Face tanning is often synonymous with sacrifice. The multitude of masks, serums and creams you rely on to keep your pores clear and your complexion hydrated all go out the window in the name of achieving a faux glow. In fact, on any given night, you’re generally faced with the tricky choice between properly applying your usual lush skin care steps and taking the route that will result in golden radiance. Until now, that is. The next-gen face tans hitting the shelves these days are packed with skin care benefits so impressive they actually rival your regular routine. So, please, promise us you won’t just buff a pump of your normal tanning mousse into your mug; take the time to reach for face-specific formulas. They all boast their own individual perks, but the common factor is the lit-from-within luminosity they’ll leave you with – yep, we’re handing out literal glowing reviews.
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The Wipes
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow Self Tanner for Face ($58, mecca.com.au)
Looking to transform your tan and your skin’s texture in one streamline step? Dr. Dennis Gross has packed anti-ageing and exfoliating benefits into these pore-tightening, glow-boosting pads. They also help to fade pigmentation to guarantee your glow is completely even. Love at first swipe.
The Express
James Read Tan Express Glow Mask Face ($49, mecca.com.au
You know that glossy, glowy skin that always seems to elude you unless you’re on vacation? James Read bottled it in a bid to ensure you never need to choose between the bronzing benefits of a face tan and the nourishing hydration of a face mask again. It also delivers results in an hour – consider us convinced.
The Customiser
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops ($39, mecca.com.au)
These clever Isle of Paradise colour-correcting drops can be added to your regular products for a streak-free, subtle glow. Select your shade based on your goal – light work to brighten, medium will reduce redness and dark nix those dreaded orange tones we all know too well.
The Drops
You’ll never drop the ball (pun intended) on your tanning regime again with these Le Tan glow-delivering drops – in fact, you don’t have to stray from your skincare routine at all. Just mix with your moisturiser for golden goodness with a side of heavenly hydration.
The Gel
You know those nights where it feels like deviating from your skincare routine could trigger sensitivity? This Lancôme tan is in the safe zone. The gel glides onto skin so gently (and absorbs so rapidly) that you will forget you have anything on, until you’re reminded in the A.M. by your renewed radiance.
The Cream
Ella Baché Great Face Tan Without Sun
Ella Bache’s take on tan comes in cream form, packed with a nourishing blend of cocoa butter and lanolin for optimal hydration. Bursting with antioxidants, it not only delivers a sun-kissed look with zero sun contact, but also protects your face against other environmental aggressors.
The Milk
Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk Everyday Face
If you’re more of a gradual girl, Bondi Sands has you sorted. A tanning milk designed to nourish skin whilst delivering a hit of colour, the formula is enriched with vitamin E and aloe vera, to leave skin safely sunkissed and satisfyingly soothed (aka the opposite of how skin would feel with a real tan).
The Mask
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Face Sheet Mask
We’re filing this one under self-care with benefits. A genius sheet mask that teams St. Tropez tanning serum with hyaluronic acid, it imparts a sunkissed glow in just five minutes. Colour continues to develop though, so leave on for fifteen if you’re after a deeper hue – and why not? It’s relaxing regardless.
I don't use self tan on my face
i love the le tan tan drops, there the only fake tan facial product i use, i find some others clog my pores and really make my bad spots more prominent. im to scared to try anything else now
I do not need to use face tan, my face has tanned over the years, no reversal unfortunately back to when skin was undamaged.
I would love a bit more colour