I feel like the best way to kick this off is by sharing the exact message I sent when Glamour slid into my inbox asking me to create a definitive guide to the best express tans out there: “You have reached out to the right girl. I take fake tanning exceptionally seriously…”
And I wasn’t kidding. I’ve been using fake tan for as long as I can remember, which means I’ve truly seen it all — the good, the bad, and the deeply, deeply orange. Let’s just say the results have come a long way since my university days, when I regularly left the house looking like Garfield (yes, the orange-and-white cartoon cat… not my finest era).
Now, as a busy working mum, I need beauty routines that work, and fast. Which is exactly why I keep coming back to express tans. Think of them as the overachievers of the tanning world: rapid formulas you can rinse off in as little as one–four hours (goodbye, sleeping in sticky tan and praying for the best). They’re packed with higher levels of DHA, which basically means they develop quicker — and you’re in control. Generally, it’s one hour for a light glow, two for medium, three (or more) for full bronze goddess. Efficiency and glow? We love to see it.
My favourite express tans, at a glance:
%2520copy.jpg)
%2520copy.jpg)
Meet the experts
| Michaella Bolder | Skincare & tanning expert |
| James Read | Celebrity tanner and founder of James Read Tan |
| James Harknett | Celebrity tanner |
| Laura Oosterloo | Founder of Bali Body |
How I tested express tans:
Half the tans in this lineup are long-time ride-or-dies that are yet to be topped. But for any new additions, I went full beauty editor mode — calling in samples, blocking out time, and giving each one a proper trial run.
I gave myself a full week with each tan so I could see the whole journey: how it developed, how it faded, and whether it left me looking glowy or… slightly questionable. Every product was applied to freshly exfoliated, clean skin using a mitt (non-negotiable), and put through its paces at least once.
I judged them on the things that actually matter: the smell, how easy and quick application and development was, how long the glow stuck around, and — most importantly — the final finish. Only the best made the cut.
Why you can trust me:
As a beauty editor who quite literally got a spray tan to give birth, I don’t take my glow lightly. I know exactly the kind of confidence a good faux tan can bring — and over the years, I’ve converted more than a few sceptics (friends, family, and yes, even unsuspecting strangers). “What do you mean you don’t wear face sunscreen and you’ve never fake tanned? Please take a seat.”
Still not convinced? Let me take you back nearly a decade to my very first job as an editorial assistant, where I wrote a print first-person piece titled “My Love Letter to Fake Tan.” It even included multiple photos of me gazing adoringly at my favourite bottles. So yes, you’re in very safe (perfectly bronzed) hands.
READ MORE: The best fake tans for black skin.
Ahead, the best express tans I've tried.
1. My Favourite Overall: St Tropez Self Tan Express Dark
Why I love it: "I tried this self-tan for the first time last week and, honestly, it was tens across the board. I had a packed week of events ahead, so I applied it on a Monday morning while working from home, throwing on an old pair of PJs for the three-hour development time.
"Over the following week, I had countless compliments on how good my tan looked—which is always the ultimate test. What really stood out to me was the whipped, skincare-infused formula, which glides on effortlessly and leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated and evenly bronzed. It also smelt super pleasant at every stage of the process.
“It lasted a solid week, faded beautifully without any patchiness, and even tricky areas like my feet and elbows were easy to buff away with a remover mitt. St Tropez, if you’re reading this, I deserve shares for the number of people I’ve convinced to buy this in such a short space of time.”
More to know:
- Minimum to maximum development time: one to three hours.
- Pros: non-drying; long-lasting; streak-free; three shades to choose from. It absorbs quickly.
- Cons: I'm yet to find anything I don't like.
2. Best For a Deep, Dark Tan: Bali Body 1 Hour Deep Violet Express Tan
Why I love it: "If, like me, you are looking for the deepest, darkest finish possible from your fake tan, look no further than Bali Body’s newest addition. The violet base neutralises yellow and orange tones and the rapid development means it can easily be slotted into a hectic schedule.
"It’s also full of skincare goodness like Vitamin E and Niacinamide, so it didn’t feel drying on my skin and blended in easily. As it comes out with an instant guide colour, it makes it easier to see the areas you may have missed, and one coat will get you far.
"My tan lasted a solid week, and I got loads of compliments on how glowy I looked. At its peak, I was asked if I’d just got back from a holiday, and it doesn’t get much better than that.
:On initial application it comes out super dark so, as a naturally pale girl, I felt like I couldn’t leave the house with it on. Not ideal if you have a busy day working and/or running errands with no time to spare. It’s also best suited to those with yellow or orange undertones, so it’s not for everyone."
READ MORE: The best fake tans for pale skin.
More to know:
- Minimum to maximum development time: one to three hours.
- Pros: Long-lasting; a rich, deep and dark finish; hydrating.
- Cons: Doesn’t work on pink or blue undertones.
3. Best For a Natural, Sun-Kissed Tan: Tan-Luxe Express Mousse
%2520copy.jpg)
Why I love it: "I’ve been loyal to this self-tan since it launched, and I’m still yet to find anything quite like it. The translucent formula comes out as a whipped mousse and thanks to its combo of hyaluronic acid, beta glucan and vitamin C, glides on as if it were skincare.
