If you want to look like you’ve been on vacation (even if you haven’t), try this! I’m using Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam in Ultra Dark. This is an Australian brand that specializes in all things sun-care related. For reference, I have very fair skin but wanted to try a very dark shade to see how it looks. I have tried another version of this and was pleased with the results. If I’m being honest, some of you may like this and some of you may not only because there are 3 steps to follow and you’ll understand why I say that as you read on. As usual, you apply this with a tanning mitt (they do sell an excellent one) on clean, exfoliated skin. Once you’re done, use any residual on your knees, elbows, face, etc. After six hours, you shower with warm water and pat dry. ... MoreIf you want to look like you’ve been on vacation (even if you haven’t), try this! I’m using Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam in Ultra Dark. This is an Australian brand that specializes in all things sun-care related. For reference, I have very fair skin but wanted to try a very dark shade to see how it looks. I have tried another version of this and was pleased with the results. If I’m being honest, some of you may like this and some of you may not only because there are 3 steps to follow and you’ll understand why I say that as you read on. As usual, you apply this with a tanning mitt (they do sell an excellent one) on clean, exfoliated skin. Once you’re done, use any residual on your knees, elbows, face, etc. After six hours, you shower with warm water and pat dry. Here’s where some might say no to using this. You need to make sure you carve out time to put this on then wash it off six hours later. What I did as soon as I got home from work is put this on then showered at my usual time and it worked out fine. Having said that, after you finish these steps, you will stay bronzed for days!! This is not something you need to reapply every other day. I would venture to say once a week is sufficient. The formulation itself is a little “budgey” (yes, I just made up that word 😂); meaning it’s not as smooth as other ones I’ve tried. There is a slight scent of coconut which is a nice sensory experience. My skin doesn’t have any streaks or any odd color patches. I just have beautifully tanned skin. Important to note also, this is cruelty free and vegan. Overall, I love the result and feel like a bronze goddess👸. If you want to look really dark, this is the shade for you. I highly recommend their tanning mitts too because they’re luxurious in and of themselves.... Show more
heather .s
originally posted on influenster.com
Amazing colour and application!
I have used the bondi sands ultra dark foam for almost 4 years now and it is my holy grail! I went to buy this but was out of stock in my local boots so decided to try the liquid gold instead, and am so glad I did! I without tan am very pale, but obviously like a dark tan from using ultra dark, so after reading the reviews of this I was quite skeptical it was going to give me a nice colour! So I put two layers of this on after my shower, and slept in it overnight. At first I was worried as the tan didn’t have an instant colour but when I woke up it was amazing! The colour definitely develops into a nice golden colour, it definitely doesn’t go as dark as the ultra dark but with two layers it’s definitely buildable and left me looking golden, not streaky or sticky at ... MoreI have used the bondi sands ultra dark foam for almost 4 years now and it is my holy grail! I went to buy this but was out of stock in my local boots so decided to try the liquid gold instead, and am so glad I did! I without tan am very pale, but obviously like a dark tan from using ultra dark, so after reading the reviews of this I was quite skeptical it was going to give me a nice colour! So I put two layers of this on after my shower, and slept in it overnight. At first I was worried as the tan didn’t have an instant colour but when I woke up it was amazing! The colour definitely develops into a nice golden colour, it definitely doesn’t go as dark as the ultra dark but with two layers it’s definitely buildable and left me looking golden, not streaky or sticky at all! I did have a quick shower in the morning and the colour didn’t fade massively either which I was worried about!The only thing I would say is there isn’t much of a colour guide so if your new at tanning I would maybe opt for the normal foam instead of this as you can’t really tell where you’ve put the tan on, but other than that it’s amazing! I got into bed no more than 15 mins after application and there was no colour transfer at all, which again I really struggle with when using the ultra dark foam. Definitely going to be my go to now and swapping to this from my usual routine! It’s deffo worth trying and considering it’s cheaper than the normal foam I’d say it’s better also! X... Show more
Abbie
originally posted on bondisands.co.uk
Does the job
