Fake tan FAQSWhat is the easiest fake tan to apply？
When it comes to tanning, gel-based formulas are the easiest to apply. They aren’t as streaky as a liquid but look more natural than a mousse, so are a great starting point for beginners. With that being said, lotions and mousses are still easy to apply as long as you exfoliate beforehand and use a tanning mitt.
What to look for in a self-tanner
When choosing a tan, look for a non-biscuity scent, minimal transfer, hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or antioxidant oils such as rosehip oil, colour correcting actives to counteract any unwanted orange tones, fast-drying formulas and long-lasting colour pay-off.
How to remove fake tan
First up, invest in Face Halo’s exfoliator mitt (£18, Lookfantastic.com) as a must-have. We’ve tried every exfoliator brush, glove and mitt under the sun and nothing scrubs off your tan (without irritating the skin) like this does. In the shower or bath, apply an exfoliating scrub and use the mitt in circular motions to slough away dead skin cells (and patchy tan). Follow up with a moisturiser to keep skin hydrated.
How long does fake tan last？
This all depends on the formula you’re using, and how you treat your skin after tanning. To increase the longevity of your tan, be sure to moisturise daily. And before applying a fresh layer of tan, always exfoliate (see above) in order to give the formula a fresh canvas.
Mousse formulas tend to go patchy after four to five days (particularly on drier skin types) while lotions and gels tend to last longer and fade more naturally. However, there are exceptions to the rule here – read our detailed tan reviews above to find long-lasting formulas.
Should you moisturise before applying fake tan？
You absolutely should not apply moisturiser before fake tanning, unless it’s on an area where you want less tan to stick, i.e. hands, knees, elbows and feet. The grease in the moisturiser will add a barrier between your skin and the tan, meaning it won’t stick as well to your body. Also, as tan works by darkening dead skin cells, you also want your skin to be completely dry to achieve the desired faux glow.
The verdict: Fake tan
Having tested countless fake tans, the competition was incredibly tight, but these 11 stuck out as our favourite finds. Leading the pack, the St. Moriz Luxe hydra-glow clear tanning mousse impressed us the most with its ease of application, natural sunkissed shade and ingredients list.
However, we’d also recommend the Garnier summer body hydrating gradual tan moisturiser dark and St. Tropez gradual tan watermelon firming lotion for soft, buildable shades with a healthy hit of hydration. Meanwhile, experienced tanners will be best served by Isle of Paradise and Bondi Sands to get a golden glow that almost instantly absorbs.
We’ve found the best face tanners for achieving an effortless summer glow all year round