Got a big event coming up but not sure whether to get a professional spray, say “what the hell” and opt for a do-it-yourself gel, or go down the slow and gradual route? I don’t blame you – it’s mind-boggling stuff.
So in the bid to become a bronzed beauty, what qualities should we look for in a tan? A natural colour, an even coverage, and something that’s isn’t hard to use, right? Well, whether you’re a DIY girl or prefer to leave it to the professionals, we’ve got a tanning solution that you’re just bound to love…
Gradual
Slow and steady wins the race with this one. If you like to have more control over exactly how bronzed you go, then a gradual tan is for you. Often, a gradual tan is part tan, part moisturiser, which makes it more nourishing than other tans. So if you’ve got really dry skin. This one is definitely for you.
Our favourites:
Dove Summer Glow – for a tropical smelling treat and a natural sun-kissed glow.
Tuscan Tan™ 2-1 Gradual Tanning Mousse– for the nourishing 2-in-1 mousse that makes application almost too easy – and really nourishing.
Natio Sun-Kissed Glow Gradual Tan Lotion – for its multi-tasking abilities. Use it as a gradual tan on your body or your face, or simply as a moisturiser.
DIY
Do you have the time and the technique to pull off a perfectly party-ready faux glow? Do you know the importance of ensuring you don’t end up with telltale tan hands and super dark ankles and wrists? If so, you’re a DIY pro, and you know that the best tan can only be achieved using superior, easy-to-use products. Whether they come in gel, mousse or cream form, you understand the importance of good faux tan preparation in order to achieve the best result possible.
Our favourites:
Famous Dave’s Original Moisture Tan – for a super-nourishing tan injection with just one-time use. The formula includes aloe vera, sesame, and jojoba, so your skin is set to look and feel amazing, stat.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer – for it’s micro-fine mist that develops into a gorgeous, even glow in just three hours. The multi-directional spray nozzle means spraying any area of the body is a breeze.
Ella Bache Great Tan Without Sun – for its natural colour and new next-to-no-odour technology that will ensure no one is any the wiser that you ‘faked’ it.
Find out what our Trial Teamers thought of the DIY tanners that they trialled in The Great Tan Test…
Instant
Don’t have time to wait for a DIY tan to develop? Do you need to be out the door and at the party, like yesterday? Then you need a product that you can apply in a flash, without worrying about carrying around the whiff that goes with some self-tanners, or the fear that you’ll be a muddy mess if it starts to rain. You need an instant tint that will go the distance, and give the illusion that you’ve been sunbaking yourself silly.
Our favourites:
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs – for a ‘leg make-up’ effect that lasts. Look as instantly flawless as you would if you were sporting a pair of opaques with this spray-on make-up that will tint and conceal without rubbing off!
Bodyography Oxyplex Body Gloss – for its flake-free formula that smells delish and leaves you with a natural-looking tan in seconds.
SunFX Carribean Summer – for an instant tan effect that can last up to 5 days! Never worry about night before tan prep again thanks to this skin-loving tanning foam.
Natural
Are you a natural beauty nut? Do you want to get in on the faux glow action without having to subject your skin to anything but a naturally derived DHA? Luckily for you, natural self-tanners are a bit of a buzzword on the beauty scene right now, and plenty of brands are now offering natural-based solutions.
Our favourites:
Jane Iredale Tantasia – for its ability to work with skin’s own melanin to produce a tailored colour that suits you! Plus, it’s also great for sensitive skins.
St Tropez Naturals Self Tan Lotion – for its lightweight formula that contains eco-cert approved vegetan, plus blackcurrant and babassu oils to hydrate your skin and help your colour last longer.
Lush Charlotte Island Body Tint– for an instant bronze glow with a natural formula that contains aloe vera and cocoa butter for intense soothing and nourishment.
Find out what our Trial Teamers thought of the tanners that they trialled in The Great Tan Test…
In-salon spray
Are you on the lookout for a supremely even tan with a professional finish, sans the fear of tan hands or colour gathering on your knees and ankles? Then perhaps this is a job best left to the professionals. If you’re unsure of your ability to achieve a streak-free glow, then book yourself into a pro, who will have you in and out in around 10 minutes, sporting one heck of a dreamy glow.
Our favourites:
Vani-T Fusion In-Salon Spray Tan – for a flawless finish thanks to breakthrough skin fusion technology, which assists in binding intense colour to the skin.
Naked Tan The Salon Experience Spray Tan– for a botanically based solution that delivers a delicious glow and a burst of coconut and vanilla to boot!
Minx bronzing & cosmetics Chocolate Sun Bronzing Liquid – for a chocolate-y glow that contains anti-ageing and skin-firming agents – oh yeah!
Find out what our Trial Teamers thought of the tanners that they trialled in The Great Tan Test…
Which tan style best suits you and why?