"It’s the one I reach for when I need to quickly tan and immediately get dressed and leave the house afterwards, because there’s no guide colour and it doesn’t transfer onto clothes. It also smells really fresh, even when I’ve been out and about wearing it for the full four hours.
“I will say it’s more of a natural sun-kissed finish so if you’re looking for something that will give you the deepest, darkest tan it may not be for you.”
More to know:
- Minimum to maximum development time: 30 minutes to four hours.
- Pros: Non-sticky; fast-absorbing; seamless and streak-free; universally flattering; doesn’t transfer.
- Cons: Quite spenny (but worth the investment if you like a natural tan), and no guide colour makes it easier to miss areas.
4. Best-Smelling Express Tan: Isle of Paradise Express Self-Tanning Mousse
Why I love it: "In the name of investigative journalism, I recently went for a spray tan with celebrity tanner James Harknett—and it was unlike any I’d ever had before. He tans with the grace of a ballet dancer, shifting into delicate, almost theatrical poses. It was mesmerising to watch.
"We quickly got to chatting about express at-home tans. One of his personal favourites? Isle of Paradise. “The one in the yellow bottle!” I practically shouted—overzealously, perhaps, but justified. It’s been a staple in my routine for years, so clearly, I have excellent taste. “It’s so great because it’s infused with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin C, so it’s super hydrating while delivering a streak-free, long-lasting colour,” Harknett explained.
“Honestly, the number of times this tan has saved me when I’ve had last-minute evening plans and barely any time to spare… it’s unmatched. Even better, it keeps developing after you rinse it off, so you’ll look even more sun-kissed the following day.”
More to know:
- Minimum to maximum development time: 30 minutes to three hours.
- Pros: natural-looking; glow-giving; kind on skin; works on a variety of skin tones; smells good.
- Cons: Slight transfer onto clothes.
5. Best If You're Really In A Rush: Bondi Sands
Why I love it: "I applied this midweek with minimal prep—just a quick once-over with a mitt—and got on with my day. I needed to pop out in the few hours I’d left it on but wasn’t worried about being seen in public as it doesn’t look super dramatic on the skin. The foam is lightweight, blends effortlessly, and the guide colour makes it almost impossible to miss a patch. It dries quickly too, without that sticky, can’t-move feeling.
"The real selling point is the timing. You can rinse it off after just an hour, and it still develops into a natural, golden glow that looks genuinely believable—no orange tones here.
“Over the next few days, my skin had that just-back-from-holiday two-week tan kind of vibe. Out of the line up, this had one of the deepest and darkest finishes on the skin. It also really excels at speed, ease and reliability. Consider it your emergency glow product—the one you reach for when you’ve got last-minute leg baring plans.”
READ MORE: Best best face tan drops I've tested.
More to know:
- Minimum to maximum development time: one to four hours.
- Pros: Works fast; long-lasting; hydrating formula; fades beautifully.
- Cons: Harder to remove.
Your Express Tan Questions, Answered:
What's the difference between a normal fake tan and an express fake tan?
“Traditional self-tans and gradual tans are designed to develop gradually, with visible colour typically appearing within 6–8 hours after application. These formulas are ideal when you can plan ahead, as they allow the tan to fully develop overnight or throughout the day for a deeper, longer-lasting result. Express tans, on the other hand, are created for last-minute or event tanning, when you need colour more quickly. These fast-developing formulas usually work within a 1–3 hour window, depending on how deep you want the final result to be. This gives you the flexibility to apply, rinse, and go.” – James Read
What actually matters when purchasing?
“What matters most when purchasing a fake tan is what suits your lifestyle and the result you’re looking for. If you’re short on time or need something quick and convenient, an express tan is a great option as it develops in just a few hours. If you’re looking for a deep, dark bronze and are happy to allow up to eight hours for development, a traditional self-tanning mousse may be the better choice. Ultimately, it’s about choosing the product that best fits your schedule, routine, and desired finish.” – Laura Oosterloo
READ MORE: How to use tanning drops.
What happens if you leave a two-hour express fake tan on overnight?
“Nothing detrimental will happen, it simply means you’re wearing two layers of tan," Michaella Bolder reassured me. "Once an express tan has fully developed (typically after around three hours), it stops processing. However, if you leave it on the skin for longer, you’re effectively wearing both the developed tan and the guide colour sitting on top.
"This can make the overall tone appear deeper or richer initially, but once you shower and remove the guide colour, you’ll be left with the true result of the express tan underneath.
"So, sleeping in an express tan isn’t a problem, the colour won’t continue to develop beyond the recommended time but it may look darker than expected until you rinse off the excess guide colour.”
How do you remove express fake tan?
Wondering how to remove fake tan well? “Start by smoothing out the skin with an exfoliation," James Harknett told me. "Try Three Warriors Tasmanian Sand scrub as it hydrates as well as creating a clean smooth base. Concentrate on areas that get a build-up of cells, such as under the breasts and on strap lines. These are common areas where tan often clings too heavy.”
