I’ve never faked it. Fake tanned that is. Mostly because I’m nervous about, well, the whole process. It seems fraught with potential missteps, from failing to moisturise properly and being left with streaky limbs, to turning orange as opposed to brown, and who can forget the episode of Friends where Ross gets a spray tan…?!
By June I’ve usually got a hint of a natural tan, whether it’s from a beat-the-summer-holiday-crowds week away in May, or join-the-London-hoards weekday park lunchtimes and weekend picnics, negating the need to fake it.
This year, however, I haven’t been away and there hasn’t been a great deal of sun in London, so – for the first time ever – I’m seriously considering a tan out of a bottle. I have to admit that the launch of St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion which works in three minutes while you shower is highly persuasive. Apparently St Trop ambassador Kate Moss (above in the campaign, looking all tanned and zen, presumably before she got on an easyJet flight) conditions her hair at the same time as she tans #multitasking It currently appears to be out of stock everywhere. Which only makes me want it more. Grrrrr.
Obviously, before making such an important decision, I had to ask team Rock My Style for their advice and recommendations on the fake tan front…
Lauren’s allergies mean she’s a strictly wash-off tanner: “Sadly for me I’m destined to remain pale and not so interesting. I’m allergic to DHA so my skin responds badly to anything other than wash-off products. I remember travelling back to Northamptonshire after my first spray tan with high hopes of stepping off the train as a bronzed goddess. Instead I arrived covered head to toe in a very itchy and unattractive rash. Now I stick to Rimmel’s Instant Tan Light Matte for a subtle glow.”
Charlotte is a big fan of fake tan: “I’m a 100% sun safety girl and SPF 50 head-to-toe sure isn’t going to get you a real one. I discovered Cocoa Brown after a very kind reader recommended the brand on these very pages, it’s perfect for those with a fair complexion as it gives you a subtle golden glow rather than a full on bronze (which frankly doesn’t suit me anyway). If I have time and can be bothered with the whole exfoliation-type prep I use the mousse, which develops over a couple of hours. Most weeks however I just use the gradual tan lotion for a couple of days consecutively. It is literally foolproof. Unfortunately, much like every other product on the market, it does have a whiff off stale biscuits about it, however, I figure sun-kissed skin is worth the downside of being scented with l’eau of Digestive.”
After mixed results, Lolly’s finally found her perfect (fake) tan: “I’m currently loving Dove’s Summer Glow, which was recommended by my younger sister. It’s a moisturiser with a gradual tanning agent, which looks best if you build up the colour over several days, applying it after you’ve had a shower. If you’re looking for an instant overnight tan this product is probably not for you. If we’re talking tan ‘intensity’ the clue is in the name- it’s more of a sun-kissed glow than a full on tan that looks like you’ve spent two weeks on a yacht in the Caribbean. The colour is great – think brown rather than orange. I’ve had mixed success with applying fake tans over the years – streakiness seems to follow me around like a bad smell – but I haven’t had any such issues with Summer Glow, even with problem areas like ankles and knees. Talking of smells – there’s none of that biscuity aroma that you so often get with tanning products, instead it’s quite perfumey with a scent that is for me at least irrevocably summer. A note of caution: make sure you thoroughly rub it in. I’ve noticed that when it hasn’t quite dried after application it can transfer onto clothes, however, if that happens it washes off easily.”
Over to you. Do you fake it? What’s your product of choice? Managed to get your hands on the sold out St Trop shower tanner? Verdict? Has anyone tried any organic brands? Any Ross from Friends spray tan disasters to share?! You know what to do!
On my limited attempts with fake tan I’ve only ever experienced a streaky mess, so have generally abandoned it! But I’ll definitely give some of these more subtle and streak free recommendations a go… Thanks guys xx
Good luck Emma! x
I use the Sienna x gradual tan after reading the online reviews and it’s supposedly streak free and nice smelling. Plus it’s cruelty and paraban free.
In my personal experience, I’ve managed to make it streak a tiny bit but that was my fault being ‘slap dash’ ( never good when applying fake tan!) the smell is like those fruit salad chewy sweets- quite nice. The colour is pale but buildable and very realistic. So far so good! I’ve tried lots of fake tan… I don’t naturally tan and my natural skin colour is pale blue so I require fake tan to be classed as pale and interesting! I understand we have coco Chanel to thank for the trend in tanning. Cheers for that!
Ooh, Sienna x sounds like my kind of product Alice and I love that it smells like Fruit Salad sweets. Huge thanks for the recommendation!
I’m a big fan of Palmers Coco Butter gradual tan it comes in usual moisturiser form and a nifty moisturising spray. It still has a whiff of biscuit about it but mainly the smell of coco butter and nowhere near a pongy as other fake tans/gradual tanners I’ve tried. My skin is pretty fair and sensitive and it gives a nice bronzed colour without being orange. I always make sure I moisturise my feet elbows and hands thoroughly before applying to avoid any dark streaky orangey bits. St tropez instant tan is also amazing and comes in Light and dark.
