Latest news with #selftanning
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
INGE VAN LOTRINGEN: I'm a 55-year-old beauty expert, here are my 7 anti-ageing fake tan rules and the £44 James Reed product every woman needs for a streak-free finish
Fake tan phobics need not fear the streaky feet as it's never been easier to achieve natural-looking glowing, sunkissed skin, thanks to self-tanning products evolving to be largely fool-proof, entirely customisable and capable of leaving you bronzed and beautiful. 'Well-formulated products have the right amount of tanning agent versus colour-correcting pigments to ensure the colour is perfect for your skin tone,' says St Tropez tanning artist Sophie Evans. So, if you're wary of the stuff, but even warier of hitting the beach with your flesh looking blindingly pale or infuriatingly blotchy, don't fret.
Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
The rules of fake tan and how to get it right
I'm not embarrassed to admit that I spent a large proportion of my twenties looking 50 shades of orange. A gung-ho approach to fake-tan application and youthful disregard for basic rules meant telltale streaks were a trademark and biscuit was my signature scent. Nothing gave me more pleasure than someone saying 'You look tanned', to which I would reply: 'Thanks, it's fake.' As if they didn't already know. Like Claudia Winkleman, who once self-deprecatingly referred to herself as a 'tiny orange lady', I think there's something endearing about a tangerine tinge. However, when I left my twenties behind, I decided it was time to up my self-tanning game and focus on achieving what most people are after: a believable, healthy-looking bronze. Luckily, my revelation coincided with a significant improvement in the tanning products available on the market. In recent years, the category has expanded significantly and products have become more sophisticated, from instant body bronzers that glide on and wash off to longer-term formulas that are worth the commitment. 'When the tanning industry stepped into the forefront of beauty 25 years ago there were only one or two brands,' says James Harknett, a sought-after spray tanning artist. 'Initially, self-tanners were in a white cream but the invention of a tinted guide colour meant you could see where you were applying.' Since then, things have only improved. St. Tropez, perhaps the best-known name in fake tanning in the UK, has just released a hybrid tanning product – a no-rinse face serum that delivers instant bronze and develops over the space of a few hours. But just as important as using sophisticated products are the rules of application, starting with prep. Prep 'A few days before application, start by smoothing out the skin with exfoliation,' says Harknett. 'Ensure that any hair removal is done well before you tan – 24 hours or more is best for shaving, or 48-72 hours for waxing.' He recommends applying tan in a cool bathroom (without steam or humidity) and in front of a mirror with hair tied back, all jewellery removed, a little Vaseline applied over eyebrows and a towel on the floor beneath you. 'Next, moisturise the parts of the body that self tan grabs to, such as the heels, knee caps, elbows, hands and tops of feet,' he continues. James Read, who's worked in 'sunless tanning' for more than two decades, recommends the same approach, adding that a hydrating sheet mask can be useful when prepping the face. Wash-off tan Low-effort and suitable for the commitment-phobic, wash-off formulas are a godsend when it comes to bringing legs out of hibernation. 'Instant tans are so versatile and should be in everyone's tanning wardrobe,' says Harknett. 'They boost any skin tone or type and, when applied over existing self-tan, add depth and dimension.' The best in the business as far as I'm concerned is By Terry's Tea to Tan, a matte mist that immediately brings pallid skin to life and genuinely feels like it does your skin good (it contains skincare ingredients including tea and cherry extracts). It's for both face and body, but don't let that put you off – it's just as good on a shoulder or leg as it is below a cheekbone. If its price prohibits liberal application, worthy alternatives are the This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle serum for a subtle effect, or Vita Liberata's Body Blur for more coverage. Gradual tan 'Gradual gels and lotions are so lightweight now, and contemporary formulations are packed with hydrators, which make them popular with self-tanners who have drier skin types,' says Harknett. While they're more subtle than full-on tans, he still recommends taking your time blending product in, especially on knees and elbows. The Telegraph 's beauty director Sonia Haria swears by the Golden Glow Gradual Tan by quiet-luxury brand Gatineau, a lightly moisturising body lotion that delivers 'just a hint of extremely natural-looking colour on the skin'. Tanning drops are another versatile alternative. 'You can really go in gently at first so that the finish isn't too far from your natural complexion,' says Harknett. 