Australian Gold Instant Sunless Tanning Lotion, 6 Ounce | Rich Bronze Color with Fade Defy Technology | Energizes & Softens Skin | New Packaging Same Formula Review
Our verdict
Australian Gold's Instant Sunless Tanning Lotion is a true sunless formula with an 8 hour cure time and Fade Defy technology built in, giving color without any sun or tanning bed exposure. Its 4.0 star average across more than 3,300 ratings is a bit lower than others in this roundup, which is worth knowing going in.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anyone who wants color without sun or tanning bed exposure and does not mind waiting out an 8 hour cure time before showering or getting the fabric wet.
Skip if
You want a guaranteed streak free result every time, since the 4.0 star average is on the lower side for this category and suggests results vary more than with some competitors.
- Priced 62% below the category median ($23.99 across 106 tracked models)
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.0/5
4.0 average across 3,300 owner ratings
-
Popularity4.3/5
3,300 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Unlike the tanning oils in this lineup, this Australian Gold lotion is a true sunless self tanner, meaning the color comes from the formula itself rather than from time in the sun. It lists an 8 hour full cure time, so plan on avoiding water, sweat and tight clothing for that window after application to let the color set.
The lotion is labeled Medium Deep for skin tone, and it carries hydrating, nourishing and softening product benefits alongside its Fade Defy technology, which is meant to help the color hold up rather than fade unevenly. At 6 ounces, it is a smaller bottle than some of the tanning oils in this category.
With more than 3,300 ratings, this is one of the more reviewed sunless formulas here, though its 4.0 star average trails the tanning oils in this same lineup.
Pros
- True sunless formula, so no sun or tanning bed time is needed for color
- Fade Defy technology built in to help color hold evenly as it wears
- Hydrating, nourishing and softening benefits alongside the tan
- Affordable price for a sunless tanning lotion
Cons
- 4.0 star average is the lowest rating in this group of self tanners, so results may vary more than average
- Requires an 8 hour cure time before water exposure, which takes planning
- Smaller 6 ounce size than some competing lotions
Performance notes
The 8 hour full cure time is the key spec here. Sunless tanners work through a reaction with the skin's surface, so avoiding water, sweat and friction during that window gives the color the best chance to develop evenly. The Fade Defy technology is aimed at the later stage, helping the color wear away more gradually instead of turning patchy, which matters most once the initial cure period has passed.
What buyers say
At 4.0 stars across more than 3,300 ratings, this lotion has a large review base but a lower average than most other products in this self tanner lineup. That combination suggests it works reliably for many buyers but is more prone to application related misses, like patchiness or uneven fade, than some competitors.
More from Australian Gold
Similar women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers to consider
Frequently asked questions
How long does this lotion take to develop color?
It lists a full cure time of 8 hours, meaning you should avoid water, sweating and tight clothing for that stretch after applying so the color has time to set evenly.
Why is the rating lower than other self tanners in this category?
At 4.0 stars across more than 3,300 ratings, it still holds up reasonably well, but that average is on the lower end for this lineup, which suggests more buyers run into uneven or patchy results than with some of the higher rated options.
What does Fade Defy technology do?
It is meant to help the sunless tan wear off more gradually and evenly over time rather than fading in blotchy patches, which is a common complaint with lower end sunless tanners.