I do fear turning orange so this sounds like a great one to try, thank you for commenting Natasha!
I use the Dove gradual one usually – especially on the lily white pins. I have just bought the in shower St Tropez – Boots has it, at least last time I looked it did. Haven’t tried it yet but I’ve only heard good things about it.
Ooh, good to hear the St Tropez shower tan’s instore in Boots Victoria, there was a wait list online!!!
I find the best way to avoid being a streaky mess is to buy a tan which has an indicator colour so you can see where you are applying it, otherwise I’m just slapping it on hoping for the best! Also recommend buying a tanning mit, it helps with the application and stops orange palms.
Speed is key for me at the moment do I’m also loving the Dove gradual tanner that Lolly recommends.
@Miranda – I got the St Tropez in shower tan in Boots yesterday, they have 1/3 off!
A third off? Awesome! Thanks so much for the tips Lynsey, I didn’t know about indicator colours or tanning mitts, until now!
Oh I have the shower St Tropez one – I’m super pale and don’t tan in the sun so just need something to take the grey:blue tinge off my skin come summer. The St Tropez one is definitely foolproof, no streaks even though I’m rather slap-dash, and no horrible smell since you wash it right off. Definitely recommend! Thinking I might try that Dove one too though, since the St Tropez is rather expensive!
Good to hear that the St Trop one is foolproof, that’s totally what I need as a fake tanning newbie!
I usually always end up going back to Garnier Summer Body however I think they way I rub in my moisturiser I miss bits! If I’m feeling splurgy I’ll get St Tropez mouse. I’ll check out Charlottes recommendation as I have fair Scottish skin
Oh dear, I’m sure I would miss bits too Lynn, I am a bit slapdash when it comes to beautifying!
In the salon a St tropez spray tan has always got the best results for me. I use the spa in my local malmaison hotel and the therapist there really takes her time and uses special wipes and barrier cream which means no streaks or orange knuckles. At home, I use St. Moritz. It’s about £2.99 and comes in spray or mousse formulation. I use the spray on my face and the mousse everywhere else, applied with a mitt. It’s amazing! The colour is a medium sort of tan, dark enough to look bronzed but not stupidly tanned. It’s really easy to touch up if you miss any.
Ooh, I haven’t heard of St Moritz, thanks for the recommendation Kathryn!
I’ve used it too and it’s nae bad – always in our local Savers 🙂
❤️ Cocoa brown!
me too 🙂 x
The agree, St Moritz is a bargain! I spent years working out on fake bake ( which is good) but for £2.99 the St Moritz is just as good and fool proof!
I have ordered the new st tropez shower from boots online, can’t wait to try it
St Moritz does indeed sound like a bargain Sarah!
Lavera is my go to product these days. It’s pretty much fool proof -easy to put on, doesn’t streak, nice colour and although it has a fragrance it is not unpleasant. In addition it is natural, organic and not tested on animals-what’s not to love
http://www.pravera.co.uk/shop/lavera-cosmetics/organic-sunscreen/self-tan-lip-balm/lavera-organic-self-tanning-lotion
I’m always looking for natural products Siobhan and this sounds great. Tbh I wasn’t even sure if there would be any natural fakes, so happy to hear that they exist and that they work!
I am a fan of the St Tropez every day gradual tan which is a nice brown rather than tangerine on my medium tone skin.
I do have to give a massive shout out to my newest summer find for those who want a tanned face without the UV’s actually hitting your visage, Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster is the bomb! Love…love…
Loving the sound of the Clarins Golden Glow Fleur, I might have to invest…
I use Vita Liberata because it uses organic ingredients. I like it because if you stop applying it, it fades gradually while some fake tans I’ve tried just go patchy and make you look like a patchwork quilt. I think whatever you use, the key is to always use a mitt – it really helps prevent streaks.
I haven’t heard of the St Tropez shower tan, I’ll look out for it!
Thank you for the recommendation Alyssa, I’m always looking out for organic products that actually work!
Cracking shout Sarah & Kathryn – for years I’ve avoided splashing out on St Tropez in favour of the £3 St Moritz from Home & Bargain… and as a proper scouse bird I consider myself fully qualified to make such a recommendation!
Throw on gloves or a tanning mitt and apply it exactly as you would normally, it gives the perfect coverage and a lovely colour. Not only that, but I’m allergic to St Tropez, whereas the cheap and cheerful alternative causes no reaction whatsoever.
Get me a decent fake tan, a curly blow and a set of lashes and I can take on the world. xx
I love hearing about brilliantly priced wonder working products, thanks for the recommendations and tips Karen! xx
Loving today’s discussion topic!
