Fake tans our beauty team buys on repeat and swears by for lasting colour
From a gradual tanning butter that packs the pigment of a mousse but without the mess, to an instant spray with airbrushing effects, here are the tans our beauty team loves...
Fake tans have come a long way from the streaky, orange disasters of the past. Nowadays, there's something to suit every skin tone, lifestyle and budget, whether you're after a subtle, buildable glow or a quick, punchy bronzed finish. Our beauty team has put a range of the best fake tans to the test, from wallet-friendly gradual tanners to luxe, clear mousses, so you don't have to waste time guessing which ones actually deliver.
We're sharing the formulas we genuinely love and buy time and time again, all tried and tested to give a natural, radiant glow without any hassle, the dreaded fake tan smell or messy sheets. So, whether you're prepping for a holiday, topping up for an event or just want a faux glow this heatwave, these are the fake tans our Mirror beauty and shopping team swears by...
Bali Body Gradual Tanning Butter
Shop it for £17.99 on sale
This tanning butter gently builds a sun-kissed tan while deeply nourishing your skin with rich moisturisers like shea butter and coconut oil.
Head of beauty and fashion Zoe says: "This is a fake tan that smells nothing like one – no biscuit scent, just a summery undertone that is very pleasant. It doubles as a luxe body lotion too, packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter that leave my post-sun skin feeling nourished. It's perfect if you're a tanning beginner because it's practically foolproof with no streaks or orange tones in sight. The subtle gold shimmer gives an instant glow, even while the tan develops, and it dries so quickly that I can get into my pyjamas five minutes later. Bonus: no stained sheets or towels.
Isle of Paradise Glow Clear Self Tanning Mousse
Shop it for £22
A clear mousse with a no-transfer formula to give a light, medium or dark tan while offering colour-correcting abilities.
Beauty and wellness editor Laura says: "The transparent formula (I use the medium shade) means no transfer on clothes or bedding, which is a big win. Once developed, it gives a natural, golden glow that smooths out redness and imperfections, making me feel confident in summer clothes. It lasts impressively well too– still showing colour a week after my holiday. While it takes time to apply and develop, it's definitely my go-to for a reliable, natural tan before every trip."
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion
Shop it for £18
A moisturising gradual tan that provides a soft, buildable sun-kissed glow while nourishing the skin.
Senior shopping writer Faith says:"I don't use fake tan often, but when I do I tend to stick to ones that are heavy on the moisturiser. I typically have dry skin with patches of eczema, so a hydrating and moisturising one is essential for me to avoid it settling into those dry areas. I also want something that's quick and easy to use – no long times leaving it to develop, having to shower it off again.
"That's why the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion is definitely a go-to for me. It gives you an instantly tanned glow, and develops over time without needing to be washed off. The lotion is easy to blend (I use a tanning mitt) and I find it doesn't go streaky and dries quickly so there's minimal time spent standing around waiting around. It does have a green undertone which may not work for every skin tone, but I find this suits my skin's naturally red undertones as it neutralises the red, making it look more natural. The only down side is that if you get rained on, or spill something on your tan, it will become blotchy. However for those last minute tan top ups or a quick fix, this is a great go-to."
Utan Cool Undertone Instant Airbrush Spray
Shop it for £17.99
This wash-off tan gives your skin an instant, buildable bronzed glow while evening out tone, all with a fresh, non-fake tan scent.
Shopping writer Grace says: "At first, I wasn't sure the colour would be rich enough for me since the initial spritz was very sheer. But the beauty of this product is how quickly it dries, making it super easy to build up for a more bronzed look. It behaves more like body make-up than a traditional fake tan, so it's brilliant for evening out skin tone and giving a subtle glow without going full-on mahogany.
If you're after a deep, dramatic tan, this probably won't hit the mark – but for last-minute plans or a quick confidence boost, it's ideal. I'm a bit hopeless at remembering to fake tan in advance, so this handy little spray has earned a permanent place in my handbag. And the scent? Think warm vanilla and tonka, not that usual biscuit-y smell.
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Mousse
Shop it for £29.56 on sale
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This fast-working mousse delivers a natural, olive-toned tan in just two hours, thanks to its quick-drying formula and colour guide technology.
Shopping writer Meghan says:"Applying this tanning mousse is as easy as using my usual moisturiser – the only tricky bit is my back, but with a bit of help, it takes under 30 minutes. I start with the two-hour guide for a subtle glow, but when I leave it on overnight, I wake up looking like I've just got back from the Med. It dries quickly, doesn't transfer to bedding, and the aloe vera base keeps my skin hydrated without clinging to dry patches. The result is a natural-looking, olive-toned tan that works beautifully on my pale skin. The mitt does slip a little on smaller hands, but it's a small gripe in an otherwise seamless tanning routine.
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Daily Mirror
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'I compared £160 mango from Harrods to M&S version and one had me floored'
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Daily Mirror
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Best summer wedding guest dresses worn by the Mirror fashion team
If the calendar is stacked with invitations, it's time to find the perfect summer wedding guest dress for all kinds of celebrations with Mirror's fashion team winning outfits Wedding season is officially upon us, which means it's time to update wardrobes with stylish frocks perfect for summer nuptials. Our selection of the best summer wedding guest dresses will ensure shoppers stay comfortable throughout the day, from the ceremony to the reception, and all are priced under £100. Summer weddings are the perfect occasion for bright colours and vibrant patterns, but that doesn't mean shoppers can't opt for a chic neutral palette if that's more their style. Whether it is floral prints or beach-ready styles, our edit has a show-stopping dress to suit any celebration. What's more, many of these summer wedding guest outfits are versatile enough to be worn throughout the season, giving more bang for your buck. Simply add a jacket and trainers for a completely different look. Bethan's pick: Coast Dahlia Printed Angel Sleeve Satin Bridesmaid Dress, £64.50 Butter yellow has been the trending colour of the year, so it's no surprise that there's a glut of wedding guest dresses in the lemony hue this season. My top pick is the Coast Dahlia Printed Angel Sleeve Satin Dress, Adorned with a stunning dahlia floral design. It lends itself nicely to countryside barn weddings, as well as events like the races, where I wore mine. Usually £129, the dress is currently on offer for £64.50 and features the most romantic ruffly angel sleeves, which aren't restrictive, do a wonderful job of covering the upper-arm area, and are still breezy and breathable, making them ideal for warm weather. The high waistline is also really flattering, making my legs look longer while creating a curvy silhouette that skims the tummy. The skirt of the dress flows beautifully, and the satin fabric appears to be of a higher quality. 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Roman Petite Embroidered Maxi Dress, £65 A standout in Roman's seasonal collection is the Cotton Embroidered Shirred Maxi Dress, turning heads in coral pink. A shirred stretch bodice is a detail that makes this dress comfortable, as well as accommodating to all bust sizes. Falling to a maxi length with a fit and flare shape, complete the look with heeled wedges for a special occasion, and then re-wear with white trainers or sandals for a more casual day. Besides the 'beautiful colour for the summer' earning customer accolades, shoppers are praising the Roman dress for making them feel confident during the warmer months. The dress boasts on-trend puff sleeves that have won the hearts of wearers. One person shared: "Love it. Beautiful colour and a good length. Sleeves cover my upper arms which is a good thing!" Stocked in sizes 8 to 18 and priced at £65, someone found that the fit came up large, so this is something to note. 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Daily Mirror
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Love Island's Adam Collard enjoys holiday with fiancée Laura Woods and baby son
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