Tanning

The good the bad and the orange

by Rebecca

Becks here, emerging blinking into the daylight with the skin tone of a Victorian invalid. It’s officially that time of year when bodies are reappearing in the wild, and mine - pale, freckled, defiant - has the eerie glow of a chicken that’s just come out the fridge. The sun doesn’t bronze me, it simply highlights how white I already am.

I understand the temptation of sun beds. Truly I do. Especially if you’ve ever had acne and just wanted something, anything to dry it out. I’ve been there. But let’s all agree to try not to. There are better ways. More faffy, obviously. But just better. Cheaper too, these days.

Anyway here we are! A big list of fake tans, bronzers, tips, things to avoid.

Bronzers

You’ll notice that I’ve got quite luxe in this section. Sorry to do that, I’d prefer some cheaper alternatives but my skin is so pale that I just cannot get away with wearing any old bronzer, I look like I’ve just done Tough Mudder.

Personally I prefer a liquid or balm. The best, most covetable colour that I’ve seen is the Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing drops, and I’m clearly not alone in thinking this as the lightest shade is sold out everywhere. Until it comes back, get Trinny Golden Glow or Jones Road Miracle Balm. I’ve gotten really in to Miracle Balms lately, they’re good in general but they’re too huge, and nothing needs to stick around that long. Truly, the best thing I did recently was to split a pot with a mate using a little Boots tub. Conscious that sounds really cheap but it made it very reasonable at £19 each, and meant we each got a sane portion that will still last a good six months at least.

Take a small amount and dab it across the top of your cheeks and tip of your nose, then build up as desired. I once was told to only put bronzer ‘on the bits of your face that stick out the most’ because they’re closest to the sun. You should absolutely avoid putting it everywhere, as no one tans evenly across the face.

Trinny makes things simple

Bronzing powder comes into its own if you’ve got an event, as it seals in concealer/foundation better & you’re less likely to sweat it off. The best is Hourglass Ambient Lighting bronzer, which I’m delighted comes in a small size. I always buy powders small, as they still last ages and won’t shatter if dropped.

You’ll need a brush if you go the powder route, the bigger and fluffier the better. I use this one. Also used by the make up department on the tv show I’m currently filming, which is how you know it’s good.

Claire also likes the Merit Bronze Balm (her best of Merit Beauty is here for paid subscribers).

Fake Tan

Some of you will remember my disastrous foray into the world of instant tan. I just think that you can exfoliate, you can moisturise, you can use the big mitt/oven glove they give you, but the natural order of things is for it to be a disaster.

The only, ONLY instant tan I would EVER use is this one, which is a miracle as it’s been around forever. It’s only for legs, which is more useful than you’d think and can create the illusion that your whole body is glowing. Yes, I have tried to spray my whole body in it before. Yes, it was giving dirty protest. If you’re a particularly sweaty legged person - which I am - you could also spray hairspray over it to seal it.

My best advice though? Go gradual. If you’re tanning for an event, you’ll need to start about four days before, but we’re all adults aren’t we, we can manage. The thing about gradual tans is that the best one is about nine quid and is always half price in Boots. It’s foolproof, no need to walk around naked waiting for it to dry, it won’t be a disaster if it moves around a bit. Last week Claire recommended buying a hand fan to speed up the product drying process and it was honestly one of the best tips I can think of, use for fake tan too.

For your face, it’s tan drops all the way, and only one brand does the job for me.

India Knight

has beaten me to it, but I wholeheartedly second her recommendation of Tan Luxe The Face - drop one or two in your regular moisturiser (or this SPF, which is so lovely to use). It’s a lovely colour and has never gone streaky, have used for years. Twelve quid at the minute on LookFantastic!

Spray Tan

The least effort for the most impact. If you get it right, you will look like you on a good day, all day, every day.

But here’s the key. Before you book, go into the salon and look at the person who will be spraying you. Clock their general hue. If they’re the colour of a conker, just know that their idea of ‘natural’ might still make you look like you’ve been steeped in cold brew overnight. I speak from experience. I asked for a light glow before Glastonbury last year and what happened was so unfair.

When you do book in, prep properly: shave or wax before you go, moisturise your elbows, knees, ankles, all the bits tan traditonally clings to.

Also, cancel your evening plans. Do not go to the pub, do not pop to the shops. Just go home, put your crappiest pyjamas on, get a takeaway and marinate. Spray tan development hours are not your social hours. You’ll smell weird, you’ll look insane, and you’ll ruin it for everyone else.

If it starts to go too intense too quickly for you, just cut your losses and jump in the shower, something will still have happened. Less ‘bronzed goddess’, sure, but still ‘I’ve been outside recently’.

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And that’s all there is to it. Any more for any more? Suggestions welcome, comment below!