Is there any better feeling than perfectly glowing limbs? It would be great if we could have a permanent beach tan all year round, but unfortunately real-life calls. For the times when you need a little helping hand, fake tan can be heaven-sent to save pasty legs. There are so many different formulas and shades that it can often be difficult to find the type of tan that is right for you. To avoid any fake tan mishaps, read below to see which formula is best for you and shop our recommendations. Don’t forget to pick up the best tools for application.
If you're new to tan
Long gone are the questionable streaks and tan smells that we remember from school. There are so many great gradual tans on the beauty market, thanks to the fact that they give you a natural sun kissed glow, whilst still moisturising the skin. Suitable for tan newbies as the colour is buildable, meaning there is less pressure to get the application right first time. This doesn’t mean to say that gradual tans aren’t still in the collections of tanning experts, thanks to their natural, nourishing finish. Tan Luxe’s The Gradual is a revolutionary oil/lotion hybrid that delivers a hydrating glow.
If you prefer a guide colour
A favourite for most tan addicts, a self-tan mousse is a classic formula that gets you results, fast. Some of the most coveted tans come in mousse form, as they can achieve a deep tan in hardly any time, are easy to apply as and super easy to blend. Mousse tans usually provide an instant guide colour, making a seamless tan achievable – as long as you use a mitt! The SOSU By Suzanne Jackson Dripping Gold Luxury Tanning Mousse ticks all the boxes for a deep, long lasting tan. Leave on for as little as long as you want, depending on your desired tan intensity outcome, then shower off for long lasting, glowing results.
To get everywhere covered
If you prefer a tan that is slightly lighter in texture, then a mist is the formula for you. Providing the ultimate airbrushed effect, fake tan mists are super easy to apply and blend. Thanks to the super fine spray, a mist formula doesn’t usually require a mitt – simply spray, wait for it to dry and you’re good to go. Great for those of you who may be short on time. Similar to a mousse tan, the colour develops over time and can be washed off when you have reached your desired shade. The St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mist is quick and easy to use, which develops into a sun kissed, long lasting tan.
For a customisable tan
A more recent addition to the world of fake tan are self-tan drops, which can be added to any moisturiser. One of the main concerns when it comes to tanning is that it can have the tendency to dry out skin, but by mixing tan drops with your favourite moisturiser you can eradicate this problem and still help your skin to get its much-needed hydration. Fake tan drops also offer a lot more control over the shade of your tan – simply add more drops for a more intense colour, or less if you want a more natural look. The Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops work by using colour correcting technology, meaning your tan will be flawless, as well as skin being soft and supple. An added bonus – drops can be mixed with your favourite face moisturiser too.
For an immediate effect
The ultimate quick hit for any commitment-phobes or your ultimate saviour for when an unexpected night out crops up after you promised yourself you weren’t going out – again. Instant tans are one of the original and most loved formulas that you’ll find on most people’s bathroom shelves. They provide an instant colour in less than five minutes, which looks like you’ve stepped straight off a flight from the Bahamas. There’s no waiting around for it to develop or stained sheets and there’s no need to hide any streaks – it washes off instantly. St. Tropez Instant Tan Face & Body Lotion provides an instant tan that’s photo ready.
If you have dry skin
Face oils have exploded in popularity due to their beneficial blends and just how nourishing they are. So who says you can’t combine that with a tanning ingredient? Tanning oils create a buildable glow whilst still being kind and hydrating to your limbs. Although an oil-like consistency, this type of tan tends to dry quickly, with hardly any mess or stained bed sheets in sight. Unlike a mousse, it doesn’t require any showering as there is no guide colour to wash off but bear this in mind when applying! The Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil produces beautifully bronzed skin in 2-3 hours and lasts for days.
