Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan Review - Bali Body at Boots

2026-09-29T18:38:28.555+01:00

I have to admit, I am always intrigued when I discover a new tanning brand, particularly when the product promises to make fake tanning easier. Because let's be honest, I LOVE having a bit of colour, but I don't love the faff that can sometimes come with fake tan.

Stained sheets? No thank you.

Orange hands? Absolutely not.

Having to plan my entire evening around applying fake tan and then worrying about what I can wear afterwards? Also no!

So when I discovered the Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse I was VERY intrigued.

Bali Body is a completely new brand to me, and after using this clear self tan for several weeks, I can honestly say I have become a little bit obsessed with it. I love how easy it is, I love that it goes on clear, and I particularly love not having to worry about fake tan transferring all over my clothes or bedding.

So, if you want to know everything about Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan I'm here to tell you all about it.

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What is Bali Body?

Before I get onto the actual tan, let's talk about Bali Body because, as I mentioned, this is a completely new brand to me.

Bali Body is an Australian beauty brand that was founded in 2014 and is known particularly for its self tanning, skincare and suncare products. The brand says its products are made in Melbourne, Australia, and that its formulas use naturally derived ingredients and are suitable for all skin types. Bali Body is also cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny approved.

And I think what really appealed to me about the brand is that it isn't simply about getting as dark as possible.

There is much more of a skincare element to the range, with products designed to give you that gorgeous bronzed, healthy-looking glow while also caring for your skin.

That is exactly what I want from fake tan these days.

I don't necessarily want to look like I've been on a two-week holiday in the Caribbean. I want that I've been outside, I've had some sunshine and I look healthier kind of glow.

And that is where the Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan comes in.

What is Bali Body Clear Express Tan?

The Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan is a transparent, rinse-free self tan designed to give the skin a natural-looking bronze without the traditional colour guide associated with many fake tans.

It comes in a generous 400ml pump bottle and currently costs £29.95 in the UK. The formula develops over approximately 4–6 hours and Bali Body says the finished tan can last for around 7–10 days.

It contains 100% natural DHA alongside ingredients including hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and aloe vera, so it is designed to hydrate and nourish the skin while the tan develops.

And the biggest selling point?

It is completely clear.

There is no brown colour guide sitting on your skin while the tan develops.

This means I can apply it and get on with my day without looking like I've covered myself in fake tan.

For me, that is a HUGE plus.

What does Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse do?

Essentially, it gives you a deeper, bronzed glow without the mess associated with traditional self tan.

You apply it to clean, dry skin, allow it to dry and then let the colour develop over the following few hours.

The formula is designed to be:

Clear and colourless
Rinse-free
Fast drying
Transfer-free
Streak-resistant when applied correctly
Hydrating
Buildable
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
Made with 100% natural DHA

Bali Body describes it as a white sheet approved self tan, which I think tells you exactly what the idea behind it is!

Why is clear self tan so popular?

I think the appeal is really obvious once you've tried it.

Traditional fake tan often contains a guide colour so you can see where you've applied it. That's useful because it helps prevent missed patches, but the downside is that the colour can transfer onto clothing, pyjamas, towels and, most annoyingly, your lovely white bedding.

A clear self tan removes that particular problem.

You don't have the instant brown colour sitting on top of your skin, so once the product has dried, you can carry on with your normal day.

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tan really go on clear?

Yes it's true, it really does.

This is one of the things that makes the product different from a traditional tanning mousse.

The formula applies completely clear, with no traditional colour guide. Bali Body describes it as a transparent, zero-transfer formula.

This does mean you need to be a little more careful with application because you can't simply look at your skin and see where the brown guide colour has been applied.

But once you've got your technique sorted, I actually find the whole process much easier.

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tan stain clothes?

This is one of the BIG questions people have about clear fake tan.

The whole point of the formula is that it is designed to be transfer-free, meaning it shouldn't leave the traditional fake-tan marks on your clothes or sheets once applied correctly and allowed to dry. Bali Body specifically describes it as having zero transfer.

