15 hours ago
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.
