Time to get glowing
As the weather warms up at last, it’s time to start thinking about summer. And if all this sunshine has you dreaming of a golden glow, you’re not alone. Sales of fake tan are up year on year, and expected to reach £1billion globally by 2026.
New formulas mean that patchy palms and that tell-tale biscuit smell are a thing of the past. All it takes is a little prep, says tanning expert and founder of Isle of Paradise Jules Von Hep.
“With a little knowhow, getting your glow right every time is easy,” he says.
WHICH FORMULA IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Drops “If you’re a tanning novice, drops are one of the easiest to use,” says Jules. “Think of them like a cordial – they need to be mixed with moisturiser and the more drops you add, the deeper your tan will be.”
Mist/water “This is another great option for novice tanners,” says Jules.
“Simply spray on to the skin and rub it in with your hands, a bit like when you spray on SPF at the beach.”
Express Jules says: “You’ll find quick-working mousses are perfect when you need a last-minute tan for an event. Some develop in just 30 minutes, but the longer you leave them, the deeper the glow.”
Facial tanners Jules says these are “great for maintaining a consistent glow on the face and are super easy to use.
“Use one as the last step in your evening routine to wake up glowing. Or apply one before make-up for an energising glow boost that lasts all day.”
HOW TO ACHIEVE A FLAWLESS GLOW For the face…
“The best application technique depends on which formula you’re using, so pick the one that works best for you,” says Jules.
“But as a general rule, every other day use two to four self-tan drops with your favourite moisturiser, four to five spritzes of self-tan water, or half a pump of self-tan mousse.”
For the body…
“It’s all in the prep,” says Jules. “Moisturise dry areas such as hands, feet, elbows and knees before and after application but don’t apply moisturiser to the rest of your body.
“Whether you’re using a mitt or a brush for your application, work the tan in with sweeping, lengthways motions to ensure even pressure – don’t use circular motions.
“Finally, buff and blend. Use a blending brush to sweep over drier areas – knuckles, wrists, knees, elbows, feet, ankles – as well as the hairline and decolletage.
“Remember to remove any excess tan from your palms, soles, nails and in between fingers.”
TOP NEW TANS Best for… FAST
Isle of Paradise Express Self-Tanning Mousse, £21.95, Boots, delivers a golden glow in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for the time poor.
Best for… SCENT
St Tropez Berry Sorbet Mousse, £34, Boots, smells like fresh berries, rose and vanilla. Our go-to for a flawless finish.
Best for… GRADUAL
Dove Summer Revived Gradual Tanning Lotion, £8.50, Asda, is applied as a daily moisturiser and builds into a naturallooking tan over time.
Best for… DROPS
Rose & Caramel Unity Unisex Tanning Drops, £24.99, roseand caramel.co.uk, can be mixed with your moisturiser for a finish you can customise.
Best for… CUSTOMISABLE
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Self-Tan Gelee, £29, esteelauder.co.uk, is fast-acting and can be
washed off after one, two or three hours for a bespoke glow.
Best for… SKINCARE BENEFITS
Typology Body SelfTanning Gel with 6% DHA + Aloe Vera, £27.50, uk.typology. com, is a skinsoothing formula with recycled aluminium packaging.
Best for… EASY APPLICATION
St Moriz Luxe Body & Face Bronzing Mist, £16.99, Boots, is a super light spritz that is great for areas harder to reach.
■■You can follow Hannah on Instagram @hannahrbritt