BEAUTY LAB Foolproof facial tanning that won’t make you look like Donald Trump
Could the humble pipette be the key to foolproof facial tanning? Sun-avoider CASSIE POWNEY seeks a summer glow
Vita Liberata Self-Tanning Anti-Age Serum, £29.95 After mixing three drops of this fresh-smelling serum into my usual moisturiser, I watched my pasty complexion warm within the eight hours promised. It took a couple of days to look officially ‘tanned’, even when applied directly to the skin, so a good one for first-time tanners and paler skin tones. The anti-ageing additions of rose, cucumber and cell-supporting peptides are not to be sniffed at either.
Tropic Sun Drops, £22 I was dubious about the thick, caramelcoloured liquid at first, but appreciated having a colour guide when it came to mixing it with my moisturiser. What followed (10 hours later) was a natural golden glow, thanks to a plant extract that mimics the colour of the skin’s own melanin. Clever. I ditched my bronzer for the rest of the week. Balance Me Gradual Tanning Drops, £30 An impressively high 98.8% natural formula (if that’s your bag), no colour guide and a noticeable-yet-natural skin warmth after one or two uses (darker than Vita Liberata, subtler than Tropic). The dry-oil consistency makes it perfect for skin on the dry side, as do the skin-loving ingredients aloe vera and vitamin E.
Editor’s pick...
Tan-Luxe Sleep Oil, £34 These before-bed drops contain six nourishing oils, including the much-loved likes of argan, raspberry seed and jojoba. It blends like a pampering product (no moisturiser-mixing required), and contains certified-organic DHA (that’s the tanning agent). I rose from my pillow looking like a sun-kissed goddess. Legit skincare with beauty benefits.
Marks & Spencer Autograph Self Tan Luxe Oil, £12.50
Full marks for the just-returned-from-two-weeks-abroad colour, which is easily maintained with every-other-day application directly onto the skin. But at less than half the price of its contender oil, what’s the catch? A noticeably less nourishing ingredients list, which didn’t go unnoticed – I had driedout skin for the whole week I used it.