The Great Tan Test

Do you long for a dreamy faux glow that looks as though you’re one seriously sun-kissed sister? With so many options readily available, it’s hard to know which tans are going to give you the best results to suit your skill set and your lifestyle…

So we put our trusty Trial Team to work, getting them to road-test five of the most talked-about tans on the market to get their opinions, so that you can make a more informed decision when it comes time to part with your beauty bucks!

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

“As I rubbed it onto my skin the scent was beautiful and ocean-fresh. Just what you want when applying something for the warmer months! I love that it contains aloe vera for genuine nurturing of my skin. Within seconds it seemed to dry and certainly within a minute or so I could dress with the feeling that I had 'just moisturised' my skin.

I have a strong medium skin colour naturally so a lot of fake tans are not dark enough to make much of a change to my skin. They often just make my skin have a warmer, healthier glow but this Bronzing Mousse is one that gives me more colour. I could see the difference!! I looked like I had been out in the sun for a good few days!” Rating: 5/5 – softness

Read all reviews of St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse here…

Ella Bache Great Tan without sun

”The cream itself looks like melted dark chocolate and smells just as good, thanks to the cocoa butter it's enriched with. When the dark cream hit my skin it sort of melted into a light coloured tint as I buffed it in with my tanning mitt (which was so easy). Once I had buffed it into my skin I had to let it dry for 30 minutes before dressing, then the tan developed over the next 1-2 hours giving me a gorgeous summer glow. I just can't get over how soft my skin feels, my moisturiser I use everyday can't even get my skin this soft!! 
I love that this tanner has an antioxidant complex of Vitamin E and Green Tea, which helps to protect the skin from free radical damage, as well as Lanolin and Cocoa Butter to keep skin hydrated. 
The overall colour I got from using this cream is more than a tint, sort of like a sun kissed golden hue, but can be applied again if you want a deeper, richer tan. It's the gorgeous glow I've been looking for, thank you soo much for allowing me to trial this fantastic product beautyheaven.” Rating: 5/5 - Lucinda27

Read all reviews of Ella Bache Great Tan without sun here…

SunFX Summer Secrets

“For a gradual tan it’s very dark, which I love. You really only need one application 5 hours before your event and your are good to go, which is great because continually applying is annoying! For the purpose of this trial I continued to apply for 3 days, I did get a bit darker but nothing too noticeable. You do need to make sure you wear gloves, as my boyfriend had very dark hands from doing my back (oops haha).” Rating: 4/5 – Sezaluke90

Read all reviews of SunFX Summer Secrets here…

Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion

“The colour this gives me is really nice however like most gradual tanners it does start to have a fake tan smell as it develops. Quite a subtle tan and easy to control by how many days you apply it, so it’s good for maintaining my tan after a holiday too.” Rating: 4/5 – Glamourpussgirl

Read all reviews of Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion here…

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

“My legs are covered with icky scratches/bruises and uneven tone. This product is like foundation for your legs, as it evens out your skin and makes them look flawless. It’s also not very pricey, which is great.
I’d recommend mixing the product with some body lotion, because it can look a bit too matte and unnatural on its own. Also make sure you wait a while before putting your clothes on, and wash your hands well before you touch anything.” Rating: 4/5 – Rk2002

Read all reviews of Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs here…

Which tan sounds like it would be best for you?