Content created in partnership with Bondi Sands

It’s the most wonderful time of the year; with longer days and balmy weekends giving way to swimwear, countless ‘grammable beachside picnics and party outfits. It’s also often a niggly time of the year, where we weigh up our appetite for colour on our winter skin with a sensibility for skin health and ageing concerns. 

Enter Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Lotions range. Comprising a Tinted Skin Perfector Gradual Tanning Lotion containing bronzing pigments, a Skin Illuminator Gradual Tanning Lotion with shimmer pigments, a Skin Firming Gradual Tanning Lotion that contains bentonite, avocado extract and shea butter to help firm skin, and a Gradual Tan Face Lotion enriched with shea butter to deeply hydrate skin, all contain low-level tanning actives that develop into a gradual tan for natural, everyday glowing skin.

Ensemble asked an ‘ensemble’ of readers to use Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning products for a minimum of one week before compiling their honest feedback. Products were gifted, but reviewers were not paid (if you’d like the chance to become an Ensemble reviewer, let us know!). Herewith, their findings.

Rebecca, 29. Fair skin that burns easily

I used to love tanning in the sun until I educated myself on how bad it is for our skin health and ageing. I used to be a competitive swimmer - I tried using self tan a few times and learned pretty quickly that chlorine and the tans I was using didn’t mix! Since retiring from swimming, I’ve used a mix of gradual tanners over the summer and self tan for events. I love going to the beach during the summer but always soaked in at least an SPF 50+!

I loved how light the Gradual Tan Face Lotion felt on my skin, and as I was putting it on in the morning, it was nice to see how well it sat under my SPF and makeup. I really liked how even the coverage was. I tried the Skin Firming Gradual Tan Lotion, and like the Gradual Tan Face Lotion, it was light to apply, with even coverage that turned into a really lovely natural-looking tan. It felt just like a moisturiser but with the benefit of a tan too.

Cushla, 50. An outdoors person who loves fishing, swimming and kayaking

I like products that moisture deeply into my skin and also have sun protection in them. I’ve used a tanning product before and wasn't very impressed as it developed way too quickly and ended up looking orange and streaky.

But wow, I'm seriously impressed by the Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Lotion Skin Firming. It's a product I’ll definitely keep using. It was very easy (and light) to apply and has a lovely scent. It didn't feel tacky as it was drying, like some products do, and it left a lovely bronzing effect. I highly recommend it.

I also tried the Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Face Lotion. I was apprehensive to use this product as I’ve used tanning face products before and ended up looking very blotchy. But I needn't have worried as this product does exactly as it says. I put some on my face for the first time and it didn't feel like I had anything on. I put some more on maybe an hour later and my face still felt fresh. Best of all there was NO blotching (that had been my main worry). The pump is great as you can get just the right amount out. It would be even better if it contained sunscreen, but I will definitely be using again. Both these products are amazing to use.

Bree, 21. Light-medium skin tone, tans easily and has eczema

If I could describe my beauty routines in one word, it would be ‘lazy’. I like to take the least possible steps to get to my destination. My skincare routine consists of four products: makeup remover, cleanser, moisturiser, SPF.

I used the Tinted Skin Perfector Gradual Tanning Lotion. The tint looks very natural on my skin. It was really easy to work with; my skin looks even despite the fact that I was definitely not being systematic or careful about application. I didn’t want to apply it to the sensitive areas where I get eczema flare ups so I just gradually blended it away, and the difference doesn’t look weird.

The ritual of applying it was surprisingly nice! It was relaxing to put on a podcast or a video while I applied the lotion. I thought it would be tedious to spend more than my usual 30 seconds on skin, but I enjoyed it.

It was really easy to use, very intuitive and beginner friendly with its buildable tint.

For someone inexperienced with self tan, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I didn’t end up with unevenness — the formula is very forgiving.

Jade, 40. Tans easily, but dry skin

Summer is my favourite time of the year, the sun, heat, and longer days just make me feel good. There is something about the sun and how good it makes me feel, mentally and physically. I hate having pale winter skin and crave to be sun-kissed. I’m not much of a beauty routine person, but love a good body balm and moisturiser, especially as my skin can look like a dried-up lizard.

I’ve used a self tan in the past, but it was an instant tan that left those awkward orange smudges around your ankles and knees, not a good look!

I was sceptical that I would even like this product, having had poor experiences previously. I tried the Skin Firming Gradual Tanning Lotion and the Gradual Tanning Face Lotion and was pleasantly surprised at both the yummy chocolate scent the firming lotion gave off, but also how quickly it absorbed into my skin. 

The face lotion is light, and I didn’t notice a scent, which was nice as I prefer unscented creams for my face. I used it every morning, after my shower and could get dressed within a few minutes of application. After a few days I started to notice a slight tan emerging. A week later and I have a natural looking tan, without the dark spots around my ankles and knees. I will definitely use it again, and would recommend it to friends and whānau.

Ella, 27. Light, olive toned skin

I have an active lifestyle and enjoy being out in the sun getting a bit of a glow on, but I'm growing more wary about sun damage and ageing. My routine is fairly simple, but I always make time to moisturise and wear sunblock. I tried self tanner back in high school and ended up streaky and orange! 

The Skin Firming Gradual Tanning Lotion and Gradual Tanning Face Lotion were very easy to apply; they soak into the skin quickly leaving my skin moisturised but with no residue. I really liked how subtle and natural looking the glow is along with the ability to build up the tan level you'd like with how often and how much product you use. I feel like I've been on holiday! No one would know I’ve used it as it’s so natural looking. Plus, my favourite part is there's no tell-tale distinctive self tan smell, just a subtle coconut scent. I'll definitely continue to use it.

Flora, 28. Tans easily, can have a reddish undertone

I work in film so I often spend days indoors, but in summer I love to be outside swimming and going on walks. I tan easily but always wear sunblock on my face.

I liked the Skin Illuminator Gradual Tanning Lotion because it gives an instant subtle glow without being overly shimmery. It made my pasty limbs look more healthy before going out, and the next day it developed to a nice even colour.

Sarah, 51. “Sun-worn’ skin

I love the sun, I’m slap dash with beauty routines, and I wish I had always taken my makeup off before bed

The Gradual Tan Face Lotion was non-greasy, had no smell and built a beautifully slow tan that just made me look more refreshed. I like that it’s a moisturiser and tanner in one. Would definitely buy again.

Carolyn, 43. Fair skin

I've become extremely low maintenance in terms of beauty routine since WFH became the norm.

Flashing some skin for the first time all winter at an October wedding was a great excuse to prep my pale skin and turn it from bluey white to a golden hue. I trialled the Skin Illuminator Gradual Tanning Lotion. I was a little worried at first about using a self tan that had a little shimmer to it, but the shimmer was so subtle it was definitely giving 'healthy glow' and not 'survived a glitter rave'. I have pinkish undertones in my skin which were enhanced by the illuminator, giving me a rose gold glow.  

I found it super easy to use, even in a badly lit hotel bathroom. I will definitely be using this product again!

Bondi Sands is available at select retailers nationwide and online at BondiSands.com.au