I purchased this tan because I was sick of using tans that leave you feeling so sticky and transfer quite a lot after applying. I have been using the loving tan before so thought I would give this a try as it’s more affordable and I liked the fact it had the Aragon Oil in it to moisturise your skin as mines would get quite dry with tan. There is no colour guide when applying this so you sort of have to make sure everything is rubbed in as best you can. After applying I have never in my life felt so sticky! I stood for at least half an hour before dressing and still felt like I was so wet and slippery! I felt absolutely horrible. Also everyone said no transfer? Well my clothes are covered with transfer so if anyone could please tell me what I’ve done wrong. This tan ... MoreI purchased this tan because I was sick of using tans that leave you feeling so sticky and transfer quite a lot after applying. I have been using the loving tan before so thought I would give this a try as it’s more affordable and I liked the fact it had the Aragon Oil in it to moisturise your skin as mines would get quite dry with tan. There is no colour guide when applying this so you sort of have to make sure everything is rubbed in as best you can. After applying I have never in my life felt so sticky! I stood for at least half an hour before dressing and still felt like I was so wet and slippery! I felt absolutely horrible. Also everyone said no transfer? Well my clothes are covered with transfer so if anyone could please tell me what I’ve done wrong. This tan has definitely gave off the worst transfer I have ever had. Don’t get me wrong it is a beautiful sun-kissed colour (that’s after two coats) and doesn’t stink as bad the way other tans do. Also my hands look quite nice. I normally find they’re quite hard to tan and I found this tan didn’t stick to them and leave them patchy. I bought the gradual tanning milk to top it up my body and leave it darker if I desire. If you are after a natural glowy tan then use this one but if you liked being dark and bronzed then the ultra dark one is the best option.... Show more
Lyndsay
originally posted on lookfantastic.com
Don’t waste your money
I bought this after using the so sue me ultra dark which is now discontinued due to the formula changes. I read the reviews which seemed pretty positive so I bought it. Back of the bottle says exfoliate, do not moisturise and apply with a mit. I usually moisturise before my tan but did what the bottle said. Was like dry muck going on my skin. Could not get it to rub in evenly and was not dark enough for my personal taste. After washing it was basically all gone off my skin and so patchy and streaky. Next time, did the same but did two pumps into the mit for a darker tan. before washing, looked like muck and dirt on my skin. After washing it was basically all gone again except for a few rotten patches that looked like dirt. Next time I moisturised before applying ... MoreI bought this after using the so sue me ultra dark which is now discontinued due to the formula changes. I read the reviews which seemed pretty positive so I bought it. Back of the bottle says exfoliate, do not moisturise and apply with a mit. I usually moisturise before my tan but did what the bottle said. Was like dry muck going on my skin. Could not get it to rub in evenly and was not dark enough for my personal taste. After washing it was basically all gone off my skin and so patchy and streaky. Next time, did the same but did two pumps into the mit for a darker tan. before washing, looked like muck and dirt on my skin. After washing it was basically all gone again except for a few rotten patches that looked like dirt. Next time I moisturised before applying which is my normal go to as I have dry skin. Assumed it was going on so patchy and dirty due to my dry skin. It spread much better thanks to the moisturiser but again it looks like actual muck from the garden. It’s honestly one of the most horrible tans I’ve ever tried. Doesn’t layer on your skin nicely so you can’t make it look darker. Doesn’t wash evenly. Does fade evenly. Streak free is what I seen on these reviews and don’t understand how anyone is getting that type of application. I’m so disappointed as I need a replacement for so sue me ultra dark tan.... Show more
HollyD
originally posted on boots.com
Get this! You won't regret it
I recently went on vacay and got an airbrush tan, plus sun tan and I wanted an option to maintain my color throughout summer and maybe beyond, without having to pay cost of salon tanning or exposing my skin to harmful sun rays. I purchased Bondi sands after reading an article where it was rated as the top self tanner. I havent used self tanner since my middle/early high school days when I think Jergen's was al there was and I havent tanned in a bed since college. I bought this in the shade dark (since already working with a base tan) from my local Walgreens + the mitt and had my husband apply it for me. This was his first time ever doing this and the application was easy enough for a guy. The product glided on smoothly and was very easy to blend/build up. I left on ... MoreI recently went on vacay and got an airbrush tan, plus sun tan and I wanted an option to maintain my color throughout summer and maybe beyond, without having to pay cost of salon tanning or exposing my skin to harmful sun rays. I purchased Bondi sands after reading an article where it was rated as the top self tanner. I havent used self tanner since my middle/early high school days when I think Jergen's was al there was and I havent tanned in a bed since college. I bought this in the shade dark (since already working with a base tan) from my local Walgreens + the mitt and had my husband apply it for me. This was his first time ever doing this and the application was easy enough for a guy. The product glided on smoothly and was very easy to blend/build up. I left on overnight and showered in the morning with slightly cold water and my tan was ready to go. I cant speak to the longevity of this product yet but application and result are great. Pay very close attention to in between the fingers and areas with lines, we didnt quite blend enough between my fingers so I have some patchy areas. Also be careful with back of neck when sleeping as may stain sheets!... Show more
dayana f.
