Latest news with #selftanning
The Independent
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
My go-to gradual fake tan each summer costs less than £5
Alongside facial SPF, frizz-proof heat protectant spray and a body sunscreen summer, gradual tan is among my top summer beauty non-negotiables. Simultaneously hydrating and bronzing skin, these lotions and creams are the ultimate hybrid in your suitcase. As a self-confessed fake tan addict, I tend to get through a bottle of gradual tan at an alarming rate for my bank balance. Thankfully, I discovered Dove's hero budget buy that sets me back less than £5 a pop. Dove's cult summer revived lotion needs little introduction among fake-tan devotees. For the uninitiated, the lotion nourishes skin (hello aloe vera and glycerin), while giving you a radiant and natural-looking glow. The formula is lightweight and buildable – so you can customise your tan over time – and far less drying than other methods (goodbye tiger-bread skin). I've been using Dove's summer revived for years, mostly applying it over an existing layer of fake tan, to prolong my glow. A saviour for parched skin on holiday, it's also my go-to for topping up a real tan after a day at the beach. Whether you're a fake tan beginner looking to ease yourself in or are after a new budget gradual formula, here's everything you need to know about Dove's summer revived lotion. How I tested Dove's lotion is designed to be applied just as you would a normal body lotion, and I usually apply the product over the top of an existing layer of tan, blending with my hands for a more streak-free finish. From how easy it is to apply to the natural-looking results, here's why Dove's summer revived deserves a spot in your fake-tan kit.
Forbes
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Yes, Black Girls Tan Too — And The Beauty Industry Is Finally Taking Notice
When you think of self-tanning, chances are you're not picturing a Black woman reaching for bronzing mousse. But that narrative is shifting—and fast. St. Tropez and Peta Jane self-tanning products pictured with Black women embracing glowing skin Across TikTok and Instagram, a new wave of Black and brown creators are openly embracing self-tanning. Not to change their complexion, but to even it out, enhance natural radiance, and reclaim a beauty ritual that's long excluded them. What once felt like an off-limits aisle in the beauty store is now a space for experimentation, education and glow-ups—with melanin at the center. Videos tagged #BlackGirlsTan have racked up millions of views, with creators like Jackie Aina and Kamie Crawford showcasing their glowing skin post spray tan. It's not to change their complexion, but to even it out, contour and improve superficial imperfections. So I decided to dig deeper and experience it for myself—sitting down with two of the industry's most trusted experts: Sophie Evans, celebrity tanning artist and skin finishing expert for St. Tropez, and Peta Murgatroyd, Dancing with the Stars alum and founder of Peta Jane Beauty. Both women are redefining the self-tanning space—not only by making products that work across all skin tones, but by helping to reframe what 'tanning' actually means. 'Self-tan is for everybody,' Evans told me. 'And on darker skin, it looks amazing—you get rid of tan lines, contour the body and it gives you that glow. We all go darker in the sun—why not enhance that?' Sophie's been tanning melanin-rich skin since the '90s, working with stars like Sade and Mel B of the Spice Girls long before it was trendy. Today, her work continues with a new generation of creators, who are turning the lens on a new kind of luxury: even skin, body confidence and radiant, natural glow. Meanwhile, Peta Murgatroyd is carving her own lane with Peta Jane Beauty, a self-funded brand built around everyday confidence, buildable color and formulas that actually work for all skin tones. Both experts agree: the results are only as good as your prep. So if you're a first-timer, don't skip these essentials. 'Exfoliate 24 hours before,' Murgatroyd emphasized. 'But don't use oily scrubs. Oil creates a barrier and prevents the tan from absorbing. Instead, use a dry exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin and get an even base.' She also advises shaving a full day prior to tanning to avoid the formula settling into open pores or looking spotty. Evans' agrees, adding that moisturizing only dry areas (like elbows, knees, ankles) is key to avoiding over-saturation and patchiness. Once you're prepped, here's how to apply for flawless results: Exfoliate – 24 hours before tanning. On the day of, moisturize dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and feet – Use a mitt to apply St. Tropez's Classic Bronzing Mousse or Peta Jane's Gradual Tan in long, even strokes. Work in sections (forearms, upper arms, chest).Glow – Wait 4–8 hours before rinsing (or 1 hour with express formulas). Then moisturize daily to maintain a smooth, radiant finish. Peta Jane and St. Tropez both prioritize neutral undertones, which are essential for melanin-rich skin. 'I've tried formulas that made me look red, green—even gray,' said Murgatroyd. 'So we created a line with a neutral brown base that works on every skin tone—from fair to deep. There's no orange, no weird undertones—just glow.' Peta Jane ultra dark tanning mousse pictured with Black model Her top picks? 'The mist is my date-night hero,' Murgatroyd laughed. 'I have three kids, a dog, and no time. I spray my chest, my legs—wherever showing—and I'm out the door glowing.' Evans recommends St. Tropez's Violet Supreme Mousse, which contains olive-based and melanin-compatible pigments, and Sunlit Serum Drops for precise, brush-based application. 'Even on deep skin, a little contour with the right product goes a long way,' Evans told me. 'It's not about coverage—it's about enhancing what's already there.' Black model showcasing tan before and after using St. Tropez tan berry sorbet mousse When I asked Evans about tips for newcomers, especially Black women curious but cautious, she offered this: As more Black women reclaim their glow on their own terms, the industry is finally being challenged to keep up. This is about more than bronzing. It's about visibility, access and choice. 'Black girls tan too,' Evans said with a smile. 'And when they do, they glow differently.' 'Everyone deserves to feel radiant,' Murgatroyd echoed. 'No matter your skin tone, your lifestyle, your routine—you deserve products that make you feel good in your skin.' Tanning is no longer a one-shade-fits-all experience. Whether you're looking to contour your curves, blur out stretch marks or just look like you stepped off a yacht in St. Barts—there's finally space (and product) for Black women in the glow game. So yes, Black girls tan too.
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- 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.
