With summer just around the corner, and limbs emerging from under their woolly layers, it’s time to check out some tanning products that may give us a wee bit more confidence when we peel off the longer sleeves.
I’ve tried literally dozens of tans in my role as a beauty writer and during my previous career modelling. I’ve many favourites which I’m delighted to share. With Communion, Confirmation, wedding, holiday and racing season on the horizon, below I’ve listed some tanning options which I have road-tested and think you will love as much as I do.
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There seems to be an overwhelming array of tans available on the Irish market these days; after all, Irish people are the highest per capita users of fake tan in the world. To help you make your choice, below I’ve streamlined tanning products into tone and type, including which are suitable for super-pale skin, which ones will give you a medium glow, and the ultra-dark bronzing beauts. I’ve also found instant tans for a quick makeover in minutes. So, read on and let’s get glowing!
Warm glow
Beach Ready
Bondi Sands is one of the best-selling fake tan brands in the world. Its latest offering is Bondi Sands Aero Self-Tanning Mousse Foam, €26.50. This gem has a lovely light formula that’s super easy to apply. If you’re not a dab hand at using fake tan, mousse and foams are a brilliant way to apply it easily! The gorgeous model and actress Emily Ratajkowski (pictured above) is a huge fan of this product, which gives great coverage without an overly dark colour. From pharmacies nationwide.
Good As Gold
Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self Tan Dry Oil, from €18, is a two-in-one self-tan dry oil that hydrates the skin and leaves you with a warm golden, streak-free sheen. Some tans can leave the skin feeling “tight” and stretched and parched – this product is filled with coconut oil to stop that feeling. From pharmacies nationwide.
Deep & dark
Ten Second Tan
bPerfect 10 Second Self-tanning Mousse in Ultra Dark €25 is a liquid tan that gives an instant colour which continues to develop over a few minutes, creating a deep, dark glow that lasts for up to a week. It’s odour-free and won’t end up all over your clothes. Perfect for anyone looking to nail the Brazilian babe look! From pharmacies nationwide.
Intensely Rich
This product is super-easy and quick to apply, works in a jiffy and gives a rich, dark shade without looking murky or flat. Cocoa Brown Ultra Dark Shade (1 Hour Mousse), €9.95, is also at a brilliant price. For an even darker shade, leave this on for up to three hours before showering – your tan will continue to develop after rinsing. From pharmacies nationwide.
Low glow
Porcelain Skin Saviour
Porcelain-toned beauties should try Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived Gradual Tan Lotion, €9.99, in ‘Fair’, as it gives skin a dose of gentle colour for an understated glow. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin. As it builds up so slowly, you can control the colour – use once or twice a week, or daily to build a darker shade. Always wash your hands after applying to avoid orange hands! From pharmacies nationwide.
Subtle Shine
This super-light tanning oil is a godsend for dry, thirsty, dehydrated skin. Autograph Self Tan Luxe Oil, €17, in ‘Light Medium’ gives a slight glow and covers blemishes without looking over the top or orange-tinged. From Marks & Spencer nationwide and marksandspencer.ie
Natural
Eco Chic
If you can’t wait a few hours for your tan to develop and want an instant glow, minus the chemical nasties, Vita Liberata Instant HD Skin Finish Body Blur, €28, is a brilliant option. Apply with a mitt and watch as all your blemishes disappear under a warm, glowy finish, which will wash off in the shower. This is a staple in my beauty bag. From pharmacies, Boots, Avoca stores and Marks & Spencer nationwide.
Nature’s Own
Tan Organic Moisturising Facial Tan Oil, €24.99, is from the only eco-certified self-tan brand in the world. With zero chemical nasties and parabens, this product will give a light, natural-looking colour. It develops over a few hours and smells lovely – and it’s safe to use during pregnancy. From pharmacies and health food stores nationwide.
Fast developing
Nine-Minute Miracle
b.tan 9 Minute Pre-Shower Tan in Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That, €12.50, is ideal for someone looking for a light tan on the go. Apply this tan, wait nine minutes, rinse off in the shower for 45 seconds in lukewarm water and you’re ready to rock and roll. Zero smearing on clothes or bed sheets, zero smell and no fuss. If you are after a deeper colour, simply leave it on for a few minutes longer. From pharmacies nationwide.
Shimmer in a Stroke
For an immediate flawless tan on face and body that dries in an instant and won’t come off on your clothes (or in the rain, thanks to its water-resistant formula) try Rimmel London Sun Shimmer Instant, from €7.50. This best-selling instant tan comes in Light, Medium and Dark. Simply apply with your mitt in quick and even strokes – moving quickly is the best away to avoid streaks. Lasts for 24 hours. From pharmacies and retail outlets nationwide.
Unisex
Luxe Look
Super hydrating, Charlotte Tilbury Overnight Bronze and Glow Mask, €48, has zero tell-tale orange pigments and leaves skin unbelievably healthy-looking. After applying in the evening you are guaranteed to wake up glowing in the morning. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s worth it! From Brown Thomas, BT2, charlottetilbury.com.
His ‘n’ Hers
The HeShi Self Tan line was Ireland’s first tanning brand and turns 15 this year. The entire range has been unisex from the outset. The signature moisture-lock technology in HeShi Gold Foaming Mousse, €32.50, blends natural ingredients to keep your skin super-hydrated and also glowing. Natural DHA levels of 6pc keep skin bronzed without looking too dark. From pharmacies nationwide.
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