My ultimate favourite is Sienna X Dark Glowing Self Tan. The ‘dark’ bit sounds scary but the tan gives a really natural ‘2 week holiday’ colour. It smells like Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit (bit random but better than biscuits!) and has a colour guide, which in my opinion is the best type of tan to use for a streak-free finish.
Preparation is absolutely key though. You can buy the most expensive self-tanner there is but if you haven’t prepared your skin, you won’t achieve the best results. I always exfoliate a couple of days prior to applying my tan and make sure my skin is completely clean before getting started. For ankles, knees, elbows and hands, I mix the tan with a little bit of moisturiser and then I don’t get orange bits.
I sound like a right saddo but I would go so far to say that fake tan is a bit of a hobby of mine!
I like the sound of the Juicy Fruit smell Naomi! And thank you so much for the tips. Will start prepping tonight!
I have been too worried I will end up looking streaky or orange with a fake tan so have stuck to using the Rimmel wash off tan on my legs in summer. It is probably the cheapest wash off version I have tried but it does a really good job. However, I am marvelled by the idea of tanning in the shower, what genius! I have immediately ordered it for collection from my local Boots. Can’t wait to step out of my shower as a golden goddess !!!
I know, genius idea, right Claire?!
I too am a St Moritz Girl! I absolutely love it and applied with a mitt you cant go wrong as you can see where you are applying. I have tried the St Moritz spray which is great but I ended up spraying the whole bathroom brown so now I stick to the mousse.
My husband does complain that I smell like a digestive biscuit but for a ‘ive been on holiday and you haven’t’ glow, I can live with that x
Haha, yes I would trade the whiff for the tan too Hannah!
Fab post guys!
Sadly with my extremely pale, super sensitive, ridiculously darn dry skin I have always been a bit nervous of fake tan. In the past I have used Ambre Soliare spray which works fairly well, but is clear when spraying on, so easy to over do it (like I did on my graduation prom! oops!!)
Also, use Johnsons holiday skin which doesn’t irritate my skin too much
My problem is that it’s only really my legs that I can use these products on so have to be super careful to use really light ones so I don’t look like some 2 tone crazy fool!! haha!
xx
Thanks Rebecca! Oh dear, I fear over doing it, seriously that episode of Friends haunts me!
I tend to steer well clear. The smell is so off-putting!
I wonder why they can’t fix the smell? Although it sounds as if some of the more natural ones don’t smell of biscuits…
Another Dove’s Summer Glow fan here! Miranda my tip would be to go for the light to medium tone, as Lolly says it’s a gradual process and so I usually do one application at night and a follow up in the morning if I am happy with the colour! For special occasions though, go with the first application a week ahead and just keep topping it up! 🙂
Ooh thanks for the tip Maddy! Love Dove moisturisers and shower gels, so would be surprised if I didn’t get along with Summer Glow.
That’s exactly the way I do it Maddy!
Love a bit of fake tan. I’m super pale and never tan, so faking it is my only option. My favourite is Lancôme Flash Bronzer mousse, it goes on really well has a lovely colour and you can see where you are applying it (so hopefully no missed spots). It is rather spendy though, so for the last few years I’ve been using Dove Summer Glow. I’ve also used johnsons holiday skin which is fab, but I prefer the smell of the Dove one. I use light/medium and find because it’s gradual you are less lightly to streak because you can cover it up the next day.
I’ve only had one salon experience with St Tropez. The girl promised me I would only go as dark as I naturally tan (i.e just a light glow), I ended up the colour of a satsuma! Not pretty!
I am an avid fan of St tropez. Yes it’s pricey, but it’s by far the best I have tried. I am very fair with light blonde hair, and it gives me a lovely natural golden colour, exactly the colour I go after getting a real tan. Definitely use a mitt when applying and yes exfoliate and moisturise before applying and you can’t go too wrong, I’ve never had streaks. I also LOVE clarins liquid bronze for face – it’s so easy to apply, never streaks and gives a gentle sun kissed glow. Highly recommended! Xx
I remember going a lovely shade when I use the Dove gradual tan, but then the rash came 🙁
Very envious of you lovely ladies with your subtle glow x
Slightly off topic but how photo shopped is Ms Moss in that picture???!!!
Haha Claire that’s what I thought! She looks a bit coloured in?!
Love the garnier summer body for a builder and think it smells nice and fruity AND a bit biscuity, but certainly not just biscuits. Then St Tropez mousse has always been a fave. I’ve strayed away from time to time but have loved that one since my 2000 Victoria Beckham fangirl stage and I can’t find one I love more. Must try the shower one. I love the shade of St Tropez.
I wondered what was going on with her right eyebrow….?!
I had to double take what I thought was a beard…its fancy highlighting on her chin, I hope.
Her face looks very distorted. I still wonder why agencies Photoshop in this day and age… they aren’t fooling anyone. And it never looks that good!
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