These 10 Fake Tans Are Worth Every Penny
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In the bleak mid-winter…you don’t have to look like you’ve not seen the sun for six months. That’s where instant tans come in to give your skin some much needed warmth and a soft natural-looking glow. Plus, with new technology and hard-working ingredients, fake tans have never looked less fake.
“A self-tan can revive your skin, giving it a healthy, glowing appearance. With advancements in self-tanning technology, many products now incorporate skincare benefits to combat dehydration, ensuring your skin looks and feels nourished,” says founder of Self Glow and A-list tanner, James Read.
Just don’t forget to prep your skin pre application as that will impact the end result too. Celebrity tanning expert and founder of Isle of Paradise, Jules Von Hep recommends doing any hair removal and exfoliation 24 hours prior so your skin is smooth, and then removing any moisturiser, makeup and deodorant immediately before you tan.
“When applying your product, start from the ankles and work your way up, massaging the skin as you go and if you’re using a mitt/brush sweep in lengthways motions, never circular as the pressure is more even,” says Jules. “Imagine you’re frosting a cake, spreading the tan onto the skin.”
How To Choose The Best Fake Tan For You
“Self-tanning drops and mists are perfect for gradually building a natural-looking glow on your face, making them ideal during a busy party season. For added hydration and a radiant complexion, consider using an overnight tanner—it not only imparts a beautiful glow but also nourishes your skin. For your body, a tinted tan serum is a great choice, offering a seamless application and a sun-kissed finish,” continues James. “If you need to look sun-drenched in seconds, express self-tanning mousses are the ideal choice for achieving a quick, fuss-free glow.”Whether you want an instant tan just minutes before you head out or would prefer an overnight transformation, these are our go-to recommendations for perfect party season tans.
Our 10 Favourite Fake Tans
Whind
Marrakech Sun Bronzing & Hydrating Body Mist, £35.00
Best Bronzing Mist
Fusing skincare and tanning, this serum-like mist provides a natural-looking, buildable bronze that leaves no sticky residue and has no giveaway scent. Infused with hyaluronic acid and prickly pear water to keep the skin hydrated and caramel to create the golden glow, it’s suitable for all skin types and tones as it can be built up as you go. Spritz for instant sun.
Self Glow By James Read
Dusk To Dawn Overnight Glow Facial, £44.00
Best Overnight Tanning Solution
Smooth on this tanning facial from Self Glow by James Read, and like magic, you can almost hear the melodic sounds of waves splashing against the shore and feel the warm kiss of sunlight upon your skin. Providing a subtle hint of tint as you sleep, this light-as-air liquid is enriched with a plant-powered blend of hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, alongside aloe vera and fermented mushrooms to soothe the skin and illuminate your complexion in a natural, buildable bronzed tan. Now, that’s what sweet dreams are made of…
Tan-Luxe
Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum, £15.00
Best Fake Tan Face Drops
If you’ve heard of self-tanning drops, chances are Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum is already on your radar. This highly rated fake tan serum is boosted with hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant superfood ingredients. It couldn't be easier to use, just add 2-12 drops to the face and décolleté daily, then follow with a moisturiser. How many drops to use depends on how much glow you’re after. We suggest starting with two and building up to more if you're after a deeper tan.
Isle of Paradise
Express Ultra Dark Self-Tanning Mousse, £21.95
Best Quick-Dry Mousse
For an instant hit of colour, this is simpler than a paint-by-number picture. Don't be put off by the 'ultra dark', it simply makes it easier to apply as it has a dark brown guide colour so you can see exactly where you've applied it and if you've missed anywhere so you don't end up with build up or white bits. It's also infused with violet colour-correcting actives that help eliminate any orange tones and ensure you get a natural, sun-kissed finish.
Coola
Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion, £46.00
Best Organic Fake Tan
Even in the depths of winter this will make you feel summery thanks to it's fun Pina Colada scent. Rich in shea butter that moisturises the skin, as well as caffeine that works to firm and tighten, this gradual tan brings out the best in you. Leave it on for six hours before you shower for a convincing, beautiful bronze. It's also made with 99% naturally derived ingredients and is certified organic.
Charlotte Tilbury
Supermodel Body Highlighter, £48.00
Best Makeup Meets Tan
A tinted skin enhancer, while this isn't your traditional 'fake tan' it does contain a golden bronze shimmer that makes your skin look shiny, smooth and with a whispering of suntan about it. Containing cooling aloe vera, antioxidant-rich shitake mushroom extract and caffeine, it looks after the skin barrier at the same time as giving it a glow. Win win.
Sisley-Paris
Self Tanning Hydrating Facial, £120.00
Best Luxury Self-Tanning Lotion
This is a luxury take on a traditional tanning lotion, with a fast-absorbing formula and a distinctly velvety feel. Your skin will love the added softness it gets from the macadamia oil-enhanced moisturiser, while Sisley Paris’ gold-boosting tanning spheres leave skin with a natural-looking glow.
Tan-Luxe
The Gradual Tan Lotion, £14.00
Best Gradual Fake Tan
Tan-Luxe doesn't just excel at self-tanning drops, the brand's Gradual Tan is one of our bestsellers at this time of year. This lotion and oil hybrid tops up your skin's moisture levels and the tanning element requires just 60 minutes to start developing. Expect a natural-looking, bronzed glow within four hours with minimal effort (remember to exfoliate beforehand!).
Isle of Paradise
Self-Tanning Water, £21.95
Best Colour Correcting Self-Tan
This weightless tanning water from Isle of Paradise comes with an added colour-correcting benefit - choose the ‘medium’ green option to counteract flushed tones, the ‘deep’ violet to balance orange, yellow and ashy skin, and ‘light’ peach for the rest. Add a trio of hydrating coconut, avocado and chia seed oils to the list of endless benefits, and this tanning water leaves skin looking healthy, nourished and glowing.
This Works
Perfect Legs Gradual Tan, £42.00
Best Fake Tan For Legs
On the days when you want to lift your hemline without having the apply self-tan all over, This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan really comes into its own. The multitasking formula is infused with shea butter to nourish skin, while the DHA develops over time to give your legs a gorgeous bronzed finish. Everyone should have a bottle of this in their bathroom cabinet.
Read More
• Everything you need to know about SPF• Tan Luxe vs Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops • How to Get the Best Body Glow this Summer
• The Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen • Best Tinted Moisturisers