originally posted on bondisands.com
Good and bad
So the color is great, not orange at all. However, it's so sticky and does not dry easy. It's easier to work around in the summer, I just put on a bikini and go outside and it dries a little faster. It's so annoying because it transfers on everything when you sleep. Who wants stained sheets? It's 2022 not 1990, fix the formula. Other self tanners don't stain, so obviously it can be fixed. The color is nice though, but you need to leave it overnight or for 6 hours unless you actually are somehow able to reapply again after two hours and somehow touch absolutely nothing for a couple hours after that because the second coat will stain any and everything you touch.So overall, I will probably not use again as it's too high maintenance. But if given free I would ... MoreSo the color is great, not orange at all. However, it's so sticky and does not dry easy. It's easier to work around in the summer, I just put on a bikini and go outside and it dries a little faster. It's so annoying because it transfers on everything when you sleep. Who wants stained sheets? It's 2022 not 1990, fix the formula. Other self tanners don't stain, so obviously it can be fixed. The color is nice though, but you need to leave it overnight or for 6 hours unless you actually are somehow able to reapply again after two hours and somehow touch absolutely nothing for a couple hours after that because the second coat will stain any and everything you touch.So overall, I will probably not use again as it's too high maintenance. But if given free I would absolutely use.FYI for value: St. Moritz tanner is like $10 and doesn't stain and dries easier. So I will def go back to that. Loving tan gives the most realistic tan but it's expensive. And Lamakiage is the absolute worst tanner I've ever used. This one from Bondi sands I would rate somewhere in the middle.... Show more
Heather
originally posted on ulta.com
Good but not great
I am pretty pale and a fairly infrequent fake tanner, but have been a loyal user of St Tropez for years. I was tempted to try this because 1) it is half the price and 2) it has rave reviews.ProsIt is definitely less messy and sticky than St Tropez. It dried much quicker and I was able to put on a light coloured dress and go out for a party a few hours after application. It didn’t transfer or have a very strong smell. It developed very nicely over the course of the evening with the exception of my inner elbows where my dress must have rubbed it.It is very much a golden colour and I can see that it may be borderline orange for some people. Nevertheless, I felt it looked very nice and developed remarkably evenly.You really can put it on and go about your day. ... MoreI am pretty pale and a fairly infrequent fake tanner, but have been a loyal user of St Tropez for years. I was tempted to try this because 1) it is half the price and 2) it has rave reviews.ProsIt is definitely less messy and sticky than St Tropez. It dried much quicker and I was able to put on a light coloured dress and go out for a party a few hours after application. It didn’t transfer or have a very strong smell. It developed very nicely over the course of the evening with the exception of my inner elbows where my dress must have rubbed it.It is very much a golden colour and I can see that it may be borderline orange for some people. Nevertheless, I felt it looked very nice and developed remarkably evenly.You really can put it on and go about your day. That alone means I will use it again despite some cons.ConsWithin a week it faded out to be very uneven and patchy. Some of this may be remiedied with better skin prep, but I have never experienced this with St Tropez which seems to fade out subtly.I cannot seem to get it off. Despite my best efforts with one of those brutal Korean scrubbing mits, there still remains patches of tan. It is not a good look. I am probably going to need to cover this fake tan. If this is your routine anyway, it might not matter.Overall, the pros outweigh the cons and I will use it again. But I would be wary about using this for a pre Holiday tan unless I was sure I’d find the time to maintain it. I imagine seawater, chlorine and Suncream might not help the patchiness.... Show more
tigercatbob1
originally posted on boots.com
It's pretty good...
