There’s nothing like a tan to make us feel healthy and confident. In fact, it’s probably one of the top things we love about summer, but while lying in the sun every day can give us a radiant glow, sadly it also brings the dreaded risk of skin cancer.
Fake tan has gotten a bad wrap in the past, however, self-tanners have come a long way since their smelly orange predecessors.
So to prevent any faux tan faux pas on the day of an event, we’ve done the embarrassing work for you by trialling a range of fake tans to give you the lowdown on our favourite products and the safest bets. Whether you’re after mousse, spray or instant, these tanners are guaranteed to give you a natural-looking golden glow and to preserve your skin for the future.
7 self-tanners for a natural looking glow
Model Co
If you’re a first-time tanner, Model Co is a sure-thing—they’re safe and easy to use. For solo application, we’d recommend the mousse and blend buffing mitt to ensure you’re left with a streak-free, even tan. Just apply one layer for a beautiful finish. If you’re unprepared, try their One Hour Tan formulation. Apply it the day of an event and you’ll have gorgeous olive skin in a few short hours.
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PureTan
Made with 100% pure organic extra virgin coconut oil—which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants—PureTan Gradual Tan is perfect for those who just want a hint of colour or don’t have the time (or patience) for a traditional fake tan formula. Want to know the best bit? Say goodbye to the pungent faux-tan smell, because this product smells divine.
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Trilogy
Trilogy’s Instant Bronzing Gel was developed using only the highest quality ingredients, such as mica, vitamin E, aloe vera, to ensure the skin remains moisturised and hydrated. Use once for that just-stepped-off-the-yacht sun-kissed glow or daily to build a bronze tan lasting 2-3 days.
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Jurlique
Jurlique’s lightweight, non-streaky Sunless Tanner is formulated with Sweet Orange fruit extract to give you an instant summer glow. It also leaves skin super-soft and visibly smooth thanks to Safflower Seed Oil and Superberry Complex.
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Clarins
Achieve a gradually golden, radiant tan and soothed, hydrated and supple skin with Clarins’ Self Tanning Milky-Lotion. Quick-drying, easy to apply and imbued with a subtle floral scent, it’s definitely worth a try.
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St. Tropez
St Tropez’s Tinted Gradual Tan is perfect for the time-poor, offering skin perfecting coverage that gradually builds and hydrates for up to 48 hours. We also love that it’s tinted (unlike the original version), so you can easily see where you are applying the lotion and which areas you have missed.
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Hand Chemistry
Infuse skin with this fast-absorbing hydrating dry body oil, uniquely blended with DHA-free raspberry-based keto-sugar, for a natural-looking bronzed sheen. Mix with your normal moisturiser or use on its own.
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