We all love a good tan. And as the sun can be so damaging to your skin (don’t get us started on sunbed salons) us paler ladies and gents need to turn to the self-tan in pursuit of transforming our pasty looking limbs. Sales of self tan were up 450% in lockdown, seeing as though our next holiday will likely be a staycation.
Traditionally, we think of fake tan as smelly, streaky and time consuming – you needed to plan your tanning schedule way in advance of any event that requires some bronzing, plus there’s always the added risk of turning orange. But the latest body tanners have dramatically developed over the years; fast developing, better smelling and non-staining are what we live for now. With their modern formulas showcasing wonderful scents, rapid drying times and a natural all-over glowing colour, the dreaded fake tan application is something we actually quite look forward to – armed with a couple of tanning mits, the application process is pretty seamless.
Whether you wish to wake up to a golden bronze hue or prefer to build up a natural looking sun kissed tan, keep reading to see which of our most rated will give you a realistic faux tan glow without the need of any UV rays…
Note: Self-tanning your face can be pore-clogging problematic, causing nasty breakouts which no one wants with their new golden tan. These products are for the neck down only, using facial self-tanners with added vitamins and anti-ageing properties is advised.
The Dry Oil Self-tanner
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold, £14.99
Glide it on, glow all night, as the saying goes at Bondi Sands HQ. This self tan in particular is highly rated due to its superior dry oil formula that sets in a moment and develops over 2 – 3 hours, not only that but it lasts for up to a week post application! With it’s coconut and argan oil aroma, what’s not love?!
The Reliable Self-tanner
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mist, £26
The classic tanning brand’s ultra-fine mist produces natural results for fast and quick tanning fixes. It’s super easy to apply and you can choose from light, medium and dark shades by simply deciding when to rinse off.
1 hour for a light sun kissed glow, 2 hours for a medium natural tan, for a deeper, dark tan leave rinse after 3 hours.
The Self-tanner If You’re in a Hurry
Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, £21
The award winning, cult classic self-tanner delivers a quick, streak-free, natural golden colour in an instant – no wonder it’s a beauty editor favourite! Clarins super reliable instant gel provides an authentic-looking tan, unlike most patchy instants! With it’s ultra-fast application and unique plant extract formula, skin remains soft even when applied for a deeper bronzed hue. A must have!
The Self-tanner for a Runway Like Glow
Pradas Glow Sol Solution Sunless Tanning Mousse, £26
Transform into a better golden, gleaming version of yourself with Pradas Glow self tanning mousse. A celebrity favourite, having been used on the likes of Victoria Secret Angels by celebrity spray tanner Kristyn Pradas. The fast drying formula allows the colour to develop with comfort, without any prolonged sticky or greasy feeling.
The Gradual Self-tanner
Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Tan Lotion, £15
The perfect daily moisturiser for your face and body. Formulated with Organic Aloe Vera, Shea Butter and vitamin A and C, Vita Liberata’s gradual tan lotion locks in moisture for 72 hours, leaving skin hydrated whilst gradually building up a gorgeous natural tan.
