Type ‘best fake tan’ into Google and you will be bombarded with lotions and potions promising to turn your pale body brown faster than you can say glow. But is the best fake tan for pale skin really the same as the best fake tan for your face? The answer is, to put it frankly, no. With so many formulas out there, it can be challenging to see the wood from the trees. You might be looking for a hydrating moisturiser with just a hint of colour, or an instant tan that will get your limbs a lovely dark shade of brown.
It’s also worth mentioning that not every tan can or should be used on your face. Unless the label specifies that it is safe to use on your face and body, steer clear from slathering it on your face or you risk breakouts and irritation. Some multi-use formulas can be applied all over. If you’re a fake tan beginner, make sure you wear gloves or using a mitt for every application, as even gradual lotions can stain your skin (not a good look). Without further ado, allow us to introduce you to the very best bottles of sun on offer.
SOSU BY SUZANNE JACKSON BODY TUNE INSTANT TAN MEDIUM DARK
If it’s an instant tan you’re looking for, you need to get to know SOSU By Suzanne Jackson’s Body Tune Instant Tan. Ideal for the face and body, the lotion creates a bronzed glow while drenching the skin with nourishing vitamin E and hiding imperfections.
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Lotion
Sometimes you want to take your tan to the next level. In these instances, Bondi Sands Self Tanning Lotion is your go-to. Their dark formula provides a deep brown natural-looking colour that lasts regardless of your skin tone (no orange hues over here). Enriched with aloe vera, the coconut-scented tan ensures your skin is hydrated and smooth all day long.
Tan-Luxe The Gradual
Fake tan masters Tan-Luxe have created the perfect combination of colour and hydration in their gradual formula. The lightweight lotion provides intense moisture to parched skin while delivering a subtle but buildable natural-looking tan. Use daily in place of your moisturiser and watch your body become beautifully brown.
Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion
Most tanning lotions leave a giveaway biscuit smell – not this one. The impressive line up of ingredients in Tanologist’s Gradual Tan includes eucalyptus, which provides a wonderfully refreshing scent. Juniper, pink grapefruit and goji berry condition and care for the skin, plus the nourishing formula is non-comedogenic, perfect for those that struggle with body blemishes. Apply as you would a body cream on days where you are looking for a pick me up.
Isle Of Paradise Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow
A firm favourite, Isle Of Paradise’s Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow will get you summer-ready without even really trying. Despite being a gradual tanner, when used daily, this delivers a deep colour over time. It takes 4-6 hours to develop so you’ll have to wait a while before you see results. It is vegan, free from sulphates and parabens and contains coconut, avocado and chia seed oils to keep skin supple and soft.
Bondi Sands Pure Gradual Tanning Lotion
Bronze specialist Bondi Sands have souped up their Gradual Tanning Lotion and created a Pure version that delivers all the same skin bronzing benefits without the addition of any nasties – making it a great choice for sensitive skin. You will find no fragrances, dyes or sulphates in this bottle, instead a regenerative mix of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C and E have been added.
SOSU BY SUZANNE JACKSON GLOWING STEADY GRADUAL TAN
The rewards of building up a gradual tan to perfection make the daily work worth it. SOSU by Suzanne Jackson’s Glowing Steady Gradual Tan helps to keep the skin ultra-moisturised and hydrated while building the ultimate holiday-fresh glow. Perfect for daily use and sensitive skin.
