14 Of The Best Fake Tans For An Easy, Bronzed Glow

What is the best fake tan?

Whether you want to add a little extra colour to a paler complexion or deepen and add glow to darker skin tones, rest assured, there is a formula out there for you. “The best fake tan is a solution that offers skin hydration and support, while creating your desired glow,” says Michaella Bolder, tanning and skincare expert. “Choosing the right tanning solution is essential to a natural, healthy-looking tan.” As a general rule, if you have fairer skin, Bolder suggests a gradual or serum tanning solution, which you can slowly build up as needed, whereas those with medium skin tones can opt for something richer, such as a mousse or lotion. Those with darker tones should choose an extra dark formula or double up using a deep, rich tanning product.

How long should my fake tan last?

The duration of your tan depends on a few factors: skin tone, moisture levels, whether you’ve exfoliated beforehand, how many baths you take, how rigorously you dry yourself and how hot the water is. Generally speaking, your tan will last between seven and 10 days. “Fake tan is the result of a chemical reaction on the surface of the skin,” says  Bolder. “This response of DHA combined with amino acids on the skin creates a golden hue that should last around the same time as your skin cell cycle.”

There are some measures you can take to prolong your tan. “It’s all in the prep and aftercare,” says McMilla. Exfoliate before tanning; keep the skin hydrated and well moisturised; swap baths for short, warm showers, opting for a warm temperature as opposed to hot; and pat the skin dry as opposed to rubbing it.

How do I apply fake tan for the best results?

You’ve found the right formula; now all you need to do is apply it correctly. Even the best fake tan can fail if applied incorrectly. Here’s where your prep comes in. “Before you start, it’s essential to prepare your skin,” says Nicky Matthews, founder of Sienna X. “Wax or shave at least 24 to 48 hours before applying your fake tan to prevent dotting in open pores. Exfoliate and moisturise the night before, paying extra attention to dry areas like your elbows, hands, knees, and ankles. Avoid using deodorant, perfume, or make-up before applying your fake tan. And tie up your hair up off your face and neck.”

After that, look to a good mitt (St Tropez’s and Sienna X’s are excellent) to help buff the formula into every area of the body, or alternatively, try a bronzing brush, like Isle of Paradise’s Blending Brush. “Starting with the lower body, apply the self-tan to your legs using smooth, circular movements,” says Matthews. “Next, apply the self-tan to your upper body and chest. Move on to your shoulders, blending into your neck and down your arms.” For your hands and face, Matthews recommends using the mitt excess and blending it in lightly all over, “paying attention to the hairline, around the ears, and blending well into the neck.” Alternatively, you can opt for a mist for a more natural tan look.

Now the hard bit: wait a typical eight (or whatever it says on the label)  hours while the tan develops, without touching your tan. For this, Matthews advises wearing loose, comfortable, dark clothing and avoiding strenuous exercise and/or swimming. After the recommended development period, rinse the tan off until the water runs clear. Pat dry and moisturise.

Do I need to moisturise after fake tan?

A resounding yes. In order to achieve the best fake tan possible and prolong its results, you must always moisturise your body, especially around the dry areas, once the tan has been thoroughly washed off. Look for moisturisers containing humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which hydrate the skin as well as occlusives like shea butter, which help lock moisture in.

What’s the best way to remove fake tan?

Whether you’re looking for a clean canvas on which to apply your next application of fake tan or want to remove a fading layer altogether, a good exfoliator is a must. Any will do, but we like First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, which is a chemical and physical exfoliant in one and so offers a double whammy of skin-refining benefits. The formula is gritty, but not scratchy, and will remove any unwanted dry skin and tan residue, as well as help with keratosis pilaris if you need it, too.