondi Sands Self-Tanning foam, does she get my seal of approval? Abso-bloody-lutely. This tan is so easy to use and streak-free, which is perfect for people like me who just can't be arsed spending years blending and having a caution sleep in fear of creating streaks and patches. It dries down super quick and doesn't feel tacky on the skin, which made my sleep a lot more comfortable. A second use isn't actually required - you'd probably get the desired colour after one use - but I thought I'd experiment with how long I left the tan on. Having since used the Bondi Sands foam multiple times, I find the best way to use it is to apply in the evening, sit around/do housework/binge Netflix/read a book for a few hours and then shower before bed. The colour payoff is just as strong as if I'd left it on all night and the biscuit smell is a lot less prominent if you wash it off after a few hours. Plus, you don't have to wash your bedding every single time you use it. Although I enjoy the finish and the smoothing effect of the Garnier, the Bondi Sands has definitely become my go-to self tanner. I find I can use an intense moisturiser after I've showered off the Bondi Sands and get a similar effect to the Garnier, and it's a little less maintenance. The Bondi Sands is a little pricier than the Garnier, but those extra pounds are so worth it for the quick application and ease. The colour lasts on the skin for up to a week, perhaps a faded tan for about a week and a half, although it does start to come away on your face and inner elbows first so be sure to exfoliate to maintain an even tan and top up every 5-8 days for a permanent tan.
wHERE To Buy?
Superdrug - £14.99 for 200ml
Boohoo - £13 for 200ml