We all have our preferences when it comes to fake tan, whether you're a tanaholic that tans weekly or you've had a bad experience in the past and have never dared using it since! One thing I always say though is fake it don't bake it. Fake tan is safe for your skin and that's what matters.
The Glossy team have rounded up their favourite fake tans that'll ensure you look sun-kissed all year round - you're welcome!
St Tropez Purity Body Mousse
Brand new for St Tropez is their Self Tan Purity Body Mousse, which transforms from a foam upon contact with skin, the formula applies effortlessly for a full coverage sun-kissed shimmer that doesn’t streak or transfer onto clothing. Enriched with 100% naturally derived vegan tanning actives, on paper it ticked all the boxes so Lucy gave it a try.
Lucy's Verdict:
At first this is such a strange concept (a clear fake tan?) and it does get some getting used to but I think this really is a tan to stick by once you get the hang of it!
The ResultsSt Tropez ticks every box! More from this range please!!
It develops in 4-8 hours giving you a natural, streak-free tan all day long…if you don’t miss any spots of course!
The ScentThe smell of this fake tan is fabulous - goodbye horrible biscuit smell, hello tropical paradise!
The BottleThe clear bottle makes it easy to keep track of how much product you have left, so you don’t have a 'Ross from F.R.I.E.N.D.S situation' before a big night out with your galpals.
Anti-pollutionThe winner for me with this tan is that it combats pollution and environmental nasties. St Tropez have definitely thought outside of the box with that one and they get a 10/10 for that bonus feature!
The TextureThis tan soaks straight into the skin, with no sticky feeling afterwards.
Best for: wearing with a white dress.Sienna X Deep Self Tan Tinted Lotion
I tried the Sienna X Deep Self Tan Tinted Lotion, a luxurious moisturising lotion that promises to deliver a streak-free, natural-looking colour without greasy or sticky residue. I tried and tested it and here's my verdict...
Lydia's Verdict
The ResultsI was impressed - I had a streak-free, natural-looking tan without it feeling sticky.
I have been guilty of using the dark version of gradual tan moisturisers in my university days, despite having very pale skin. But I just love the results and after showering off the Sienna X the next morning, it looked like I'd had a full body spray tan!
The ScentThe lotion has a mild floral scent, which was really lovely compared to the biscuit scent you get with cheaper tans.
The ApplicationThe cream itself is slightly tinted, which acts as a good guide so you can see any missed bits.
SpeedUnlike some gradual tanning lotions which can take a while to take effect, the Sienna equivalent takes effect much more quickly. I applied this just before bed and allowed the tan to fully develop during the night and showered it off the next morning and the results were incredible.
The TextureThe moisturiser also sinks in and dries quickly, which makes it easy to apply. Definitely use gloves or a tanning mitt though as this will seriously stain your hands!
Best for: getting a glow and moisturised, healthy skin.Bondi Sands Shimmer One Day Tan
Jess swears by the Shimmer One Day Tan finished with the Finishing Glow, both from Bondi Sands. Transfer and water resistant, this shimmering formula is perfect for face and body and easily washes off with soap and warm water.
Jess's Verdict:
The ResultsThe Shimmer One Day Tan gives you a lovely even tan which builds throughout the day and is easily washed off with warm water and soap. It has the perfect amount of shimmer too so you're skin glows like a goddess.
I like to add some of the Finishing Glow on top too as it adds a gorgeous shine to your body, making your skin appear smooth and dipped in baby oil!
The ScentI feel like I’ve just walked off a beach in Australia after a day of tanning…I am definitely converted to Bondi Sands! Love it!
I would definitely recommend either for day to day wear (as no fake tan biscuit smell!), or build it up with a couple of layers for an evening do.
The ApplicationThe formulas come out as tinted creams, which is great because you can see where you have applied the product on your body and you don’t miss spots. The formula dries really quickly too, which means no stickiness but be careful to work quickly with the product to get to the areas you want with an even spread.
The BottleI love that this is a squeeze bottle rather than a pump bottle, which I find much easier as you can feel how much product is left inside.
Best for: getting an instant glow in a rush.Bali Body Tanning Lotion
All over Instagram are videos of'Bali Body Babes' (Bali Body Brand advocates) posting their super tanned bikini bodies so we had to get in on the action! Cassie tried their Tanning Lotion, an antioxidant-rich moisturiser that provides a hint of tint while smoothing the skin with Vitamin E and natural oils.
Cassie's Verdict:
The ResultsI absolutely adored this Bali Body Tanning Lotion. Not only did it give me an instant gorgeously shimmery golden glow, it acted as a moisturiser at the same time. Enriched with Vitamin E and antioxidants, it made my skin feel amazing after applying.
The ScentI really love this product! It's perfect for getting an even, tanned glow on holiday or for bronzed legs for a night out with the girls.
Don't worry this doesn’t have that potent fake tan smell - dreamy.
The ApplicationIt's lightweight and not sticky at all and it dries really quickly so you can put clothes on a few minutes after application!
It's Vegan & Cruelty-FreeBetter yet, it's vegan AND cruelty-free. What more could you want in a fake tan!?
Best for: topping up your tan poolside.Madame La La Mousse & Face Serum
The Madame La La at home Self-Tan Mousse in the shade regular and their Face Bronzing Serum, promise to create the ultimate iconic LA glow. Alice tested both to see if they deliver on their claims...
Alice's Verdict:
The ResultsI've had a Madame La La spray tan before and it was incredible so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed with their Self-Tan Mousse. I am so naturally fair that I always worry that fake tan won't look natural but the regular colour mousse was perfect - I looked so naturally bronzed.
The glow it gave me was so amazing.
The Face Bronzing Serum is so smooth thanks to the infusion of coco water and green tea. Not only did it give my face a subtle hint of colour to match my body but it was so hydrating! I’ll definitely be using it again.
The ScentUnlike other fake tans, the Madame La LA tan didn't really have a smell, which is perfect for incognito fake tanning.
The ApplicationIt was so easy to apply, with no streaks and left me feeling really naturally bronzed! To match my face, I used their Face Bronzing Serum and that was my favourite.
Best for: tanning your face.These picks are Glossy approved and are a sure way to getting a gorgeously bronzed glow this summer. Do you want the Glossy team to review any more products? Let us know on our social channels for the lowdown on our favourite picks.
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