'Choose one with skincare benefits such as hyaluronic acid, and add to your facial serum or moisturiser.' Full-on tan When it comes to full-on fake tanning, Read recommends adopting a mentality of less is more, applying a fine layer of product that can always be topped up. 'With the face, start from the neck, then go up to the hairline, pressing the skin for extra absorption and working a small amount of moisturiser into the hairline itself to create a natural fade,' he says. 'When it comes to the body, use a tanning mitt, leaving the hands and feet till last and working the excess product over these areas.' He recommends refraining from washing your hands, brushing your teeth, applying deodorant or putting a bra on straight afterwards, as each can result in paler patches. Exfoliating three to four days afterwards, in contrast, will ensure that the tan fades evenly. If things go wrong, Read has some useful antidotes. 'Using a retinol is a great way to help take down an over-tanned face,' he says. 'If you have made a mistake on the body, lemon juice and baking soda can correct it. Using a steam room or going swimming will also help to fade a tan.' If only I'd known these tricks back in my tangerine days.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
The £3 ‘Ozempic tan' which will take 5lbs off your thighs this summer… Four mums put budget options to test
IF your pasty pins are feeling camera shy after winter, but fake tan feels too extreme, could gradual tan be the easiest way to add a subtle glow? Alex Lloyd asked four mums to try budget versions for two weeks – on one leg only – and compared the results. Garnier Summer Body Hydrating Gradual Tan, £5.99 for 400ml (reduced from £11.99), Superdrug Tested by writer Emma Lazenby, 46, from Brighton, East Sussex I WAS a total fake tan newbie when I embarked on this test, put off by horror stories of people turning their legs orange. Gradual tan seemed a good starting point, although I opted for the Deep Sun-Kissed Glow version to get more bang for my buck. Garnier also has a Light one. I applied it before bed after exfoliating and could see the change within one day. I was impressed – although not so much with my orange hands. I quickly learned to give them a thorough wash after slathering it on. Luckily it didn't come off on the bed sheets and dried on my legs quickly. The lotion felt really rich, like a good moisturiser, and the smell was pleasant. However, the colour was so rich, I had to reduce my daily applications towards the end, because the colour was too dark for me. At no point did it get streaky or patchy, though. I'm definitely a convert – especially as I've had a few compliments. I'd use this again in the darker shade, but apply less frequently. And I think the lighter one would be better for naturally paler skin tones, or anyone who wants to apply it daily as part of their moisturising routine. SCORE: 9/10 This Morning pro reveals the best fake tans for a streak-free glow & all the mistakes to avoid Nivea Q10 Gradual Tan Body Lotion, £5.99 for 400ml, Superdrug Tested by writer Alison Perry, 46, from Bromley, Kent I'M NATURALLY quite pale, but as there's a history of skin cancer in my family, I try not to expose my legs to the sun too much. If I'm going on holiday, I'll slather on fake tan instead – usually whatever I can buy on offer. This Nivea gradual tan has a nice smell and went on really easily, although the texture was runnier than I expected. It wasn't very moisturising, however. I expected my tanned leg to feel softer than the pale one, but the skin texture was pretty much the same. It took a couple of days before I noticed any change in colour, so you have to persist. I kept asking my kids if they could see a change and their reply at the start was a non-committal 'a little'. If you stick with it, the glow is a nice, delicate colour – ideal if you are a bit nervous about using these products. It stayed put, too, and didn't seem patchy, but it didn't really take to my feet. I'm not sure if that's because I wore socks on chilly days and that rubbed it off. I'd definitely use it again, but switch to another product if I needed a richer tan colour. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze Gradual Tanner, £4.65 for 250ml, Asda Tested by writer Sheryl Plant, 41, from Chelmsford, Essex AS A pale redhead, I'm not a sunbather. And my only run-in with fake tan as a teen ended up with streaky orange legs. More than 25 years later, I approached this test with trepidation, fully expecting to have to hide under trousers for a fortnight. But I was pleasantly surprised by this gradual tanner. I've used Palmer's products before and was happy to find this had the same cocoa butter fragrance. The texture was thick, but felt light on my skin as I applied it to exfoliated legs after my morning shower. It did take a minute or so to sink in though. I liked the bottle's pump dispenser, as it reduced mess and wastage. I had plenty left once the fortnight finished. Within a couple of days of use, I could see a colour emerging, which felt very natural