W BEAUTY
L
THE ULTIMATE FAKE TAN GUIDE
by Carla Kelly
So recently, I hit the big 40 and taking care of my skin is more important to
me than ever before. Gone are the days lying under the tubes of a sunbed and
anything less than a factor 30 is an absolute no, no!
So when I want that golden goddess glow I have to take to the bottle.
When you’re trying to find the best false tan, there are a number of things you’re
going to want to take into consideration. Do you want an instant tan, that doesn’t
need time to develop? Or do you want a gradual fake tan, that’ll keep you bronzed
without looking obvious?
Because let's face it – even when the sun’s not shining, we still want a golden glow.
Without the much-feared streaky legs, the biscuit-y smell and that infamous
orange shade.
But I’ve got you covered as here are some fake tan tips for making sure you glow
from head to toe.
EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE! RODIAL TANNING WATER £39
This will remove dead skin cells and create
a smooth and uniform surface on the skin
for the tan to be applied to, which will in
turn result in an even colour. However, steer
clear of exfoliators that contain oils, as these
will only act as a film on the skin and while
wonderful for locking in moisture, aren’t
ideal for tanning. I love to use exfoliating
gloves whilst in the shower, working in
circular and lengthways motions. Pay extra
special attention to your elbows, knees and
décolletage. A translucent self-tan developed
with 3% DHA for a golden, natural
looking tan. The lightweight formula
is transparent when applied and
absorbs quickly into the skin for easy
application and a streak-free finish
that does not transfer onto clothes
or sheets.
AVOID SHAVING BEFORE
Any hair removal should be carried out
24 hours prior to tanning. This is done to
ensure the skin has calmed and any cuts
have healed.
BE MOISTURISER SAVVY
On the day of your tan application, do not
moisturise your body as the tan will not
develop as well. Also do not wear deodorant
or perfume before tanning as it can react
and can turn the tan a nice shade of GREEN!
TRY A MITT
Always apply using an applicator mitt or
gloves to protect your hands from turning
orange: pump your product onto the mitt
and apply to the skin using sweeping
motions, rather than circular motions –
make sure that you evenly distribute the
product.
AND FINALLY RESEARCH YOUR TAN TYPES
It really is about personal preference and
there's a whole lot of false tans on the
market, but these are the cream of the
crop. Trust me, I’ve tried them all (I’m VERY
dedicated to my job).
70 wirrallife.com
ELEMIS TOTAL GLOW
BRONZING MOISTURISER
50ML £32.50
Gradual tans build up day by day to
deepen the colour and are great for
first time tanners. This lightweight
moisturising body lotion melts into
the skin for a natural golden glow,
that builds with each use. Has a
delicate floral aroma to it which
naturally masks the scent of self-tan.
ST TROPEZ SELF TAN CLASSIC
BRONZING MOUSSE 240ML
£19.59 (Superdrug)
A mousse is the quickest to dry and,
in my opinion, the easiest to apply,
and can take 8-12 hours to develop.
I love this product. Probably one of
the most iconic, natural and healthy
looking false tans, that lasts for days!
LA MER GRADUAL TAN FACE &
BODY 200ML £85
La Mer's Gradual Tan Face & Body is
a deliciously-scented, rich-but-not-
greasy body cream, that absorbs into
the skin in an instant for an even,
perfectly natural looking glow with no
streaks. Also, it actually moisturises
your skin as some tans can leave your
skin feeling dry and a little parched, so
this saves the need for extra products.
HE-SHI ONE DAY TAN £16
Instant tans are non-committal tans
and wash away with warm soap
and water. This award winning one
day tan is a tinted wash off bronzer,
perfect for anyone new to tanning or
looking for a tan that won’t last for
days. It enhances skin tone to give a
flawless, natural golden glow, whilst
moisturising skin throughout the day.
A refreshing, non-sticky and quick
drying gel.
COCA BROWN 1 HR TAN DARK
MOUSSE £5.32 (Superdrug)
The highly anticipated Cocoa Brown 1
HOUR TAN for ladies who love a really
intense tan. Easy to apply mousse,
fast-drying, non-stick and fades
evenly. Signature Tahitian Gardenia
scent-NO fake tan pong! Once rinsed
off, your tan will last for between
5 and 7 days. Then to finish off that
bronzed look, you can add extra
luminous for that ‘Jay-Lo glow’.
HE-SHI EXPRESS LIQUID TAN
£39
Express tans - The latest tans on the
market – with a development time of
1-3 hours. An odourless self-tanning
bronzer which tans instantly on
contact with the skin, giving a lovely
bronzed complexion that can be
deepened by layering.
NARS TAHITI BODY GLOW £45
The ultimate multi-purpose beauty
oil, NARS’ Tahiti Body Glow soothes
and moisturises skin with the
addition of a rich chocolate shimmer
for a natural glow.