We tried the Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam – Here’s why it’s a game-changer for a quick, natural glow.
If you’re after a streak-free tan that develops fast and leaves your skin bronzed in record time, Bondi Sands’ Ultra Express Self Tanning formula might just be your new go-to. Known for their salon-quality results and signature coconut scent, Bondi Sands has created a self-tanner that’s perfect for those who want an effortless glow without the long wait.
For only $27.95, this product is designed to develop in as little as one hour, this foam promises a deep, natural-looking tan with minimal effort. We put it to the test to see if it truly delivers on its “ultra express” promise.
Jimena Montemayor
Nutritionist
“The texture was as expected, light and foamy, nothing out of the ordinary but easy to work with. I really enjoyed the scent; it had a subtle beachy vibe that instantly made me excited for the results. The packaging also gives off a luxe feel, which adds to the overall experience and makes you look forward to the glow that’s coming.
After application, my skin felt normal, not sticky, just slightly damp at first, but it dried down quickly. Once it set, I tried to stay still to let the tan develop evenly without any marks. I’m not someone who tans often, but I’d definitely reach for this once a month or before a special event when I want an extra boost of colour.
By the next morning, I woke up feeling fresh and perfectly bronzed. The tan looked natural and gave me that just-back-from-holiday glow. I’d definitely recommend this product, it’s easy to use, delivers quick results, and gives you exactly the kind of tan you’d expect. The best part is watching the transformation happen and seeing a noticeable difference within just a few hours!
8/10 would 100% use again.”
Renae Leith-Manos
Bondi Beauty Founder
“The foam is easy to apply, with a pleasant summery scent that makes the process enjoyable. The mousse has a darker tint when applying, so it was simple to see where I had applied it, helping me to make sure I didn’t miss any spots, always an issue for me when I use self tan. It wiped off my white tiles easily and did not stain which was another relief.
The formula absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling fine unlike some self tans which dehydrate it quickly. I decided to wash it off after about an hour, as the colour developed quite dark on my skin and I didn’t want to overdo it. After rinsing, I slipped into my pyjamas as I usually do post–self-tan. The colour began to develop beautifully about 40 minutes later, and I was really happy with the result. It lasted about 4 days solidly which I was happy with. It was also easy to touch up.This product makes tanning easy and quick and no -fuss. Isn’t that what we all want?!
Overall, this is a great option for anyone looking for a super dark, fast-developing self-tan that’s effortless to apply.
9 out of 10″
Alexia Perko
Content Creator
“The packaging is instantly recognisable, classic Bondi Sands with its sleek black and gold design, but the deep blue accents on this bottle really caught my eye, hinting at its ‘ultra express’ formula. The scent was the usual self-tan fragrance, although it has never been my favourite, it wasn’t overpowering and faded quickly after rinsing.
True to its name, the ultra express self-tanning formula delivered fast results. I left it on for about an hour before washing it off, and my skin developed a natural bronze glow soon after. The colour looked super natural and blended seamlessly with my skin tone, giving me that fresh, sun-kissed look without any streaks.
This tan is perfect for when I need a quick, last-minute glow, easy to apply, quick to develop, and effortlessly even if spread properly. I’d be curious to see how much deeper the colour gets if left on longer, but even with just an hour, the results were impressive. Overall, it’s an affordable, fuss-free self-tan that gives speedy, glowing results, my only minor downside being the typical tan scent, which thankfully doesn’t linger.
8 out of 10″
Rebecca Wilkinson
Beauty Editor
“I’m usually quite fussy when it comes to self-tanners and tend to prefer gradual tans, as I love how they build up naturally over a few days. I often find that instant tans don’t quite suit my skin tone, so I was a little hesitant to try this one, especially since it’s a darker shade.
However, after being careful not to apply too much, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the colour worked with my complexion. It gave a fairly natural finish with great coverage, even in those tricky areas that usually don’t absorb tan evenly. The formula dried quickly, which made it easy to apply at night before bed, though I’d still recommend wearing dark clothes afterwards, just to be safe.
As far as instant tans go, I’d definitely use this one again for its ease of application and fast-drying formula. That said, I’d personally opt for a lighter shade next time for a more natural everyday glow. If you’re someone who tans easily, even in winter, this darker shade would be perfect for you. For medium skin tones like mine, the lighter option would deliver the most flattering, subtle finish.
8 out of 10″
Ashley Munroe
Beauty Writer
“The sleek black and gold packaging gives it a luxe, premium feel. The mousse itself is airy and smooth, with a lovely coconut scent that makes the application experience even better. I love that it dries quickly without leaving my skin feeling sticky, and it actually feels quite hydrating, a huge bonus for my naturally dry skin.
Since the tan develops almost instantly, it’s easy to fit into my day, I simply apply it at the start of my night time routine, and within an hour, the colour has fully developed into a rich, deep tan that looks natural and even. I’d especially recommend it for those who already have a naturally tan complexion, as the shade develops quite dark.
What I love most is the non-sticky finish and the subtle scent that doesn’t linger. Overall, I’m really happy with the formula, it doesn’t dry out my skin, gives me a gorgeous glow, and lives up to the Bondi Sands reputation for effortless, golden results.
8 out of 10″
