Best Fake Tans and how to apply them

Oil and vinegar essential ingredients for French dressing and alarmingly what my parents used to slather on me 30 years ago in a bid to get a tan, albeit back then we were unaware of the dangers of sunbathing.  My teens were spent at a local salon encased by blue tubes - thankfully this was short-lived as I soon became aware of the dangers of sunbeds and it was only a matter of time before there became an alternative and thus began my love/hate affair with fake tan.  My twenties were spent trying to master the application of this creosote but I didn’t give up even when people shouted ‘you’ve been tangoed! Fast forward 20 years and the industry is huge with celebrities endorsing their own tan and cosmetic companies launching yearly updates.  Personally I respect anyone who uses it as not only can sun-bathing cause skin-cancer but is also the number one ageing factor! Fake tans have come a long way and formulas are now streak free, easy to use and leave a natural looking tan.  Here’s a few tips to help you get that Dubai tan.

·         Make sure legs are shaved and remove jewellery, perfumes and deodorants which interact with tanning products.

·         Exfoliate everywhere, pay particular attention to feet, knees and elbows then shower off. If using an exfoliator with added oils do this the day before.

·         Apply moisturiser to toes, heels, knees, knuckles and elbows – tan will cling to these areas. Also whilst most tans provide a glove or mitt, still apply some Vaseline to your palms, hairline and eyebrows.

·         Leave at least 15 minutes to let tan dry and avoid sweating for a few hours after – this can cause streaking unless dry fast formulas.

·         In large sweeping motions using gloves or a mitt apply from feet upwards, avoid the knees but use the residue left over to lightly cover them, continue to your stomach, arms and finally your face.  Finally remove gloves, wash hands thoroughly, apply moisturiser to knuckles then dab some tan to the backs of hands and rub together. For your back use a spray, long-handled back loofah or a friend!

·         Swipe tissue in between your toes, fingers, around your nostrils and eyebrows anywhere where skin is dry and has open pores.  

·         Wear loose dark clothing, avoid underwear for at least a few hours until dried - each tan is individual on development time so simply wash off when advised.

I tested a few and was pleasantly surprised by the results. As expected some of the TOWIE crew have launched their own versions and Chloe Sims Starship 1hr Tan RRP £24 (www.montanatan.co.uk) was very impressive, I was sceptical when I saw how dark the lotion was but within a couple of hours I was left with a nice even colour. A special mention on the girly, pink exfoliator and the excellent gloves provided. Lauren’s Way Ice Shimmer £18.95 (www.laurensway.com) was tested by my friend Sally a fake tan novice. She reported the colour easy to apply, streak free and that it dried instantly leaving her with an even shimmering tan.  Dancing Glow £18.95 has the same qualities but is more of a matt formula.

For a skin treat try Espa Detoxfying Salt Scrub RRP £32 (www.espaonline.com), which should be applied the day before. A bathing ritual, simply apply and wallow in essential oils of Grapefruit, Cypress and Eucalpytus, skin is left hydrated and smooth.

Xen-Tan £24.99 ( available Lara Surtees 07970 444575) has the added benefits of nourishing Moroccon oil, again the colour was incredibly dark when applied but left behind a light golden glow - the Scrub £14.99 revitalises senses with refreshing mint and it’s fine particles gritty enough to rid of my scaly legs!  Ace Beauty (01277 201200), supply one of the top tans Fake Bake £25.50 used by many celebrities, their original formula is still one of the best, doesn’t streak and gives a natural olive colour.

Estee Lauder (stockist 0870 034 6822) leaves us looking like its name sake - Bronze Goddess Face tan £22, I had panda eyes from my recent holiday but one application of this peachy product, blended my own tan in with my white sunglass marks – the formula is enriched with Amber Powder and Mica to give immediate radiance. For ease of use try Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Spray RRP £22 this fine, mist spray meant no area on my body was left out – great for backs!

Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream RRP £18 (The New Pharmacy 01277 216897), has extracts of cocoa bean and the smooth body butter formula melts into skin, it also contains hydrating aloe vera to leave skin silky and their instant non-oily Self-Tanning Gel £28 is so fast drying you can dress immediately – great if you’re on the go.

If you have a beauty/hair/health business in Essex and would like a feature please contact Molly on www.askmollybeauty.com  or Twitter @askmollybeauty.