Your fake tan encyclopaedia

The faux glow has come a long way. From the days when the school yard looked more like Willy Wonka’s factory to when streaks were more common than flip phones. Nowadays you’d be hard-pressed to find a self-tanning product that doesn’t look like the real deal. You can fake a European summer getaway with just one bottle and a good-quality mitt (can I get an amen?). But with the plethora of foams, sprays, lotions and oils on the market – how do you choose the best type for you? To decipher the diversity among tanning products, I chatted to St. Tropez expert tanner Michael Brown and Coco Body co-founder Leah Dowell. I give you, the fake tan encyclopaedia…
RELATED: Common tanning mistakes we’ve all made
RELATED: What you shouldn’t use to apply fake tan
Tanning foam
Michael reckons tanning foam (or mousse) is the most popular form of self-tan “due to the foam texture drying very quickly once applied with less residue”. Tanning foam is usually very light and fluffy, making it easy to apply (especially when using a mitt, which both Michael and Leah recommend). Leah notes that most foams go onto the skin dark so you can see where you’ve applied the tan, which helps to avoid streaks and ensure an even finish.
Best for: Oily skin types, time-poor beauties.
We love: Rimmel London Sun Shimmer Self Tan Mousse, Reef Beach Glow Instant Tan Foaming Mousse, Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Dark, Coco Body Bronze Me Nourishing 2 Hour Tanning Mousse, Paula’s Choice Sun 365 Self-Tanning Foam,
Tanning spray
Self-tanning sprays were extremely popular back in the day, however are less favoured now as it’s harder to achieve an even finish with them. Most store-bought sprays come in a can and are tricky to use solo. Loads of beauty salons offer in-salon spray tans (as well as brands such as Benefit) which are a fabulous option. With an in-salon spray tan, Michael explains you don’t need a mitt to massage the spray into the body (like you do with most at-home sprays), and you’re unlikely to experience any unevenness since the tan is being applied by a trained professional.
Best for: Experienced tanners
We love: Pelactiv Sunless Tanning Systems Tanning Spray, Le Tan In Le Can, , Australis Rapid Tan Chocolate Spray, St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Spray
Tanning oil
Michael says tanning oils are relatively new to the self-tan scene but are quickly gaining traction due to their “nourishing power”. Tanning oils are usually quick-drying and gradually develop colour. Many foams and sprays can leave the skin a tad dry (especially after prolonged use) but oil-based tans give a similar colour payoff and hydrate the skin. “You can use an application mitt to apply tanning oil but it’s also nice massaged into the skin and [can be] easily layered to get the shade you’re after,” adds Michael.
Best for: Dry skin types, any tanning level
We love: Bondi Sands Liquid Gold, St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil
Tanning lotion
Available in both instant and gradual forms, tanning lotions are more hydrating than mousse and sprays but are less hydrating than oils. They have a similar consistency to moisturisers and can be applied with your hands (just make sure you wash them after!). Leah explains that lotions generally take the longest time to dry so are not ideal for the time-poor.
Best for: Dry skin types, lazy beauties.
We love: JBronze Gradual Tanning Cream, Dove Summer Glow Gradual Self Tan Body Lotion, Dr. LeWinn’s Sunless Self Tanning Lotion, St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower, ModelCo Instant Tan Self Tan Lotion
Which type of fake tan do you like best and why?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
73 Member Comments
I've tried the dove one but I don't like it makes my skin yellow and I look sick!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I must admit I prefer a lotion, the mousses were drying and left lots of splotch like marks
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Very informative article. Thanks for the advice
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
The gradual ones are good as they don't seem to leave marks
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Mousse and a mit are my best friends!! Loving Tan FTW!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Never in need of body paint, as last decade I have been eating heaps of fruit and veg (plant based nutrition, loaded with these raw goodies full of natural pigments that colour the skin)...here is the example and more thourough explanation why! (My sis was white/pale all her life before changed her diet too and not has also golden glow like me...I call it 'yellow' skin lol). Basically there has been scientific foloww up, and people who eat more than measly "recommended" intake, they have the most 'attractive' skin colour-'golden glow'. And best part, skin really sparkles on the sunlight!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2737569/You-really-ARE-eat-Forget-sunbathing-munching-just-two-extra-portions-fruit-beg-day-gives-better-skin-glow-suntan.html
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
really want to try the tropez in shower gradual tan
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have never used fake tan before!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've pretty much used fake tan variants; my fave is the Instant tan sprays for a perfect, bronzed look in 30 mins
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
This will be handy when I start tanning.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've never taken into consideration the obvious... "Which type of fake tanning products would be suitable for my skin?" I have dry skin and have always looked into tanning foams and have switched between multiple brands in which stock tanning foams and have always been somewhat displeased with the results.
To tanning oils and lotions, I shall switch!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
So many different types of products
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Never fake tanned and I'm not about to start.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
My eldest daughter uses the Bondi Sands foam religiously, and through having to help apply it to the more difficult to reach yourself areas for her many times , I have gotten to know this product well. It goes on very well and has a delicious smell to it unlike some in the past that i have used. If put on correctly, it gives a great natural looking tan that lasts for days. Now the first time I saw the marks that it left on my lovely white sheets I nearly died, but it washes out very well and now don't bat an eyelid when I see the application mitt coming out. Really great product
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm a natural redhead so fake tan is my BF I love the rimmel mouse it's the best colour on me & fastest!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've only ever used a tanning lotion, they're super easy to apply and I tend to go for a gradual formula
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
A total tanner fake here. I love the result of mousse the most. Its the least streaky result on me. And yes a tanning mitt is a must have.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've never used self tanner before. I have some St Tropez sitting around somewhere but I haven't been brave enough to use it. I also need to purchase a mitt. But I figure it's winter now so I don't need to be that tanned at the moment.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love St Tropez whatever the formulation!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Might just have to try a tanning oil. A fake tan and a moisturising oil in one....winning
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love Palmers Cocoa Butter natural bronze, its a gradual tan with develops into a beautiful natural honey colour, smells like cocoa with a hint of chocolate and very inexpensive
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
So many wonderful products
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
My daughter uses Eco Tan Invisible Tan
Not in this article but a cream that is all natural and organic and Australian- lovely story behind the reason for it coming about by Sonya Driver - her sister was diagnosed with melanoma at just 30 years of age.
Not a tan- junkie but when I do want to show my legs off in summer (rare!) this is what I use and I swear by it!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I agree. Eco tan is incredible plus the face tan water is brilliant too. And the range is gentle and smooth.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm no tanner, but interested to know about the beauty must haves
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0