When the sun is out, you’ll most likely find me hiding under a parasol with a hat on my head. As much as I love summer, the shade is my happy place, which means I often rely on one of the best fake tans in order to get that golden glow. However, as someone who is constantly on the go, I don’t like using a tan that takes hours. Instead, I always opt for an express fake tan.
As the name suggests, these tans develop on the skin in as little as an hour. Forget going to bed with that dreaded fake tan smell, as you can apply these products in the morning and be ready by lunch. Just like my favourite gradual tans and self-tanning drops, I find that the best express fake tans slot easily into my skincare routine.
As a beauty editor, I’ve tried my fair share of express fake tans over the years in a quest to find the quickest and easiest products out there, and below I’ve rounded up my top recommendations for you. I also caught up with James Harknett, specialist in bespoke airbrush tanning and creative director of one of my favourite tanning brands, Three Warriors, to find out more about these clever formulas. So, what are you waiting for? Keep on scrolling to get your glow on…
(Image credit: @sofiagrainge)
What is the difference between a normal fake tan and an express fake tan?
So, what’s the difference between your normal fake tan and an express fake tan? “Express tans have become increasingly popular over the past several years, as they allow [you] to rinse within hours, feeling fresh and clean while the tan [continues to] develop,” explains Harknett. “With most other tans, the formula needs a good eight hours on the skin without any contact with water and perspiration.”
How to Apply Express Fake Tan
Although each tan will come with its own instructions, I was curious to get Harknett’s express fake tan tips. “If you’re using an express formula, such as a mousse at home, apply as you would your regular product,” he says. “Don’t be tempted to leave longer than the instructions say. Up to three hours is best. This helps eliminate dehydration as the express tanning agent is a lot stronger.”
How to Get the Most Out of Your Express Fake Tan
In order to keep your tan looking fresh, Harknett advises moisturising twice a day with a lightweight lotion. “After five days or so, top up evenly with [a gradual tan] for an extended glow,” he says. “Keep showers quick and cool. Pat dry and on warm days, sprinkle a little talc in the creases of the skin and in your sports bra if you’re doing sports or exercise.”
The Best Express Fake Tans, Tried and Tested By an Editor
Before applying the St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse.
After applying the St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse.
1. Isle of Paradise Express Mousse
Best for: A professional-looking tan
Isle of Paradise
Express Mousse
Minimum developing time: 30 minutes
If you want a professional-looking tan in the comfort of your own home in as little as 30 minutes, then look no further. Isle of Paradise has created an express tanning mousse that features encapsulated DHA molecules to allow your tan to develop quickly and to continue to develop after being washed off. Like many of the brand’s products, the formula also features colour-correcting technology to ensure that your tan looks as natural and as golden as possible.
My review: This is the express tan that I come back to time and time again, as the results are unmatched. I love that you can leave it on for such a short amount of time, and for the little time that I do have the product on my skin, it never feels sticky. As someone who finds tanning products quite drying, I also love the fact that this formula features hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
Pros
- Develops in as little as 30 minutes
- Hydrating formula
- Colour-correcting technology for a golden finish
Cons
- A mousse can be a little messier to apply
2. St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse
St. Tropez
Express Bronzing Mousse
Minimum developing time: One hour
St. Tropez tanning products feel so luxurious, and this express option from the brand is no exception. Perfect if you have a last-minute occasion and want a natural glow, this bronzing mousse develops after one hour, but can be left on for three hours for a deeper effect.
My review: Sometimes, all I want is a natural-looking tan to make me look a little more sun-kissed, and this is the product I reach for whenever that’s the case. The lightweight mousse is so easy to apply, and after 60 minutes, my skin is left with the perfect golden glow.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Adds a sun-kissed glow after just 60 minutes
Cons
- Advertised as scentless but does have a slight fake tan smell
3. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam One Hour Express
Bondi Sands
Self-Tanning Foam One Hour Express
Minimum developing time: One hour
When you want a long-lasting tan to see you through an upcoming holiday or special occasion, I highly recommend checking out Bondi Sands. The brand’s express tanning foam gives the skin a sun-kissed glow in as little as an hour, and will remain that way for days to come.
