I tested 5 popular fake tans to see which would last the longest – a £5 buy went patchy but a cult fave earned the title

The Sun

29-04-2025

THE sun may finally be out - but if you're a Casper like me, the glorious weather will leave you looking like a lobster and not a bronzed goddess.
Luckily, the high street offers a huge variety of fake tans to suit every budget - and many paler Brits, like myself, have been nipping to the stores to snap up mousses and gradual lotions.
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In theory, many tanning products to promise to leave you with a sun-kissed glow that supposedly lasts a week - and more.
But as someone who's been religiously fake tanning since the unripe age of 15, I know that's not the case - especially if you shower twice a day, like I do.
Tired of sometimes having to apply the tanning mousse twice a week, I decided to put five different bronzing products to test to see which one would last the longest - and would save you the most money in the long run.
St Moriz Professional Medium Tanning Mousse
£4.99, Boots
This purse-friendly number has won an impressive 4.7-star rating on Boots website - and it's easy to see why.
Although at first I was quite scared the shade would be too dark and fake-looking for my fair complexion, I was pleasantly surprised to wake up with a gorgeous bronzed glow.
What's more, this is one of the very few fake tans that doesn't have that signature biscuit smell - and the nourishing Aloe Vera formula leaves your skin soft and hydrated.
However, do be warned - it will stain your bedding.
But did it stand the test of time?
As much as I loved the complexion it gave me, my skin started to resemble tiger bread just three days later - despite applying moisturiser after every shower.
I got sparkly white teeth in Dubai & they only cost £2k, trolls say they're clearly 'fake'
By day four, the patches were so bad, I was left with no other option than scrub it all off with a 20p remedy.
Rating: 3/5
St Moriz Advanced Colour Correcting Tanning Mousse Medium
£9.99, Superdrug
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With thousands of beauty buffs around the world raving over their products, St Moriz has become one of the leading fake tan brands.
And while the cheaper Professional Medium Tanning Mousse may have been a bit of a flop, St Moriz Advanced Colour Correcting Tanning Mousse could easily become one of my new go-tos.
Priced at £9.99 at Superdrug, this product is a tad bit more expensive - but it's worth splurging out that little extra.
Unlike most products in the market, it won't turn you into a real-life Oompa Loompa, as the colour-correcting formula boasts a gorgeous olive undertone - think a trip to the Mediterranean but in a bottle.
Another bonus is the added hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5 to give you long lasting hydration - which is a must now that the weather is warming up.
Although I was quite sceptical this mousse wouldn't be much different as its cheaper version, the extra £5 mark-up was worth it - as my tan lasted close to a week, eventually fading slightly towards the end of it.
Rating: 5/5
Garnier Summer Body Hydrating Gradual Tan Moisturiser
£6 (was £12), Boots
It's one of the OGs when it comes to tanning products - and with a bargain price, it's easy to see why so many people are raving over Garnier Summer Body Hydrating Gradual Tan Moisturiser.
Although shoppers can pick between a lighter option and a darker one, I'd suggest going for the dark shade - as it will give you some colour.
While the tanning lotion does have that signature smell, it's not too pungent - however, if you do want to achieve a sun-kissed glow overnight, this is not the pick for you.
As with all gradual lotions, it took a few days to achieve the complexion I was after - which is ideal if you're on the lookout for a more natural alternative.
Sadly, despite taking three days to give me the desired results, the joys of a glow didn't last long - as by day four it started to fade away, leaving patches on the dryer areas, including my elbows and knees.
Fake Tan Lovers Guide to Applying it Streak-Free
Here's Fabulous ultimate guide to a flawless, streak-free fake tan that will leave you looking like you've just stepped off the beach...
Preparation is Key
A streak-free tan starts with proper skin prep. Exfoliate your skin thoroughly 24 hours before application. Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees and ankles to ensure an even canvas. Opt for an exfoliator with natural ingredients to avoid irritation.
Hydration Station
Moisturise your entire body right after exfoliating, but pay extra attention to dry patches. On the day of tanning, only apply a light, oil-free moisturiser to these areas a few hours before you plan to tan. This prevents the tan from clinging to dry spots and developing unevenly.
Formulate, Don't Hate
Selecting the right fake tan product can make all the difference. Mousse formulas are easiest to apply and blend. Tanning drops can be added to your regular face moisturiser to match your face with your body.
Application O'Clock
Using a tanning mitt is non-negotiable for an even application. Dispense a small amount of product onto the mitt and apply in long, sweeping motions. Start from your ankles and work your way up to avoid creases. Apply sparingly on joints and use a fluffy make-up brush for your hands and feet.
Post-Tan Care
Once you've applied your tan, allow it to dry completely before dressing. Loose, dark clothing is best to avoid transferring colour. Avoid water and sweat for at least six to eight hours while the tan develops. After your first rinse, pat your skin dry gently and moisturise daily to prolong your tan.
Solait Self Tan Mousse Dark
£5.99, Superdrug
''Kate, why are you so orange?'' is something I hear a lot - so needless to say I was petrified when I read several reviews of people warning to steer clear of Solait Self Tan Mousse Dark.
Unfortunately for myself, I did turn into a local Oompa Loompa - so if this is your vibe and you don't mind an orange glow, I couldn't recommend this product enough.
The formula glided onto my skin easily and left no streaks, which is always a huge win - however, it did have that nasty fake tan smell which my scented moisturiser proved to be too weak to camouflage.
While the description promised the glow was ''long-lasting'', it started to fake and go patchy just two days later - which, perhaps, was a blessing in disguise, as I was bright orange.
Rating: 2/5
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam One Hour Express
£16.99, Boots
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few years, chances are you've heard of Bondi Sands - the Aussie brand that everyone and their mum seem to be talking about.
Although I've been hooked on fake tan for close to two decades, I've never tried any of their products - until now that I put their Self Tanning Foam One Hour Express to test.
Setting you back £16.99 at Boots, this is certainly on the higher end - but in my eyes, the mousse is worth every penny and the hundreds of gleaming reviews.
As the formula develops in just one hour (while most take anywhere from six to eight hours), this is the perfect option for last-minute plans.
For a darker complexion, the cult favourite brands advised to leave the foam on skin for two to three hours.
Another mega bonus is the neutral scent and the easy application which ensures a streak-free glow.
The mousse may have taken just one hour to develop, but that clearly was more than enough time to cling onto my skin properly - as I was left with a lovely glow for five days.