and didn't scream 'fake'. Two weeks of consistent use made it a little too dark for me and there were a couple of streaky patches. But I'd definitely use it again, applying every other day or so to reduce the intensity of the shade. I'm a convert and certainly felt more confident putting on shorts or a short summer skirt. Dove Visible Glow Self-Tan Lotion, £3.50 for 400ml (reduced from £7), Boots Tested by writer Helen Wright, 43, from Essex NOW I'm in my forties, I care less about what people think about my legs in shorts. But if I'm going out for the night, I prefer a bit of colour to feel more dressed up. A gradual tan is perfect for me as it's low maintenance. I didn't even bother with skin prep – I just showered and slapped it on. This product comes in two shades, and I went for the darker option as I felt it would compliment my skin tone better. It was the right choice, as the colour was similar to my natural tan, with no hints of orange or yellow. The cream is lovely, just like a Dove body lotion. While it has a slight fake tan whiff, you can also smell the nice tropical fragrance. My skin felt really well moisturised after using it and it wasn't sticky. But I waited ten minutes before putting clothes on. The colour was impressive, too, like using full-strength fake tan without the streaks and faff. It developed within three hours or so. I think the tan also makes my left leg seem slimmer and more toned. But the strength meant applying daily was too much. I'm continuing to use it, but every other day instead. It's excellent value and a little goes a long way – I can't fault it. FABULOUS BEAUTY EDITOR TARA LEDDEN SAYS: PREPARATION is key with fake tans – and gradual tans. To avoid 'strawberry leg' dark spots, shave and exfoliate with an oil-free scrub 24 hours before your first application. It will stop the tan collecting in your hair follicles, and get rid of dry spots on knees, heels and elbows to stop them darkening more. After the prep, gradual tanners are far more low-maintenance than mousses or sprays. You can apply them with bare hands – rather than needing a mitt or a glove – but wash them after to avoid orange palms. And they won't stain your bedsheets. Gradual tans are often formulated with hydrating ingredients used in body lotions and creams, that slow down the colour change so you can manage it over time. The moisturising formulas also help prevent 'tiger bread' striping as your tan breaks down. Because the colour is built up in layers, it's less likely to transfer on to clothes, or disappear after swimming. And you can reapply every few days, for weeks, before stripping it off with fake tan remover if you choose. So they are brilliant for summer holidays. Whether you're a tan newbie, as pale as a ghost (like me) or time poor, they're completely foolproof.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I've got fair skin and only buy SPF 50 – this is the £12 body sunscreen I'll be wearing on repeat all summer long
I've had to learn the hard way (read: repeated cases of sunburnt shoulders) that I can't leave the house without a layer of sunscreen as soon as the UV index hits 3 or above. (That's when, according to Cancer Research UK, the sun is strong enough to cause damage and those who burn easily should consider protecting their skin). While I'm religious about applying SPF 50+ on my face year-round, I find the process of applying sunscreen on my body, especially when I'm not lounging in a bikini by the pool or on the beach, a little more tedious. It's often sticky, meaning I can't immediately put my clothes on after and get on with my day. Or, it has that distinctive coconutty smell that doesn't layer nicely with my Twilly d'Hermès Eau de Parfum. Don't even get me started on the stains that some of these formulas leave on white clothing, which makes up the majority of my summer wardrobe. However, all these arguments pale in comparison with the risk of skin cancer, and that's why, a couple of summers ago, I set out to find the best body sunscreen on the market. The criteria? One that's easy to apply, absorbs into the skin, is fragrance-free and affordable. Sounds like an impossible checklist, right? Well, let me introduce the SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Body Sunscreen Lotion from Bondi Sands. (Yes, the self-tanning brand.) Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Body Sunscreen Lotion £10.99 Shop The chemical sunscreen offers both UVA and UVB protection with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50+, and is water resistant for up to four hours. The fragrance-free formula is infused with aloe vera and vitamin E to be moisturising (but doesn't leave a greasy residue), fast absorbing and gentle on the skin. It comes in a 500ml bottle (£19.99, Boots) that lives on my bathroom shelf throughout the summer months so I can apply it first thing, as well as a 150ml squeeze tube (£10.99, Boots) that I'll throw in my beach bag, and a mist spray (£10.99, Boots) that I'll keep in my work tote so I can reapply the product every two hours (or more often).