My review: This tan is totally customisable depending on your desired result, and I tend to leave it on for around one to two hours. The lightweight foam feels easy to apply, and I’m yet to find a product that lasts as long as this one.
Pros
- Customisable results
- Long-lasting, lightweight formula
Cons
- Can be a little harder to remove
4. Three Warriors Self-Tan Mousse
Three Warriors
Self-Tan Mousse
Minimum developing time: One hour
This olive oil and coconut oil-infused tanning mousse features a nourishing, quick-drying formula that works to deliver an instant, natural-looking tan that can be left on for as little as an hour.
My review: We all know that fake tans don’t smell great, and while this product does still have a little bit of that signature tanning smell, the vanilla and lime scent makes it a whole lot more enjoyable to apply. After an hour, my skin is left looking totally sun-kissed, and I’m left feeling like an utter beach babe.
Pros
- Smells delicious
- Nourishing formula
- Dries quickly on the skin
5. Tan-Luxe Express Mousse
Best for: A clear formula
Minimum developing time: 30 minutes
Tan-Luxe does some of the best clear tanning products around for those of you who like something less messy. Working in as little as 30 minutes, this clear mousse features lots of skin-loving ingredients such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, and the lightweight formula won’t transfer onto clothes or bedding.
My review: I have to admit, I find clear tanning products a little tricky as you can’t see where you are applying your tan, but I love how I can go about my day, not worrying about the product transferring onto my clothes. This Tan-Luxe mousse gives my skin the most gorgeous glow in no time at all, and although it can be harder to apply, I always manage to achieve a pretty even finish.
Pros
- Won’t transfer onto clothes
- Works in as little as 30 minutes
- Packed with skin-loving ingredients
Cons
- Clear formula means there is no guide colour
6. St. Moriz Professional Fast Self Tan Mousse
St. Moriz
Professional Fast Self Tan Mousse
Minimum developing time: One hour
When it comes to affordable tanning products that actually work, you can’t go wrong with St. Moriz. The brand’s express tanning mousse can be left on for one hour, two hours or three hours, depending on your desired result, and the formula features aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe and nourish the skin.
My review: I was introduced to this tanning brand by my colleague after I complimented her on how tanned her legs looked in the office, and she said it was all down to this product. I couldn’t believe it when I saw that it was under £10 and treated myself to a bottle straight away. While this doesn’t feel as luxurious as some of the other products in this roundup, it does an amazing job at creating a natural-looking tan in as little as an hour.
Pros
- More affordable
- Customisable colour
Cons
- Not super luxurious packaging
Shop More Express Fake Tans
Loving Tan
2 Hr Express Mousse in Dark
Australian tanning brand Loving Tan has created a two-hour express mousse that will deliver a deep, bronzed glow to make it seem as if you’ve been on a two-week holiday.
Coco & Eve
Exclusive Antioxidant Express Tanning Mousse
Powered by three tanning agents to deepen the intensity of your tan, this express formula from Coco & Eve will deliver a long-lasting finish.
Bali Body
1 Hour Express Self Tan
Bali Body’s first aerated foam product comes in the form of an express tan that develops in just one hour. Enriched with vitamin E and a cocktail of nourishing oils, your skin will practically lap this up.
Bondi Sands
Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self-Tanning Foam in Magenta
I know I’ve already spoken about Bondi Sands, but this express formula is a little different to the above. The brand has created a tanning foam using jewel-inspired undertones to work in harmony with your skin tone. Pretty cool, right?
How I Tested
As a beauty editor who tests products for a living (and someone who spends their life permanently in the shade), I’ve tried my fair share of fake tans over the years. I’ve used these express tanning formulas for as long as I can remember, and have tested them for various occasions from holidays, weddings and summer weekends at home.
I’ve thought about everything from formulas, prices and ease of application, and have included my honest thoughts on each product above.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
