If you have a busy schedule but are yearning for a bronzed glow, Bondi Sands Self Tanner is a boon. The Australian brand is perfect for this who want sun-kissed, hydrated skin in just one hour. Nourishing the skin with every application, this lightweight, customisable self tanning formula leaves skin with a long lasting glow.
Inspired by Australia’s iconic beach, and a desire to make the ultimate sun-kissed tan accessible to everyone, Bondi Sands’ salon quality self tanning formulas work to provide users with an even, golden tan that hydrates and nourishes the skin, and also ensures the user stays bronzed for longer. Bondi Sands Pure face tan range is formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as Vitamin C & E, as well as Hyaluronic Acid, while the gradual tan range has Shea Butter for a hydrated, buildable glow.
Founders Blair James and Shaun Wilson’s vision is to make premium sun-care and self-tanning products accessible worldwide while promoting safe sun practices. They aim to capture the relaxed yet aspirational spirit of Bondi Beach, encouraging consumers to enjoy a healthy glow without harmful sun exposure. Their long-term vision includes a brand that blends beauty with sustainability. From eco-friendly packaging to reef-safe sunscreen formulas, Bondi Sands aspires to set an industry benchmark for responsible beauty.
“Whether you’re a self-tan novice or prefer a natural sun-kissed finish, gradual tans are a great option for those seeking a healthy, confidence-boosting glow,” woman&home digital beauty writer Sennen Prickett said on Women and Home. “Not only are they easy to apply, allowing for a streak-free appearance, but they also typically boast nourishing formulas that work to simultaneously hydrate the skin for a soft, supple complexion.”
Bondi Sands Self Tanners
Self Tanning Foams
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foams are a cult favourite for good reason. Available in light/medium, dark, and ultra dark shades, these lightweight foams glide on effortlessly with a mitt and develop into a natural-looking bronze. Enriched with aloe vera and coconut, they hydrate as they tan, leaving skin smooth and streak-free.
1 Hour Express
For those short on time, the 1 Hour Express delivers a deep, sun-kissed glow in as little as sixty minutes. The fast-acting formula allows you to customise depth—rinse after one hour for a subtle tan or leave it on longer for a richer finish—making it ideal for last-minute events or spontaneous plans.
Liquid Gold
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold is a dry-oil formula designed for an easy, fuss-free application. With no wash-off required, it develops into a golden tan while nourishing skin with argan oil and a signature coconut scent. It’s perfect for busy schedules and delivers a natural, buildable colour without the need for a second coat.
Technicolour
Technicolour is Bondi Sands’ innovative range that matches specific undertones for the most flattering finish. Using colour-correcting pigments and a unique blend of tanning actives, it tailors the bronze to suit fair, medium, or deep complexions. The result is a custom glow that enhances your natural skin tone while maintaining an even, radiant look.
How To Use Bondi Sands Self Tanners
A natural-looking golden glow takes a little preparation, so here’s an application guide about everything you need to do to look like you’ve spent a week on Bondi Beach!
Exfoliate 24 hours prior to application using the Bondi Sands Exfoliating Mitt. Simply turn up the heat in the shower to open up skin pores and use an exfoliating mitt or use a body scrub to leave skin looking fresh and feeling smooth. Switch to cold water to close the pores. Ensure the skin is clean and moisturiser free and then pump foam directly onto the Bondi Sands Application Mitt. Use long, sweeping motions to smooth over legs, arms and body to achieve a streak-free application. Work in small sections and make sure the tan is all buffed in to prevent patches and streaks.
The longer we leave the product on our skin, the deeper our result will be. For a light to medium tan, rinse off after 30 minutes. For a deep tan, rinse off after an hour. For the deepest tan, rinse off after 2-3 hours. Pick your preference, then shower with warm water and gently pat skin dry. Tanning Tip:1 Hour Express will continue to develop on the skin for 6-8 hours, even after the colour guide has been washed off. Immediately after tanning, let it dry completely before putting on some loose, dark clothing to prevent your tan transferring.
Self- Tanning Tip: To minimise time spent waiting for the tan to dry, try using the hairdryer on a cool setting or brushing some loose powder over skin to really lock in the tan.
When you’re ready to rinse and reveal freshly tanned skin, hop back into the shower. Use lukewarm water and try to be as quick as possible. As soon as the water runs clear, gently pat dry with a towel. Voila! You’re now a bronzed goddess!
Bondi Sands: Brand History
Bondi Sands was founded in Melbourne, Australia, in 2012 by Blair James and Shaun Wilson. Both entrepreneurs saw a gap in the market for salon-quality self-tanning products that could be used easily at home and that reflected the carefree Australian beach lifestyle. Their concept combined professional formulations with affordable prices and a commitment to cruelty-free production. The brand’s first products included a classic self-tanning foam and lotion, which quickly gained traction across Australia. Strong word of mouth and social media buzz propelled the company into major Australian retailers such as Priceline and Chemist Warehouse within its first year.
International expansion followed soon after. By 2014, Bondi Sands had entered the United Kingdom market, where it was embraced by beauty enthusiasts and professional make-up artists. Partnerships with large retailers such as Boots and Superdrug strengthened its European presence. Bondi Sands has engaged in several notable collaborations. It partnered with Australian swimwear designers and influencers for limited-edition product launches, including exclusive packaging and co-branded tanning kits. Seasonal campaigns often feature collaborations with beachwear brands, reinforcing its beach-lifestyle image.
The company diversified its product range over the years to include everyday gradual tanners, SPF suncare lines, and skincare products enriched with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. This expansion broadened its customer base beyond tanning enthusiasts to general skincare consumers. Bondi Sands has also launched professional spray-tan solutions for salons, ensuring that the brand remains relevant to professional beauticians while catering to at-home users. Pop-up tanning experiences and sponsorship of major fashion and music events have reinforced its cultural presence.
In recent years, Bondi Sands has pursued sustainability initiatives, introducing recyclable packaging and reef-friendly sunscreen formulas. Although privately held, it has attracted international investors and distribution agreements that support continued growth in North America and Asia. As of 2025, Bondi Sands remains headquartered in Melbourne and continues to operate independently under the leadership of its founders.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
