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As summer has arrived and my obsession with fake tan somehow deepens, I couldn’t wait to try the new Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam?
- Develops into a rich tan in one hour
- Powered by the brand’s proprietary Colourblock Accelerator
- Innovative formula creates a thin, protective barrier that works to ‘seal’ your tan and prevent colour transfer
- Light and replenishing formula with glycerin and conditioning coconut oil
- Uses a guide colour for effortless application
- No added fragrance
- Even fade
My Review
If you’ve read my Fake Tan Tips post, you’ll already know I’m super picky when it comes to tanning products. As someone who is naturally very pale, it takes a lot for a tan to impress me, especially when I’m looking for that deeper, darker glow. So when I saw the Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam had launched, I had to give it a go.
Easy Application with a Built-In Colour Guide
One of my favourite things about this tan is how easy it is to apply. The foam formula glides over the skin effortlessly, and the colour guide is excellent. It makes it really easy to see exactly where you’ve applied the product, so there’s no risk of missing patches, which is ideal if you’re not a seasoned tanner.
No Nasty Smell
Another major plus is that it doesn’t smell. I have tried a lot of tans, and while the classic fake tan scent doesn’t offend me at all (always willing to overlook it it for the sake of a tan) I didn’t notice any scent really, even when I wore it for longer than the one hour I was supposed to wear it for.
My First Try – Breaking the Rules (A Bit)
The first time I tried the Ultra Express Foam, I actually went a bit rogue which is not unusual for me when it comes to fake tanning. I applied it all over my body, but instead of washing it off after one hour as instructed, I just washed my hands and left the rest on overnight to see what would happen.
In the morning, I rinsed it off and was so pleased with the result. It gave me a really natural, even tan, not overly developed and not a hint of orange. That tells me the product probably does all the hard work within that first hour, and there’s really no need to leave it on for any longer. It’s genuinely one of the few express tans I’ve tried that actually delivers in the promised time.
The Second Try: Testing Depth on My Legs
Legs can be so tricky to get right, especially if you’re pale like me. So for round two, I applied two coats just to my legs and left it on for one hour, exactly as directed. After rinsing off, I was really impressed. The colour was deeper and more even, but still looked natural. It’s rare for an express tan to give this kind of result that quickly, but this one definitely does.
Why I Love It
Here’s the thing; most express tans don’t give me the colour I want in the timeframe they claim to. I nearly always end up keeping them on way longer (which kind of defeats the point of a quick tan). But Bondi Sands Ultra Express Ultra Dark honestly gives me the glow I want in just one hour.
That said, if I’m being really picky, for an Ultra Dark, it could be darker, especially compared to some of my favourite overnight tans. But because it actually works in just one hour, I’m letting it off! The convenience and ease more than make up for it, and it still gives a really lovely, rich colour that looks great on the skin.
This is a game changer if you’re like me and often find yourself with an outfit in mind, but no time to prep a full tan routine. You know those moments when you want to wear the little dress or shorts, but your skin tone says otherwise! With this, you can tan and rinse in the space of an hour and carry on as if it was always in the plan!
Great Value for Money
Another bonus? It’s significantly cheaper than a lot of premium fake tans, but the performance is impressive. You don’t need to use loads of product, and because you’re not leaving it on overnight, it’s so quick and efficient.
Final Thoughts
I am definitely impressed with the Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam in Ultra Dark. It’s easy to apply, gives great colour payoff fast, and is perfect if you need a tan in a hurry. I’ll definitely be keeping this in my beauty arsenal for last-minute plans, holidays, and any time I want that deep, bronzed glow with minimal effort.
If you’re in the market for a new express tan that actually does what it says and doesn’t break the bank, this is absolutely one to try.
Quick Tips Recap (for Best Results)
For more on getting the perfect tan every time, don’t forget to check out my How to Apply Fake Tan Like a Pro: Tips from My Go-To Routine blog post which includes:
- Why I always choose Ultra Dark shades
- My skin prep
- How I maintain a streak-free tan for days
Where to buy it
Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam is £19.99 for
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