Obviously, I wouldn't deliberately put it through a white T-shirt before it's dry!

But this is one of the things I have really loved about using it.

There is something so liberating about not worrying about what I'm going to wear to bed after applying fake tan.

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse stain white sheets?

Again, the formula is designed to be zero-transfer and white sheet approved.

And this is probably one of my favourite things about it.

Zara Faux Suede Belted Jacket

My knee high boots

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tan smell like fake tan?

One of the things I really like is that it doesn't have that really strong, unmistakable fake-tan smell that some self tanners have.

Bali Body describes the formula as having no traditional self-tan scent and I can vouch for it.

And because there is no colour guide, the whole experience feels much more like applying a skincare product than putting on traditional fake tan.

How long does Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan take to develop?

Bali Body says the tan develops in approximately 4–6 hours.

I would therefore apply it when I know I have a few hours before showering or getting properly wet.

The great thing is that you don't need to rinse it off after that development period.

It is very much an apply-and-go product.

Do you have to wash Bali Body Clear Self Tan off?

No.

This is a rinse-free self tan.

That is another thing I really appreciate because some fake tans involve applying them, waiting several hours and then having to jump in the shower to wash the guide colour away.

With Bali Body Clear Self Tanning mousse, the formula develops on the skin without you needing to rinse it off.

How do you apply Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan?

This is my routine.

I start with clean, dry skin and make sure I've exfoliated beforehand.

I then apply the mousse using a tanning mitt, working in sections and blending it carefully into the skin using circular motions.

Bali Body recommends paying particular attention to areas such as the knees, elbows and ankles, where dry skin can grab onto self tan more easily.

Because the formula is clear, I take my time making sure everything is evenly covered.

Then I wash my hands thoroughly and allow the tan to dry before getting dressed.

That's it!

Do you need a tanning mitt with Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan?

Bali Body recommends applying it with a tanning mitt for the most even finish.

I've found that a mitt makes the application easier because you can really buff the product into the skin.

You can apply some self tans with your hands, but because this one doesn't have a guide colour, I personally prefer using a mitt.

Can you build up Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan?

Yes, the formula is designed to be buildable.

This is another thing I really like because sometimes you don't want a super dark tan in one go.

I'd rather build my colour gradually and stop when I've reached the shade I want.

You can therefore apply another layer once the previous application has developed if you want a deeper result.

Is Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan suitable for pale skin?

Yes.

Bali Body says its Clear Self Tanning Mousse is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

If you're very fair, I'd simply start with a lighter application rather than going in heavily straight away.

The beauty of a buildable self tan is that you have much more control over the final colour.

Is Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan suitable for sensitive skin?

Bali Body says the formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and the brand says its self-tan range is dermatologically tested.

However, as with any skincare or tanning product, if your skin is particularly sensitive, I would always patch test first.

Is Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes.

Bali Body states that all of its products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and the brand is Leaping Bunny approved.

What ingredients are in Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse?

The key ingredients highlighted by Bali Body include:

100% natural DHA : the tanning ingredient responsible for developing the colour.

Hyaluronic acid : included to help hydrate the skin.

Aloe vera : helps keep skin feeling smooth and nourished.

Vitamin E : helps support soft, healthy-looking skin.

Glycerin : helps moisturise the skin and support a hydrated finish.

I really like that the formula doesn't feel like it is simply about putting colour onto your body. There is a genuine skincare element to it too.

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tan make your skin dry?

For me, one of the nicest things about this particular formula is that it doesn't have that dry, tight feeling I associate with some self tans.

The addition of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E and glycerin is designed to help hydrate and condition the skin while the tan develops.

Obviously, if you have particularly dry skin, I'd still recommend moisturising regularly, especially once your tan starts to fade.

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse look orange?

The aim of the formula is a natural-looking golden bronze rather than an orange finish.

Of course, the final colour will always depend on your natural skin tone, how much product you apply and how well you prepare and blend your skin.

