Summer is here and since lots of us in the UK are cheating our tans (thank you weather) or keeping them topped up from a bottle… as someone who false tans all year round, what better time than now to share some of my top self tanning products with you?
I get a lot of questions from fellow fair skinned girls asking how I achieve a natural looking tan, as some of us like the option to tan too without frying our skin! Often many tans come up pretty orange on fair skin (not the golden glow we want!), so I’ve whittled down years of trial and error to share with you my top 5 tans!
You didn’t think I’d share my favourite products without spilling my application secrets too did you? Keep an eye out for a blog post coming soon where I share it all from prep, application to maintenance for your best (fake) natural looking tan yet!
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ST TROPEZ | Express Mousse
My ride or die tan! The one I will reach for most when I want a reliable tan in a hurry.
I hate sleeping in tan (and so does my Fiancé and my bed sheets!) so I love that this develops into a light tan in as little as 1 hour, or left on for 3 hours gives you a deeper tan. I usually leave it on for 3 hours if I can before showering off but I do find that it continues to develop slightly after.
It’s a foam formula with instant colour which is helpful if you like to see where you have applied so you don’t miss a spot!
ST Tropez | Luxe Body Serum
A great option for when I want to apply and leave the house without looking crazy or feeling sticky! As it’s a clear, serum formula that dries down you can simply apply, wait for it to dry and put your clothes on and go about your day.
It gradually develops into a golden bronze tan that requires no wash off. It also contains skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 synergise to promote an even-looking skin tone with a natural radiance.
TAN LUXE | Paris Hilton The Future
A recent launch by Tan Luxe in collaboration with Paris Hilton. The tanning water spray bottle means you can achieve that spray tan feel from home.
I’ve always stayed away from sprays out of fear of staining my bathroom or carpets but the 360 mist makes it so easy to apply, directing the tan exactly where you aim it.
I love that it is also clear and the formula is enriched with skincare ingredients. It develops into a golden glow in just two hours or a deep bronze in four hours and doesn’t feel as sticky as some tans once dry, again meaning you can get on with your day whilst developing a tan!
GARNIER | Summer Body Moisturiser
I recently cleared out my false tan stash and I had 4 half used bottles of this… A favourite affordable gradual tan of mine that smells delicious (not like the usual fake tan smell).
I love using this for a natural looking light tan and reapplying the following days to keep my skin moisturised and maintaining the tan.
TAN LUXE | The Face Tan Drops
For my face I always use a product designed specifically for the face to avoid breaking out.
I have used sprays in the past which I like but always go back to these Tan Luxe drops as you can control the amount of product you apply and get a more even application.
I mix 2-3 drops in with my usual face moisturiser and apply as the last step in my skincare routine at night, waking up with a bronzed glow in the morming! As the tan on my face fades the quickest I will top it up a couple of days later. Just remember to wash your hands after applying!