Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Gel Review
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If you’re into self tanning, you’re probably familiar with bronzing foams and gradual tan lotions, but have you ever come across a completely clear tanning gel?
Honestly, me neither… well, not until I came across this one from Bali Body.
Having used the Isle of Paradise Self-tanning Drops in the past, the concept of a clear tanning product isn’t completely new to me. But the IOP self tan isn’t quite the same as this Bali Body gel. The drops aren’t a standalone product, they’re just meant to supplement your moisturiser.
A completely clear gel feels like a whole different ball game!
I do love the idea of an ‘invisible’ self tan, though, so I really wanted to give this Bali Body one a go.
This is actually my first introduction to the brand, so I’m taking you along as I test out a couple of their tanning products. Yes, you’ll be pleased to know there may just be another Bali Body review on the way… 👀
What is the Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Gel?
Bali Body’s Clear Self Tanning Gel is a lightweight, leave-on tanning product that’s designed to be mess-free.
Marketed as ‘white sheet approved’, the brand claims that this dries down quickly without transferring to clothes or bed sheets.
It goes on completely clear, with no colour guide, and develops over the following 4-6 hours. You don’t need to rinse it off, just apply and wait for the glow to appear!
Key ingredients
While this is primarily a tanning product, Bali Body claims that this formula is meant to hydrate and nourish the skin too.
Moisturised skin not only makes your tan look more natural and glowy, but also helps it last longer and fade more evenly.
Let’s take a look at the key ingredients:
- 100% natural DHA – The active ingredient in your self tanner. This natural version is derived from sugar cane.
- Hyaluronic Acid – A humectant that helps the skin stay plump and hydrated
- Vitamin E – An antioxidant that helps protect the moisture barrier
- Aloe Vera – A skin-soother that reduces irritation and moisture loss
Formula, feel and transfer test
This was my first time trying a gel tanner and I have to say, it’s a game changer. The product applies like a serum – it’s super lightweight and blends into the skin so easily.
There’s a slight tackiness to begin with, but it does dry down pretty fast. I do recommend leaving about 10 minutes between application and getting dressed though, just to be safe.
Now, let’s address the ‘zero transfer’ claims. I wasn’t quite brave enough to wear anything white after applying this, but I must say I didn’t notice any marks or stains on my bedsheets or light-coloured clothes.
I think it’s only when the product is still wet that you’re at risk of transfer. Once it’s dry to the touch, you’re good to go!
How to apply
As with any good self-tan routine, you’re going to want to prep the skin to get the best finish from the Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Gel. Here’s how I’d do it:
- Exfoliate the skin in advance. The day before you’re going to apply this tan, grab an exfoliating mitt and slough off any dead skin cells.
- Shave no less than 12 hours before. Make sure you leave time between shaving and applying your fake tan. If not, the tan can sometimes pool into pores and leave little dots on the skin.
- Use a tanning mitt. While you can use your hands, a tanning mitt will give a more even, streak-free finish. Pump the product onto the mitt and then apply to clean, dry skin using circular motions.
- Rinse your hands. If you have used your hands to apply the tanning gel, make sure that you’ve rinsed off any excess product. Nobody wants orange palms!
My experience
Application-wise, I think both seasoned self-tanners and beginners will get on with the Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Gel.
It’s like rubbing water into your skin. It dries down quickly, but not quite as a fast as a mousse or foam so you have plenty of time to blend it out.
The only thing that makes it slightly tricky is the lack of guide colour. Because it’s clear, it’s not always super apparent where you have applied it.
The dewy finish does help though. If your skin is still glistening, you can safely assume that you’ve already covered that part.
When it comes to scent, the classic fake tan ‘biscuity’ smell isn’t super strong here. I can still detect it, but it’s definitely not quite as heady and potent as other fake tan products I’ve tried.
My results
Before applying Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Gel all over my body, I tested it on a section of my arm. I was very grateful I’d done this because (as you can see in the pictures below) the tan it gave me was quite a big step up from my natural skin tone!
The first pic is after one night’s wear. I’d put it on before bed and checked how it had developed the next morning. Bearing in mind this is meant to be a rinse-free formula, there’s no guide colour to wash off. The colour you see is the colour you get!
Maybe I was thrown off because I could see the contrast against the rest of my skin, but the Bali Body tan didn’t look quite as natural as I’d hoped it. Under certain lights, it can pull quite orange.
Ultimately, though, I think it was the intensity that was my biggest hang up. So, the next time I tried it I went for a different approach. Bali Body says that it’s possible to control the depth of the tan, so I decided to leave it on for less time.
I applied it then washed it off after only two or three hours and I was much happier with how it looked.
I think if you’re above type three in the Fitzpatrick scale, you might find that this looks pretty natural after the full developing time. But if you’re on the paler end of the spectrum, it’s worth experimenting with the wear time to get the most natural effect.
How long does the Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Gel last?
I’m honestly really impressed by the longevity of this tan. Despite constant exfoliation, this still looks pretty good after a week – you might even be able to push it further with the right maintenance routine.
While it obviously does go a little patchy as your skin sheds, I don’t think the fading phase looks as obvious as it does with other self tans I’ve tried.
Final thoughts: Is the Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Gel worth buying?
There’s a lot to like about this product. It’s not messy, it’s relatively easy to apply, and it doesn’t have an overwhelming ‘fake tan’ scent.
On the whole, this is a really nice formula, and I can see why it’s been described as skincare and self tan rolled into one. It’s not just the bronziness that gives your skin a healthy glow, it’s also the mix of hydrating ingredients.
The one drawback for me though, as a pale girl, is the orange hue. Without cutting the developing time, it’s just not as natural on the skin as I’d hoped.
I will still continue to use this self tan gel, but will definitely stick to washing it off after a couple of hours instead of leaving it for the full 6-8.
Where can I buy the Bali Body Gel?
You can order this directly from the Bali Body website. It currently retails for £27.95.
Thanks for reading my Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Gel Review. Does this self tanner appeal to you? What’s your current favourite fake tan? Let me know in the comments!
