Words by Nicola de Burlet
I am writing this in a heatwave as shorts and T-shirts are being dug out across the land as we look forward to the sun hitting our Vitamin D starved winter skins.
As I look down at my pasty pins, I can’t help but wish they had a little bit more of a healthier glow about them – but not just any glow more “weekend in the Algarve” than “baked in Magalouf vibes” but I am a fearful fake tanner and always end up more streaky than golden. Luckily, the latest generation of sunless tanning products blend tanning actives with skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and botanical extracts, turning self-tan into a skincare category of its own, which is great news for our skin and the longevity of our golden glows.
My aspiration is polished, understated and expensive looking so I am hoping that I can achieve this with some of the products on the market.
Prep for success – some expert tips
Tanning expert and brand founder James Read gave me some tips, as a nervous at home tanner, on how to achieve that perfect glow all year round:
- Wax or shave 24 hours before tanning to allow the skin to settle and avoid irritation. If shaving, an electric shaver is ideal, as it gently removes hair without over-exfoliating or irritating the skin.
- Moisturise well ahead of tanning and then applying a light layer on the day of tanning, hydrated skin helps the tan last longer and develop into a richer, more even colour.
- For the face, “hydration is key.” A hydrating sheet mask before tanning helps prep the skin and creates a smoother base for application.
Choose your tanning formula
With a wide choice available, it can be useful to have a couple of products in your tanning arsenal and these will vary according to the area you want to tan and your level of expertise. James recommends different types of products for different areas:
- For the face, I always go for mists, drops, or serums. They’re lightweight, quick to use, and blend seamlessly with skincare. Drops can be mixed into your favourite moisturiser for a more personalised glow, while mists are perfect for on-the-go application and sit well under SPF.
- For the body, mousses are the go-to, they’re fast-drying, easy to blend, and give a smooth, even finish.
- For beginners, gradual tan creams are perfect for building colour slowly, and can even be used overnight for a natural, wearable glow, build it up in layers to remove the pressure to get it right first time. Less is always more.
The tanning kit
I have both a mitt and a kabuki brush – the mitt is perfect for body application and blending on arms, torso and legs and prevents staining to hands. James recommends working in sections and blending thoroughly, using any leftover product on the mitt for hands, feet, elbows, and knees to keep everything soft and natural. Most importantly, don’t rush it, smooth, even application will always outperform speed he says.
I love using the kabuki brush for tanning my face, hands and feet as it gives a natural result and blends easily. Both can be easily rinsed after application and re-used.
Product recommendations:
The gradual tan
A sun kissed glow all year round and 24-hour hydration ? Yes please – this new product from Clarins contains aloe vera and fig extract for deep hydration as well as DHA and Erythrulose which combine for a long-lasting tan.
Clarins Self Tanning Milky Lotion £28
The subtle quick fix
I am always wary of bronzing creams and powders as they leave me looking muddy! This clever bronzer from Ilia develops from a silky cream on application to a weightless powder delivering a sun kissed warmth that really impressed me – it is also boosted with potent antioxidants and protects against pollution – available in 4 shades
If you like your tan with a side order of skin benefits
Tanning drops are a great way of getting a glow, whilst keeping your existing skincare and body care routine. Just mix into your favourite moisturiser and let it work its magic. The Evolve Sunless Glow Self Tanning Drops are certified organic and contain Hyaluronic Acid, Maca Root Extract and Centella Asiatica to leave skin soft, supple and luminous. I do sometimes drop them into my favourite body lotion as a top up once I have fake tanned to keep the glow going longer.
Sunless Glow Tanning Drops – Evolve £24
Mist me up
If mists are your thing, then this is the product for you – this brand new Milky Tan Toner from James Read contains popular K Beauty ingredients such as Centella PDRN and Liquorice Root, I apply mine with a kabuki brush straight after cleansing, before my moisturiser, to ensure a light and even distribution – perfect under make up.
Golden Days Milky Tan Toner by James Read £39 launching 17th of June
Body brush
This is a tanning must have – whether you are an expert or a beginner I wouldn’t be without mine – spray your tanning mist directly onto this and sweep over face or use on the body to blend over toes and fingers – this gets into all the tricky areas and is super soft.
