How to dry your fake tan quickly — and why GlowDry changes everything

The complete guide to skipping the sticky wait, getting dressed faster, and making your tan last longer.

We've all been there — fresh tan on, standing in the bathroom, arms slightly out like a scarecrow, desperately hoping nothing touches your skin. The good news: there's a smarter way to do this. Here's everything you need to know about drying your fake tan fast — including the Aussie-made product that's genuinely changed the game.

How long does fake tan actually take to dry?

Most self-tanners are touch-dry within 10–20 minutes, but fully developed after 4–8 hours. The drying phase is where most people go wrong — rushing it causes streaks, transfer, and patchy results.

• 0–15 minutes: Surface wet — don't touch anything
• 1–2 hours: Mostly set — light clothing is ok
• 4–8 hours: Fully developed — rinse off the guide colour

Meet GlowDry — Australia's first fake tan drying powder

If you haven't heard of GlowDry yet, prepare for your tanning routine to get a serious upgrade. Created in Perth by a self-tanning obsessive and new mum who was tired of the sticky wait, it's now Australia's most loved tan drying product — and for very good reason.

What it does:

• Dries tan in a flash — skip the fan entirely
• Adds a subtle, skin-flattering shimmer
• Reduces transfer to clothes and sheets
• Masks that fake tan smell
• Prevents streaks at crease points
• Vegan, cruelty-free, and made with natural Australian botanicals

How to use GlowDry to dry your tan faster

Step 1 — Prep the day before Exfoliate and apply an oil-free moisturiser 24 hours before tanning. Hydrated, smooth skin absorbs tan more evenly and means GlowDry glides on without dragging.

Step 2 — Apply your tan in thin, even layers Less is more. Apply with a tanning mitt, working in sections. A thin, even coat dries faster and gives GlowDry less work to do. Two light layers always beats one heavy one.

Step 3 — Dust on GlowDry immediately ✨ This is the step that replaces the fan-and-wait combo entirely. As soon as you've applied your tan, use a fluffy brush to dust GlowDry all over your body. Work section by section — it instantly absorbs moisture, eliminates stickiness, and sets the tan so you can move freely.

Step 4 — Pay extra attention to crease areas The backs of knees, elbow creases, under the bust and inner arms are where tan loves to go patchy. Apply an extra dusting of GlowDry to these spots — it stops the tan pooling and folding as you move.

Step 5 — Get dressed without the wait Once GlowDry is applied, you're good to go. Choose loose, dark clothing to be safe — but no more standing in the bathroom for 20 minutes with your arms out.

💡 Pro tip: Use GlowDry on the hands and feet too. A light dusting after application prevents sticky residue collecting around knuckles and nail beds — the tell-tale sign of a DIY tan.

Other things that help fake tan dry faster

• Wait 20 minutes after a shower before applying. Your pores are open and skin is still damp post-shower. Let it cool down first.
• Apply in a cool, dry room. Humidity slows everything down — move away from the steamy bathroom.
• Choose a mousse formula. Mousse and foam tanners set faster on skin than lotions, even before you reach for GlowDry.
• Don't use a warm hairdryer. Heat opens pores and causes patchiness. Cool air only — though with GlowDry, you won't need to bother.

The sticky post-tan wait used to just be part of the deal. GlowDry has changed that — it's the one product that actually solves the problem. Find it at glowdryaustralia.com.au or grab it in store at Priceline.