By Hannah Powling
If you’re feeling a little pale and want to bronze up without any harmful UV risks of sunbedding/baking in the sun on your winter hols, then you seriously need to grab yourself one of these amazing self tanners that are on the market right now. Fake tans have entered a whole new generation and gone are the days of streaky orange skin and smelly smells (we’ve all been there). Instead, we’ve sourced the best tanning products that’ll give you an all-over and even natural bronze glow, with streak-free perfection without damage to your skin from the sun. Don’t be put off by the scary tanners you may have tried in the past, you won’t be able to resist using these products once you’ve tried them. We guarantee you’ll be impressed – we’re hooked.
FACE
Add the Clarins Golden Glow Booster to your existing trusted face care products to create your own customised potency tan. Rather than buying tan product with its own added extras (such as moisturiser) that perhaps may not suit your skin – this allows you to simply add 1-3 drops into your skincare regime to add a golden glow. It develops slowly on the skin revealing a very even, and long-lasting bronze.
If you’d rather opt for a DHA-free tan – Hylamide will become your best friend. DHA is a browning agent that is commonly used in fake tan products, and can dry out the skin – and when it comes to your face this can be a concern for some. This product uses natural keto-sugar to build a golden glow. I like to apply this just before bed, after my usual skincare regime. With DHA-free products they can leave a tacky surface on your skin, which some of you may find a little odd! But I don’t mind this – I would say before bed is the best time as you wake up the next day with a bronzey glow. Apply 2-3 times for best results.
BODY
I have been a Fake Bake fan for a while now – the Flawless range in particular is my recommendation. Simply spray the product onto the mitt provided (this is the BEST mitt around.. I’ll get to why in a sec) and buff into your skin. It blends out evenly, and as you see the colour straight away you can make sure it is spread out without any missed bits. No surprises! This dries quickly too so ideal if you want to get dressed and ready shortly after applying.
I am obsessed with the Fake Bake tanning mitt – I am yet to find one that is just as good as this one. It is super soft and buffs in tanning products perfectly. I use this with all of my tanning products. Fake Bake or not. I find this works better than the mitts provided with products.
I have to admit fake tanning products that claim they don’t smell of fake tan – usually do, even if it’s a small amount (which I’m not so fussed about…it reminds me of biscuits). Vita Liberata make this claim but it’s actually true! Honestly, I put this mousse on before bed and in the morning still no smell. Very impressive. The mousse spreads on like a dream and is smooth, flawless and instantly gives a beautiful bronze glow, and lasted too. Big thumbs up.
He-Shi have a wide range of products including wash-off tans, even buffing creams and moisturisers to help to keep your longer-lasting tan for optimum results. The gold foaming mousse is a great natural tan, ideal for fairer skin and isn’t too dark. Again you can see where it goes, as there is instant colour on the skin as you apply – to ensure the most even coverage and you can be confident there will be no streaks or patches.
Bondi Sands products smell like chocolatey coconut. Very yummy and enjoyable to put on – and I found great results too. Buffed in well, and gave instant bronzed skin. I have to admit, the mitt provided really wasn’t great so I used my trusty Fake Bake Mitt. Perfect.
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