For me, what I love is that the result looks like skin with a healthy glow, rather than obviously looking like I've put fake tan on.

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse go streaky?

It shouldn't if it is applied evenly and blended properly.

The fact that the product is clear does mean you have to be more methodical because you don't have that instant colour guide showing you where you've been.

My biggest tip would therefore be don't rush.

Exfoliate beforehand, moisturise particularly dry areas, apply in sections and blend thoroughly.

How long does Bali Body Clear Self Tan last?

Bali Body says the tan can last approximately 7–10 days.

How long it lasts in reality will depend on your skin, how often you shower, exfoliation and how well you moisturise.

I always find that keeping my skin moisturised helps any fake tan fade much more evenly and in doing so, even though I exercise a lot, I've been able to maintain this tan for 7 days.

Can you sleep in Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse?

Yes.

Because it is designed to be rinse-free and transfer-free, you can apply it and allow it to develop while you sleep.

This is where the clear formula is particularly clever.

There is no obvious brown guide colour sitting on your pyjamas or bedding while you sleep.

Can you put clothes on after applying Bali Body Clear Self Tan?

Yes, once the product has dried.

I would still choose loose clothing immediately after applying any fake tan, particularly while you're getting used to how much product you need.

Once it has dried, you can get on with your day.

Is Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse worth it?

For me, yes.

What I particularly like is that it removes so many of the annoying parts of fake tanning.

It doesn't feel like a big event.

I don't need to schedule an entire evening around applying it.

I don't have that obvious brown guide colour.

I don't have the same worry about transferring fake tan onto my clothes or bedding.

And because the formula contains hydrating skincare ingredients, my skin feels lovely and soft too.

My Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan Review

So, after several weeks of using Bali Body Clear Self Tanning mousse, what do I actually think?

I LOVE it.

And I genuinely didn't expect to become quite so enthusiastic about it because, as I said at the beginning, Bali Body is a completely new brand to me.

For me, the biggest difference is how easy this makes fake tanning.

I don't want my beauty routine to become a military operation. I want to be able to apply something, let it do its thing and carry on with my life.

That's exactly what I get with this.

I love the fact that it applies clear, I love that I don't have to rinse it off, I love the natural-looking colour it develops into and I LOVE not having to worry about the traditional fake-tan mess.

The fact that it also contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin E is another huge plus for me because my ideal self tan is one that leaves my skin looking bronzed, smooth and healthy rather than dry and obviously fake.

And I have to say, Bali Body has definitely made an impression on me.

I went into this completely new to the brand and several weeks later, I can absolutely see why Bali Body has such a following. If you're looking for a clear self tanning lotion, a transfer-free fake tan, a natural-looking self tan or simply an easier way to get that gorgeous year-round bronzed glow, I really think the Bali Body Clear Self Tan is one to put on your beauty wish list.

It has made fake tanning feel so much less faffy, and honestly, anything that gives me gorgeous glowing skin without the fake-tan drama is a winner in my book!

Lots of love,

Em x

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Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan Review - Bali Body at Boots

What is Bali Body?

What is Bali Body Clear Express Tan?

What does Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse do?

Why is clear self tan so popular?

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tan really go on clear?

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tan stain clothes?

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse stain white sheets?

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tan smell like fake tan?

How long does Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan take to develop?

Do you have to wash Bali Body Clear Self Tan off?

How do you apply Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan?

Do you need a tanning mitt with Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan?

Can you build up Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan?

Is Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan suitable for pale skin?

Is Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan suitable for sensitive skin?

Is Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse vegan and cruelty-free?

What ingredients are in Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse?

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tan make your skin dry?

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse look orange?

Does Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse go streaky?

How long does Bali Body Clear Self Tan last?

Can you sleep in Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse?

Can you put clothes on after applying Bali Body Clear Self Tan?

Is Bali Body Clear Self Tanning Mousse worth it?

My Bali Body 1 Hour Clear Express Tan Review