I just bought this yesterday and I used to self tan religiously in the past winter so I would call myself experienced when it comes to self tanning. I showered, shaved, waxed, and exfoliated the day before applying. My skin was clean and dry here's what I noticed.1. It dries fast and can get patchy and weird if you go over the same spot too many times while applying2. The smell is really nice, not overpowering and didn't stain my bedsheets.3. I got the ultra dark, and the bottle says to reapply 30 minutes after applying if you want really really dark which I did not do because I figured ultra dark would be DARK. It's a nice color and doesn't look orange or too green but it's not as dark as I expected. So if you like a DARK tan you'll have to re apply.4. I ... MoreI just bought this yesterday and I used to self tan religiously in the past winter so I would call myself experienced when it comes to self tanning. I showered, shaved, waxed, and exfoliated the day before applying. My skin was clean and dry here's what I noticed.1. It dries fast and can get patchy and weird if you go over the same spot too many times while applying2. The smell is really nice, not overpowering and didn't stain my bedsheets.3. I got the ultra dark, and the bottle says to reapply 30 minutes after applying if you want really really dark which I did not do because I figured ultra dark would be DARK. It's a nice color and doesn't look orange or too green but it's not as dark as I expected. So if you like a DARK tan you'll have to re apply.4. I applied about an hour before bed 9:30ish and slept in it until 8:30am so almost 12 hours. The tan almost completely washed off my chest and face. I have almost no color there....not really sure why that happened, but oh well. I'll just re apply to those areas tonight and try again.5. It is fairly user friendly. There were some spots I was a little nervous would be really patchy based on application and they look okay.Long story long. I would buy this again knowing what I know. It's affordable and it's a decent sized bottle. I was going to buy coco&eve but my Ulta didn't have it on the shelf. Hope this helps someone!... Show more
Victoria
originally posted on ulta.com
My favourite self tanner - best product to try for beginners, people who haven’t tried self tanners before
For a long period of time (more than 10 years) didn’t want to use a self tanner because of the horrible smell left afterwards, however seeing this products on Instagram, and all those reviews made me try it and I’m so happy I did it .I have a very uneven skin on my face and shoulders, also a skin condition VITILIGO on my fingers which made my life a pain every time I had the sun tan , making the vitiligo more visible during the summer due to the skin discolouration.This self tanner covers the vitiligo, the colours looks natural - not orange or green as i had with previous self tanners , but the MOST IMPORTANT THING is the smell - I always hated the fake tan smell , and this coconut scented self tanner is absolutely amazing. It has a nice coconut scent on the first ... MoreFor a long period of time (more than 10 years) didn’t want to use a self tanner because of the horrible smell left afterwards, however seeing this products on Instagram, and all those reviews made me try it and I’m so happy I did it .I have a very uneven skin on my face and shoulders, also a skin condition VITILIGO on my fingers which made my life a pain every time I had the sun tan , making the vitiligo more visible during the summer due to the skin discolouration.This self tanner covers the vitiligo, the colours looks natural - not orange or green as i had with previous self tanners , but the MOST IMPORTANT THING is the smell - I always hated the fake tan smell , and this coconut scented self tanner is absolutely amazing. It has a nice coconut scent on the first 2-3days (if you use the coconut moisturiser daily with keep the smell longer ) , and what I love even more is that after the coconut scent goes away you’re left with a fake tan smell but not that disturbing strong smell that most of the self tanner have it .It is a pleasant smell , that you will get used to it .The self tanner will stain your clothes/bed , but IT always come off when on washing. Never had problems with this , easy to apply the product, lasts on my skin up to 1 week or more depending on how often you shower/sweat - I don’t sweat too much and shower every day/2days - It has a natural colour, best product to try if you haven’t used self tanners before as the product is very easy to apply :)... Show more
Alexandra
originally posted on bondisands.co.uk
Wonderful Surprise
Looking for a sunless tanner I stumbled on Bondi Sands. This wasn't over priced like so many so I took a chance and ordered through Walmart. The first time I used it I was hooked. This really works well. After I used it twice I went to Bondisands web page and found that there products were more reasonably priced and the selection is amazing. Now I have ordered the oil, gradual face tanner and a few other products that I will leave reviews about after I try each one. Also ordered products for my daughter and I know she will be thrilled as much as myself. All I can add is use a mitt, one that will stay on and follow the directions. Myself, I put the foam on once out of the shower, wait 30 minutes and apply again. I do not shower until I do apply one more coat the ... MoreLooking for a sunless tanner I stumbled on Bondi Sands. This wasn't over priced like so many so I took a chance and ordered through Walmart. The first time I used it I was hooked. This really works well. After I used it twice I went to Bondisands web page and found that there products were more reasonably priced and the selection is amazing. Now I have ordered the oil, gradual face tanner and a few other products that I will leave reviews about after I try each one. Also ordered products for my daughter and I know she will be thrilled as much as myself. All I can add is use a mitt, one that will stay on and follow the directions. Myself, I put the foam on once out of the shower, wait 30 minutes and apply again. I do not shower until I do apply one more coat the following day , wait 6 hours and then shower. Not quite what the instructions state but wanted to try it. I am fair skinned, not light skinned and the dark foam works great. Wish I would of took before and after pictures. By the way I am 60 years old and for the more mature men and woman this looks so natural. You will not be disappointed.... Show more
Marsha
originally posted on bondisands.com