If Fake Tan Intimidates You, These Foolproof Formulas Are Worth Your Time
Trust me when I say that the patchy, orange fake-tan formulas of yesteryear are now entirely a thing of the past. Nowadays, for the most part, fake tan gives results that are pretty much as good as the real thing, if not better. But I know what you’re thinking: Why would anyone bother with fake tan right now when the sun is shining the way that it is?
Well, the beauty of using a fake tan as opposed to sitting outside in the sun for hours on end is that it is an entirely harmless act, unlike the totally irreversible damage caused by UV rays. So why do people still insist on tanning the natural way? Well, frankly, fake tanning is a real faff, and people are still really quite scared of it.
Coming from someone who, up until a couple of years ago, was also absolutely petrified by the idea of fake tan going wrong, believe me when I say I know how you feel. Not only is the very act of applying it messy, time-consuming and laborious, the fear that you’ll be left with a patchy finish that can’t be removed is reason enough to avoid the task completely. However, I promise you that not all fake tans are scary. In fact, now they’re customisable, buildable and easy to use.
Don’t believe me? From gradual formulas to super-easy-to-apply drops, keep scrolling for the totally foolproof fake tans that are perfect for tanning novices.
The Best Easy-to-Use Fake-Tan Formulas For the Body
This body formula from one of the best tanning brands out there, Isle of Paradise, couldn't be easier to use. Forget dry patches and moisturiser-induced streaks. This stuff is formulated with moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid for the ultimate hydrated glow. Plus, the formula itself is beautifully gradual.
Another hyaluronic acid–infused serum is this one from Tan-Luxe. If you like every aspect of your beauty routine to be a little more, well, luxe, then this one is for you. Simply pop a few pumps onto a mitt and apply all over for a transfer-free, deeply hydrated subtle glow.
Taking it one step further, this clear tanning mist from St. Tropez not only contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, but it is also infused with other skin-loving boosters such as vitamins C and D to boost glow. Simply spritz and blend with a mitt. It really is that easy.
For those who want dramatic results without the threat of uneven streaks and dry patches, look no further than Sunny Honey from Coco & Eve. In a more traditional mousse formula, it does have a guide colour that needs rinsing, but the nourishing ingredients mean it applies like silk. What's better is that the results are next-level.
I have raved about this tan since it first came out. In fact, this was the stuff that first convinced me that not all fake tan is awful. The texture is whipped rather than foamy, which means dripping and smudging is virtually impossible. Plus, if you don't want such dramatic results, simply wash it off earlier than you usually would. It's seriously simple.
Ideal for those who like to be in control, this lightweight, oil-infused moisturiser not only nourishes dry limbs but also delivers a streak-free tanned glow. You can use it every day to build up the intensity or, if you're feeling cautious, just use it every few days.
The Best Easy-to-Use Fake-Tan Formulas For the Face
Just like the body version, this serum is jam-packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to boost radiance and glow. Either apply directly onto the skin as a part of your skincare routine or add a few pumps to your SPF for a bronzed finish that develops within hours.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Shannon Lawlor is the beauty director at Who What Wear UK. With over a decade of experience working for some of the beauty industry’s most esteemed titles, including Marie Claire, Glamour UK, Stylist and Refinery29, Shannon’s aim is to make the conversation around beauty as open, relatable and honest as possible. As a self-confessed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for hard-working perfumes, fool-proof makeup products and does-it-all skincare.
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