17-05-2025
'These fake tan wipes gave me a glow that looked like I'd spent a week away'
If you're looking for a sun-kissed glow and skincare benefits, these new fake tan pads from Dr. Dennis Gross do it all, and left me looking like I'd just come back from a tropical holiday
If, like me, you hate the faff of fake tanning but still want that 'I just back from holiday glow', these genius new exfoliating pads are about to become your new favourite thing.
The Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Glow Pads for Face are pre-soaked tanning pads that make bronzing ridiculously easy. There are no mitts, no mess, and, most importantly, no weird smell.
My issue with face tanners in the past has been that they've broken me out, but these handy pads manage to give a natural-looking, streak-free tan while also exfoliating and hydrating my skin. A win-win situation in my eyes.
Packed full of skin-loving ingredients, including Alpha Beta® Acids to gently exfoliate (so the colour goes on smooth), vitamin E to lock in moisture, and emblica extract to brighten and boost collagen, they start working their magic pretty fast. Within three to four hours, a natural-looking tan starts to develop.
Pros
So easy to use
No classic fake tan smell
Natural-looking bronzed results
Travel-friendly
Cons
Expensive
I especially love the fact that these pads have real skin benefits compared to other types of facial tans. And arguably, the biggest bonus for me is that they are travel-friendly. I'm a pretty pale girl who takes a while to catch a natural tan, so I like to have the option of bringing fake tan with me when I head on holiday. Luckily, with these handy pads, I don't need to worry about 100ml hand luggage requirements, and they also won't take up much space in my suitcase.
My main criticism comes with the price, as £49 is a pretty steep price to pay. But considering you get 20 pads, and its self tan that's actually beneficial to the skin, I can't complain too much.
I'm also a huge fan of Iconic's new Bronzing Elixir. The product is easily buildable, so you can customise your level of bronziness. I love that it applies more sheer, which gives a natural finish. Initially, I was concerned because it appeared very shimmery on my hand, but once applied, it didn't come off glittery at all, instead, it left a beautiful, luminous glow.
